Healthy Kong Stuffers Recipes: Best Kong Stuffing Ideas

Is your pup a fan of the popular Kong interactive treat toy?  Who wouldn’t be?  Keep your dog interested by creating a variety of healthy homemade Kong stuffing.  This informative article shows some recipes for the best healthy Kong stuffers your puppy can snack on.

Peanut Butter Banana Kong Stuffer

The dog stereotype about peanut butter is a true thing among our canine friends, which is why this combo is always a hit with them. Here's how to make this tasty treat:

You'll need the following:

•  Two tablespoons of natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)
• One medium banana
• Kong toy

Directions:

• Squash the banana in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This releases the sweet banana aroma that dogs love.
• Add the peanut butter to the mashed banana and mix well. It helps the stuffing stick together and gives it a protein boost.
• Fill the Kong about 2/3 full with the mixture. Don't overfill, or it won't keep your dog occupied for long.
• Seal the opening of the Kong with a dab of peanut mixture to lock in the stuffing. This makes it more challenging and fun for your dog to get it out.
• Freeze the Kong for at least 2 hours before giving it to your dog. The frozen stuffing lasts longer and is more satisfying for dogs to work at.
• Once frozen, place the Kong in the bowl or directly on the floor. The cold temperature, combined with the tasty filling, will keep most dogs engaged for 30-60 minutes.
• For an extra challenge, consider using a Kong Wobbler or Kong Gyro. These interactive toys dispense small bits of the stuffing with each nudge and roll, extending playtime.

With healthy, natural ingredients and hours of mental stimulation, this stuffer is a simple way to enrich your pet's day. Your dog will thank you for this delicious treat!

Pumpkin Parsley Kong Stuffer

A healthy, homemade treat your dog will go crazy for is a pumpkin parsley Kong stuffer. This combo of pumpkin and other good stuff is packed with nutrition and natural flavor your pup will love.

To make the stuffer, you'll need the following:

• One 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• Two tablespoons of olive oil

Combine the pumpkin, parsley, peanut butter, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix well until thoroughly combined. The parsley adds freshness, while the peanut butter provides protein to keep your dog satisfied.

• For extra nutrition, add 1/4 cup of cooked rice, oats, or quinoa. The grains will make the stuffer more filling.
• You can also add one tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness. But only do this occasionally, as too much sugar isn't good for dogs.

Spoon the stuffer into your furry friend's Kong toy and freeze for at least 2 hours before giving it to them. The frozen stuffer will last longer and give your dog an extra challenge. As it thaws, the flavors will intensify, stimulating their senses.

Your dog will stay busy for hours trying to get every last bit of the pumpkin parsley stuffer out of their Kong. And you'll feel good knowing they're enjoying a nutritious, homemade treat.

Why not make an extra batch to have on hand for future stuffing and social enrichment sessions? Your dog will thank you for it!

Chicken Stuffer: Broth And More!

A classic Kong stuffer, chicken is a healthy, protein-packed option for your pup. Chicken can be prepared in several ways for stuffing a Kong.

Cooked Chicken

Cooked chicken, whether baked, boiled, or grilled, makes for easy Kong stuffing. Simply shred or dice the chicken and mix it in with some of your pet’s kibble or other treats. The familiar smell of cooked chicken is sure to keep your dog engaged. You can also combine chicken with:

• Rice for extra nutrition
• Peanut butter or yogurt for extra protein
• Vegetables like carrots, green beans, or broccoli

Chicken Jerky

Chicken jerky is a popular commercial treat, but making your own at home ensures there are no additives. Slice chicken breasts into strips and bake at a low temperature (170 F) for 3 to 5 hours until dried out.

The chewy jerky strips are perfect for stuffing into a Kong. Store any leftover jerky in an airtight container.

Chicken Stock

For a soothing frozen Kong, fill it with chicken stock or broth. As the stock freezes, it creates a chicken-flavored puppy popsicle.

The stock will keep your dog hydrated and the cold temperature provides extra relief for teething puppies. Only fill the Kong about 2/3 full to allow for expansion as it freezes.

