When you’re looking for good ways to keep your dog busy or distracted, tasty Kong recipes are a great go-to to keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained. They can provide hours of entertainment for your new pup or your adult dog.
To keep your pup entertained, you’ll want to find a variety of kong recipes. Keep in mind, some recipes are healthier than others, so be aware of your pup’s weight needs.
Additionally, because of their durability, Kongs are a perfect option for even some of the most destructive dogs.
They’ll love the reward inside the toy, and you’ll love the quiet time as your pup lays there occupied for a longer period of time.
*Quick Disclaimer On Calorie Intake for Dogs*
Whenever you give your pup extra treats, kong, snacks, etc. you need to calculate that into your pup’s daily caloric intake. If you’re giving your pup a kong with 500 calories worth of treats in it, you probably need to feed them less of their normal mealtime food. So, be conscious of the number of calories you put into your kong recipes.
You can check out how much you should be feeding your pup daily here.
Additionally, what you put in your kong is just a snack. It should never be a replacement for a balanced and healthy diet for your pup.
Some of Our Favorite Things to Put in a Kong
- Peanut Butter
We are always conscious of what we put into our bodies and what we give to our dogs, so it’s important that we look at ingredients that are good for them.
Go with natural, xylitol-free peanut butter.
Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol that is often used as a sugar substitute in things like gum, candies and peanut butter. While non-toxic for human consumption, it is extremely toxic for dogs and can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, and liver failure.
Our favorite peanut butter is simply one ingredient: peanuts! Freezing the peanut butter in the kong is an even better way to make this treat last longer.
- Yogurt
When it comes to yogurt, plain Greek yogurt will be the best option. Be careful if your dog is lactose intolerant, as dairy can cause some issues for some dogs. Again, we love to freeze the yogurt or to mix it with other ingredients (like what you’ll see below).
- Canned Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great option for pups who have been experiencing constipation or diarrhea. But make sure that you don’t over-do it. Too much pumpkin can also cause problems. Depending on the size of your dog, one to two tablespoons is a great starting point.
When looking for pumpkin, make sure that it is organic pumpkin without any other added ingredients.
- Vegetables
We like to wedge larger chunks of veggies in the Kong to make it a little more difficult for your pup to get out. Just make sure that you are choosing vegetables that are good for your dog. Here is a list of veggies your dog can and can’t eat.
- Fruits
Some of our favorite fruits to put in a Kong include:
- Bananas
- Apples
- Mango
- Cantaloupe
Other fruits like peaches, pineapple, watermelon, nectarines, and strawberries are also good for your dog but are messier. Because of that, we prefer to freeze those first or keep your dog contained to the kitchen when eating their messy treat.
- Applesauce
Natural, sugar-free applesauce is the best. As a rule of thumb for most foods, think if it’s something that you would want to give to your children or eat yourself. Organic, natural, sugar-free and no extra fillers or additives is best.
And again, be sure to avoid any applesauce with xylitol.
- Dehydrated Dog Food
If you are wanting your dog’s lunch or dinner time to last longer, try putting it in the Kong.
To add it to a Kong, you will need to add water, then freeze it to create a solid consistency.
- Mashed Potatoes
Maybe this is getting weird, but you could create the perfect Thanksgiving feast for your dog in their Kong. Have leftovers? Give your pup some.
We prefer sweet potatoes over potatoes for the added health benefits. Also, be sure not to serve mashed potatoes with extra ingredients like sugar or butter.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be found in different dog foods and is a good addition to your dog’s diet. It is packed with vitamins and minerals and a good source of fiber as well.
Cook up the oatmeal beforehand, and don’t add any sugar or other ingredients.
- Rice
Mix some white rice, plain cooked chicken and sweet potato, then freeze for your pup if they have an upset stomach. This has always helped my dog when he gets sick.
- Cooked Ground Meat
Our favorites are chicken, salmon, and beef. When cooking the meat, don’t add any spices. Regular, unseasoned meat is best.
- Chicken is great when your pup has an upset stomach and for the added protein.
- Salmon is great for the omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help the health of your dog’s coat.
- Beef is another high-quality protein source that also contains essential amino acids. Be sure to look for lean cuts of meat.
- Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium, so it is a good addition to your dog’s diet. Like mentioned before, avoid giving too much dairy to your pup, especially if they have issues digesting dairy.
- Dog Treats
Fill your Kong with a few of your dog’s favorite dog treats. Remember, that treats should make up 10% of their daily food intake, so making sure you choose treats that are low in calories and fat is important.
Pupford’s Sweet Potato and Beef Liver training treats are simple ingredient, low calorie treats perfect for training or adding to your dog’s Kong ;).
- Bread
When dogs are sick, giving them plain, white bread is a good option to help calm their stomachs.
While we don’t recommend feeding your pup too much bread as it doesn’t actually provide any nutritional value, but small amounts are okay.
- Other Nut Butters
Like peanut butter, avoid other kinds of nut butter with xylitol.
We like cashew butter. Almond butter also isn’t toxic to dogs but should be given in moderation, like other nut butters due to the high-fat content.
