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You are here: Home / Dog Articles / 39 Healthy Treats You Can Stuff in a Kong
39 Healthy Treats to Stuff in a Kong
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39 Healthy Treats You Can Stuff in a Kong

Last updated on July 2, 2024 By Puppy Leaks 85 Comments

39 Healthy Treats to Stuff in a Kong

I’ve said it before, and I’m gonna say it again — stuffing a Kong is the best ways to keep your dog busy. Now I may sound like a broken record, but when it comes to keeping your dog mentally stimulated stuffed Kong’s are amazing. They’re easy to prepare, they last a long time, and they’re a great way to keep your dog occupied.

So if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your dog busy and give them some extra mental stimulation you can’t go wrong with using a stuffed Kong. And if you’re not sure what sorts of things to use for Kong stuffing don’t worry — you’ve come to the right place. Here’s 39 healthy treats you can stuff in a Kong.

A Stuffed Kong is a Simple Way to Keep Your Dog Busy

Are you looking for an easy way to keep your dog busy? By stuffing a Kong you’re making your dog work for his food, and giving them an opportunity to use some of their natural scavenging abilities. And stuffed Kong’s (especially if you freeze them) take time for dogs to get through — they’re a really easy way to keep your mentally stimulated and out of trouble.

The best part is you don’t have to buy any fancy Kong stuffing either (though there are some cheap options if you want premade). You can use all sorts of snacks and treats, and below you’ll find a list of 39 healthy treats & snacks you can stuff in a Kong.

The Benefits of Stuffing a Kong

Stuffing a Kong is one of the easiest ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated, but that’s not the only benefit. The other benefits of stuffing a Kong include:

  • Stuffing a Kong will keep your dog busy & entertained
  • Stuffed Kong’s are great for slowing down dogs that eat too fast
  • They’re great for teething puppies, especially when frozen
  • They can help keep your dog occupied while you go to work or do chores
  • A stuffed Kong will give your dog a simple job to do
  • Stuffed Kong’s provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulation
  • They’re a simple way to use up leftovers (see the list below for healthy options)

When you’re looking for a quick way to keep your dog busy or distracted a stuffed Kong is the perfect toy for the job. There’s all sorts of healthy things you can put in a Kong to keep your dog engaged — from ice chips mixed with veggies to your dogs favorite kibble. (They’re also dishwasher safe which makes cleaning up a breeze)

I’ve also discovered that what I stuff in the Kong doesn’t seem to matter much. The fact that it’s an interactive toy is what seems to be the real draw. Laika loves a challenge, especially when it’s figuring out how to get all those frozen berries out of that Kong.

I could use expensive dog treats today and chopped apple slices tomorrow — my dog will go nuts for either. Instead of buying specially made treats I’ve started using the healthy leftovers I’ve got in my fridge.

Good Alternatives to Kong Toys

If you don’t own a Kong (or if you’re not a fan of Kong toys) check out the West Paw Toppl Toy, it’s my favorite Kong alternative. They’re easy to freeze, they come in large & small sizes, and they’re dishwasher safe. And as far as durability they stand up to my 75 pound dog just as well as a Kong.

Another option is the Star Mark Bob a Lot toy, though it’s best used for solid foods because it only has one small hole for the food to come out of. You can fit about 3 cups of food inside a large Bob a Lot, and they’re durable and easy to wash like Kongs & West Paw toys.

Do You Ever Find Yourself Tossing Out Food?

I really don’t like to waste food, and I bet you don’t either. At the end of each week I always find myself with a few extra groceries that I don’t know what to do with. What am I going to make with 5 green beans and a couple spoonfuls of broth? Instead of tossing out extras I mix them up and stuff them in Laika’s Kong.

I Use Leftover Foods for Kong Stuffing

The great thing about Kong stuffing is the fun you can have mixing it up. Do you think the idea of frozen broth and green beans sounds gross? I do, but my dog certainly doesn’t. Consider putting those extras to good use by stuffing them in your dogs Kong.

You might find yourself making some weird combos — but don’t worry, your dog will love it. Dogs have weird palettes to say the least; it’s not uncommon for dogs to eat tissues and poop. That’s all I’m saying. If you had to choose between green beans mixed in frozen broth and a used tissue what would you eat?

