June 
16, 2011
16, 2011If you have not yet discovered the amazing Kong and its many uses, boy are you missing out! Not only does the strong & durable rubber satisfy the needs of avid chewers, but the treat-dispensing ability of this toy is invaluable!
Whether your dog needs a distraction, mental stimulation, or simply relief from boredom in order to deter destructive behavior, the Kong is a tool you can't afford to be without.
The problem we have been running into lately is trying to decide what to stuffing we should use for our dogs' Kongs. Frozen peanut butter has always been a favorite, but like people, dogs can get bored with the same old thing. Fortunately, after much internet research, I discovered some more tasty recipes that I'd like to share with you.
Banana Rama
Fresh Banana
2 Tbsp wheat germ
1 Tbsp plain yogurt
In a bowl, mash up banana. Then add wheat germ & Yogurt. Mash all ingredients together & use a spoon to stuff in Kong. Freeze for 4 hours. Makes 1 serving in a medium Kong (Double recipe for every larger Kong size)
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Philly Steak
Steak scraps
1 oz cream cheese
Place small scraps of the steak inside the Kong toy. Spread cream cheese in large hole to hold scraps.
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Fruit Salad
Peaches, Apples, Carrot Chunks
1/4 of a Banana
Place apples & carrots in Kong toy. Push banana in large hole to hold fruit in place. You can include other fruits & veggies such as orange slices, plums, nectarine chunks, celery sticks, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. (Be sure not to include any human foods that are unsafe for canine consumption.)
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Veggie Kong Omelet
1 egg
Shredded Cheese
Any vegetable safe for canine consumption
Scramble egg & fold in vegetables. Put in Kong toy. Sprinkle some cheese over the top of the Kong toy opening & microwave for about 20 seconds. Cool thoroughly before giving to dog.
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Frozen Jerky Pops
Peanut Butter
Bouillon
Jerky Strips
Water
Smear a small amount of peanut butter over small hole in Kong toy. Fill the toy with cool water & add a pinch of bouillon. Place jerky stick inside Kong toy and freeze. This also can be put in (once frozen) in a children's size swimming pool for a fun day of fishing for your pet.
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Crunch 'N Munch
Crumbled Rice Cakes
Dried Fruit
Cream Cheese
Plain Croutons
Combine all ingredients & place in Kong.
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Pumpkin Pieces
Plain Yogurt
Canned Pumpkin
Cooked Rice
Combine all ingredients in a small Ziploc baggie & mix thoroughly. Snip off the corner of the bag & squeeze mixture into Kong. Freeze.
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To add a bit of complication, try layering the treats in the Kong. For example, try a Kibble-Sicle: Put a glob of peanut butter into the Kong first. Then add some dry dog food. Pour in some chicken broth. Add some more peanut butter, followed by more kibble. End with another glob of peanut butter at the very top. Freeze until solid. To the left, you'll see an example of a well-stuffed, layered Kong
Bottom line: You can be as creative as you want to be. Just be sure to only feed your dog foods that you know are safe. If you have a question about whether a human food is safe, visit ASPCA.org or visit previous entries in this blog that discuss that topic.
Just remember to make it fun & tasty. The Kong will do the rest!
Do you have any Kong recipes you'd like to share? Let us know! We'd love to hear from you!
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