Last Updated: 05/10/2026
What to Put in a Kong: Vet-Approved Recipes and Tips
Not sure what to put in a KONG? Our vets share easy, healthy fillings, freezing tricks and safety tips to keep your dog busy for longer.
Author: Dr Jenny Eales BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 8 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! Here are vet-approved tips to make the fun last longer, plus simple, healthy recipes.
The best things to put in a KONG are soft, sticky and dog-safe: plain pumpkin, mashed banana, xylitol-free peanut butter, plain yoghurt, cooked veggies, or your dog's kibble soaked in low-salt broth. Plug the small hole, add a sticky layer and freeze it to make it last. Count the filling towards your dog's daily food, with all treats under 10% of their daily calories.
What should I put in a KONG?
Soft, sticky, dog-safe foods work best. Here are some easy and healthy ideas to get you started.
Leftovers
Cooked vegetables or small bits of meat make for quick and easy stuffing. Skip anything with onion, garlic, salt or sauces.
Hydrated kibble
Soak kibble in low-sodium broth (check it has no onion or garlic) 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
Want more ideas? Try our homemade dog treat recipes.
How do I make a KONG last longer?
Seal the small hole, add something sticky, and freeze it.
- Seal the small hole. Plug the small hole at the bottom of the KONG with a sizeable dog treat or piece of kibble, so smaller pieces don't fall out easily.
- Add something sticky. Smear a thin layer of KONG paste, xylitol-free peanut butter, plain pumpkin or mashed banana on the inside walls. It makes the other treats stick and makes your dog work harder to get them out.
- Freeze it. Freeze the stuffed KONG for a few hours or overnight, which is especially handy in hot weather. Try this: plug the bottom hole with a large kibble piece, fill with cut-up fruits and veggies (no grapes, raisins or other dangerous foods), seal the top with peanut butter and freeze for 4 hours.
- Try the straw trick. Insert a straw through the KONG's holes before stuffing, then remove it once the KONG is full. This creates an air passage, which prevents the "vacuum effect" and makes it easier for your dog to get the treats out.
Our favourite trick for dogs who struggle when you leave: hand over a frozen KONG just as you head out the door. If anxiety is a big issue, read our guide to separation anxiety in dogs.
How do I choose the right KONG filling for my dog?
Pick a filling your dog tolerates well, that fits within their daily calories, and that suits their KONG experience.
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.
Count the calories. 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 (see what makes a treat healthy and our vet guide to the best dog treats).
- 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.
Match their tastes. 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.
Think about their "KONG-pertise" level.
- For first-timers, make it very easy: place their favourite treat loosely inside so it falls out with little effort.
- For "Pro" stuffers, tightly pack layers (e.g. kibble, pumpkin, kibble) and freeze the whole KONG, which can turn a 5-minute snack into a 30-minute (or longer!) mental workout.
What should I put in a puppy's KONG?
Keep it soft, simple and small. Puppies do well with their normal puppy food softened with a little water, plain pumpkin, or a smear of plain yoghurt, packed loosely so it's easy to get out.
Introduce new fillings slowly, count them towards their daily food, and try freezing it to soothe teething gums.
For more options, see our vet guide to the best puppy treats.
FAQs
In summary, a stuffed KONG is more than just a treat; it's a fantastic tool for mental stimulation, anxiety relief, and slowing down fast eaters. Use these simple recipes and techniques to turn it into a long-lasting puzzle (like our other puzzle feeders) that busts boredom. Always supervise your dog with any new toy, choose a size that suits them, and replace it if it starts to crack or break down.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 6 Oct 2026
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!
