West Paw Tux Review: Worth It for a Border Collie?
The West Paw Tux is a stuffable treat toy shaped a bit like a squat, rounded bowl with a wide opening. You fill it with kibble, wet food, yogurt or a mix, freeze it, and hand it over. For a Border Collie, that turns a two-minute meal into a 20-minute job, which is exactly what a busy brain needs on a quiet afternoon.
West Paw is a Montana company known for its Zogoflex toys, and the Tux is one of its most popular. In this review we look at what the Tux does well, where it falls short for a strong-jawed Collie, and how it compares with the toys you’ll probably be choosing between.
Our verdict
The Tux is one of the best stuffable toys for a Border Collie who needs to slow down and settle. It’s tough, easy to clean and the wide opening makes it simple to fill. It isn’t the most challenging puzzle, so very experienced dogs may empty it quickly unless you freeze it.
- Best for: Calm-down time, crate training and slow feeding
- Skip if: You want a toy that’s hard to empty without freezing
- Size for most Collies: Large
What the West Paw Tux is (and isn’t)
The Tux is a treat-dispensing toy made from West Paw’s Zogoflex material. According to West Paw, it’s made in the USA, dishwasher safe, BPA-free and recyclable through the company’s own program. It also comes with West Paw’s guarantee against damage from dog chewing, which is worth checking the current terms of before you buy.
It isn’t a puzzle with moving parts. It’s a single, sturdy piece that holds food. The challenge comes from how you fill it: loose kibble falls out quickly, while a frozen mix keeps a dog licking and working for much longer.
Key specs
| Brand | West Paw |
|---|---|
| Material | Zogoflex (BPA-free, recyclable) |
| Made in | USA |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Fill with | Kibble, wet food, yogurt, pumpkin, frozen mixes |
| Floats | Yes, according to West Paw |
| Guarantee | West Paw’s chew guarantee (check current terms) |
Which size Tux for a Border Collie?
The Tux comes in small and large. Most adult Border Collies are best with the large, which holds more food and is harder to chew in a way that damages it. A small Tux can work for young puppies, but they grow quickly, so the large is usually the better buy.
Pros, cons and verdict
Pros
- Tough, slightly flexible material that’s kind to teeth
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Freezes well for long-lasting enrichment
- Made in the USA with a chew guarantee
Cons
- Easy to empty when filled with dry kibble
- Wide opening means less challenge for puzzle-savvy dogs
- Pricier than basic rubber treat toys
The Tux is a reliable, well-made stuffable toy. Its strength is versatility: it’s great for frozen fills, easy to clean and tough enough for most Collies. It’s less of a brain-teaser than some puzzle toys, so pair it with other enrichment for very clever dogs.
Tips to get the most from the Tux
- Layer it. Put kibble at the bottom, a lick of wet food in the middle and seal with yogurt or pumpkin, then freeze.
- Freeze overnight. A frozen Tux lasts much longer than a fresh one.
- Use it for calm. Give it in the crate or on a mat to help your Collie switch off.
- Wash it often. It’s dishwasher safe, so pop it on the top rack.
Alternatives worth a look
- West Paw Qwizl: Better for holding bully sticks. Read our West Paw Qwizl review.
- Kong Classic: A classic stuffable toy with a smaller opening.
- Lick mats: Great for calm-down time. See our Hyper Pet IQ Lick Mat review.
Frequently asked questions
Is the West Paw Tux good for Border Collies?
Yes. It’s tough, versatile and great for slowing down meals or settling a busy Collie, especially when frozen.
What size Tux should I get for a Border Collie?
The large suits most adult Border Collies. A small may work for a young puppy, but they outgrow it quickly.
Is the West Paw Tux dishwasher safe?
Yes, West Paw lists it as dishwasher safe.
Can a Border Collie destroy a Tux?
Most won’t, but no toy is indestructible. Supervise, and use West Paw’s guarantee if needed.
Bottom line
The West Paw Tux is a dependable, easy-to-clean treat toy that suits most Border Collies. It’s at its best frozen, where it can keep a busy dog occupied for a good while. If your Collie is a puzzle expert, mix it with harder enrichment, but as an everyday calm-down toy, it’s hard to beat.
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