Last Updated: 10/11/2025
What to Put in a Kong: Vet-Approved Recipes and Stuffing Tips
Wondering what to put in your dog's Kong? Get vet-approved tips on how to stuff a Kong and discover easy, healthy recipes. Learn why puzzle toys are essential for beating boredom, easing anxiety, and keeping your dog mentally stimulated.
Author: Dr Jenny Eales BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
The classic KONG toy is a staple in almost every Aussie dog's toy box, but are you using it to its full potential? A bored dog can quickly become a destructive dog, finding their own (often expensive) fun by chewing furniture or digging holes.
A well-stuffed KONG is one of the best ways to provide essential mental stimulation, reduce anxiety, and prevent boredom. But if your dog clears it out in 30 seconds flat, the magic is lost.
Fear not! We're here to help you master the art of stuffing. This guide provides vet-approved tips to make the fun last longer and shares simple, healthy recipes to turn that toy into your dog's favourite long-lasting puzzle.
Pro-tips for stuffing a KONG
1. The sealing technique for small pieces
Plug the small hole at the bottom of the KONG with a sizeable dog treat or piece of kibble.
This prevents smaller pieces from falling out easily and ensures a longer-lasting challenge for your dog.
2. Ideas for sticky fillings to prolong engagement
Putting something sticky in the KONG will help to entertain your dog for longer as they work to get all of the yumminess out. For this technique, smear a thin layer on the inside walls to make the other treats stick and make it more challenging for your dog to remove.
Great sticky options:
- KONG pastes
- Peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol)
- Canned pumpkin
- Mashed banana
3. Freezing a KONG for an added challenge
Once the KONG is stuffed, place it in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. This makes the treat last longer and can be especially beneficial during hot weather as a cool treat.
- Plug the bottom hole with a large kibble piece
- Fill with cut-up fruits and veggies (make sure you don't use any dangerous foods)
- Seal the top with peanut butter
- Freeze for 4 hours
You can also use the KONG Fill or Freeze Tray to making filling and freezing easier!
4. Straw trick to prevent the "vacuum effect"
Insert a straw through the KONG's holes before stuffing, removing it after the KONG is full. This creates an air passage, making it easier for your dog to get the treats out and prevents suction.
Easy and healthy KONG filling ideas
Leftovers
Cooked vegetables or small bits of meat make for quick and easy stuffing
Hydrated kibble
Soak kibble in low-sodium broth and use it as a stuffing
Cut-up fruits and veggies
Think slices of apple or carrot sticks.
Broth-based recipes for freezing
Freeze chicken or beef broth in the KONG for a tasty challenge
Protein-packed options
Pieces of cooked chicken or small meatballs can make for a meaty treat your dog will love
Peanut butter and banana mash
Blend ripe banana with a spoonful of peanut butter for a sweet and sticky treat. Make sure the peanut butter is xylitol-free as xylitol is toxic to dogs
Cottage cheese and berries
Mix a few berries like blueberries or strawberries with a small amount of low-fat cottage cheese. Berries are rich in antioxidants, while cottage cheese provides protein
Tuna salad
Combine canned tuna (in water, not oil) with a small amount of plain Greek yogurt for a fishy delight. Make sure to give this in moderation due to the salt content in tuna
Scrambled eggs
Scramble an egg and let it cool down before stuffing it into the KONG. This is a protein-rich option that most dogs love
Mashed sweet potato
Cook and mash a sweet potato for a fibre-rich stuffing. You can add some cooked peas or carrots for extra nutrition
Green bean crunch
Fill the KONG with green beans and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. This low-calorie option is great for dogs on a diet.
Zucchini and pumpkin puree
Blend cooked zucchini and pumpkin together for a vegetable-packed option. Pumpkin is good for digestion
How to choose the right KONG filling for your dog
A KONG or other food puzzle is a brilliant tool for mental stimulation, but the real magic is in the stuffing! To make sure your dog's Kong experience is fun, safe, and healthy, think about these key factors before you start.
1. Health and safety first
Before you get creative, always prioritise your dog's health.
- Digestive Sensitivities: If your dog has known food allergies or a sensitive stomach, stick to foods you know they tolerate well. This might be their special prescription kibble, a single-ingredient treat, or simple, safe ingredients like plain, cooked pumpkin.
- Never use ingredients that are toxic to dogs. This includes xylitol, chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, and raisins. Always check the label.
2. Calorie count and the 10% rule
It's very easy to over-feed when using food puzzles. Remember that all treats, including whatever is in the KONG, should make up no more than 10% of your pet's total daily calorie intake.
- To manage this, a great trick is to use your dog's regular kibble portion as the main base for the stuffing.
- You can make their normal meal far more exciting by simply mixing the kibble with a little water or a pet-safe bone broth and freezing it, rather than adding lots of high-calorie pastes or treats.
3. Flavour and texture preferences
What does your dog love? Choosing flavours and textures you know they find irresistible is key to keeping them engaged.
- Some dogs love a crunchy texture (like their kibble, dry treats, or pieces of carrot).
- Others prefer a creamy, lickable filling (like plain yoghurt, pumpkin puree, or a dog-specific peanut butter).
- Using their favourites keeps them motivated, reducing the chance they'll get frustrated and give up.
4. Your dog's "KONG-pertise" level
Tailor the difficulty to your dog's experience.
- For first-timers: Make it very easy! You want to build a positive association. Start with their absolute favourite treat placed loosely inside so it falls out with little effort.
- For "Pro" stuffers: You can increase the challenge by tightly packing layers of different foods (e.g., a layer of kibble, a layer of pumpkin, another layer of kibble). For the ultimate challenge, freeze the entire KONG. This can turn a 5-minute snack into a 30-minute (or longer!) mental workout.
FAQs
A stuffed KONG is more than just a treat; it's a fantastic tool for mental stimulation, anxiety relief, and slowing down fast eaters. By using these simple recipes and stuffing techniques, you can turn your dog's KONG into a long-lasting puzzle that busts boredom and keeps them happily engaged. Always remember to supervise your dog with any new toy to ensure they are playing safely.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 10 Nov 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Jenny Eales BVSc (Hons)
Contributing Author, BVSc (Hons)
Dr Jenny cares deeply about the welfare of animals. She's helped Pet Circle pet owners with some great articles and advice!
