24 DIY Kong Stuffing Recipes + How-To Guide

When summer temperatures soar, dog owners must make sure their furry friend stays cool and entertained for more than a few minutes.

Frozen enrichment treats for dogs, like stuffed Kongs, are not only a lifesaver during hot weather but also an excellent way to provide mental stimulation and dental hygiene.

If you’ve been searching for how to stuff a Kong toy with various recipes, then don’t move far away because you have just arrived at the right place.

Continue reading this article as we unpack how to stuff that Kong toy and highlight 24 Kong stuffing recipes for inspiration.

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How To Fill a Kong Toy Like a Pro

Classic Kong dog toys are not just for tossing. They can be stuffed with delicious treats for mental and physical stimulation, and they’re also good for training sessions.

While a simple smear of peanut butter is a good start for stuffing a Kong toy, there are better ways to make it interesting for your dog.

Keep scrolling to explore some creative Kong-filling ideas to give your dog long hours of entertainment without a pause.

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Step 1: Clean and inspect your Kong

Before you start filling that Kong, it’s always a good idea to give it a quick scrub.

Over time, remnants from previous Kong recipes for dogs can get trapped in its crevices. Nobody wants a smelly rubber toy.

Wash the Kong thoroughly with warm soapy water and use a toothbrush (or bottlebrush) to reach deep into the narrow sections.

While you are at it, look over the Kong for cracks or tears, particularly if your canine friend is a heavy chewer.

A torn or beat-up Kong toy could break apart, and you wouldn’t want your innocent pup to choke on any pieces.

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Step 2: Create a good plug

Every well-stuffed Kong begins with a solid base. Plug the small hole at the bottom using one of the best Kong fillers like peanut butter, cheese, or a soft banana chunk.

This step is crucial for preventing leaks and securing the filling inside.

You can even grab a spatula or a piping bag to plug it like a pro. If you’re freezing your Kong, the base layer will harden up and make an even better seal.

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Step 3: Choose a sticky base layer

The base layer sets the tone for your Kong stuffing masterpiece. Go for something sticky and delicious, like yogurt, peanut butter, or mashed sweet potato.

This coats the inside and helps everything else stick together, creating a yummy texture that will drive your dog wild during playtime.

If you’ve got a puppy, keep it nice and soft. Kong ideas for puppies like Greek yogurt or puppy-safe cream cheese are perfect for little mouths and tummies.

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Step 4: Add high-value ingredients

Now for the fun part, add some high-value treats to make this Kong stuffer for dogs a must-have during playtime.

Little pieces of berries (such as blueberries), pieces of lean meat, or even freeze-dried liver are good options to consider.

These tasty goodies are helpful if your dog is new to Kongs. For those expert chewers, it adds an extra challenge to keep things interesting.

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Step 5: Add nutritious foods

It’s always a good idea to add some healthy foods to the Kong stuffing. Veggies like carrots, broccoli, or cucumber will give your dog a satisfying crunch and a boost of nutrients.

If you have a puppy, you may want to try softer options like steamed sweet potato or finely chopped spinach. Fish oil or dog-safe herbs can also make good Kong stuffing.

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Step 6: Seal with a liquid finish

To finish things off, you can now add a splash of liquid to mix the stuffing ingredients.

Bone broth, low-sodium chicken broth, or unsweetened applesauce are all good options. This adds a new flavor profile and makes the Kong yummy.

Pour slowly so you don’t overfill. A good trick is to stand the Kong upright in a small glass or container while you add the liquid. This helps prevent spills, especially if you’re making frozen Kongs.

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Step 7: Freeze for added fun

Do you want to give your dog a long-lasting challenge? Pop that stuffed Kong in the freezer. A few hours or overnight will do the trick.

Frozen Kongs are a refreshing challenge during hot weather. For puppies, you can shorten the freeze time initially and gradually increase it as they get used to the challenge.

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Step 8: Give it to your dog

When it’s playtime, find a comfy spot for your dog where they can enjoy their Kong without distraction. Keep an eye on them the first few times, just to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Remember every dog has their preferences, so have fun experimenting with different flavors and textures.

Important Note: If your dog is new to Kongs, start simple. Place a few small, loose treats inside, like their favorite kibble or a yummy training treat.

Let them explore the classic Kong to slowly discover the tasty reward hidden inside. The treats will likely fall out quickly, but this helps them learn that good things are hidden in Kongs.

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24 Healthy Kong Stuffing Recipes

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Mix

Ingredients:

• ½ ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons crushed dog treats

Preparation:

Mash the banana into a smooth paste, and ensure no large chunks remain. Add peanut butter and yogurt, blending thoroughly to achieve a creamy consistency.

Start filling the Kong toy by layering the mixture and sprinkling crushed dog treats for added texture and surprise. For a longer-lasting treat, freeze it for 2 – 3 hours until solid.

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2. Chicken & Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 tablespoons mashed sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• Small pieces of cooked chicken as a top layer

Preparation:

Combine the shredded chicken, mashed sweet potato, and yogurt in a large bowl, mixing evenly until all ingredients are well distributed.

