Kong Toys

KONG Recipes & Stuffing Techniques

Kong toys are uniquely shaped, extraordinarily durable rubber toys with a hollow center which can be filled with food or treats.  Un-stuffing Kongs can become a very important and popular activity for your puppy or dog because it can keep him or her content and busy for long periods of time while they crunch up and lick out the food nuggets and treats stuffed inside.  Using the KONG in this fashion helps direct your dog's natural desire to chew toward something that is acceptable to your dog and desirable to you.  We much prefer that your dog chews on the KONG than the leg of your kitchen table or your favorite pair of shoes!

Suggestions for KONG stuffing include:

• Multiple and varied size pieces of freeze dried liver.  As your dog chews and rolls the KONG around, pieces of liver will fall out giving your dog the reward and incentive to continue chewing.
  

• Wedge an appropriate sized dog biscuit inside the rim of the KONG.  You may smear a little bit of peanut butter, honey or cream cheese on the biscuit or inside the rim of the KONG for added flavor and aroma.  
  

• Smear peanut butter only inside the cavity of the KONG.  Most dogs love it and will be content to lick out the contents.  
  

• Frozen KONGsicle-roll pieces of your dog's dry kibble in peanut butter and pack inside KONG.  Place in the freezer overnight.  (Cheerios may be substituted for your dog's kibble.
  

• Make up your own stuffing recipe with a favorite treat for your dog
  

Remember to use any stuffing ingredient in moderation.  Items such as peanut butter can be fattening.  Also, some foods may not "agree" with your dog's stomach so be aware of potential stomach upsets.  This is not usually a problem with the previously mentioned stuffing suggestions.  Also, remember that it may be necessary to reduce the portion size of your dog's regular meal if you are using lots of food inside KONGs to keep your dog occupied and happy.

Some recipes may become messy as your dogs licks and chews out the contents of the stuffed KONG so be aware of leaving your dog in an area such as a crate, outside in the yard or on an easily cleaned floor while he or she enjoys the KONG.  You may periodically need to place the KONG in your dishwasher to clean and sanitize the inside cavity.

**** Please make sure to use the appropriate sized KONG toy that is recommended for your pet's weight.  The company makes guidelines to avoid injury.  If a smaller sized KONG toy is offered to your dog, instead of the appropriate recommended size, then problems can arise due to ingestion of the toy or it can become a choking hazard. If either one of these situations arises, then please contact our office if it is during normal business hours, or the local emergency clinic (PETS at 717-295- 7387).   

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