What to Put In the Kong For Your Puppy
Kongs are durable rubber toys that they are hollow on the inside, which allows you to fill them with various treats or soft foods.
Not only are they fun for your dog but you can also use them for training. For example, you can use the toy as a high-value reward to reinforce desired behaviors.
You just have to fill the toy with something that your pup will like.
If you need some ideas, keep reading. We’ll be sharing some of our top recommendations below.
What to Put In the Kong For Your Puppy – Our Top 9 Recommendations
1. Peanut Butter
Most dogs will go crazy for peanut butter, which makes it a great choice for the Kong. Just scoop some peanut butter onto a knife and run it along the inside of the toy.
While you can give it to your pup as is, we highly recommend freezing the Kong with the peanut butter inside. That’ll not only make it more challenging for your pup but will also make it last longer.
Just make sure to use the right type of peanut butter. You want to go for an unsweetened version as sugar can contribute weight gain, inflammation and other health issues.
Avoid using ‘low sugar’ or ‘sugar-free’ peanut butters as they often contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
2. Kibble Mixed With Wet Food
If your dog likes kibble, you can use it as a stuffer for their Kong. Instead of putting the kibble inside the toy, however, mix it with water or wet food first to create a paste.
That will make it much more stimulating for your pup – even more so if you freeze it before giving it to them.
One benefit of using kibble is that you can use it to make mealtimes more engaging. Instead of having them eat from a bowl, your dog will have to work to get the kibble from the Kong, which will keep them mentally stimulated.
It’ll also slow down their eating, which will help with their digestion.
3. Pumpkin or Sweet Potatoes
The consistency of mashed sweet potatoes or canned pumpkin (unsweetened) makes them excellent for Kongs.
If you want, you can also add some kibble for variety. There’s also the option of putting it into the freezer.
Not only is pumpkin and sweet potato rich in fiber, which will help with digestion and stool consistency, but they’re also low in calories. This makes them a great option for weight-conscious dogs.
They’re also rich in vitamin A and C, which will help strengthen the immune system.
If you’re using canned pumpkin, just make sure it’s plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. The latter is filled with sugar and spices that can be harmful to dogs.
4. Pureed Fruit
Pureed fruit is another healthy option that’s high in nutrients and low in calories. However, it does require more prep time as you’ll need to blend the fruit first.
We recommend using dog-safe fruits such as apples (without seeds), bananas, pears, mangos, or watermelon.
Start by removing any seeds then cut the fruit into small pieces and put them in a blender. Once you’ve got the puree, carefully scoop it into the Kong.
The next step is to put the toy in the freezer; that will harden the pureed fruit, making it less likely to spill out.
5. Applesauce
Applesauce isn’t just for kids, you can also give it to your pup as a Kong stuffer.
Since it’s made from apples, it’s naturally low-calorie and high in water, which makes it an excellent option health-wise.
Like the fruit, it’s also rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and fiber.
Just make sure to use unsweetened applesauce as sugar can be harmful to dogs. Similarly, you want to avoid those with artificial sweeteners (e.g. xylitol).
To make the Kong last longer, place it in the freezer after pouring the applesauce in. If you want, you can also combine it with other ingredients such as peanut butter or kibble.
6. Cheese and Kibble
For those who want to give their pup a special treat, try stuffing the Kong with cheese and kibble.
Before you put them in the toy, however, microwave them slightly; that will melt the cheese, making the mixture less likely to fall apart.
Once it has cooled down, you can stuff the cheese and kibble mixture into the Kong as is or you can make it more engaging for your pup by freezing it.
While most types of cheese are safe for dogs, it’s best to use one that’s low in fat and free from harmful additives.
One good option is low-fat mozzarella. Compared to other types of cheese, it’s also low in lactose so the risk of stomach upset is lower.
7. Unsweetened Yogurt
Unsweetened yogurt is not only affordable but it also contains probiotics that will support your dog’s digestive health.
It’s also high in protein and calcium, which will benefit their muscles, teeth, and bones.
If your dog likes fruits, you can also customize it with ‘toppings’ such as blueberries or bananas. It’ll add variety and make the Kong more enticing for your pup.
The only thing is that yogurt can be messy so it’s best to freeze it first. That’ll turn the Kong into a frozen yogurt treat, which your dog will definitely appreciate, especially on hot days.
If you have a teething puppy, it’ll also help soothe their gums.
8. Vegetables
For dogs that like crunchy treats, you can try using vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, cucumber, or celery.
Not only are they low-calorie, which will help your dog maintain a healthy weight, but they’re also high in dietary fiber and water content.
For the best results, chop the veggies into small pieces before stuffing them inside the Kong.
If necessary, you can also add peanut butter or yogurt to make it more enticing.
9. Kong Easy Treat Paste
Kong makes a no-mess treat paste, which can be a good option if convenience is a priority. The product comes in a bottle and has a nozzle top so you can easily control the amount that goes into the toy.
There are multiple flavors (liver, pepperoni, bacon and cheese) to choose from as well so you can pick one that’s best for your pup.
The formula is also highly digestible and free of trans fats. The product doesn’t require refrigeration either, which means you can take it with you on-the-go.
The only downside is the price. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $7-10 per bottle.