How to Stuff a Kong

One quick thing to mention about stuffing a Kong — all those extra calories can add up pretty quick. Always keep in mind how much stuffing you’re putting into your dogs Kong. If you’re using a high calorie treat you don’t need to fill it to the top to keep your dog busy.

Mix and match some of your dogs favorite foods, and don’t be afraid to improvise with your favorite healthy dog treats. While mixing peanut butter and carrots together might not sound awesome to you I bet your dog will absolutely love it.

If your dog hasn’t used a Kong before start out with some simple stuffing such as kibble or a few small treats. Encourage them to play with the Kong, and praise them when they start moving it around to get the treats out.

If your dog is already an expert at un-stuffing a Kong you can make it more challenging by freezing it. Freezing treats, mixing them with peanut butter, or using larger chunks will make the challenge of getting those treats out last much longer.

The Classics of Kong Stuffing

When it comes to stuffing a Kong there’s a few key ingredients that make it really simple. The first step is choosing an ingredient that’s good for freezing. That will be your base, and then you can choose other items such as kibble to add into the mix.

The bases you can use for Kong stuffing include:

  • Peanut Butter seems to be the most common Kong stuffing. It tastes great, it’s usually already on hand, and it’s texture and stickyness makes it a great, long lasting challenge for your dog. (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
  • Store Bought Kong Stuffing is a popular item at pet stores. It’s available in a wide variety of flavors and comes in an easy to use spray can. (it’s basically the Cheez Whiz of the dog world)
  • Broth (chicken or beef are popular choices) is a great supplement when stuffing a Kong because you can easily freeze it. What I like to do is dab a bit of peanut butter over the hole in the bottom of the Kong, then place it upside down in a cup and fill with your liquid and freeze it for a couple hours.
  • Yogurt is another popular choice for stuffing Kongs.
  • Canned Dog Food can be used as a base when stuffing a Kong.

Puppy tip: Using some frozen low sodium chicken or beef broth in a Kong can make an excellent teething toy.

After you’ve filled your dog’s Kong with something that can be frozen you can add in more ingredients. When starting out with Kong stuffing you can use some common items you’ve already got on hand:

  • Kibble is great, especially for dogs that are new to having a Kong. Most kibble is small enough that it will just easily fall out which encourages your dog to keep playing with it for more rewards.
  • Dog Treats are a popular choice, and as you know they come in many shapes and sizes. Whether you’re using your own homemade dog treats or some store bought ones all doggies seem to love some old fashioned treats.

So now that you know the basic staples of Kong stuffing here’s the big list of healthy foods you can use.

39 Healthy Foods You Can Stuff in a Kong

This is the big list of healthy foods you can add to your dogs Kong, and if you like you can add some meat for some extra protein. Just remember to watch the fat content — the skin and certain cuts of meat can contain extra calories that can add up quickly.

And remember to use these treats and snacks in moderation, especially when trying new foods with your dog. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs, and the addition of new foods can cause digestive issues.

Here’s a list of healthy treats you can use for Kong stuffing:

  • Apples (no core, stems, or seeds)
  • Applesauce
  • Asparagus
  • Baby Food (natural)
  • Bananas
  • Blackberries (will stain – use with caution)
  • Blueberries (will stain – use with caution)
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cantaloupe
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Cheese (watch for fat content)
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Cucumber
  • Eggs
  • Flax Seeds
  • Green Beans
  • Honey (in moderation due to high sugar content)
  • Kale
  • Oatmeal
  • Oranges (in moderation)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Peas
  • Pineapple
  • Pumpkin (canned)
  • Rice (cooked)
  • Rutabaga
  • Salmon
  • Spinach
  • Squash
  • Steak
  • Strawberries
  • Sugar Snap Peas
  • Sweet Potato
  • Watermelon (seedless)
  • Yogurt (plain, lowfat)
  • Zucchini
Looking for an easy way to keep your dog busy? Here's 39 healthy snacks to stuff in a Kong

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Now You Can Mix It Up With Your Own Kong Stuffing Recipes

So now that you’ve got a big list of healthy foods you can use in your Kong it’s time to mix it up. Instead of throwing out those odd ingredients you don’t have any plans for make them into a simple Kong recipe. I have no idea what I’d to do with one egg, a can of baby food, and a little bit of broth — but I know could make something my dog would enjoy.

