CHEW TOYS

We are delighted to announce that Pet Systems has kindly donated Busy Buddies for the FODS Shelter Initiative to help provide some mental stimulation for the dogs in the shelter and alleviate some of the frustration they experience. They have also sponsored the FODS Shelter Initiative Chew Toy Drive and are offering all their wonderful Busy Buddy Range at a reduced price to anybody that is purchasing one of these toys to donate to the shelters. The toys involved are featured in the pictures below and they also have a really great range of cat toys and other pet related products.

1. Chew Toys
2. Stuffing a Busy Buddy
3. Recipes for Stuffing

1. Chew Toys

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 the stress plus supply much needed stimulation.

In addition to the ideas presented here, toys that can be chewed and especially those that can be stuffed can provide hours of fun and entertainment. 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 favourite are the Busy Buddy range especially the Squirrel dude. Not only because these can be easily stuffed, are harder to destroy they are safer for the dog as well and when frozen can last for ages and are a lot more affordable than some of the other brands.

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.

In the shelter environment we suggest that the dogs daily ration of food is stuffed into two Busy Buddy's and given during the day. The kibble can be soaked in a bit of water to soften it and then stuffed in the Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude.

There are a lot of other Chew Toys in the Busy Buddy Range which can have treats stuffed into them as well and these are excellent value and provide hours of entertainment and we have supplied you with the pictures here to show you our favourites.

We do not recommend Rawhide products as these tend to swell up when wet – if pieces are swallowed (or even the whole rawhide), these swell up in the stomach and can cause blockages and even death. Rawhide is also an animal product and as such is treated against insect infestation which could be harmful to dogs. The treatment process is why we also do not recommend hooves plus they tend to break off into very sharp pieces and can be swallowed.

2. How to stuff Busy Buddies or Kongs

Here is a You Tube video of how to stuff a Busy Buddy or Kong 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 on the inside or a little bit of honey to keep happy tongues busy.

Ideally, the dogs that are being worked on should receive their daily ration of food from human hands and when no human hands are available, then the balance of the food should be stuffed inside a Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude This will keep the dog nice and busy and make the food last longer.

Once the dog has the hang of the Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude or Kong, we suggest freezing them. They take much longer to chew plus help to cool a dog down on a hot day.

These are some of the great Busy Buddy Range which is available atAll the toys below are available at www.petsystems.co.za

The purple Busy Buddy' Squirrel Dude are aimed at adolescent and adult dogs and come in the 3 sizes above. They also have the green one's for pups which are a bit softer

The Kibble Nibble™ appeals to a dog’s natural instincts by enticing him to actively engage in mealtimes. Two Treat Meters™ randomly dispense dry food and treats as the ball tumbles around. Features rubber bumpers to minimize noise and marks on walls and floors. Each toy is appropriately sized to hold a dog’s entire meal. Unscrews for easy loading and quick clean-up.

The Twist ‘n Treat is the first and only 2-piece adjustable rubber treat dispensing toy. The rate of treat dispersal can be adjusted to suit the interest and ability of the dog. adjustable opening allows the Twist 'n Treat to be filled with a variety of hard, soft, and smear-able treats. Made of natural rubber. - NOT recommended for strong chewers.

The Busy Buddy Jack is a favourite with many dogs and even when the rawhide circle is not in place they will continue chewing on it

All Natural Rawhide which can be put inside both the Busy Buddy Jack and the Nobble Nubbly

The durable nylon and rubber Nobbly Nubbly™ provides multiple treat options for longer lasting playtime. Use with Busy Buddy® treat rings or fill the grooves with your dog’s favourite spreadable treat, such as peanut butter or cheese. Perfect for dogs who like to chew, the Nobbly Nubbly™ rewards them for appropriate chewing with their favourite treat.

The multi-chambered Barnacle™ features three patented Treat Meters® to randomly dispense treats while your dog plays. You can trim the Treat Meter® prongs with scissors to increase the rate at which treats come out. The bone-shaped grooves can be smeared with treats like cheese or peanut butter for even more playtime options.

The patented Treat Meter™ allows treats to be randomly dispensed as the toy is “wagged” and shaken. Its super flexible middle makes the Waggle a fun toy for all puppies and dogs and peanut butter can be smeared in the grooves

The Tug-a-Jug keeps your dog engaged and motivated to play. The unique design lets dogs see, smell and hear the food or treats as they roll around in the jug. Treats and dry food pop out as your dog tips, tugs and rolls the toy around. The attached rope is perfect for dogs who like to grab and shake their toys. The Tug-a-Jug is perfect for obedience training and feeding meals.

Let your dog enjoy the first treat dispensing toy that also squeaks! As your dog plays with the toy, treats or food randomly pop out. The built-in reward keeps dogs actively engaged, redirecting potentially destructive chewing behaviour. The squeak adds to the excitement.

The Hippster™ bounces in unpredictable ways keeping dogs interested in play while the Treat Meter™ randomly dispenses treats, rewarding the play. Available in S, and M/L Unpredictable bounce keeps dogs moving Treat Meter™ prongs randomly dispense treats More treats means longer playtime Customise treat rate for your dog

3.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 a Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude on hand for when needed.

The dogs daily kibble can be mixed with some water to soften and then stuffed into the Busy Buddy or Kong and then frozen. An alternative is to soak in a bit of stock to soften.
Smear your finger with peanut butter or honey and then insert your finger and smear on the inside of the BB or Kong 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 problems then avoid. Where peanut butter is concerned, dogs love this but not too much as in large quantities it can be toxic - if possible use organic peantur butter instead.
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 Kong. Freeze & 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 spoonfuls 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.

The equivalent of a Popsicle… Seal the small hole of the Kong toy with peanut butter. Fill to the rim with water and a pinch of bouillon (or just use chicken broth instead). Place a stick or two of beef jerky inside. Freeze. (This one gets messy in a hurry, so it’s recommended only for outdoor use.)
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 Kong 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 Kong toy is full. Freeze until solid.
Combine some of your dog’s regular food with cream cheese, which acts as a cement, keeping everything inside.
Smear peanut butter on a piece of bread. Fold it over and stuff inside the Kong. Mix together plain yogurt with some fruits or vegetables (carrots, celery) and pour inside. Freeze. The yogurt sticks to the bread holding everything together.
Squeeze a small piece of apple into the tiny hole. Fill the Kong with a small amount of plain yogurt. Add a few slices of mashed banana, more apple, yogurt, and banana. End with a slice of banana and chunk of peanut butter on the top.
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 a cube of Velveeta 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.
Smear the inside of the Kong toy with peanut butter. Put a tiny piece of apple into the small hole, and then drop some more apple pieces in next. Drop in a scoop of peanut butter (or cream cheese), then drop in some dog food or broken dog treats. Add another scoop of peanut butter (or cream cheese), then more apples. Plug the large opening with a final scoop of peanut butter (or cream cheese) and freeze.
Mix together well: 1 6oz can of light tuna, 2 T. plain yogurt, and 1/4 C. grated carrot. Spoon into 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 dogfood. End with another glob of peanut butter at the very top. Freeze until solid.Mix together some dried fruit, cooked pasta, banana and dry cat food.
Combine some of your dog’s regular food with cream cheese, which acts as a cement, keeping everything inside.
Smear peanut butter on a piece of bread. Fold it over and stuff inside the Kong. Mix together plain yogurt with some fruits or vegetables (carrots, celery) and pour inside. Freeze. The yogurt sticks to the bread holding everything together.
Combine crumbled rice cakes and dried fruit with some cream cheese and plain croutons.