Ground Chicken

For a smoother Kong stuffing, cook ground chicken, then mix in mashed potatoes, rice, or pumpkin. The mixture can be spooned into the Kong and frozen.

As it thaws, the chicken and its combination turn into a soft, tasty treat. Use lean ground chicken and avoid seasoning which could irritate your pal’s stomach.

With the variety of ways to prepare chicken, your dog will never get bored. Mix and match chicken with other ingredients to create the perfect, tail-wagging Kong stuffer for your pup. Be sure to always supervise your dog with a Kong to prevent choking.

Beef Liver Stuffer

Beef liver is a highly nutritious treat that many dogs go crazy for. Making your beef liver stuffer is easy and a great way to mentally and physically stimulate your dog.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef liver, chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• Two eggs
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats

Instructions

1. Place the chopped beef liver and beef broth in a saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes until the liver is cooked through. Drain, reserving some of the broth.
2. Transfer the liver to a food processor along with the eggs. Process until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky. Add a splash of the reserved broth as needed to reach a paste-like consistency.
3. Transfer the liver paste to a bowl and mix in the flour and oats. Add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is thick enough to stuff into a Kong.
4. Spoon the mixture into your fur baby's Kong toy and seal the end with a dab of peanut butter or wet food. Freeze for at least 2 hours before giving it to your dog.
5. Once frozen, the Kong can be given as is for a long-lasting treat, or you can place it in a bowl of water to make a tasty liver popsicle on a hot day. Either way, your dog will spend hours licking, chewing, and pawing at the Kong, trying to get every last bit of the beefy stuffing out.

Beef liver provides many essential nutrients for your dogs, like protein, iron, B vitamins, copper, and zinc. Making your own Kong stuffer is a great way to provide these benefits in an engaging form. Your pet's mind and body will thank you for the tasty challenge and reward.

Switch up the recipe by adding in other ingredients like green beans or pumpkin. Get creative and have fun with different flavor combinations your dog will love.

Yogurt Berry Stuffer

A yogurt berry stuffer is a healthy, delicious treat for your dog. The probiotics in this classic concoction are great for digestion, and the berries provide antioxidants. Here’s how to make this Kong stuffer:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• Two tablespoons peanut butter (optional)

Instructions

1.  Add all the ingredients to a bowl. Mash everything together thoroughly.
2. Spoon the mixture into your pet's Kong toy. Pack it in tightly.
3. Seal the opening of the Kong with a dab of peanut butter or yogurt and place it in the freezer for at least 2 hours before giving to your dog.
4. Once frozen, the Kong can be used as a treat, an interactive feeder to keep your dog occupied, or a meal replacement.
5. You can also fill a Kong Wobbler or other interactive toy with the mixture for an extra challenge. This works great for dogs that finish a regular Kong quickly.

This power-packed, protein-filled stuffer will keep your dog happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated. The peanut butter is optional but helps seal the Kong and adds extra protein. For dogs with a peanut allergy, you can use pumpkin puree, banana, or wet dog food to seal the opening.

This Kong stuffer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, portion out and freeze the individual Kongs to use as needed.

Your dog will love this cool, creamy treat on a hot summer day! With the variety of ingredients, there are so many possible combinations to keep things interesting for your pup.

Sweet Potato Stuffer

A sweet potato Kong filler is a healthy, natural treat your dog will love. These are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so this recipe provides nutritional benefits in addition to mental stimulation.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you'll need:

• 1 medium sweet potato, baked
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (optional)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt or pumpkin puree (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the sweet potato for about 45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Allow the product to cool enough to handle, then cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin.
3. Mash the flesh with a fork or potato masher. For extra protein and healthy fats, stir in the peanut butter and yogurt or pumpkin puree (if using). The mash should be thick enough to stuff into a Kong.
4. Spoon the mash into your dog's Kong toys. For larger Kongs, you may need to pack the mash in with a spoon to fill the cavity.
5. Seal the small end of the Kong with peanut butter, yogurt, or wet dog food and freeze for at least 2 hours before giving it to your dog. The frozen Kong will keep your dog occupied for a long time as he works to extract the sweet treat inside.
6. For smaller Kongs, you can also freeze the stuffed Kongs on a baking sheet, then store them in an airtight bag or container in the freezer. Simply thaw one at a time in the refrigerator overnight before giving it to your dog.