Do you have some salmon, an apple, and some peanut butter? Line the inside of your Kong with peanut butter and toss in some cooked salmon chunks and apple slices. Freeze it for a few hours and you’ve got yourself a toy that will keep your dog busy for quite some time. Let’s call this masterpiece the PB Applefish. Yeah it sounds gross I know, and it’s a terrible name, but trust me when I say your dog will love it.

You can get creative with your own Kong stuffing recipes by mixing and matching healthy treats you’ve already got on hand. Some combinations might make you question your sanity, but your dog will love watching you prepare that salmon & apple just for them. They’ll be enthusiastic to try out all of your new recipes, and they’ll eat it up as if it were the best thing you’ve ever created. Dog palettes are weird, what can I say?

If you don’t own a Kong you’re missing out on a simple way to keep your dog busy (and a great excuse to make some crazy treats) and use up all those extra groceries. It’s one of the few items I’d recommend to any dog owner.

Do You Have Any Favorite Kong Recipes?

Do you use stuffed Kongs to keep your dog busy? What sorts of Kong recipes have you made? Do you give your recipes horrible names like I do?

I don’t know what I’d do without our Kong; it’s the easiest way I’ve found to keep my dog occupied with minimal effort. It’s a nice and simple way to keep your dog busy — and what dog doesn’t want some homemade PB Applefish of their very own?

Recommended Reading:

  • 26 Quick & Easy Ways to Relieve Dog Boredom
  • 33 Easy Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy Indoors
  • 10 Ways to Give Your Dog More Mental Stimulation
39 Healthy Treats to Stuff in a Kong.

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Comments

  1. Lara says

    April 1, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    I will often put a spoonful of The Honest Kitchen broth mix into yogurt, pumpkin (or a combination of the two) and use that as filling for frozen Kongs. Lots of great ideas here!

    Reply
  2. Golden Daily Scoop says

    April 1, 2015 at 5:50 pm

    Thanks for sharing! Our kongs are always empty, now mom has some new ideas!!

    Reply
  3. JoAnn Stancer says

    April 2, 2015 at 1:24 am

    Awesome post, I never thought of stuffing leftovers in them great idea!

    Reply
  4. Lindsay Stordahl says

    April 2, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    I usually just use peanut butter, so this will encourage me to try something different to make things more interesting for Ace. Although, he doesn’t complain about peanut butter. I do try to use natural peanut butter without sugar. It’s not always as easy to stuff because it’s, um, runnier and kind of gross looking. But it still freezes the same if you have the time to stick it in the freezer for a bit.

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      April 2, 2015 at 10:19 pm

      We have peanut butter like that as well and it’s pretty tough to use because it’s so watery… It does freeze pretty nice though 🙂 I usually tip the Kong upside down with a bowl underneath so it catches all the extra stuff.

      Reply
      • Maryellen says

        January 17, 2018 at 12:46 am

        Peanut butter is kinda sticky and you might need to pre-freeze your “plug” before filling with any liquid. A quick way to plug the hole in a Kong for filling right away is to us pieces of “Pill Pockets” or other pill paste. For a larger Kong hole, wrap a piece of kibble with some pill paste to plug the hole without using so much of the more expensive Pill Pockets.

        Reply
    • Meghan says

      May 18, 2020 at 5:21 pm

      Long since posted so you’ll likely not see this but I use natural peanut butter – the kind that has the oil separated when you first open it – and I pour off most of the oil, only leaving enough to mix so that it’s not solid. This way puppers doesn’t get all the fat and the pb is much less runny! Give it a shot, hope that helps!

      Reply
      • Cindi says

        October 9, 2020 at 2:01 pm

        I always buy natural PB for both of us. After I mix oil into PB I store in refrigerator, gets a little stiff but leave for few minutes stir up top, sticky not runny. I put a bit in top and coat sides and treats and/or kibble and freeze. I just took an 11 month rescue JRT (2nd) returned after 6 months, took very good care and I’m sure loved him but could not control him plus related too mouthy. Can’t let a JRT get bored, you will be unhappy, prob that was happening. I will definitely try all ideas and tips in article.

