How to stuff a Kong type toy, plus recipes
by Friends of the Dog
by Friends of the Dog
1. General
Dogs do not have the ability to smoke, drink, chew their nails or other tensions releasing behaviour undertaken by people - all a dog can really do is chew - this is why destructive behaviour is so common in dogs with separation anxiety.
If we can give the dogs in shelters appropriate chew toys, as well as our own dogs that are left alone at home during the day, we can help to reduce any stress, plus supply much needed stimulation and hours of fun - just think about the difference this can make to our own dogs and also dogs in shelters that spend the majority of their day confined.
As mentioned continually our favourites are the Peanut Stuffer, Kong and Busy Buddy type chew toys. Not only can these be easily stuffed, they are harder to destroy, are safer for the dog. and when frozen can last for ages, and all tend to have a much longer life than other options.
What we suggest with the dog in the home is that the Chew Toy is left, stuffed, for when the owner is out of the home or the dog is outside alone. When the owner comes home the Chew Toy is taken away. This helps to not only change the dogs perception of being alone to a positive experience, the chew toys takes on more importance to the dog and will last longer.
2. How to stuff a Chew Toy, such as The Peanut, Busy Buddies or Kong
Here is a You Tube video of how to stuff a Peanut Stuffer, Busy Buddy or Kong chew toy, and the same method can be used for any chew toy that can be stuffed. When first starting we suggest not packing it too full, so that it is easy for the dog to get out the food or treats. Once they get the hang of it, then you can really stuff it solid, and even stick a dog biscuit out of the top. You can also smear some peanut butter (never with xylitol as ingredient) on the inside or a little bit of honey to keep happy tongues busy.
Once the dog has the hang of the chew toy, we suggest freezing them. They take much longer to chew plus help to cool a dog down on a hot day.
3. Freezing
Freezing your stuffed chew toy will not only be great for dogs on a hot day to cool them down and the chew toy will last much longer. You can easily freeze a few of your chew toys, and keep them in the freezer for easy access when you are going out.
A word of Warning - After stuffing your chew toy, and before freezing, stick an item such as a chop stick through the middle of the stuffed chew toy to create a hole on both side. It is important that your chew toys suits your size of dog.
If you do not have an opening at both sides, although it very rarely happens, it can create a vacuum, which can cause the tongue to be sucked in - as said previously, very rare, and the one example we are aware of is when the dog was given the wrong sized chew toy for its size.
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Peanut Stuffer
4.Stuffing Recipes
The beauty of these recipes is that in a shelter environment, Volunteers and staff can make the majority of them at home, and even freeze them and then bring through to the shelter when visiting. In the home environment, the same thing can be done then you always have the chew toy on hand for when needed.
The beauty of these recipes is that in a shelter environment, Volunteers and staff can make the majority of them at home, and even freeze them and then bring through to the shelter when visiting. In the home environment, the same thing can be done then you always have the chew toy on hand for when needed.
- The dogs daily kibble can be mixed with some water to soften and then stuffed into the chew toy then frozen. An alternative is to soak in a bit of stock to soften.
- Smear your finger with peanut butter (never with xylitol) or honey and then insert your finger and smear on the inside of the chew toy and then toss in some dog treats so that they stick. Honey is a natural anti biotic but do not use too much and if the dog has sugar related problem, then avoid. Where peanut butter is concerned, dogs love this and if possible use an organic brand.
- As above with the smearing and then insert some of the kibble and even some cut up apples or carrot and then freeze same.
- Smear some peanut butter on a slice of bread. Fold up the bread and cram it into the chew toy & serve. Alternatives are some cheese spread or even some liver paste if available.
- Combine bran cereal with some peanut butter.
- Combine a ripe banana, 3 spoonful's of peanut butter, and a slice of cheese. Mix until blended well. Fill the Kong and freeze.
- Instant mashed potatoes (without the salt) — or leftover mashed potatoes from dinner — mixed with crushed dog biscuits.
- Combine cheerio’s and peanut butter. Freeze.
- Mix together some dried fruit, cooked pasta, banana and dry cat food.
- Plain yogurt and mashed bananas. (You can also add a little peanut butter or other fruits.) Then freeze it.
- Fill your chew toy 1/3rd full of dog food. Pour in melted peanut butter (after it has cooled from microwaving). Add more dog food, followed by more melted peanut butter until the chew toy toy is full. Freeze until solid, remembering to create the hole through the middle as below.
- Combine some of your dog’s regular food with cream cheese, which acts as a cement, keeping everything inside.
- Combine crumbled rice cakes and dried fruit with some cream cheese and plain croutons.
- Combine some plain yogurt, canned pumpkin, and cooked rice in a small baggie. Mix well inside the bag, then snip off a corner of the bag and squeeze it into the Kong toy. Freeze.
- Put a glob of peanut butter into the Kong first. Then add some dry dog food. Pour in some chicken broth. Add some more peanut butter, followed by more dry dog food. End with another glob of peanut butter at the very top. Freeze until solid.
- Melt some cheese in the microwave, until it’s gooey — not runny. Fill the Kong toy with cooked noodles. Pour cheese over noodles.
- Mix up some bananas, unsweetened applesauce, oatmeal, peanut butter, and plain yogurt. Freeze.
- Combine small chunks of cheese (or cheese spread) with some dry dog food and microwave until the cheese melts. Let it cool completely, and then pour into the Kong toy. Freeze thoroughly.
- Combine some canned dog food with pasta noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, and some of your dog’s dry dog food. Freeze.
- Take 2-3 dog biscuits and crunch them a bit into very tiny bite-sized pieces. Add a couple spoonful’s of peanut butter. Then add a couple spoonful’s of plain yogurt. Mix in bowl until soft, but not runny. Stuff inside Kong.
- Mix together some fat-free cream cheese, peanut butter, and either sugar free applesauce or a jar of baby food (like bananas, carrots). Cram a solid food item into the small hole at the end of the Kong, and then fill with the mixture. Seal the large hole with either more cream cheese or peanut butter. Combine applesauce with chunks of fruit. Freeze.
- Fill the Kong with some cashews (unsalted) and freeze-dried liver bits. Add some dry dog food and/or dog crushed dog biscuits and some Cheerio’s. Drop in a spoonful of peanut butter, followed by some dried fruit. Finally, top it off by using a piece of ravioli or tortellini to close the large opening.
- Mix together well a small can can of light tuna, 2 T. plain yogurt, and 1/4 C. grated carrot. Spoon into toy. Freeze.
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