Why use a Kong?
Dogs are genetically programmed to hunt for their food. One reason there is such a prevalence of behavior problems in pet dogs is that they have so little mental challenge; they need to have work to do! So, instead of giving them their food for free, do what zoos are doing to improve the quality of life of many of their predator and primate species – give your dog problems to solve in order to obtain food. Dogs thoroughly enjoy unpacking stuffed chew toys and finding hidden food treasures!
Stuffing Techniques
Why limit your Kong stuffing efforts to just a few dog cookies? This is just scratching the surface of the creative food acquisition challenges you can cook up for your dog. Here are some ways to jazz up your Kong stuffing repertoire:
- The level of difficulty should be appropriate to the dog’s level of skill and temperament – does she persevere or give up easily? Start easy. Any increases in difficulty should be gradual so the dog succeeds while developing perseverance.
- Keep in mind that easy stuffings are loose and incorporate small pieces that fall out easily; more difficult stuffings are tighter, with some big pieces that will be more difficult to extract.
- Give her all of her food this way, especially if she is an active dog who will work hard for her food.
- Clean your Kongs regularly with a bottle brush and/or in the dishwasher.
Other Interactive Puzzle Toys:
The Busy Buddy Twist ‘n’ Treat (like purple UFOs) are great for serving up schmears as well as chunkier snacks.
Omega Paw Tricky Treat Balls (like red moonrocks) and Buster Cubes are great for dispensing kibble.
The Triple Crown Everlasting Treat Ball and the Canine Genius Leo offer a great variation on a theme.
Recipe Ideas:
Basic Meal Kongs:
Layer 1 (deepest): dog kibble filling 3/4 of the Kong
Layer 2: dog kibble and canned dog food mixed and stuffed in to cover the main hole.
Hint! Wedge her very favorite yummy tidbit in the little hole at the small end. If your dog can’t get it out herself, she’ll think you’re the greatest when you dig it out for her as a final special treat!
Alternative Meal Kongs:
For pooches with loose poops, substitute boiled chicken and rice or mix it in with kibble and canned food for the 2nd layer stuffing. Sticky rice is great for firming things up. Anything you feed her in a bowl can be adapted to a Kong!
Quick ‘n Easy Snack Kongs:
Schmear cream cheese, liverwurst, or peanut butter on the wall inside the big hole and freeze it for an hour or two. Voila!
Or use the gooier foods (like those listed above, as well as canned food or baby food) to hold smaller nuggets in and give the dog side-polishing challenges.
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