        Reply
  5. Beth_Daily_Dog_Tag says

    April 3, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    I’ve just started putting carrots in Theo’s kong, but really haven’t gotten too imaginative. Thanks for the suggestions!

    Reply
    • PatS says

      August 11, 2020 at 6:44 pm

      I started freezing whole carrots for our 8 month old puppy. She wasn’t sure about them at first, but loves them now!

      Reply
  6. jana rade says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    Most of the time we use what I call “bone meal”; made from slow cooked carcass (until bones are tender) and ground 50/50 with some veggies. We use either turkey carcass, chicken wings, chicken carcass or freshly caught fish scraps.

    Reply
  7. beaglesbargains says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    That is a great idea to use dog safe leftovers! I really hate throwing out food too, but I’m sooo guilty of it. I need to prepare some stuffed KONGs and freeze them for Luna now that the weather is getting warmer!

    Reply
  8. Playful Kitty says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    Kong toys seem to be great for dogs! Its cool that you can put all of those different treats inside. I bet dogs just love to see the Kong toy come out 🙂

    Reply
  9. Jodi says

    April 3, 2015 at 7:33 pm

    Sampson and Delilah get stuffed Kongs every night. We keep it simple, pineapple chunks and topped with a bit of pumpkin. It is something they really look forward too. I have used other fruits too, but mostly the pineapple works for us.

    Reply
  10. Jillian Cameron says

    April 3, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    I have never tried using a kong with my dog, but I’m sure he would love it! I can’t eat baby carrots anymore without him begging for one!

    Reply
  11. Amanda Yantos says

    April 4, 2015 at 1:04 am

    These are fantastic ideas! I like to fill Kongs with peanut butter and freeze them because then it lasts longer!

    Reply
  12. Catherine Armato, Dogs Luv Us says

    April 4, 2015 at 2:31 am

    I love using stuffable Kong toys, they are terrific. I’ve stuffed our Kongs with many of the items you listed. One of my dogs’ favorites is mushed up sweet potato. I mush it up, stuff the Kong, then freeze it so it lasts longer. I’ve never tried egg though – that’s an interesting one. Thanks for the additional ideas for Kong stuffing!
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

    Reply
  13. Life with Dogs&Cats says

    April 4, 2015 at 3:20 am

    Great ideas! Kongs are one of the best things to keep my dogs busy and feed the healthy treats!
    –Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats

    Reply
  14. Carol Collett says

    April 4, 2015 at 3:34 am

    Wonderful ideas! Thank you.

    Reply
  15. Meet the Fur-Bombers says

    April 4, 2015 at 3:46 am

    Willow loved her kong! She got so good, that even a frozen solid peanut butter kong wouldn’t last her more than 15 minutes!

    Reply
  16. It's Dog Or Nothing says

    April 4, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    I need to try some new options to get Atka interested. He is just not willing to work for snacks. I even give him the “easy” Kong 😉

    Reply
  17. Jessica Rhae says

    April 4, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    I give Gretel a Kong (or other treat toy) each time I put her in her kennel. She is very small though so those calories can add up and put some junk in her trunk if you know what I mean. I got creative with ingredients and this is one of the recipes I came up with http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/peanut-butter-banana-coconut-kong-stuffing/

    Reply
  18. ThePetMom says

    April 4, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    Wow this is an amazing list of ideas – love it! I actually don’t even own a Kong – but reading this, I’m absolutely SOLD. On my list for my weekly trip to PetSmart. 😉

    Reply
  19. Carol Bryant says

    April 5, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    Dex loves his Kong and we use coconut smiles in ours – great list here

    Reply
  20. Rachel Sheppard says

    April 6, 2015 at 3:39 am

    This is a great list! Rooney is a fan of the classic peanut butter and treats!

    Reply
  21. MyDogLikes says

    April 6, 2015 at 3:59 am

    I love these ideas! I hadn’t thought about taking the odds and ends veggies left over and stuffing them in there! Broth ice cubes are the cherry on top!

    Reply
  22. Steven says

    April 9, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Time for me to get a Kong. I’d never thought of combing so many ingredients – the possibilities are endless.
    PS where do you get your photos, they’re always stunning and so appropriate for your posts?

