If there is one thing dogs love, it is food. Human food, kibble, it doesn’t matter. Your dog will lap up whatever you leave. The great thing about your dog’s obsession with food is that you can use it to your advantage. Using a Kong, you can keep your dog entertained for hours while always ensuring that he is eating healthfully.
Kongs are super easy to use, and you can put just about anything in them. All you need to do is fill it up with your dog’s favorite treats and he will be busy for hours. You can even freeze the food for an added challenge.
Unlike humans, dogs love to work for their food. These energetic creatures are often kept indoors and are prevented from running around as much as they want, so they really enjoy their play time. Licking up bits from the Kong is similar to foraging, which is what a dog would do out in the wild.
Playing with a Kong not only releases extra energy, it keeps your dog entertained. Instead of lapping up his food in one big gulp and then wandering around looking for more, your pup can play endlessly with this Kong. Regulating the amount of time it takes your dog to eat a meal is especially helpful if your dog has gained extra weight. The Kong will prevent him from mindlessly chowing down. Instead, he will get a little bit of food at a time.
Stuffing a Kong is a good way to keep your dog out of your way if you have chores to do around the house. Instead of your dog following you around and sticking his nose on every surface you just cleaned, you can leave him to his playtime. You might even be able to wash the floors.
Kongs provide mental stimulation for dogs, and this is something they crave. Getting the food out of the Kong can be like a little puzzle. It might even make your pup a little sharper.
Most healthy leftovers can be stuffed into Kongs, and so can dog treats and kibble. If you have healthy leftovers laying around that you don’t want to throw out, pass them along to your dog. Just make sure whatever you are feeding your pet is safe to consume.
When stuffing your Kong, keep in mind how many calories the food you are using contains. Your dog doesn’t need extra servings of dense food, so if it is high calorie don’t fill the Kong all the way. Check to make sure that your dog can consume each of these foods before using them. Some pets have special dietary needs, and owners should follow vets’ instructions carefully.
Finally, don’t be afraid to shake things up. Just like you wouldn’t want the same meal every night, your dog wants a variety of treats and meals. Feel free to mix together foods you wouldn’t ordinarily pair – dogs have different taste than humans, and they are much less picky.
Aside from dog treats, there are plenty of human foods that your dog can snack on. Here are 40 healthy treats you can stuff into a Kong:
- Apples (no core, stem, or seeds)
- Applesauce
- Asparagus
- Baby Food (all natural)
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Canteloupe
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cheese (with low fat content)
- Chicken (unseasoned, no bones, no fat)
- Cottage Cheese
- Cucumber
- Eggs (in moderation)
- Flax Seeds
- Green Beans
- Honey (in moderation)
- Kale
- Oatmeal
- Oranges (in moderation)
- Peanut Butter
- Peas
- Pineapple
- Pumpkin
- Rice (cooked)
- Rutabaga
- Salmon
- Spinach
- Squash
- Steak
- Strawberries
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Sweet Potato
- Watermelon (no seeds)
- Yogurt (plain, low fat)
- Zucchini
Food is the fastest way to a dog’s heart, even if you slow the process down by stuffing the food into a Kong. Mix these ingredients together to give your dog fun and exotic flavors.
Does your dog have a favorite from this list? Let us know in the comments below.
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