The Freckled Paw

The Science of the KONG

I have to say the greatest invention in keeping dogs (or cats) occupied has been the KONG. If you don’t know what a KONG is, head to your local pet supply store and get one! It will change your life!

There are 4 KONGS in my house. Pixie gets one when she goes back in her crate after lunch each day. (except the day she goes to daycare, which is why I only need 4) Since she gets them everyday, I like to change the stuff that is inside the KONG to keep her intrigued and occupied with the toy. Got to keep that crate a fun place to be!

If this is your first try at a KONG with your dog, make sure to make it easy for your furry friend. Fill with a few more “dessert” items or make sure the “stuff” comes out easily once your pup finishes the “cap.”

Here is my basic KONG logic when I am stuffing:

Dessert: the really smelly yummy piece goes on the top so pup has to work through the rest of the KONG to get it.

Stuff: This is usually a mixture of “cement” (see below} and Kibble

Cap: something that keeps the “Stuff” inside the KONG while it rolls around my freezer

Bonus: Usually something that sticks out of the KONG as an easy              reward

What my friends and I put in our KONGS:

Dessert:

Lunch meat

Super smelly jerky treats or training treats

Leftovers, meat and veggies are all okay

Cheese cubes

Cement:

Yogurt

Canned pumpkin or sweet potato (not pie filling!)

Banana

Leftover Mac and cheese (mix with some water to go easy on the cheese)

Mashed potatoes

Chicken or Beef broth (dilute to go easy on the salt) freeze for better results

Cap:

Mushy canned food (gravy based doesn’t hold as well)

Refried beans

Cream Cheese

Peanut Butter (everyones favorite)

Bonus:

Milkbone (or something similar)

Rawhide stick (only if your dog is not a hoover with the rawhides! Don’t want pup to choke while you are gone!)

Pizza crust

Apple slice

Pupperoni (or something similarly shaped)

Uh oh I need a KONG and forgot to make them: Peanut Butter around holes on top and bottom, put a smelly treat on the bottom, and fill with kibble. Cap with Peanut Butter

Use this as a guide and use your imagination to keep your pup occupied while you are gone. If you have any other suggestions or ideas to add to the list let me know! 

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