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      April 9, 2015 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks so much; Kongs are so versatile I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

      As far as the images go some are from pixabay.com (they have a TON of great free images) and the others are either from depositphotos dot com (the above photos is from deposit) or dollarphotoclub dot com which are both paid sites.

      Reply
      • Steven says

        April 9, 2015 at 5:07 pm

        Thanks Jen – you have a talent for picking wonderful photos

        Reply
  23. Dena says

    June 20, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    I usually put, Cottage Cheese, Strawberries, and some honey in it. It put it in the freezer for a few hours, and my puppy loves it!!

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      June 20, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      That sounds really, really good; I’m going to have to try that. Thank you for the suggestion – I bet honey & cottage cheese are probably easier to freeze as well.

      Reply
      • Avery Belisle says

        February 4, 2018 at 10:11 pm

        Do not put cheese in your Kongs. I used to do it for both of my dogs. They got diarrhea every time and started throwing up. 🙁 I had no clue it was bad for dogs. I talked to their vet and she said it was bad. More people should know.

        Reply
        • Hayley Schembri says

          November 12, 2020 at 11:14 pm

          Cottage cheese is okay for dogs

          Reply
  24. krazy4pets says

    April 14, 2016 at 3:23 pm

    I normally use a teaspoon of peanut better but lately I have to watch out because some brands contain added sugar. Thanks for the list!

    Reply
  25. Sofia says

    May 28, 2016 at 7:09 am

    I usually make what I like to call… Rock Hard Veggie Kibble

    I get my puppy’s kibble and whatever green vegetables I have in the fridge, and a bit of peanut butter and blitz it in a food processor. I put that into the Kong, then I take a dog biscuit and crush it up, I put the crushed biscuit and some peanut butter in a food processor and blitz that, then add it on top of the other stuff. I finally seal the top of the kong with a tad of peanut butter, then I freeze it.

    Best recipe, fairly heathy (with peanut butter being the exception) sometimes instead of pb, I use honey or cream cheese, but I wouldn’t recommend sealing it off with honey.

    Reply
  26. Coco says

    May 31, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    Oh, nice, I never thought of freezing a Kong!

    Reply
  27. Jennifer C. Butler says

    July 12, 2016 at 7:57 am

    What a great idea! Thanks for sharing with us. I’m so lack of caring skill for my dog.

    Reply
  28. Mary says

    August 9, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    Peanut butter covered blueberries!

    Reply
  29. Connie says

    December 6, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    New dog owner here- Just curious, is it ok to be feeding my dog such varied treats like this? Or because it’s vegetables and chicken broth he’ll be fine? Thanks. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      December 6, 2016 at 8:35 pm

      As long as you’re giving him new stuff in moderation it should be fine. Some dogs can be pretty sensitive (especially puppies) anytime they eat something different so I’d start with a small amounts & make sure it doesn’t upset their stomach at all. Some broths are much mellower than others when it comes to the ingredients as well if you want to try that out. I know when we’re in the grocery store we look at a few and stick with the lower sodium ones. And if you’re going to be using a veggie for the stuffing you can always freeze it with plain water until you’re more familiar with what sorts of foods might upset your dogs stomach.

      Reply
  30. Mary jo says

    February 17, 2017 at 11:52 pm

    Doesn’t the peanut butter, honey and etc become messy on the carpet?

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      February 18, 2017 at 12:32 pm

      If it’s frozen it won’t since it becomes hard to get out. My dog has to really work at frozen ones.

      Reply
      • bonnie says

        October 6, 2018 at 5:41 pm

        but wont it melt while they are trying to get it out?

        Reply
        • Jen Gabbard says

          October 6, 2018 at 11:22 pm

          The melting is slow enough that I haven’t had a problem with it getting too messy. It usually takes my dog about 20-30 minutes to get through a frozen one, and during that time the melting only occurs on the parts she’s licking or chewing on.

          Reply
    • Cindi says

      October 13, 2020 at 6:19 pm

      My dog gets his Kong in his crate, cover pad with sheet. He knows that is where the king stays ! No Mess on carpet !

      Reply
  31. Brandon says

    April 17, 2017 at 2:04 am

    Nice article ! I never knew you could stuff so many different foods in a Kong.

