For those days when you just need a break from the kid-dog chaos, a stuffed Kong is the BOMB. I could fill up a page just telling you why I love a Kong and why they’re my #1 survival tool. But I think you get the idea. I’m going to show you a super fast, easy way to make an awesome Kong that will keep your dog occupied for SO long.
1. Pick your Kong
Kongs come in a variety of sizes for different breeds. I like to go with as large a size as my dog can handle, because the smaller size Kongs have a pretty small hole in the end, and that can make it a little too hard for the dog to get the food out. Plus, you can fit more food in the bigger ones, which keeps your dog occupied even longer. (Yay!) So at least a size medium, even for small breeds and puppies, works great.
2. Stuff it with leftovers
If you search online, you’ll find a ton of cool-sounding recipes to stuff a Kong. But if you’re like me, you’re doing good to use a recipe for your own dinner, much less your dog’s. Hello?! The good news is, you have some really yummy, dog safe food hanging out in your fridge or cabinet. Just grab a few of those items, pack them into the Kong in layers, and presto!
Here’s a list of ideas.
Peanut butter
Canned pumpkin
Canned premium dog food
Cottage cheese
Cream cheese
Plain yogurt
Apple Sauce
Cheese spread
Dog treats
Banana
Blueberries
Carrots
Cheerios
Cheese slices
Green beans
Freeze-dried meat
Sweet potatoes (cooked or uncooked)
Peaches
Strawberries
Baby food
Dog biscuits
Unsalted crackers
Chicken pieces
Turkey pieces
Boiled eggs
Dry dog food
Mac & cheese
Oatmeal
Cooked whole wheat pasta
Potatoes
Cooked whole grain rice
Tuna
Apples
Beef Jerky
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Sliced deli meat – rolled up
Hot Dog
String Cheese
Carrot stick
Celery stick
3. Voila! Give it to your dog
These are PERFECT for crate time, when you have company, for those times when you really, really want a little peace and quiet, and more. Kongs are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a snap.
4. Bonus points: Put it in the freezer
As your dog gets to be a pro at unpacking his Kong, make it more challenging by throwing the Kong into the freezer overnight before giving it to him. You can also make the stuffing more challenging. The rule is that wet food is harder to unpack than dry food, and tightly packed food is easier to get out than loosely packed food. Pick up a second (or third!) Kong so you can always have one stuffed and ready in the freezer for when you really need it.
Once you see all the tight spots a Kong will help you out of, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. Pinky promise.
Find more activities to keep your kids and dog busy in our blog post 7 Seriously Fun Games for Kids & Dogs.