Photo courtesy of @leo_lion_cavoodle on Instagram.
It’s no secret—there are plenty of great reasons a Kong toy is almost an essential purchase for dog owners. Despite being so simple, a Kong can keep your pup not only occupied but thoroughly entertained and content for hours on end (especially with these Kong stuffing recipes!) This gives us busy pet owners a chance to catch up on chores or relax without another toy being dropped in our lap to be thrown or tugged.
It isn’t simply a matter of convenience, however. Stuffed Kongs are great for providing your dog with mental stimulation and a fun, constructive outlet for chewing. They can even be used as a tool for soothing anxious dogs and crate training puppies!
Maybe you’re giving your dog a Kong for the first time or maybe you’re looking for new and fun Kong stuffing recipes to keep things fresh for your best friend. Let’s start with the basics and work our way up from there!
Simple & Easy Kong Stuffing Ideas
The most common mistake pet parents make with Kong toys is not building your dog up from an easy “level” of stuffing to something more challenging. Especially when you have a young puppy you’re introducing to a Kong for the first time, make it nice and easy to get them excited about their new toy and realize the connection that if they put effort in they can get rewarded with tasty treats inside!
What to put in a Kong for a puppy? The best way to start could just be some kibble or small treats. They’ll easily roll out with just a few bumps and your puppy will be hooked. From there you can advance to a variety of basic Kong stuffing recipes. These stuffings are quick to set up for when you’re in a rush and just because they’re easy doesn’t mean your pup won’t be every bit as excited for them!
Spray Kong Filling
Although arguably the most convenient option of them all due to the easy spray container it comes in, I tend to stay away from spray Kong filling due to health concerns. It’s essentially the Cheese Whiz of the dog world and is likely equivalent in nutritional value. Not only that, but it’s also one of the most expensive options. Not my cup of tea, but used sparingly as one of your your Kong stuffing ideas.
Peanut Butter
My typical go-to option because it’s easy and delicious. Just make sure to only use peanut butter without Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s dangerous for dogs.
Canned Pumpkin
Perfect for when your dog is having digestive problems as it can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Make sure it doesn’t have unhealthy added ingredients and especially don’t use pumpkin pie filling.
Yogurt
Another tasty option that can be used to battle digestive problems. Make sure it is plain with no added sugars, flavors, or Xylitol.
Honey
Best used sparingly due to high sugar content, it can be a great addition when mixed with other items! If you’re being extra careful, brush your dog’s teeth afterward to get the sugar off and prevent tooth decay.
Canned Wet Dog Food
Another easy option that already comes in delicious flavors dogs love. Just remember that these flavors, while enticing to dogs, may smell pungent to humans. So depending on the floor surface and proximity of your dog to you, you may want to skip this option.
Fresh & Appetizing Kong Stuffing Ideas
While your dog will surely never say no to just a plain filling, it’s always fun to change things up and give your pet an extra special treat! Adding more solid items in addition to the filling can add to both the taste and mental stimulation. These foods will often stick to the filling or rattle around. The larger and odder the shapes of these foods, the harder it will be to get them out. Again, keep in mind whether your dog is new to Kong toys or an expert when deciding how to stuff a Kong! Additionally, don’t think too much about how you perceive these mixtures to taste. You may think peanut butter and pineapple may sound disgusting combination, but your dog will happily scarf it down!
Fruits & Veggies
My favorite option for both convenience, nutrition, and taste. There are a ton of dog-friendly fruits and vegetables out there, just make sure to do your research to make sure whatever you’re adding is safe!
Ground Meat
Technically, you could serve a whole meal in a Kong! This can be a great high-value reward to incentivizing your pup if he’s not that interested.
Cheese
Keep in mind some dogs are sensitive to dairy! Use shredded or try cubed for more of a challenge. String cheese can also add to the experience and mental stimulation!
Treats
Don’t forget one of the most basic Kong stuffing ideas, as both normal treats and dry dog food can be added to any mixture as some filler so it’s not all high-value, calorie-dense items.
Freeze It
The “expert level” of Kong stuffing is freezing the ingredients you use to make it more challenging. All you have to do is fill the Kong, place it vertically in a glass or cup, and put it in the freezer. The more full you stuff your Kong, the more challenging it’ll be for your dog!
Kong Stuffing Recipes
There are plenty of “fancy” Kong recipes out there, which are essentially just combinations of foods from the items above. Here are a few of the more innovative ones I’ve found!
Omelet Kong Stuffing Recipe
Scrambled eggs, ground beef, yogurt, cheese, and mashed potatoes.
