Stuffed Kong: medium for dogs: how to play
Soaked kibble pressed in and sealed with a plug of wet food. Takes most dogs 10 to 20 minutes.
- Time
- 20 min
- Energy
- Low
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- Kong or similar hollow rubber toy
- kibble soaked in water until soft
- plain wet food, plain yoghurt or mashed banana
- a large biscuit or chew to plug the hole (optional)
Set up
Soak a measured portion of kibble for 10 minutes so it softens.
How to play
Plug the small hole with a dab of wet food so liquid doesn't leak.
Spoon in soaked kibble and press it down firmly with the spoon handle.
Finish with a seal of wet food or yoghurt across the big opening.
Optional: push a long biscuit into the opening so it sticks out like a handle.
Give it in bed or crate. Collect and wash when done.
House rules
- Kong is a settle activity, not a toss toy.
- Collect it when empty.
- Make it easier
- Press less firmly, or skip the seal.
- Make it harder
- Move up to the frozen layered Kong.
Signs it's having fun
Settled, lying down, steady work, maybe a sigh at the end.
Stop if you see
Frustrated chewing at the rubber, barking, or abandoning it quickly.
Safety
Safety- Check every peanut butter or spread label: no xylitol (also called birch sugar). It is poisonous to dogs.
- Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate and cooked bones in any filling.
- Wash toys daily so food doesn't go off.
- Use part of the daily food allowance so treats don't add extra calories.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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