Firmly press the mixture into the Kong and add small chicken pieces on top to entice your dog. Freeze the Kong to make the treat more challenging and cooling for hot days.

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3. Pumpkin & Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons canned salmon
• 1 tablespoon pureed pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• Small pieces of cooked carrots
• Sprinkle of parsley

Preparation:

Drain the canned salmon and mash it into a paste then stir in the pureed pumpkin and yogurt to create a smooth blend.

Fill the Kong, layering in carrot pieces to provide texture. Top with parsley for an extra boost of nutrients. Chill the Kong in the refrigerator or put it in a freezer for a refreshing play.

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4. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Kong

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cooked plain oatmeal
• ¼ small apple, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Crushed dog biscuits

Preparation:

Mix the cooked oatmeal with chopped apple, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon until everything is well combined.

Spoon the mixture into the Kong while packing it tightly. Sprinkle crushed dog biscuits on top for added crunch, and refrigerate to set for a firmer texture.

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5. Tuna & Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons canned tuna (in water)
• 2 tablespoons cooked brown rice
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• Small pieces of green beans

Preparation:

Drain the tuna and mix it with the cooked brown rice and plain yogurt to form a cohesive Kong stuffing mixture.

Layer the Kong by alternating the filling with small pieces of green beans to surprise your dog. Freeze the Kong for a protein-packed snack that lasts longer.

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6. Beef & Pumpkin

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cooked, lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons pureed pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
• Small pieces of cooked sweet potato

Preparation:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat, then mix it with pureed pumpkin and cottage cheese.

Stuff the Kong with the mixture, pressing firmly to pack it in. Add sweet potato pieces throughout for extra flavor and freeze.

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7. Blueberry Yogurt Freeze

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons blueberries
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Crushed dog treats

Preparation:

Mash the blueberries into a smooth puree and mix with yogurt and honey until everything is well blended.

Fill the Kong with the mixture, leaving some room for crushed dog treats on top. Freeze overnight for a cooling snack to refresh your puppy on a hot afternoon.

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8. Egg & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cottage cheese
• Small pieces of cooked chicken
• Sprinkle of parsley

Preparation:

Chop the hard-boiled egg into small pieces and mix it with cottage cheese for a creamy base. Fill the Kong and top it with a sprinkle of parsley. Refrigerate overnight.

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9. Green Smoothie Kong

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon spinach puree
• 1 tablespoon banana
• Small pieces of cooked white fish

Preparation:

Blend yogurt, spinach puree, and bananas until smooth and creamy. Fill the Kong, adding small pieces of cooked white fish as you layer the filling. Freeze overnight.

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10. Carrot Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons pureed carrots
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• Sprinkle of cinnamon
• Crushed dog biscuits

Preparation:

Combine the pureed carrots, yogurt, and peanut butter in a bowl, mixing until everything is evenly distributed.

Fill the Kong with the mixture and sprinkle crushed dog biscuits and cinnamon on top. Chill in the refrigerator or freeze the Kong toy overnight.

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11. Chicken Liver

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cooked, pureed chicken liver
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• Small pieces of cooked chicken

Preparation:

Blend the cooked chicken liver into a smooth puree and mix with pumpkin and yogurt. Fill the Kong with the mixture, and freeze overnight.

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12. Sardines & Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons canned sardines
• 1 tablespoon cooked quinoa
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• Small pieces of cooked zucchini

Preparation:

Mash the sardines and mix them with cooked quinoa and yogurt in a large bowl until everything is well combined.

Stuff the Kong, adding small zucchini pieces as you layer the filling. Refrigerate the Kong toy overnight and serve on a hot afternoon.

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13. Pumpkin Pie Kong

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons pureed pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Sprinkle of cinnamon
• Crushed dog treats

Preparation:

Combine pumpkin, yogurt, and honey in a bowl until smooth. Fill the Kong, leaving space to top with cinnamon and crushed dog treats. Freeze overnight.

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14. Lamb Ribs & Yogurt Drops

Ingredients:

• 1 cooked, lean lamb rib
• 1 cup plain yogurt drops
• Berry smoothie
• 1 tablespoon raspberries

Preparation:

Mix the berry smoothie, raspberries, and yogurt drops to create a filling. Spoon the mixture into the Kong, top it with a lean lamb rib, and freeze overnight.

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15. Tropical Kong Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons plain applesauce
• 1 Cup Diced mango
• 1 tablespoon coconut flakes
• Small pieces of cooked white fish

Preparation:

Mash the mango and mix it with applesauce and coconut flakes for a creamy base. Layer the Kong with this mixture, and freeze overnight.

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16. Cheesy Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons shredded cooked chicken
• 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon pureed pumpkin
• Small pieces of cooked sweet potato

Preparation:

Mix the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and pumpkin until evenly blended. Fill the Kong with the mixture, pressing it down as you add layers of sweet potato. Refrigerate or freeze the Kong toy.

