WOOF Pupsicle Review: An Easy-To-Clean Alternative To The Classic KONG

(Alice Prendergast)

I am a cliché millennial dog mom, and admittedly my pups are pretty spoiled. I’m committed to giving them the life they deserve, and that means plenty of treats, toys, and cozy places to nap. While they both love their favourite stuffies, they’re chewers by nature, so rubber toys and Nylabones are a must.

I still love the classic KONG — and it’ll never leave my toy rotation — but I do find it a bit of a pain to fill and clean. That’s where the WOOF Pupsicle comes in. My sister-in-law gave me one for Christmas last year, and both my older dog and our new puppy have been obsessed with it.

My review of the WOOF Pupsicle

I have a flat-coated Border Collie and a Lab/Husky mix puppy, and both of them are obsessed with it. I currently have the small size, but I could definitely upgrade to a large or extra-large, and I probably will as my puppy grows (he’s already over 50 pounds, so it’s probably time). That said, even though both of my dogs are technically in the size range for the larger models, they haven’t come close to destroying the small one. Of course, there are some prominent bite marks, but that’s to be expected with months of use.

As for treats, you can purchase the WOOF Pupsicle Refill Pops for a quick and easy — but more expensive — option, or make your own. After sifting through reviews, I’ve seen plenty of owners fill the toy with yogurt, peanut butter, fruit, and other dog-safe ingredients before freezing it. If you want a guaranteed fit, you can also purchase the WOOF Pupsicle Treat Tray Mould to make perfectly sized treats at home. I’ve been a bit lazy recently, so I’ve been buying the refills, but I plan to switch to the DIY method soon to save a little money.

One of my favourite things about the Pupsicle is how little mess it creates, despite being filled with treats. The drool-catching grooves help contain slobber, while the weighted base prevents tipping so your dog can get a secure grip while working away at the treat.

I’ve also found it incredibly helpful for crate training and leaving the house. When our puppy needs a distraction, we simply hand him the Pupsicle, and he’s instantly occupied — no whining, pawing at the door, or other unwanted behaviours. I can confidently say that because I’ve watched him on my Furbo.

When it comes to cleaning, I find it much easier to maintain than my dogs’ KONG toys. Since the hollow centre is fairly shallow, you can actually see what you’re doing when washing it by hand. Better yet, it twists apart completely and is dishwasher-safe for an even easier cleanup.

Potential issues: Will the WOOF Pupsicle work for you?

There are only two things I think dog owners might run into issues with. The first is durability. While my retriever/husky mix and border collie haven’t managed to chew through it, a particularly determined chewer might. Choosing the correct size should help, but as we all know, it’s hard to guarantee 100% durability when you’re up against canine teeth.

The second is the cost. It’s definitely more expensive than your average dog toy, and the pre-made treats aren’t cheap either. That said, you can easily offset the cost by making your own with the companion mould. Since I haven’t had to replace the toy itself, I personally think the cost per chew ends up being well worth it.

My verdict: Is the WOOF Pupsicle worth the hype?

If you’ve got an avid chewer on your hands or a dog that’s always looking for something to do, the WOOF Pupsicle is a fantastic option. Unlike a traditional KONG, it doesn’t get nearly as gunked up with treats, making it much easier to clean. I also love that you can choose between buying pre-made treats designed specifically for the toy or making your own with the companion mould if you want more control over the ingredients or to save a little money. My dogs are obsessed, and I genuinely think it’s worth every penny.

What are reviewers saying about the WOOF Pupsicle?

The WOOF Pupsicle has an average rating of 4.2 stars on Amazon Canada. Many reviewers call it the best dog toy their pup has ever owned, saying it keeps their dogs entertained for long stretches. While some owners of aggressive chewers report that their dogs eventually broke through the rubber, most agree it’s a durable, long-lasting toy that deserves the hype.