Last Updated: 07/05/2025

What To Put In A Kong

So you've got a Kong dog toy but you are not 100% sure what to fill it with to get maximum value for you and your dog? Find out the best recipes for kong toys.

Author: Dr Jenny Eales BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 24 minutes - medium read

So, you've got a Kong dog toy but you are not 100% sure what to fill it with to get maximum value for you and your dog? Dogs need constant mental stimulation and physical exercise to stay healthy and happy. Otherwise you may find your furry friend engaging in less-than-adorable behaviors like excessive barking or chewing your furniture.

Fear not! We offer expert tips on how to get the stuffing just right, share some delicious filling ideas tailored to your dog's needs and tastes, and highlight the benefits of using stuffed dog toys. Let's make that Kong toy your dog's new best friend!

In This Article

How & What To Stuff In A Kong

Creative Recipes For Stuffing A Kong Dog Toy

Why Are Stuffed Toys Great For Dogs?

How & What To Stuff In A Kong

Properly stuffing a Kong toy can mean the difference between a fleeting moment of interest and prolonged, engaged playtime for your dog. There are specifically designed Kong dog treats that you can put inside, but why stop there? Below are some pro tips and techniques to get the most out of your Kong toy.

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. Peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol), canned pumpkin, or mashed banana are all great options for this tactic. 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.

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.

For example:

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

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.

Creative Recipes For Stuffing A Kong Dog Toy

Leftovers as a Quick Fix: Cooked vegetables or small bits of meat make for quick and easy stuffing.

Hydrated Kibble for Added Flavor: Soak kibble in low-sodium broth and use it as a stuffing.

Cut-up Fruits and Veggies for a Healthy Kick: 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 fiber-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 Filling for Your Dog

Think about the following before stuffing your dog's kong:

Calorie Count - ensure the treats you're using fit into your dog's daily caloric intake.

Taste Preferences - choose flavors and textures you know your dog loves.

Introducing a Kong - for first-timers, opt for their favorite treat to build a positive association with the Kong.

By tailoring the stuffing process to your dog's dietary needs and preferences, and by using these pro techniques, you can significantly enhance your pet's Kong experience. So go ahead, get creative, and watch your dog enjoy hours of fun and stimulation!

Why Are Stuffed Toys Great For Dogs?

Keeping your dog busy isn't just about giving you a moment of peace - although that's certainly a benefit. It's crucial for your dog's overall well-being, both mentally and physically.

Dogs are intelligent, energetic creatures that require regular stimulation and exercise to stay healthy.

A bored dog is not just an unhappy dog; boredom can lead to a range of behavioural issues like destructive chewing, incessant barking, or even digging holes in your backyard.

Treat dispensing dog toys serve multiple purposes in promoting your dog's well-being. This includes:

Mental Stimulation

Figuring out how to get the treats out is a puzzle for your dog, which keeps their brain active and engaged. It makes them work for their food, rather than getting it all at once.

Physical Exercise

The act of chewing and manipulating the toy provides much-needed physical stimulation.

Anxiety Relief

These toys can be particularly helpful in alleviating separation anxiety or stress during potentially scary activities like thunderstorms or fireworks. Because they have to concentrate on getting the food out, it is a great distraction tool.

Dietary Benefits

For dogs that eat too quickly, a stuffed toy can slow down their eating, reducing the risk of bloat or digestive issues. It can also help overweight dogs lose weight as it takes time for them to access the food, making them feel full and satisfied once they have finished (as long as you keep within their caloric requirement!)

Why Kong Toys Stand Out

While the market is saturated with various kinds of dog toys - from squeaky toys to ropes and even interactive puzzle games - Kong toys have gained a unique reputation for a good reason. These toys are:

Durable and designed to withstand even the most enthusiastic chewers

Versatile, suitable for all kinds of activities, be it fetch, chew, or treat dispensing.

Safe and made with dog-friendly materials that are designed to be as safe to chew as they are fun.

Customisable with hollow designs that allow for countless stuffing options, catering to your dog's dietary needs and taste preferences.

Therefore, a stuffed Kong toy not only brings entertainment but also adds value to your dog's life, offering a multifaceted approach to keeping your dog happy and healthy.

IMPORTANT:

Always supervise your dog with their stuffed KONG before leaving them alone. This ensures you know if your dog will only eat the food inside or continue to chew the toy after all the food has been eaten, which is potentially dangerous.