    Reply
  32. Dee Shipley says

    May 1, 2017 at 4:33 pm

    Our Pups are the greatest at hide and seek! Except for the fact I have yet to find their feed dish and most of their toys! The Kong sounds great but don’t think it would last long here!

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      May 1, 2017 at 8:09 pm

      I’ve had a lot of luck West Paw Zogo Flex toys. They’re pretty small, but the material they’re made from feels like rubber and it’s surprisingly tough – my dog has yet to put any bite marks in it. She has put a few bite marks in her Kong, though they’re pretty small (just for a comparison).

      Reply
  33. Regina Finney says

    July 8, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    Great ideas. Since mommy is allergic to peanuts butter I didn’t know what to put it. Didn’t want him to lick me anxommy go into shock. Thanks

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      July 8, 2017 at 5:56 pm

      You can use broth or yogurt for the filling as well. They sell Kong stuffing in some stores, but I’m not sure what all the ingredients are.

      Reply
    • Kristen Sowah says

      March 8, 2018 at 2:56 am

      Maybe Wow Butter or other sesame butters. My son’s peanut allergic too.

      Reply
  34. Suzanne says

    October 7, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    I just tossed the water from boiling sweet potatoes and THEN realized I could have used it this way! Great ideas!

    Reply
  35. Sylvia Murley says

    October 17, 2017 at 2:01 am

    Feeling desperate to amuse my small dogs, i turned to Google and somehow lucked into this site. I almost left it as fast as I found it because kongs usually last 10 minutes. Well, out of the 39 ingredients I chose celery and cucumber,cut up small and narrow,mixed with peanut butter which they love. Here we are 25 mins later and they are still going. And not because I put much more in each Kong . Thank you for this .

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      October 17, 2017 at 2:55 pm

      Thanks so much, and it sounds like you chose the perfect combo of ingredients for your dogs 🙂

      Reply
  36. Josephine Coutrot says

    October 21, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    Here is a made in France recipe :
    left over paté mixed with beef broth (I had pot au feu on the stove)
    For the solid parts, I used some of the veal foot that was cooking in the pot au feu (only the meaty parts, no bones)
    I put it in the refrigerator for one night, it sets well because of the broth cooked with veal foot.

    Reply
  37. Gregory says

    November 25, 2017 at 3:30 am

    This Kong toy is dangerous and dogs have died and been injured from it. Just Google Kong toy warning and read up on it. I highly recommend throwing it in recycling.

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      November 25, 2017 at 5:15 pm

      The case I’m familiar with involved a Rottweiler and the Kong brand toy called Kong Beast. It’s extremely unfortunate that it happened, and the design itself seems to be at fault. Kong pulled the product from the market at that time, and has since redesigned it to include 2 holes in each part of the toy to prevent that sort of suctioning from happening.

      I would not promote a toy like that. The Kong toy I’m talking about in this article is the Kong Classic that’s available in different sizes and has holes on both ends — it’s not the same toy that caused that dog’s death.

      Reply
  38. Maryellen says

    January 17, 2018 at 12:53 am

    I keep SIX Kongs in my freezer, ready to go. The holes are plugged with Pill Pocket pieces, I add a bit of kibble, some green beans or carrots, and a spoonful of canned food to seal it all in there. That way, if I’m late getting home, or if someone else feeds my dogs, they don’t have to take the extra time I usually do when adding all that stuff to the regular bowls of kibble. They can just put down a stuffed Kong and a bowl of kibble for each dog, and they are done (or I can go about putting my groceries away and get started on the family dinner while the dogs entertain themselves.)

    Reply
    • Gaile D Cook says

      February 23, 2018 at 2:38 pm

      Do you freeze the veggie mixture stuffed inside as well?

      Reply
  39. Judy says

    December 9, 2018 at 5:02 pm

    My puppy is reluctant to eat her dry kibble now after putting leftovers in the Kong.

    Reply
  40. Thomas says

    May 20, 2019 at 11:14 am

    “A busy dog is an entertained dog” – this is the bottomline of what this article is all bout. This Kong thing will help me to perform tasks without distractions by diverting my dog’s attention. Also, it opened my thinking that there should nothing to worry about if we’re running out of Kong. There are many alternative ways to produce a home-made yet healthy Kong. I would like to commend this writing for giving me a lot of ideas to be able to calm and discipline my dog in a most enjoyable way possible. Thank you.

