February 25, 2025 –
Written by Isaac Cline, Animal Behavior Coordinator at NOCO Humane
Kong toys are an invaluable tool that we frequently use at our shelter to support dogs in numerous beneficial ways. Crafted from durable, nearly indestructible rubber, Kongs provide a safe and satisfying outlet for dogs’ natural chewing instincts, helping to alleviate boredom, reduce separation anxiety, assist with puppy teething, and manage weight.
One of the greatest advantages of Kong toys is their versatility. When stuffed with tasty ingredients and frozen, they transform into a stimulating puzzle that keeps dogs mentally engaged and entertained. The act of licking the stuffed Kong activates the reward center in a dog’s brain, which not only helps prevent mental decline during shelter stays but also encourages positive behaviors and emotional well-being.
Kongs are particularly effective in addressing separation anxiety, which typically peaks within the first 20 minutes after a dog is left alone. Offering your dog a treat-stuffed Kong creates a positive association with alone-time, turning a potentially stressful period into an enjoyable experience. The challenge provided by a well-stuffed Kong typically occupies dogs through this critical time frame, and freezing the Kong extends the activity, further reducing anxiety.
For puppies experiencing teething discomfort, specially designed puppy Kongs made from softer rubber provide soothing relief while keeping them happily occupied. Additionally, Kong toys support dental health by helping to clean teeth and maintain strong jaws through regular chewing. Kong toys also assist in managing weight by slowing down rapid eaters. Filling a Kong with food creates a slower, more mindful eating process, helping dogs feel fuller longer. Furthermore, the unique, unpredictable bounce of a Kong toy makes it perfect for dogs who love a challenging game of fetch.
Whether at the shelter or at home, Kong toys enhance dogs’ physical, emotional, and mental health, making them an essential addition to any dog care routine.
Tasty Kong Creations:
From frozen delights to savory surprises, we’ve rounded up some of the best Kong-stuffing recipes to satisfy every pup’s taste buds. Whether your dog loves cheesy goodness, fruity flavors, or protein-packed snacks, these creative combos will have tails wagging. Get ready to stuff, freeze, and watch your furry friend enjoy every last bite!
Important:
- The following Kong stuffing recipes are made with one or more human food ingredients – be sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure it is safe for your pet to eat any of foods listed below.
- While it’s perfectly fine to give your dog a Kong toy that just came out of the freezer, it’s NOT okay to give your dog any food item that just came out of the microwave. Make sure any heated items have completely cooled to room temperature before serving to your dog.
- Send us pics of your pup enjoying a tasty Kong creation! media@nocohumane.org.
CHEESY ELVIS: Combine a ripe banana, 3 spoonfuls of peanut butter, and a slice of cheese. Mix until blended well. Fill the Kong and freeze.
MONSTER MASH: Instant mashed potatoes (without the salt) — or leftover mashed potatoes from dinner — mixed with crushed dog biscuits.
DOGGIE OMLET: Combine a scrambled egg, some beef, yogurt, cheese and mashed potatoes all together.
FIBER CRUNCH: Combine bran cereal with some peanut butter.
KONGSICLE JERKY POPS: The equivalent of a popsicle… Seal the small hole of the Kong toy with peanut butter. Fill to the rim with water and a pinch of bouillon (or just use chicken broth instead). Place a stick or two of beef jerky inside. Freeze. (This one gets messy in a hurry, so it’s recommended only for outdoor use.)
GOOEY CHEERIOS: Combine cheerios and peanut butter. Freeze.
FRUIT KITTY NOODLES: Mix together some dried fruit, cooked pasta, banana and dry cat food.
BANANA YOGURT: Plain yogurt and mashed bananas. (You can also add a little peanut butter or other fruits.) Then freeze it.
PEANUT BUTTER GLUE: Fill Kong 1/3rd full of dog food. Pour in melted peanut butter (after it has cooled from microwaving). Add more dog food, followed by more melted peanut butter until the Kong toy is full. Freeze until solid.
ROCK-HARD KIBBLE: Combine some of your dog’s regular food with cream cheese, which acts as a cement, keeping everything inside.
STICKY BREAD: Smear peanut butter on a piece of bread. Fold it over and stuff inside the Kong. Mix together plain yogurt with some fruits or vegetables (carrots, celery) and pour inside. Freeze. The yogurt sticks to the bread holding everything together.
APPLE PIE: Squeeze a small piece of apple into the tiny hole. Fill the Kong with a small amount of plain yogurt. Add a few slices of mashed banana, more apple, yogurt, banana. End with a slice of banana and chunk of peanut butter on the top.
CRUNCH ‘N MUNCH: Combine crumbled rice cakes and dried fruit with some cream cheese and croutons.
PUMPKIN PIECES: Combine some plain yogurt, canned pumpkin, and cooked rice in a small baggie. Mix well inside the bag, then snip off a corner of the bag and squeeze it into the Kong toy. Freeze.
KIBBLE-SICLE: Put a glob of peanut butter into the Kong first. Then add some dry dog food. Pour in some chicken broth. Add some more peanut butter, followed by more dry dog food. End with another glob of peanut butter at the very top. Freeze until solid.
MUTT & CHEESE: Melt a cube of Velveeta cheese in the microwave, until it’s gooey — not runny. Fill the Kong toy with cooked noodles. Pour cheese over noodles.
FROZEN BONZ: Mix up some bananas, unsweetened applesauce, oatmeal, peanut butter, and plain yogurt. Freeze.
CHEEZY DELIGHT: Combine small chunks of cheese (or cheese spread) with some dry dog food and microwave until the cheese melts. Let it cool completely, then pour into the Kong toy. Freeze thoroughly.
CARB DELIGHT: Combine some canned dog food with pasta noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, and some of your dog’s dry dog food. Freeze.
NUT CRUNCH: Take 2-3 dog biscuits and crunch them a bit into very tiny bite-sized pieces. Add a couple spoonfuls of peanut butter. Then add a couple spoonfuls of plain yogurt. Mix in bowl until soft, but not runny. Stuff inside Kong.
FRUITOPIA: Combine applesauce with chunks of fruit. Freeze.
PUPPY TRAIL: Fill the Kong with some cashews (unsalted) and freeze-dried liver bits. Add some dry dog food and/or dog crushed dog biscuits and some Cheerios. Drop in a spoonful of peanut butter, followed by some dried fruit. Finally, top it off by using a piece of ravioli or tortellini to close the large opening.
RED ROVER: Smear the inside of the Kong toy with peanut butter. Put a tiny piece of apple into the small hole, then drop some more apple pieces in next. Drop in a scoop of peanut butter (or cream cheese), then drop in some dog food or broken dog treats. Add another scoop of peanut butter (or cream cheese), then more apples. Plug the large opening with a final scoop of peanut butter (or cream cheese) and freeze.