Nut butters to avoid include macadamia nuts, pecans, and pistachios.
- Eggs
Fully cooked eggs are a great source of protein for your pup, again eggs are high in fat, so give them sparingly. And make sure they are cooked through all the way.
To get the egg to stay in the Kong, we like to put a sticky food over the top (like peanut butter) then freeze it. This is
- Carrots
I know I already mentioned vegetables on the list. But carrots are one of the best human foods that your dog can eat. They are rich in beta-carotene for your dog’s skin, coat, and eyesight, and contain fiber and antioxidants.
- Honey
This sticky treat will definitely take some work for your pup to get out of the Kong. Honey is loaded with vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants making it a good option for your pup.
Just don’t give your pup too much because of the sugar content. Additionally, be sure to avoid honey that is overly processed or treated with other ingredients. Simple, organic honey is your best bet 🙂
- Squash
Like pumpkin, squash can be added to your dog’s diet to boost up their stool and is a good source of beta-carotene. Remove the seeds and skin and don’t give it to them raw.
- Quinoa
Quinoa is a healthy alternative for many starches. Make up some extra quinoa? Add it to your pup’s Kong recipe with some other ingredients on the list and watch them go to town.
- Broth
Beef and chicken broth are good choices here, and bone broth is even better.
To get it to stay, I like to start with nut butter to close up the base, add some broth then freeze.
Make Your Own Kong Recipes
Layer different foods in the Kong for your pup as you want. Always be conscious of the number of calories you are adding to the Kong, so if something is higher in calories, add a smaller amount.
When it comes to stuffing a Kong, start with the ingredient that can be frozen.
Frozen Kong Recipes
- Nut butters
- Dehydrated dog food
- Broth
- Yogurt
- Cottage Cheese
- Fruit
- Oatmeal
- Mashed Potatoes
- Applesauce
Add-In Additional Ingredients
- Dog treats
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Rice
- Bread
- Eggs
- Quinoa
- Ground Meat
Then seal it all back up with some honey and peanut butter, a larger treat or veggie and give it to your pup for endless entertainment and a happy belly.
Try out your own kong recipes and let us know how they turned out.
Our Secret-Weapon-Item to Put in a Kong
If you really wanna keep your pup engaged, try adding a healthy dog chew to your pup’s Kong! Double the work, double the engagement, too!
Check out our full line of Dog Chews here.
Feel free to click the image below (or here) to print out all these ideas to put on your fridge!
My pup is a big peanut butter and honey fan! He’s a stickler though and won’t use his paws on these sticky treats so we only give it to him in his crate. On hot days, we freeze some kibble that’s been soaked in water and stuff them inside the kong. He LOVES this icy treat – keeps him cool and preoccupied.
I usually do a layered approach, but I have used dehydrated dog food and veggies before. I should probably try it again! I usually do kibble, treats, wet or dehydrated food, a dental treat or carrot sticking out to make it look like a popsicle. Done.
Peanut butter all the way! By far my puppy’s favorite.
Most pups can’t get enough of it!
My puppy loves oatmeal, dog food and peanut butter in his KONG!!
Sounds like you’re giving your pup some awesome kongs!
My 6 month old American straffordshire terrier will literally eat ANYTHING!! And I love that about her because it means I can be creative with her meals! She also happens to really love her Kong and her favorite kong recipe consists of: diced apples, diced bananas, diced broccoli, a small portion of minced kale and peanut butter! Yum!
My puppy is a big fan of food. I prefer to use small chunks of raw meat mixed with yogurt and veggies personally. However never peas. Usually chunks of broccoli, spinach, kale, or canned pumpkin (fruit btw).
I do a layered Kong. First peanut butter at the top to hold it all in. Second I put in apples. In the middle I put in applesauce and at the bottom some bannas. Then I spread peanut butter on the bottom of the kong. I also like to stick a cookie in the kong hole. I put it in the freezer and my puppy loves it, this has to be his favorite recipe! He’s gets so excited when he see’s his kong.
What an awesome recipe, I’ll have to try that one out for my pups!! Yum 🙂
I mixed peanut butter, apple chunks and yogurt to put in the kong and then froze it. It was easier to clean up also rather than having them separate.
Unfortunately my pup doesn’t like peanut butter, so we are always looking for new things to try!
I think my pup Jarvis would like the dehydrated food mixed with eggs – he is an outlier and doesn’t like peanut butter! I was so surprised, ha!
I use those sandwich cookies from pet stores that you buy in bulk and break them into 1/4ths
We use a mix of some of these! We like the peanut butter and treats/food. It takes our pup a good 30 minutes to work through it.
That’s awesome, thanks for the comment too 🙂
Will definately be picking up some frozen fruits to put in my puppy’s kong!
It makes for a fun, healthy snack for sure!
Veggies and chicken!
I never thought that I could give my dogs oatmeal! I am going to try that for sure!
Great idea would be organic canned pumpkin with goats milk. Lovely frozen treat.
My boys like a hard treat with some peanut butter. It keeps them busy and they love working to get the hard treat out.