This stuffer is a nutritious treat your dog will love working for. The mental stimulation will keep him engaged and satisfied for hours.

Be sure to supervise your dog with any food-dispensing toy to prevent choking. Let the good times - and the sweet oh-so-amazing potatoes - roll!

Carrot Stuffer

A Kong stuffer your dog will go crazy for is shredded carrots. Carrots are naturally sweet, crunchy, and packed with vitamins. Stuffing a Kong with carrots will keep your dog engaged and give them a healthy treat.

Ingredients

• 2-3 medium carrots, shredded
• One tablespoon of peanut butter or plain yogurt (optional)

Instructions

1.  Rinse the carrots and peel if desired. Grate them using the large holes of a box grater or the grating disk of a food processor.
2. Mix in whatever of the second ingredient you're using. The peanut butter will make the mixture stick together better, while the yogurt provides extra protein.
3. Firmly stuff the shredded vegetable into the Kong. Pack them in tight so your dog has to work to get them out.
4. Seal off the opening of the Kong and freeze for at least 2 hours before giving it to your dog. Freezing the Kong will make the treat last longer.
5. Once frozen, place the Kong in the bowl or directly on the floor. The challenge of getting the frozen carrots out will keep them occupied for a long time.
6. For extra difficulty, you can also wedge a dog biscuit or bully stick into the opening of the Kong before adding the shredded carrots. Your dog will have to work to get both out!
7. Only give one frozen Kong per day to avoid overfeeding treats. Always supervise your dog with any chew toy or treat.

This stuffer is a great single-ingredient treat for dogs. The natural sweetness of the vegetable, its crunchy texture, and the challenge of getting the treat out of the Kong will make this a favorite reward for your pup. Mixing in the other ingredients adds extra flavor and nutrition for your dog.

It's time to get your favorite dog shirt sweaty by trying out these amazing Kong stuffing recipes for yourself. Try it now for some guaranteed fun time with your furry friend!

Healthy Kong Stuffers FAQs

What size Kong should I get?

Kongs come in a variety of sizes for dogs of all ages and breeds. For a puppy, choose a size XS or S. For an average adult dog, size M or L usually works well. Giant breed dogs will need size XL or XXL.

When in doubt, size up—you can always fill the Kong less for smaller dogs. The Kong should be large enough that your dog has to work a bit to get the treats out but not so big that they get frustrated.

What can I put in a Kong?

There are lots of healthy, dog-safe fillings you can put in a Kong. Some popular options include:

• Peanut butter - Most dogs love it and it's high in protein. Make sure it's all-natural with no xylitol.
• Yogurt or cottage cheese - Dairy products provide calcium, protein, and probiotics.
• Pumpkin puree - High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Great for digestion.
• Bananas - Mash a ripe banana and stuff it in. Full of potassium, fiber, and natural sugars.
• Kibble or treats - For easy fillings, simply stuff dog food or a few small treats inside.

You can also get creative and combine a few ingredients for more variety. Seal up the small end of the Kong with peanut butter or yogurt and fill the rest of the cavity with kibble, treats, and mashed banana. Freeze the Kong for an even more challenging treat.

How often should I give my dog a Kong?

For the average adult dog, giving a Kong 2-3 times a week is a good guideline. You don't want to give Kongs too frequently or your dog may become overweight. Follow the 10% rule - Kong treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie needs.

Kongs are great for keeping dogs occupied when you're away from home or to give them mental stimulation. You can also use Kongs for training purposes, like crate training a puppy.

As with any treat, moderation is key. Be sure to account for Kong fillings in your dog's daily calorie requirements and adjust their regular feedings accordingly.