A KONG can be used as a stuffable food toy or as a bouncy rubber toy. For a dog's first try, put a small amount of familiar dry food inside and leave it loose enough to fall out. Once the dog understands the game, you can mix wet and dry food, pack it more firmly or freeze it for a harder challenge.
Choose the right size and rubber strength, supervise every use, count the filling as part of the dog's daily food, inspect the toy for damage and wash it after every food-filled session. Those five checks matter more than finding a complicated recipe.
What can you put in a KONG?
The simplest filling is usually food your dog already eats. Familiar food reduces the chance of an avoidable upset and makes it easier to keep track of the amount.
- Dry food: use part of the dog's usual kibble for an easy beginner fill.
- Wet food: use part of the dog's normal wet meal on its own or mixed with kibble.
- A dog-specific paste: a small amount of KONG Easy Treat Peanut Butter can help seal the wide opening or add interest.
- A mixed fill: combine familiar wet and dry food, then make it firmer only when the dog is ready for more difficulty.
Do not assume a human food is suitable just because other dogs eat it. Check the ingredients and the dog's normal diet. If you use human peanut butter, never use one containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. KONG also warns that xylitol can appear in some other foods. Speak to your vet if the dog has allergies, a medical diet, digestive problems or weight concerns.
Food inside the toy still counts. Reduce the rest of the day's food if needed rather than treating a full KONG as an invisible extra meal.
How do you fill a KONG for the first time?
- Check the size and condition. The toy should be too large to disappear into the back of the dog's mouth and should have no splits or missing rubber.
- Start with familiar dry food. Add only a small amount and keep it loose.
- Make the reward easy to find. Let a little food sit near the wide opening so the dog understands where to begin.
- Give it on an easy-to-clean surface. Stay with the dog and watch how they chew and remove food.
- Increase the challenge slowly. Add a soft seal, mix wet and dry food, pack more firmly or freeze it only after the easy version is enjoyable.
If the dog walks away or becomes frustrated, make the next fill easier. The aim is a manageable activity, not the hardest puzzle possible.
Three simple KONG filling ideas
1. Beginner shake-out
Add a small handful from the dog's normal kibble allowance. Leave it loose so pieces fall out when the toy rolls. This helps a first-time user learn the cause and effect.
2. Part of the normal meal
Mix some of the dog's normal wet food with kibble. Fill without packing it tightly. A small smear of dog-suitable paste at the opening can encourage the dog to start.
3. Frozen familiar-food fill
Once the dog is confident, use the same familiar mixture and freeze the filled toy for a few hours. Stand it upright in a mug or suitable holder in the freezer to reduce mess.
There is no need to add several rich ingredients. Familiar food, a suitable portion and the right difficulty are a better starting point.
Can you freeze a KONG?
Yes. KONG advises freezing a stuffed toy for a longer and more difficult challenge. Introduce the unfrozen version first so you know the dog understands how to use it.
Freeze only food that is suitable for that dog. Keep the toy upright while filling and freezing, then remove any holder before giving it to the dog. Supervise the session and clean the toy when the food is finished.
How do you clean a KONG?
- Rinse the toy with warm water and washing-up liquid.
- If food has dried inside, soak it in warm soapy water to loosen the residue.
- Use a bottle brush, KONG brush or old toothbrush to scrub the inside and both openings.
- Rinse thoroughly so no soap or food remains.
- Let the toy dry completely before filling or storing it.
KONG says its rubber toys are top-rack dishwasher safe. Skip the heated drying cycle because excess heat can damage the toy. A dishwasher does not replace the final check for food trapped inside.
How often should you wash a KONG?
Wash a food-filled KONG after every use. This matters even when the dog appears to have emptied it, because residue can remain inside the narrow end or around the openings.
If the toy has only been used for supervised bouncing or chewing, clean it when it is dirty and before adding food. Always dry it fully before it goes back into storage.
What size and rubber strength should you choose?
Use the maker's current size guide and consider the dog's weight, mouth size and chewing style. KONG says the largest ring of the toy should be bigger than the back of the dog's mouth. If the dog is between sizes or you are uncertain, size up.
In a multi-dog home, size every toy for the largest dog that could reach it. The red KONG Classic is intended for average adult chewers. The black KONG Extreme range is intended for more powerful chewers. A stronger chewer may need a tougher model and a larger size.
Buttermere stocks several sizes and strengths. Browse the current KONG collection, then check the individual product guidance rather than choosing Medium by habit.
Can you leave a dog alone with a KONG?
KONG's product warning says supervised use only. Watch the dog, especially with a new size, a new filling or a dog that chews powerfully. Inspect the toy frequently and remove it if it is damaged.
A KONG is an activity, not a guarantee that a dog can be left safely or that a behaviour problem will improve. Get appropriate professional advice if you are managing distress, guarding or another behaviour concern.
When should you replace a KONG?
Stop using the toy if you find a split, a crack, a missing piece or other damage. Check it before and after use, and look closely around the openings where food and teeth meet the rubber.
Do not wait for the toy to break apart. Replacement timing depends on the individual dog's chewing and the condition of the toy, not a fixed number of weeks.
Using a KONG during home boarding
For a suitable dog, a familiar filled KONG can be one form of supervised enrichment during a home boarding stay. It still has to fit the owner's food instructions, the dog's health and chewing style, and any concerns about toys or food guarding.
If you bring one from home, wash it, label it and tell the boarder what normally goes inside. Our home boarding packing checklist explains why familiar items and clear instructions are more useful than a large bag of new products.
If you would like a KONG considered for a Buttermere Boarding stay in Heywood, near Rochdale, message us before the stay so we can discuss the toy, filling and any restrictions.
Choose a suitable KONG
Browse the KONG toys and fillings currently available from Buttermere Boarding. Choose by mouth size and chewing strength, start with an easy fill and supervise each use. Stock and prices can change, so check the product page before ordering.
