Looking for more inspiration for KONG stuffing ideas? Here are 39 ways to fill your dog’s KONG.
A variety of ideas, from single ingredients to easy, non-messy recipes
Benefits of using KONG Dog Toys
Food dispensing enrichment toys like the KONG classic range are ideal for keeping your dog mentally stimulated and engaged. KONG toys, along with other similar toys, will keep your dog occupied and prevent boredom. These toys are great for calming anxious dogs, tiring out high-energy pups, and distracting dogs in overstimulating environments.
39 KONG Stuffing Ideas
1. Peanut Butter - This common spread can be easily smeared in the KONG with a knife for a delicious snack.
- Broth - Plug the bottom of your KONG with some peanut butter, put the KONG in a yoghurt cup to keep it upright, fill it with broth, then freeze for a few hours. Opt for low-sodium broth for a healthier treat.
- Canned Dog Food - A simple base that can be layered with other ingredients or used alone as a great treat.
- Dog Biscuits - Most dog biscuits fall out easily from KONG toys, plus you probably already have them on hand! 5. Dog Treats - Why not stuff the dog treats you already have into your KONG? At least you know your dog will love them.
- Apple - Cut this up before placing it in the KONG, and avoid seeds, stems, or the core.
- Carrots - A simple and cheap option that can be cut up or grated and mixed with other ingredients.
- Cheese - Added occasionally due to its fat content, plain cheeses like cheddar are a safe bet.
- Peas - Frozen peas are easy to mix with other ingredients, adding a bit of green variety to your dog’s diet.
- Frozen Sardines - Though cheap and healthy, they do smell and defrost. Best given outside.
- Bananas - Mush a banana into your KONG or freeze chunks for later.
- Pumpkin - Use plain roasted pumpkin without garlic or onion, mixed well with peas and chicken for an easy treat.
- Plain Chicken - Boiled chicken is a healthy, protein-rich option to keep your dog satisfied.
- Watermelon - A summer snack, fill your KONG with seedless watermelon pieces.
- Cooked Rice - A simple, cheap idea. Keep some from last night's dinner to mix with other ingredients. A great fibre source.
- Grated Zucchini - Grate zucchini and mix with other ingredients, or cut into chunks.
- Plain Yoghurt - Use plain, low-fat yoghurt. Freeze it to create a pup-sicle. Avoid flavoured yoghurt.
- Blueberries - A great source of antioxidants. Be cautious, as they can stain - best to serve outdoors.
Non-Messy KONG Ideas
A messy KONG can mean ingredients all over your floor or melted on surfaces. Give your dog their KONG outside to avoid any accidents, stains, or ants indoors.
- Place a small amount of cheese into the KONG and microwave for a few seconds to melt slightly. Let it cool, then give it to your dog to enjoy. It won’t stain your floors or make a mess.
- Stuff the KONG with your dog’s usual biscuits, adding some honey or parmesan cheese for extra flavour. This solid treat keeps your dog occupied without melting everywhere.
KONG Recipe Ideas
- Healthy Shepherd's Pie - Add cooked chicken, peas, chopped carrots, and mashed potato. Mix or layer for a delightful treat.
- Delicious Dinner - Fill your KONG with cooked ground turkey, grated carrot, and cream cheese for a healthy, filling snack.
- Keep it Green - Mix peas, grated carrot and zucchini, spinach, parsley, and cooked plain rice for a wholesome treat.
- Savoury and Sweet - Combine plain cooked chicken, diced apples, mashed sweet potato, and liver treats. Add a teaspoon of melted coconut oil for healthy fats.
- Low-Calorie Option - Mix chopped cucumber with cottage cheese for a light yet satisfying filling.
- Sweet Treat - Add banana, peanut butter, and chopped apple for a dessert-style KONG treat.
- Breakfast KONG - Use plain, low-fat yoghurt with blueberries and raspberries. These berries could stain, so keep this treat to the garden!
- The Ultimate Healthy Treat - Use half a boiled egg, some salmon, dog biscuits, and chopped cucumber. Your dog will love it, and it's very healthy.
- Veggie Omelette - Fill your KONG with half a boiled egg, shredded cheese, and vegetables (carrot, peas, beans) to mimic an omelette for your dog.
- Cheese Steak - Chop plain steak and place it inside your KONG, spreading cream cheese to hold it in place.
- Just Peachy - Add fresh peach, shredded chicken, plain yoghurt, and blueberries.
- Something Smells Fishy - Mix sardines, cucumber, grated carrot, and parsley. Freeze for a couple of hours before serving.
- High-Protein - For a protein-rich treat, mix scrambled egg, parsley, plain chicken, cottage cheese, and a few dog biscuits.
- Dinner and Dessert - Combine your dog’s favourite canned food and biscuits with peanut butter and chopped apple.
- Fruit Smoothie - Blend strawberries, banana, yoghurt, and blueberries. Pour it into your KONG, plug with a blueberry or peanut butter, and freeze.
- Oat Delight - Mix rolled oats, apple sauce, chopped banana, and peanut butter for a breakfast-themed KONG stuffing.
- Keep it Simple - Fill the KONG with dog biscuits or treats, blocking each end with cream cheese, cottage cheese, or peanut butter.
- Cheating KONG Treat - Use all-natural baby food, ensuring it contains dog-friendly ingredients. Plug the KONG, pour in the puree, and serve or freeze.
- Fancy Feast - Place baby carrot, cooked beef, mashed potato, and liver treats into your KONG for a luxurious, savoury dinner-themed treat.
How to Make Your KONG Last Longer
Freezing your KONG once stuffed is key to keeping your dog engaged for as long as possible. Freezing turns the KONG into a hard, delectable bone that gradually defrosts, unlocking more flavour. This prolonged defrosting keeps your dog occupied, satisfying natural chewing desires, and helps manage anxiety and energy longer.
Don’t Let Your Dogs Share a KONG
Sharing a KONG can lead to food-related aggression. It's best to avoid it. Throwing a single KONG among two or more dogs can create resource guarding, which is harder to train out. Ensure each dog gets their own KONG or separate them during feeding.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Chemicals
You don’t need harsh chemicals to clean your KONG. Hot water with a toothbrush or scrubber works well. Most KONG products are dishwasher safe! Avoiding harsh cleaning products ensures that your dog won’t accidentally ingest any harmful substances.
Take Your KONG Everywhere
Your dog can use their KONG in more places than the garden. If your dog gets anxious or stressed, use it during crate training, in a training class, at dog-friendly cafes, or when you’re on holiday together. The KONG will be a welcome and familiar activity to keep your dog calm and distracted.
Create Your Own KONG Stuffing Ideas
With all of the recipes and ingredients listed above, the amount of KONG stuffing ideas is endless. Get creative with mixing your dog’s favourite snacks together to create a customised recipe just for your dog. If you seek more enrichment toys, check out our extensive range of toys. These toys will keep your dog mentally engaged for hours, and bust that boredom when they’re left alone.