    Reply
  41. Vicky says

    June 14, 2019 at 10:51 am

    Excuse me for my ignorance but what is broth? ?‍♀️ Also is peanut butter not an allergy danger? Can dogs be allergic to them? How would you know?

    I’ve been putting simple treats in my puppy’s Kong for her , hoping to mix it up abit just don’t know what to use to stuff it?

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      June 15, 2019 at 1:22 pm

      Broth is a liquid that’s made when water is simmered with meat, vegetables or bones. It can be eaten alone, though it’s usually used to make soup or stew.

      And yes, dogs can be allergic to peanuts just like humans. There’s also an artificial sweetener called xylitol that’s highly toxic to dogs, and a few brands use it in their peanut butter — though it’s more commonly seen in sugarfree candies and gums. Here’s a guide on which brands use xylitol in their products: https://www.preventivevet.com/xylitol-products-toxic-for-dogs

      Reply
  42. Sue says

    November 20, 2019 at 5:52 pm

    Hi…I am having trouble finding an answer to this…I have two very small kongs for my puppy…one is “Kong-shaped” and the other is “raspberry” shaped. The holes are so small I have trouble loading them with anything, and I have not found any suggestions or youtube videos showing how I can actually put stuff into them. Frustrated! Any suggestions?

    Reply
  43. Doug Lerner says

    January 18, 2020 at 6:47 am

    I still don’t quite get how to fill the Kong for my 7 week old puppy so everything doesn’t just immediately fall out. Are you supposed to mix the peanut butter with the kibble? Or just use it as a lining inside the hole, or what? If peanut butter gets to the bottom of the Kong how is the puppy supposed to get it out? It won’t fall out, and it’s too far for his tongue.

    Reply
    • Cindi says

      October 9, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      Maybe try freezing treats in broth first so it is easier for him til gets used too it, plus the other suggestion for puppy Kong if you have bigger. Or try sweet potato, yogurt, canned pumpkin,, nat baby food which is softer and will not stick like PB. Would suggest checking with vet if any food puppy should not have at that age, I’ve not had puppy that young so don’t know answer to that, seems like broth should be ok, maybe the low sodium would be better.

      Reply
    • Spencer says

      February 13, 2021 at 2:19 am

      Make sure you have a big enough Kong so that way the hole is big enough for him and to give enough suction. Usually going up a size or 2 from the recommended is best. If it’s too small, he won’t be able to reach in as far and the Kong can get stuck around his tongue due to poor suction and that can turn into an emergency vet trip. Fill the Kong with whatever you want and then seal the big hole with peanut butter. If you don’t want stuff falling out right away after the hole is open, make a “meatloaf” to put in there…..basically just pack everything together with a good binder (like more peanut butter) to hold it all. Freeze it overnight to make it last longer and more of a challenge. It’s ok if he doesn’t get all of the stuff inside but he should be able to get the majority of it.

      Reply
  44. Emmy says

    April 24, 2020 at 7:35 am

    You probably have to big of a kong. Try a puppy kong. You can mix the kibble with the peanut butter then stick it in. Or you can just fill it with peanut butter and use it to keep him occupied. After he’s done with it. Just pop it in the dishwasher for cleaning. You might want to get a few puppy kongs and fill for later when you’re washing the others in the dishwasher. In another week his tongue will reach the bottom. Depending on what breed of dog you have. If it’s a smaller dog it’ll probably take a few more weeks. But I wouldn’t fret about it. Just pop it in the dishwasher.

    Reply
  45. April Hobson says

    August 7, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    I just got an 8 year old rescue dog and this is so informative for a first time dog owner! Thank you. I didn’t really know what dogs ate or that chewing was a stress reliever.

    Reply
  46. Kristen says

    November 9, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I’ve only tried PB so far, but will definitely be trying pumpkin and some other options soon. Quick note – kale is not good for dogs, especially small and older dogs that are susceptible to kidney disease and bladder stones. Hopefully people do a second layer of research before feeding it to their pups.

