The KONG dog toy is a great classic. It’s a rubber toy with an unusual bounce that can last during your pup’s long chewing sessions. Dogs love when their owners shove treats or peanut butter inside, and pup parents love keeping their little ones busy for a while. Although your fur babe would NEVER complain, but treats and peanut butter alone are starting to look a bit…plain. It’s time to spice it up. Don’t be afraid to explore more exciting treat options. Taking a peek into your kitchen cabinets and the fridge opens a world of possibilities and finally get rid of some of those leftovers!
Stuffing KONGs are a great way to challenge your pup mentally, keep them busy physically, and reward them all at the same time. The more ingredients you stuff inside, the longer your pal will be entertained, a.k.a keep out of trouble. Before you start your own Chopped challenge: KONG edition, let’s break down the best and easiest way to pack your KONG dog toy like a multi layered dip.
Four Layer Method (Courtesy Of BarkThink)
Layer One: The Tantalizer is the first thing you’re going to reach for. Although it’s the first ingredient you’re stuffing, it will be the last layer in the KONG. The Tantalizer is used to entice your pup and to fill the hole to prevent anything from escaping the bottom hole. You can use anything thick and attractive to your pup. Peanut butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, liver pate, or cheese whiz will easily keep your pal’s interest until the very end.
Layer Two: Dessert, which doesn’t always have to mean treats. Treats are good to use in this layer, but if you want to be experimental reach for something else. Try shoving a few green beans, strawberries, or Cheerios in as the second layer if you’re watching your pup’s weight. Cheese slices and peas are also fun alternatives to dog biscuits and treats!
Layer Three: The Main Course can be your pup’s normal food. Feel free to also use shredded meat, eggs, rice, or even fish. Pick one and shove it in, this will be the first layer they’re get to after the Appetizer, so make sure it’s something they really want to eat.
Layer Four: The Appetizer is the easy reward. It’s something you know your pal will be able to conquer without trouble and feel confident to continue with the other layers you’ve prepared! For appetizer it ‘s best to pick anything that can fill the hole at the bottom of your KONG. Try baby carrots, hot dogs, beef jerky, or an apple slice. Voila! You’ve just turned your KONG into a food puzzle to feed and entertain your dog.
KONG Recipes
Ready to get a little more creative? Yes, Chef! Stuffing the KONG can be fun for the humans as well as the dogs. Try different combinations and see what your pal likes best. Here are some fun and easy recipes to help you think outside of the box and to get rid of your leftovers!
Thanksgiving Feast
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded turkey
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/4 cup Dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Method: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and stuff into the KONG.
Oatmeal’s Oatmeal Cookie Dough
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 chopped up banana
- peanut butter
Method: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and stuff into the KONG.
Frosty Froyo
Ingredients:
- 1 mashed banana
- 1 handful of ground up KONG Peanut Butter Snacks
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
Method: Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and stuff in the KONG.
Sweet Summer Smoothie
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Plain yogurt
- KONG Peanut Butter Easy Treat
Method:Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and stuff into the KONG.
Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots
Method: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and stuff into the KONG.
A tasty way to add a little extra to your pup’s special treats, as if it needs anything else, is to use broth. Chicken and beef broths are top picks to supplement the stuffing. Make sure the hole at the bottom is well sealed with a thick paste, like peanut butter, before adding the broth. A pro tip is to place the sealed end down in a cup and fill with ingredients and/or your liquid and freeze it for a couple hours.
Don’t Forget About The Super Chewer BarkBox!
Want more fun toys like the KONG? The Super Chewer BarkBox has you covered! Keep your fur friend stocked with innovative toys and drool-worthy treats. If there’s a super chewer in your home, you need to make sure they’re busy with plenty of toys (and chews/treats!). So why not get them a subscription to the Super Chewer BarkBox? It will keep their chompers occupied while you think up new KONG recipes!
Each month a box comes straight to your door with a new theme and a carefully picked assortment. You pooch will get 2 KONG-esque toys (never any fluff), 2 bags of all natural treats, and 2 tasty chews. Starting at $29 a month, the Super Chewer BarkBox allows pup parents to tailor the boxes to best fit their unique pals. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the BARK Happy team with any questions on Barkbox.com or with email at [email protected]. BARK is always happy to help you spoil your pup!
