They can also help improve dental health. The chewing motion of dogs is similar to the brushing action that people perform on their teeth, so giving your dog a chew toy has the potential to help improve oral hygiene over time!

A Kong can help a dog settle down during the night before bedtime. However, at bedtime, it’s best not to give your dog toys. This helps to reinforce the idea that toys are for playing with during the day, and that they need to settle down at night. Kongs are a fantastic way to keep busy minds active for long periods of time and improve your dog’s state of mind by using their natural instinct to hunt for their food.Hi Emma, it’s great you’re getting your pup chewing but it sounds like yes they might be either too frustrating (too difficult) or too high value for him. I would go down to make them easier and also try lower value (less interesting chews) if he manages them, then you can gradually make them harder and higher value for him! Kongs can help to reduce separation anxiety. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety might not do well with leaving them alone for long periods of time. Having a special toy like a Kong that will keep them busy while you’re gone can be a great option.

I’ve found that a mix of different textures/tastes helps keep my dogs interested and occupied so that they don’t get bored and leave the KONG half full. It can take your dog anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour to finish their treat, depending on what kind of filling. Some people even freeze their dogs’ toys with ingredients like peas so it takes longer for the pet to get through them. Kong toys are great for everyday use, especially if your pup is bored, has chewing problems, or just needs something to do. Moisten your dog’s dry kibble (either with water, or with some much more flavorful low-salt broth). Then spoon it into the Kong toy. Freeze & serve.When using a stuffed Kong, it’s really important to consider your dog’s daily calorie intake. If you are going to be giving your dog a stuffed Kong as part of their daily routine. Then it is a simple case of deducting the calories contained in the stuffed Kong from the dogs daily food intake. So reducing the amount of kibble they receive over breakfast won’t be noticed by your dog. But it means they won’t be gaining any weight. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to stuffing! It just depends what works the best for your dog.

Hi, I have been stuffing and freezing a small kong toy for my 4 lab mix month puppy and he gets this in his crate when we have to go out. I had read this is a way of associating something nice when you have to leave them? He’s always finished all the stuffing when we return and we then take it away so he only has it when we’re not there…. If you have more than one dog in your household. It is really important that they are given their Kongs to enjoy in separate areas of your house. This helps prevent any possible anxiety and conflict that may arise from them trying to enjoy their stuffed Kongs in close proximity. Our Labrador and Miniature Pinscher are great friends but both very food motivated. So we would never put pressure on their relationship by giving them a long lasting treat in the same room together. Plus this time apart is a great way to build up confidence and good experiences being separate. Which is always important in a multi-dog household. Kongs are also helpful for weight management. If your dog needs to lose weight, giving them a Kong can be an easy way to make sure they are getting the exercise and calories that their body requires while portioning their servings.

Would it be better to not stuff the bottom hole and only put dry biscuits in there to have air circulation, then use different layers of wet and dry food from there before freezing? Mixing the pumpkin with oatmeal, rice, peanut butter, or meat is a great way to slip in some healthy fiber. The following dog recipes make delicious treats — whether you decide to stuff them inside a Kong toy, or just serve them up as special homemade treats for your dog… anytime! BANANA YOGURT: Plain yogurt and mashed bananas. (You can also add a little peanut butter or other fruits.) Then freeze it.