Have you recently purchased a Kong Classic toy and don't know where to start with fillers and enrichment? Or maybe you're looking for new and interesting filling combinations to entice and excite your dog! 

Here are P.A.W.S. University’s top five Kong filler recipes!!

The Classic: Peanut Butter

A tried and true classic, peanut butter is the number one go-to when it comes to stuffing a Kong. Its stickiness and likability for dogs make it the perfect Kong stuffer! Place spoonfuls of DOG SAFE (NO XYLITOL) peanut butter in your dog’s Kong, place it in the freezer overnight, and let your dog enjoy it!! Aim for all-natural peanut butter (from Whole Foods and other wholesome markets) and ALWAYS check the label for any additives or chemicals (especially xylitol as that can poison your dog!!) 

For more information on dog-safe peanut butter click here.

Crunchy and Creamy: Apples and Yogurt

A texture medley a dog can't resist! Cut up an apple into appropriate-sized pieces for your dog. Then take some plain Greek yogurt (no sugar added) and incorporate the apple pieces into the yogurt. Stuff the Kong with the mixture, pop it in the freezer overnight, and give it to your dog! This killer filler provides many healthy vitamins (such as vitamins A and C) as well as various probiotics!

Simple and Familiar: Dog food

If your dog has a sensitive stomach or only enjoys their dog food, you should try stuffing your dog's Kong with their dry/wet food! With wet food, you spoon it in the Kong and freeze it, but with dry food, you have two options. You can mix the food with a wet substance (such as peanut butter) and place it in the Kong, or you can melt the food down with hot water and smear it in the Kong! Either way, this filler recipe is always a safe option if you're unsure about your dog’s stomach and their potential reaction to new foods and treats being added to their diet!

Easy and Effortless: Kong Filler Can

If you're on the go, don't have time to mix ingredients, or want to switch things up, the Kong Stuff'N Easy Treat is the perfect fit! These prefilled “whipped cream” designed cans come in various flavors (Peanut Butter, Liver, Bacon and cheese, Pepperoni, “Puppy” (subtle Chicken Liver)) and make it easy to stuff your dog’s Kong and go!

You can find the Kong Stuff'N Easy Treats here.

Combination!

You can mix and match any of these recipes to put in your dog’s Kong! The more ingredients, the more textures and tastes your dog will experience, leading to better enrichment and a happier dog!! 

More tips!

• Remember to always clean your dog’s Kong after every use. 

• (If time permits) Always freeze your dog's Kong! It makes enrichment last so much longer!

• If your Kong is too small or the filler is too hard to fill with a spoon, you can always use a piping bag (or a Ziploc with a cut tip) to fill the Kong easier and less messy!

• It is recommended to have at least three Kongs, One in the freezer, one being washed, and one being used!

• For more information on Kongs visit https://www.kongcompany.com/catalogue/KK/