Kong toys are great for everyday use, especially if your pup is bored, has chewing problems, or just needs something to do. Looking for something to do with your leftovers? Bet you know one furry friend who’d love to help you get rid of them. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to stuffing! It just depends what works the best for your dog. I’ve found that a mix of different textures/tastes helps keep my dogs interested and occupied so that they don’t get bored and leave the KONG half full. If your dog is younger than 12 weeks, you should use the kibble that your puppy has already been eatingto fill up its teething toy rather than choosing something different. The reason for this is that puppies’ digestive systems are not fully developed until they reach about four months of age, so it’s important to take extra care when feeding them.

Over the next few weeks, you can start to make it even more difficult by jamming in lots of treats and a larger piece of carrot. Once you are happy that your dog will work at a Kong quite happily. Then you can think about making it even harder. We tend to use wet food, mixed with a bit of kibble. It’s good for stuffing into the Kong and you know the ingredients are of a good quality.Yum, meat! Dogs adore this treat, which isn’t a surprise. Just plug the Kong’s opening with a dab of peanut butter or cream cheese to make sure everything stays inside. 6. Cubes of Cheese IMPORTANT: While it’s perfectly fine to give your dog a Kong toy that just came out of the freezer, it’s NOT okay to give your dog any food item that just came out of the microwave! Make sure any heated items have completely cooled to room temperature before serving to your dog. Kong toys come in all sizes! You don’t need to get a big one if you’re just giving them the occasional treat as an obedience reward or for fun. However, if your dog has separation anxiety and needs something to keep it occupied while you’re at work, opt for a larger size to give them more of an option. Some might say that stuffing a KONG is an art form. Sure, you can jam some peanut butter in there and call it a day, but there are ways to elevate your KONG game. Here are tips from Taylor on how to stuff a KONG: Tip 1: Start off loose

When first stuffing the Kong, putting small dry treats or kibble in the Kong will make it easier for your dog to get it out of the toy and learn how it works. You only need to fill the Kong 1/4th or 1/3rd of the way to start. Daily use of Kong toys can be beneficial for dogs who are anxious about being alone, bored with their regular routine, and/or need an outlet for excess energy. PUPPY TRAIL: Fill the Kong with some cashews (unsalted) and freeze-dried liver bits. Add some dry dog food and/or dog crushed dog biscuits and some Cheerios. Drop in a spoonful of peanut butter, followed by some dried fruit. Finally, top it off by using a piece of ravioli or tortellini to close the large opening. I advise putting all regular ingredients in first and then including wet ingredients last – OR – layering everything dry/wet/dry/wet. If your dog has trouble eating slowly, we recommend using something other than its regular kibble, or just mixing in some wet food with the dry so it slows them down a bit. To begin feeding your dog with a Kong, divide their daily food intake into three portions and feed them three times a day.Kongs are also helpful for weight management. If your dog needs to lose weight, giving them a Kong can be an easy way to make sure they are getting the exercise and calories that their body requires while portioning their servings. A Stuffed Kong is a fantastic, long lasting treat that you can use as a tool to help manage your dog’s arousal levels. Remember chewing and sniffing really help your dog manage their arousal levels. I started both dogs off with just loose kibble or training treats. Once they got used to this, I added a tiny blip of peanut butter, and gradually worked my way up to stuffing the entire thing. Tip 2: Layers matter These Kong stuffing recipes feature unique combinations of your dog’s own food and regular dog treats: Some people do simple purees and freeze, others do loose treats only – and either of these methods work just fine.

For the ultimate challenge, store a stuffed KONG in the freezer for a few hours. Ideal for helping your dog keep cool on hot days, frozen KONGs last longer for tons of yummy, enriching play. Recipes A dog that is 5 pounds or less will do well with an extra small Kong. If your dog is 20 pounds or less, a small Kong will work great. Medium Kongs are perfect for dogs that weigh between 12 and 35 pounds and large Kongs are ideal for dogs that weigh between 30 and 65 pounds. When Should You Give Your Dog a Kong? It’s like a nice little preview of what’s to come that immediately catches their attention. Tip 4: Get multiple KONGsIf you feel your dog could benefit from a kong late in the evening to help them relax, try placing it near their bed so they can rest next to it without making any noise that might wake other family members who may be asleep nearby. They may also need their Kong placed in their crate if they struggle with settling down and going to bed. Try these KONG stuffing recipes and learn many more that have been tested and approved by the KONG dogs!