How to stuff a Kong: starter recipes for dogs

A food toy loosely filled with kibble and a dab of something tasty. Easy wins that teach your dog to work a stuffed toy.

You'll need

Pick the right size: the toy should be too big to fit behind your dog's back teeth. Wash it first.

Drop in loose kibble and a few soft treats. Don't pack it.
Smear a little wet food just inside the big opening, so the first lick pays off.
Hand it to your dog in their bed or crate and walk away.
Collect the toy when it's empty, and wash it.
Do this daily for a week before moving to the medium recipe.

Make it easier: Fill only half, or use a toy with a bigger opening.
Make it harder: Move up to the medium recipe: soaked kibble pressed in firmly.

Lying down holding the toy between the paws, steady licking, slowly rolling it.

Your dog gets frustrated, barks at the toy or gives up. Make the filling looser.

Size up, never down: a toy that's too small can be swallowed or get stuck.
Check every peanut butter or spread label: no xylitol (also called birch sugar). It is poisonous to dogs.
Feed separately from other pets to avoid squabbles.
Use part of the daily food allowance so treats don't add extra calories.

Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.

Game · 20 min

Soaked kibble pressed in and sealed with a plug of wet food. Takes most dogs 10 to 20 minutes.

Game · 30 min

A Kong packed in layers and frozen overnight. The toughest food toy: up to 30 to 45 minutes of steady licking.

Game · 10 min

A beginner puzzle with one simple move, like nudging lids or tipping a wobble bowl. Teaches your dog that puzzles are solvable.