Choosing and using a Kong
We get a lot of people asking us what is safe for puppies to chew and what is safe to leave with a dog on its own.
The answer is a Kong!
Some people then say 'oh yes, I've got one of those already' and look around for another suggestion. However, more often than not, they have purchased a Kong, but then don't know how to make the best use of it.
They've either just given in straight to their dog, or used it once and then flung it in the toy basket.
Here is a guide to buying the right Kong, and how to get the very best use from it!
Size Guide
Up to 2kg - XS Kong
Up to 9kg - Small Kong
7kg - 16kg - Medium Kong
13kg - 30kg - Large Kong
If in doubt, always size up!
Click here for a guide to the right Kong for your breed.
How to stuff a Kong
Here's the real trick to getting the most from your Kong pals. A little effort will go a long way.
What can you use to stuff a Kong?
- Kong snacks
- Kong Easy Treat
- Carrots
- Cooked egg
- Chicken, beef, turkey
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Peas
- Green beans
- Oatmeal
- Apples (no seeds)
- Sweet potato
- Mango
- Banana
- Celery
- Cooked brown rice
- Cucumber
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
You can also use these items, in moderation!
- Peanut butter
- Cheese (small amounts pals)
- Natural yoghurt
- Cottage cheese
- Yoghurt
- Broccoli
- Coconut
- Tuna
- Cooked pasta
- Cooked white rice
Here are some absolute no, nos!!
Grapes, Raisins, Chocolate, Onions, Tomatoes, Garlic, Lemon, Limes, Grapefruit, Ice Cream, Sugary treats, salty snacks, Chives, Rhubarb, any human food containing Xylitol!
Now seal your Kong
Use a spoon full of Peanut Butter.
Or a squirt of Kong Easy Treat
KONG Easy Treat - four flavours – Be More Bob
Use Peanut Butter on other Kong shapes...(again, squidge and freeze for a harder challenge.)
Cleaning a Kong
- Top shelf of your dishwasher.
- Soak in warm water.
- Use brush or a chopstick to clean out dried on remnants
Which Kong shape should I buy?
If you are looking for mental enrichment and stimulation, the KONG Classic is a staple. Offering enrichment by helping satisfy dogs’ instinctual needs, the KONG Classic’s unique natural red rubber formula is ultra-durable with an erratic bounce that is ideal for dogs that like to chew while also fulfilling a dog’s need to play.
KONG can also help solve unwanted behaviours while keeping them engaged. Not to mention, it’s fun to spoil your dog and get creative with stuffing recipes (click this link for loads of recipes on the Kong website!)
Toys that can be stuffed like the KONG Goodie Ribbon make getting the nibbles out a mentally challenging puzzle for dogs.
This brain stimulation keeps them eager to work to get the food out and tires them out, often warding out unwanted behaviours and boredom.
The KONG Dental Stick has a fun design that's great for chew sessions and games of fetch alike. Made of the KONG Classic rubber, the toy helps support the natural instinct to chew. The ridges help clean teeth and gums and can be filled with KONG Easy Treat for additional enrichment.
Watch Kong's video here of dogs enjoying the Goodie Bone.
Loads of ridges to get your teefs in to! Fill with easy treat for extra fun.
See all of our KONG products here!
Kong comes in four types
- Puppy (pink and blue)
- Classic (red)
- Senior (purple) - you could also use puppy Kong for your senior doggo
- Extreme (black)
The only difference between these products is the strength of the rubber. So, the puppy and senior versions are a softer rubber, the classic is good for most dogs and the extreme is best for dogs with high jaw strength.
Pals, finally - Kong products are not indestructible - nothing is, no matter what the marketeers tell you!! If you find your dog is actually starting to destroy the rubber, take the toy away! If this happens, you may want to consider getting a stronger version (say, the Kong extreme) or only using the Kong under supervision.