Ready for more for my favorite easy kong filling recipes.
Ok, dog lovers, listen up! If there was only one tool every pet parent could have out of all there is to choose from in the giant selection of dog toys out there in dogdom, I would suggest a kong toy – or four.
Kongs are easy to clean using the top shelf of the dishwasher so you don’t need to constantly be replacing this product. What you need to do instead, is get creative with what you fill them with! The first step is to choose ingredients that freeze well. When you freeze your kongs, they last longer, which will add to the mental stimulation you are able to provide to your dog offering a long lasting enrichment exercise. When one kong is gone, the next one is close behind waiting in the freezer. You can use multiple filled kongs a day when they are filled with healthy goodness. Go for it!
Step 1 – Choose a Base for Your Kong
My go to is plain yogurt or applesauce! Yogurt is high in protein, low in fat, and dogs love the flavor! Just make sure it’s plain with no sugar or artificial sweeteners.
A lot of my clients love to use Peanut Butter. But, I recommend using peanut butter sparingly – It’s very high in calories!
Be sure the peanut butter you use is all natural and does not contain xylitol which is very dangerous for dogs!
You can also use:
Pureed pumpkin – Canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).
Pro tip: Pumpkin is great for settling an upset tummy!
Baby Food – Yep! I use it all the time! Especially the squeezables. It makes Kong filling super quick and easy. The ingredients are low sodium and low sugar.
Step 2 – Add Volume!
Add volume without adding calories! Go to town on these.
Fruits
Apples
Bananas
Blueberries
Blackberries
Cantaloupe
Pineapple
Strawberries
Watermelon (seedless)
Veggies
Asparagus
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumber
Sweet Potato
Green beans
Zucchini
Kale
Spinach
Peas
Squash
Step 3 – Add some extra healthy love on top!
Boost the nutrients with some of these ingredients. Your dog will go crazy!
Use shredded cheese sparingly!
Another great option scrambled or raw eggs. (Mix it in well so it doesn’t leak!)
Protein such as fresh chicken, salmon, steak, etc. This is a great way to make sure your leftovers don’t go to waste!
Canned dog food – make sure it’s healthy without additives!
Other healthy and affordable options include:
Oatmeal
Rice
Honey
Flax seeds
Step 4 – Watch Your Dog go Crazy!
Warning – your recipes might be so delicious that you and your dog will be licking the bowl!
Use your long-lasting, well-designed Kong to develop your relationship with your dog, to teach important skills, prevent problem behaviors from being learned, and to just make life more FUN for the entire family, especially the dog.
I advise all my clients to have a filled Kong on hand at all times, especially for young puppies. Prevention of anxiety, boredom and misbehavior is key. Reach for this filled and frozen fun anytime you know you could use some help. This long lasting enrichment activity sets your dog up for success!
