These recipes are not “species appropriate” but sometimes you need a little help to keep your pet busy and occupied. Although these are not healthy suggestions, they are tasty and will be appreciated by your junk food connoisseur.
Stuffing a Kong or a similar toy is not rocket science. Although there’s no wrong way to do it, there’s a technique that will make the enrichment experience last longer for your dog. Be sure to wash your Kong on a regular basis. They are dishwasher safe!
1.) Spread a little peanut butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, plain, probiotic yogurt, canned dog food, canned pumpkin (real pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling), mashed sweet potato, or another of your dog’s favorite and healthy spreadable treats along the inside of the toy.
2.) Drop a “high value” treat, preferably something stinky, like a liver treat or a chunk of cheddar cheese, into the toy’s larger opening. If your dog likes fruit or veggies, use a piece of banana, cooked carrot or a piece of broccoli. Ideally, this item will seal the hole at the top of the toy.
3.) Drop in some of your dog’s favorite kibble that has been mixed with canned dog food or healthy people food, like chicken or beef.
4.) If the toy is large enough, wedge your dog’s favorite treats inside to make the goodies even more difficult to remove.
5.) Finally, seal the larger hole with something that will stop the contents of the toy from falling out too easily, such as soft, freeze dried food, (Honest Kitchen or Sojos) a few pieces of jerky, a flexible dental bone, or some semi moist dog food (no sugar added! )
6.) If your dog becomes a stuffed toy expert, able to remove the contents quickly, make the task more difficult, (and more fun!) by freezing the toy overnight. If you have multiple toys, keep them frozen to offer as needed.
Other Kong Stuffing Recipes
Iced Gravy Kong
Plug the end of the Kong with a treat Turn it upside down in a cup. Fill it full of gravy and freeze. Try cat food as well.
Spanish Kong
1 egg, grated cheese and any vegetable your dog likes. Scramble the egg and fold in the vegetables. Squash into the Kong. Sprinkle some cheese over the top and microwave for about 20 seconds to seal the ingredients. Cool before serving!
Kong Au Gratin
Mix cheese pieces or cheese spread with your dog’s usual dried dog food and press into the Kong. Microwave until the cheese starts to melt and bind the food together. Let it cool to a safe temperature. Use a cup to maintain the Kong when in the microwave.
Dogster
Taking The Lead
