One of my goals as a dog trainer is finding fun and simple ways my clients can mental stimulate their dogs. We talk about games, food puzzle toys, and chews. And one thing that most of my clients have but aren’t utilizing to its fullest potential is a Kong. You know, that red, rubber, beehive-looking thing that’s at the bottom of your toy box or lost in the backyard. That thing is enrichment gold! So, let’s talk about all the fun your pup can have with it.
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How to Make the Most of Your Kong Dog Toys
FILL IT
Most dogs are motivated by food, so stuffing the toy with some yummy snack makes the toy more enjoyable.
Put dry or semi-dry foods in the Kong’s chamber. We’ll talk about some recipes later. To be sure all that goodness doesn’t fall out too easily, put a spoonful of something soft to cover that big hole at the top.
Please don’t worry about buying the squeeze can stuff Kong sells. You probably have plenty of healthy and delicious options in your fridge and pantry already. But before giving your pup a new food, please ask you’re vet if it’s safe. Here are some pointers when picking food:
- Sugar-free isn’t always good. Please check the ingredient list for xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener to substitute sugar and is known to be highly toxic to dogs.
- Fruits & veggies are mostly good! Loads of fruits & veggies have great health benefits for our dogs, too. Just avoid things with pits or seeds. And grapes or raisins are always a no-no.
- Soft foods are great to plug up the big hole. Things like peanut butter, canned pumpkin, and yogurt work great! But once again, check that ingredient label. Make sure there’s no xylitol or other junky things in there. I usually reach for some jarred baby food as it is usually high quality.
FREEZE IT
Since it’s best practice to fill the big hole with some sort of soft food, be sure to freeze it so it lasts longer. We want your dog to be occupied longer!
DO IT AGAIN
I recommend having 2-3 Kongs so one is always in the freezer waiting. When your pup has licked the last morsel, pick the Kong up and put it in the dishwasher or scrub with a baby bottle brush. Once dry, refill and place back in the freezer.
Recipes for Mentally Stimulating Dog Toys
Here are some yummy, trainer-approved recipes to try out:
| Filling | Seal | Options and Notes |
| Sliced or speared banana | Peanut butter | Simple and easy! |
| Sliced fresh or frozen strawberries | Plain Greek yogurt | For “chocolate covered” Strawberries, toss some carob chips in. Great for Valentine’s Day! |
| Frozen or fresh peas and sliced carrots | Sweet potato puree | Great for Thanksgiving! Can add your leftover turkey in there, too! |
| Plain Cheerios. Not the honey-nut kind | Applesauce | No fuss! |
| Diced apples and cranberries | Plain Greek yogurt | A sweet treat and great for urinary health |
| Fresh parsley, fresh mint, and sliced carrots | Applesauce | Get fresh breath and kidney benefits |
| Blueberries and strawberries | Plain Greek yogurt | Great to get in the 4th of July spirit! |
| Shredded chicken or ground turkey | Pumpkin puree | Throw a veggie in it, too, if you’d like! |
Does your pup have a favorite dog toy recipe? Tell us about it! Not a Kong owner? Purchase your first Kong dog toy here!
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Author: Stephanie Garza
Born and raised in San Antonio, Stephanie is excited to be a part of the evolving pet community in SA! She is the Dog Trainer and Owner of Pup Pup & Away, a dog training and pet care company operating since Feb 2016. Though she loves dogs of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments, Schnauzers steal her heart, especially her two––Sully and Reishi. Catch her around town hiking, sipping coffee, and training/walking the dogs of SA!
