A KONG is a nontoxic, dishwasher-safe, enrichment toy with a hollow center. By filling this hollow center with food, you can use KONGs as a useful enrichment tool for your dog. They’ll have to work to get food to come out by shaking, pawing, rolling, nibbling, or licking. The effort dogs make to get their treat from a KONG toy eases boredom, reduces destructive behavior and lessens the anxiety they can feel when alone. For an even greater challenge (and more enrichment), try freezing KONGs after filling them with food.
- Tantalizer
Place a little morsel of freeze-dried liver, hot dog, cheese, peanut butter, or other high-value snack into the little hole at the top of the KONG.
- Dessert
Fill approximately one-third of the KONGcavity with doggie treats such as biscuits or marrow bites.
- Main Course
The next two-thirds with dry or canned dog food. Bookending it with some food roll and/or peanut butter can help sweeten the pot even more for your dog.
- Appetizer
Finally, leave a tasty tidbit sticking out of the opening. The easy start will provide immediate payoff and entice your dog to “get serious” about starting off the job.
Always Use KONGs Safely
Your dog’s safety is your responsibility. Always supervise your dog’s use of KONGs until you are confident they can be used safely without you. If your dog has special diet restrictions, adjust recipes accordingly. Also, make sure your peanut butter is dog safe!
