STUFFING A KONG FOR YOUR CKCS

We like using the Kong to train and entertain puppies. Read more about Kongs and training here.

Some of our puppy owners are unsure of how to utilize the Kong and specifically pique a puppy's interest in playing with it. We also hope to avoid owners using the unhealthy options for Kong stuffing offered in pet stores.

Here are a few basic tips and recipes to get you started on Kong stuffing, and to give you the confidence to start developing your own recipes.

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS:

• Begin by using your pet's own food in the Kong. When the dog is hungry and eager to work for his or her food, provide the Kong BEFORE any meal. This aids with the puppy's conceptualization. You might want to start with high-quality kibble in the Kong if you feed soft food.

• Once your puppy has a basic understanding of the idea of struggling to retrieve his or her food from the Kong, make it more challenging by inserting an edible plug for them to figure out before getting the food. Depending on the size of your Kong, you might want to try a blueberry, some peanut butter, some cheese, or even a reward that you can shape, like Little Jacks Dog Training Treats. 

• Once your puppy has mastered the fundamentals of a Kong, you may start getting more inventive. Use the following to maintain your dog's interest:

• Place soft food, kibble, a reward, and a plug, such as a peanut butter, in layers on the Kong.
• To make your dog work even harder to release the food, think about freezing the Kong. Try using a freezable plug and loading it with loose kibble if your dog appears to be frustrated (check the recipes below).
• To persuade your dog to work to release the treat, place their favorite treat at the bottom of the Kong.

SHOPPING LIST:

• A Kong – We suggest the Kong Puppy Binkie for new puppies because they are smaller & softer for puppy teeth. We recommend a typical Small Kong for dogs up to 20 lbs. and a Medium Kong for dogs over 20 lbs. or for those intending to utilize this as a meal replacement for adult Cavaliers.
• Have a look at your leftovers to see whether they could be used to create a tasty-filled Kong for tomorrow.
• You don't need all of these items, but you'll want a mix of dry goods and healthy foods that are "mashable" to layer your Kong:
  • High Quality Kibble - See our post on PawTree Kibble or what to feed your dog.
  • Soft Food - Examples such as homemade puppy loaf, Ollie fresh delivery or even a high quality (low sugar) baby food can work here. 
  • Single ingredient treats
  • Other mashable stuffings based on your dog's preferences. Greek yogurt is the best, but any food that is deemed suitable for dogs will do. Natural peanut butter is a good option (look for low sugar & avoid any sugar substitutes, which can be harmful to dogs), as are non-processed cheese, bananas, eggs, blueberries, bone broth & non-pasteurized cheese.

 
RECIPES: 

1. Beginner - Plug the Kong's bottom hole if necessary. Put dry kibble inside. Add a small spoonful of any of the following to the top: mashed sweet potato, mashed banana, mashed yogurt mixed with peanut butter, or a few small blueberries. Freeze to make it more difficult.
2. Intermediate or Advanced - If necessary, plug the Kong's bottom hole. Fill with any of the following:
   1. Carrot and/or zucchini shreds. Combine with sweet potato mash. Add peanut butter or peanut butter and yogurt as a garnish. Increase the difficulty by freezing.
   2. Put a few of your favorite snacks in the Kong's bottom. Add mixed dry and wet kibble on top. Add peanut butter or banana mashed up to fill the plug. Increase the difficulty by freezing.
   3. Combine fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, with yogurt. Fill the Kong's bottom and edges. Add more kibble to the empty slot. To stick kibble, roll it. Increase the difficulty by freezing.
   4. Fill the bottom of the Kong with shredded chicken or turkey, then add pumpkin (not pie filling) and plug it with a soft goodie. Combine frozen beef and pumpkin for a more difficult challenge.
   5. Firmly fill the Kong's bottom. Bone broth and kibble should be added. Freeze. Another liquid choice is raw goat milk.

These are only a few suggestions to assist you in Kong stuffing.  Don't be scared to try out several recipes to identify a few personal favorites for your CKCS. Just be mindful of the extra calories and sugar, and think about giving your dog's stuffed Kong when ensuring they have a balanced diet.

Have a preferred Kong recipe? Please share it with us in the comments!

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