Dogs simply love a KONG toy, and that they can be used as training devices make them a perfect product for your pup. When it comes to fresh treats for your dog, you’ll need to know what you can and shouldn’t include in a KONG toy. The Dog Day Getaway team have put together some of the 10 best KONG stuffing recipes that all our dogs love.
KONG Stuffing Recipes
Some of the best treats are the ones we make at home. When making dog treats at home you have on hand the most freshest ingredients, fruits and veg! Keep in mind that you should consider keeping one end of the KONG toy closed so that the treat doesn’t spill out the other end. As well, before you start putting some foods together, be sure you’ve read our post on what foods dogs should not eat.
Stuffed KONG Recipes
- BANANAS! You just can’t go wrong with a fresh banana! Be sure that the banana has ripened. Simply peel a banana and place in one end of the KONG toy. Done!
- PUMPKIN AND OATMEAL: Use canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) to 1 cup of steel rolled oats (large flake). Mix and let sit for about 20 minutes. You can also refrigerate.
- CANNED DOG FOOD and DRY DOG FOOD: 1 canof your dog’s favorite canned dog food variety to 2 cups of dry dog kibble. You’ll have plenty of leftover (dpeending on the size of your dog, this can be refrigerated.
- CHICKEN, MIXED VEG and MASHED POTATOES: Let’s face it, on chicken dinner nights, this menu is the norm and there’s usually enough leftover to make a simple treat for your pooch the next day. Simply chop up the chicken into small manageable bites. Add to the mashed potatoes and add in the mixed veg. Simple and wholesome.
- FRUIT CHUNKS: Apples are about the best, as is Watermelon and orange slices. Be sure to de-seed and de-skin any fruit you place in the KONG.
- WHOLE VEGETABLES: Most dogs love cucumbers (be sure to peel a cucumber first), zuccini, sweet (red, yellow, orange and green) peppers (no seeds). You can also add in some diced carrots.
- CHEESE and PEANUT BUTTER: Fair warning on this one, some dog tummies don’t take too kindly to dairy – again- you know your dog best. For this treat simply mix half a cup of cheese chunks with 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth). Place the mixture into the KONG and let your dog have at it.
- PEANUT BUTTER AND BREAD: This is super simple – slather a piece of fresh bread with peanut butter and stuff into the KONG. We urge you to use unsweetened peanut butter and real bread and not bread loaded with added sugar. Ask your supermarket courtesy staff, they’ll know which brand is best for you and your dog. As well, some pet stores carry a brand of peanut butter that has no added sugar. Or… you can make your own peanut butter using a Vitamix blender, food processor or masticating juicer with peanut butter attachment.
- FROZEN CHICKEN or BEEF BROTH: You simply dab some peanut butter or cream cheese in the bottom hole (large base) and stand upright in a cup or bowl. Fill with (low sodium) broth (beef or chicken) and fill to the top of the KONG. Place in freezer. This is a messy treat once being played with, so be sure this is an outside treat, or invest in a great floor cleaner 🙂
- KIBBLE and CREAM CHEESE: This is paws down one of the best treats our dogs simply love. 4 ounces of cream cheese to 1 cup of dry kibble. Place within the KONG – I mean – really cram it in there. Place in the fridge for about an hour to firm up.
What you need to know about KONG toys and Recipes:
While this is a fantastic treat, only you know what’s best for your dog and what they can and cannot eat. So with that in mind, let’s go over the rules of KONG stuffing recipes and use of the KONG toy.
- DO not use foods high in sugar or salt and stay away from any food that contains xylitol
- Always clean the toy after play or training is complete
- Never mix fruits with vegetables. Both are processed differently by the body and the outcome can be quite bad
- Never use the KONG toy as a tug toy
- Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the toy. Hot water and a brush works perfectly fine.