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17. Apple Cheddar Crunch

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons grated low-fat cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped apple
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• Crushed dog biscuits

Preparation:

Combine the grated cheddar cheese and chopped apple with plain yogurt to create a textured filling. Stuff the Kong, leaving room at the top for crushed dog biscuits. Freeze overnight.

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18. Salmon & Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons canned salmon
• 1 tablespoon cooked brown rice
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• Small pieces of cooked green beans

Preparation:

Drain salmon and toss with cooked rice and yogurt until fully combined. Fill the Kong, layering in green bean pieces as you go. Freeze overnight.

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19. Veggie & Protein

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons pureed cooked lentils
• 1 tablespoon pureed carrots
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• Small pieces of cooked chicken

Preparation:

Mix the lentils and carrots into a smooth puree and stir in the yogurt for creaminess. Fill the Kong with the mixture, layering chicken pieces throughout for texture. Refrigerate to chill the Kong toy.

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20. Berry Banana

Ingredients:

• ½ ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons mixed berries
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• Crushed dog treats

Preparation:

Mash the banana and mix it with the berries (blueberries or strawberries) and yogurt until everything becomes smooth.

Spoon the mixture into the Kong, leaving enough space to top with crushed dog treats. Freeze overnight for a refreshing summer snack.

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Best Kong Fillers Ideas

21. Kibble in Kong

Base Ingredient:

• 1 cup dry dog kibble
• 2 cans (14 oz / 400 ml) vegetables
• Water or broth (for soaking kibble and blending)

Healthy Boosters:

• Pumpkin puree
• Plain yogurt
• Xylitol-free peanut butter

Special Treat (choose one):

• 3 pieces crispy cooked bacon, patted dry
• 1 hot dog (chopped)
• Handful of shredded cheese
• Canned sardines in water
• Canned salmon in water
• Canned tuna in water
• Canned meat (specify type)
• Your dog’s favorite occasional treat

Instructions:

1. Place the kibble in a bowl and add enough water or broth to double its volume. Let it soak until softened. Set aside a small amount of soaked kibble to plug the Kongs.
2. Combine the soaked kibble (except the reserved portion), canned vegetables, and your chosen treat in a blender. Add water or broth as needed to achieve a thick milkshake consistency.
3. Take a small amount of the reserved soaked kibble and press it into the small hole of each Kong to prevent leakage.
4. Pour or spoon the blended mixture into the plugged Kongs. Freeze the Kongs for several hours or overnight until solid.

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22. Easy Kong Stuffing Recipe

Image Credit: youdidwhatwithyourweiner

Ingredients:

• 8 oz bag of firm, moist, and crumbly dog treats
• 6 oz container of plain goat yogurt
• 1-3 tablespoons sweet potato and cranberry powder (or plain canned pumpkin)
• Water (as needed for consistency)

Instructions:

1. If the dog treats are larger than pea-sized, grind them into smaller pieces or a powder using a food processor.
2. In a bowl, combine the dog treats (whole or ground) and yogurt. Mix until the treats are mostly moistened.
3. Stir in the sweet potato and cranberry powder (or canned pumpkin).
4. If the mixture is too dry, add water a little at a time until it forms a slightly runny paste. Fill the Kongs with the mixture and freeze until solid.

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23. Homemade Pumpkin & Banana Kong Filler

Ingredients:

• ½ medium-sized banana
• ¼ cup dry dog food
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana in a large bowl and mix it with the pumpkin puree and dry dog food until well combined.
2. Spoon the mixture into the Kong, adding a small amount to the outside to entice your dog.
3. You can give the Kong to your dog immediately at room temperature. For a longer-lasting treat, freeze the Kong for a few hours before giving it to your dog.

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24. Sweet potato & Apple Kong Filler

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 Granny Smith green apple, cored, seeded, and chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped sweet potato, apple, and carrot in a crockpot. Add the water and cook on steam for 5 minutes.
2. Release pressure from the crockpot and drain the vegetables. Mash them with a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. Fill the Kongs with the mixture.
3. Freeze the Kongs overnight or until solid.

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Ingredients to Avoid

Your dog’s safety should always be number one when filling a Kong toy. Some foods are toxic to dogs and should never be included in their Kong. Double-check to avoid ingredients such as:

• Artificial sweeteners (e.g. xylitol)
• Chocolate
• Fruit seeds (apple seeds, apricot pits, cherry pits)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Nuts
• Raisins

To ensure you’re only using safe and healthy ingredients, check out our comprehensive guide on things dogs can and cannot eat.

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Conclusion

We hope these healthy Kong stuffing recipes inspire you to create delicious and nutritious treats for your furry friend.

Before introducing any new ingredient to your dog’s diet, be sure to consult your veterinarian and keep an eye out for any sensitivities as your pet adjusts to new foods.

What are your favorite Kong filling ideas frozen? Drop them in the comments section below.

We’d also love to see your dog enjoying their stuffed Kong! Please tag us on Instagram @fursnpaws.dxb with a photo of the fun.