A Kong is a hard, rubber, snowman-shaped toy with a small hole on top and a large one on the bottom. A stuffed Kong can keep your dog occupied and provide mental stimulation as well as outlet for your dog’s energy.

This wonderful chew toy can go a long way toward alleviating mild separation issues and boredom – just give a stuffed Kong to your dog as you leave, or hide it so he has to find it. Tip: Be sure to provide stuffed Kongs randomly, not only when you leave, so they won’t become associated only with your absence. Kongs can be stuffed with anything that is safe for your dog to eat. (Never feed chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins or spicy foods.) Just plug the small hole with a chewy treat or peanut butter, flip the Kong over, and stuff! The stuffing should be well-packed so that your dog has to work for it, but not so tightly stuffed that your dog will give up. For dogs who are inexperienced with Kongs, make it easy at first by packing loosely and leaving a cookie sticking out of the large hole. Stuff a Kong Make sure to purchase a Kong that is big enough to stuff and the correct size for your pup. Tiny dogs get a small Kong, but most small dogs get a medium Kong. Medium size dogs get a large or XL, and large dogs get an XL. There is even a size above XL for very large dogs. Kongs can be stuffed with anything that is safe for your dog to eat. (Never feed chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins or spicy foods.) Just plug the small hole with a chewy treat or peanut butter, flip the Kong over, and stuff! The stuffing should be well-packed so that your dog has to work for it, but not so tightly stuffed that your dog will give up. For dogs who are inexperienced with Kongs, make it easy at first by packing loosely and leaving a cookie sticking out of the large hole.

Have a fast eater? Feed your dog’s meal in the Kong!

  1. Measure out your dog’s kibble.
  2. Fill the small hole with peanut butter, cheese or a soft dog treat. Flip the Kong upside down.
  3. Scoop a teaspoon of canned dog food into the large hole. Then, add a layer of your dog’s kibble.
  4. Repeat step 3 until you reach the top, ending in a layer of canned food.
  5. Pour leftover kibble in a dish and place the stuffed Kong on top. (This is also helpful for dogs who try to steal another dog’s food.)

Kongsicles - frozen Kongs that last even longer…

  • Puppy Kongsicles: If you have a puppy, moisten his kibble with water, stuff it in the Kong, and freeze it overnight. He’ll have a fun, energy-expending breakfast the following morning.
  • Do the mash!: Try various combinations of canned food, gravy, noodles, rice and mashed potatoes mixed with kibble, and freeze.
  • Liquid Kongsicles: Put a dab of peanut butter in the small hole. Turn the Kong upside down in a cup. Fill full of water, chicken broth or fruit juice and freeze. (We highly recommend this treat be enjoyed outside!)

Kong Recipes

  • Banana Surprise – Plug up the small hole, then stuff part of a slightly overripe banana (1/2 banana for XL Kong, less for smaller sizes), then a few dog treats or cookies, then plain yogurt. Freeze. Dogs love it!
  • Liquid Kongsicles - A fast and easy way to stuff a Kong is to fill it with dog cookies and hot dogs. Squeeze the large opening so it elongates, then stuff with hot dog bits and cookies. The cookies should be just big enough to fit through the elongated hole. If you wish, finish with a bit of peanut butter smeared around the inside of the opening
  • Experiment and create your own recipes!
Best of all, Kongs are dishwasher safe. Happy treating!
September 30, 2022