    Reply
  47. Hans Bjørsland says

    January 7, 2021 at 10:26 pm

    If you put things like oranges, honey, apples, banana for your dog to eat and call it healthy, you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about and should never ever give anyone advice about dogs or nutrition. Honestly, honey? Why not just feed your dog pure sugar, just melt it down and stuff it in the kong. Very healthy and natural. Fun to chew too. Stupid.

    Reply
  48. Mojo's Mom says

    January 17, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    I have mixed peanut butter with oatmeal (raw) in a small dish and it “stuffs” more easily. It is a messy job but keeps my little guy entertained for a while without freezing, I never seem to think ahead enough !

    Reply
  49. Lsura says

    January 26, 2021 at 11:51 pm

    I had leftover chicken salad with very little lite mayo and celery. I added carrots and finely chopped green beans. I didn’t freeze it as I’m trying this for the first time. It’s been 1/2 hour and she’s still going at it. I’ve never seen her eat anything for more than a few seconds. These ideas will keep me busy and when frozen will take even longer!

    Reply
    • gayle grady says

      May 11, 2021 at 6:56 am

      I hope the chicken salad did not have garlic.

      Reply
  50. Shari says

    February 5, 2021 at 8:08 pm

    Dear Hans,

    You could have communicated your ideas without being sarcastic and rude. What does that add that is productive and informational? Also, if you want to contradict the author of the site and want your advice to be more believable, provide sources for the information.

    Reply
    • Cherry says

      June 7, 2021 at 5:51 am

      Despite that – what he said is true. Many of these fillings are not good for dogs. Peanut butter, whatever variety, is bad – for us humans too. The roasting process cooks the natural oils that become rancid. I wouldn’t feed my dog that. As for sources – Google it and make sure you’re reading information from an actual canine nutritionalist 🙂

      Reply
  51. Mary says

    May 2, 2021 at 11:06 am

    We have a 12lb Maltese so I bought a Kong that’s about 4″ long and it works great at keeping my dog busy for about a half an hour. If you pinch the larger hole on the Kong, it’s easier to fill. I use an ice cube tray to freeze low sodium broth mixed with vegetables, but I only fill each cube 1/4 of the way up, which makes them easy to pop out and slice into frozen strips. Then I stuff them into the Kong and freeze again until hard. There’s no need to completely fill the Kong, which would likely leave a dripping mess. If you fill in the entire ice cube tray (1/4 in each cube) up with broth mixed with veggies, you’ll have a nice supply ready to slice and fill your Kong whenever you need 30-40 minutes of quiet puppy/doggie time. Of course frozen peanut butter with mashed banana’s, strawberries or apples works great too. As long as you know your dogs likes and dislikes and diet, having a Kong toy is a great tool to keep your dog busy, entertained and stimulated.

    Reply
  52. Shirley says

    September 12, 2021 at 10:08 pm

    I wonder how cooked rice or cooked smashed potatoes (with no salt no butter no milk) would do as a frozen stuffing. Maybe add some chicken broth or cooked dog safe veggies? Haven’t tried yet, but my separation anxiety beagle sure loves Smuckers natural peanut butter frozen in her Kong.

    Reply
  53. Amith says

    October 5, 2021 at 9:08 am

    Thanks for sharing! lm a pumkin and carrots fan,but lm now going to try many from your list this month

    Reply
  54. Sharon Mcclain says

    November 21, 2021 at 5:12 pm

    Stuffed Kong’s provide my dog with plenty of mental stimulation! Absolutely correct, informative, and helpful posts.

    Reply
  55. Ethan Poltrack says

    December 3, 2021 at 7:55 pm

    I have two springer spaniels as pets. I like to give them hard treats to help keep their teeth clean.

    Reply
  56. Thomas says

    February 22, 2022 at 8:06 am

    Amazing article. Because it is also important for dogs to stay healthy. Thanks for sharing this useful article.

    Reply
  57. GOT OMNIA says

    April 7, 2022 at 3:13 am

    Thank you very much for this useful article!

    Reply
  58. Morehappawness says

    April 13, 2022 at 9:32 am

    These are fantastic ideas! thank you

    Reply
  59. Scarlet says

    August 31, 2024 at 4:58 pm

    My dog loves his kong toy too. Thanks for all the great toy stuffer teat ideas!

    Reply

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