13 Genius Kong Filler Recipes – Stuff Your Kong for Puppies & Adult Dogs

13 Genius Kong Filler Recipes – Stuff Your Kong for Puppies & Adult Dogs

Borzoi enjoying a kong treat

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Does your dog enjoy their Kong, but you got into a rut of always putting peanut butter in there? Are you looking for new Kong filler recipes that will keep them busy with their toy while being delicious? We got you a variety of ideas on how to fill Kongs. Try them all out or mix and match parts of Kong filler recipes. As long as you use foods that are safe for your dog, the possibilities are endless!

Table of Contents

Kong Filler Recipes

How to fill a Kong

Here is a video of how I prepare chew toys. Remember to always freeze the Kongs – otherwise, your dog will empty them out in minutes! Freezing them until they are solid turns Kongs into lasting chewing fun.

Kong Filler Recipes

Let’s look at the different ways to fill your Kong. When deciding on what goes in, consider your individual dog: Is it a puppy who needs a gentle diet? An overweight dog who has to watch calories? Does your pup have any allergies? Not every recipe will work for every dog.

Puppy Kong Treats and Kong Filler Recipes

Puppies can have sensitive stomachs and require a gentle introduction to a variety of foods. Here are some ideas:

#1 The Purist –  

Stuff the Kong with only chicken (cooked, canned, however you like). You can pull it into little pieces and stuff it into the Kong tightly to ensure your dog has to work a bit to get everything out. This is one of the easiest and most popular Kong filler recipes.

Chicken is highly digestible and easily absorbed by a dog’s body, making it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

Chicken is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and phosphorus, which help support a dog’s overall health and well-being.

The Purist Kong Filler Recipe
Chicken Pot Pie Kong Filler Recipe

#2 Chicken Pot Pie – 

Peas, carrots, low-fat yogurt, and chicken. What is a favorite for humans is also a favorite for dogs!

Peas are low in fat and calories, which can be beneficial for dogs that need to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Peas contain essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium, which can help support a dog’s overall health and well-being.

#3 Halloween Chicken –

Pumpkin, cottage cheese, and chicken. A Kong filler recipe your pooch will love all year and not just at Halloween!

The high water content in pumpkin can help keep a dog’s urinary tract healthy and prevent urinary tract infections.

The vitamins and minerals in pumpkin can also help promote a healthy coat and skin in dogs.

It’s important to note that pumpkin should be fed to dogs in moderation and in the proper form. Fresh or canned plain pumpkin is recommended, as pumpkin pie filling or spiced pumpkin products can contain added sugars and spices that can be harmful to dogs.

Halloween Kong Filler
Peas in a Pot Kong Filler

#4 Peas In A Pot –

Peas, carrots, and cottage cheese.

Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing a dog’s muscles, tissues, and cells.

It’s important to note that not all dogs can tolerate dairy products like cottage cheese, and some may have lactose intolerance or allergies to dairy. Additionally, some cottage cheese products can be high in sodium, so it’s important to choose a low-sodium variety when feeding it to your dog.

KONG - Puppy Toy Natural Teething Rubber

Puppy Kongs are a popular type of dog toy that is designed to provide mental stimulation and promote healthy chewing habits for puppies. These toys are made from a durable rubber material that is non-toxic and safe for dogs to chew on.

The unique shape of a Puppy Kong features a hollow center that can be filled with treats or peanut butter, making it an interactive toy that encourages puppies to work for their rewards. This can be especially helpful for puppies who are teething, as chewing on the toy can provide relief for their sore gums.

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Low-Calorie Kong Filler Recipes

If your dog is less active and you struggle to keep him from being overweight, peanut butter filled Kong may not be what he needs. These Kong filler recipes are low in calories and fat while still being delicious.

#5 White And Green – 

Cottage cheese and cucumber. This is the ultimate Kong filler recipe for when you need to monitor calories but also need to entertain your pooch. 

Cucumbers are a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate snack that can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet when fed in moderation and prepared properly.

Cucumbers contain essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium, which can help support a dog’s overall health and well-being.

Cucumbers are also a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help regulate bowel movements.

White and Green Kong Recipe
Apple a Day Kong FIller

#6 Apple A Day Kong Filler Recipe –

Apples and yogurt.

Make sure the yogurt is low-fat and without sweeteners.The texture of apples can also help clean a dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. 

Always remove the seeds and core before feeding apples to your dog, as they can be difficult to digest and contain trace amounts of cyanide.

#7 Pear With Me –

Pears, cottage cheese, and egg white. The Kong filler recipe I’d have for breakfast myself!

Feeding your dog egg whites can be a good way to provide them with a high-quality source of protein, as egg whites are low in fat and cholesterol and contain essential amino acids that dogs need to maintain muscle and tissue health.

However, it is important to note that feeding your dog only egg whites and not the yolk can lead to an imbalance in their diet, as the yolk contains essential nutrients like fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), iron, and fatty acids.

Pear With Me Recipe
Melon Felon Recipe

#8 Melon Felon Kong Filler Recipe –

Watermelon, yogurt, and mango.

Yes, you can feed your dog watermelon in moderation. Watermelon is a healthy and hydrating snack for dogs as it contains high water content, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

However, before feeding your dog watermelon, it’s important to remove the seeds and rind, as they can be difficult for dogs to digest and can cause gastrointestinal issues.

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The Toppl dog toy is the perfect solution for dogs who love to play and chew. Made of durable, non-toxic materials, the Toppl is designed to provide endless hours of entertainment and mental stimulation for your furry friend.

With its unique shape and texture, the Toppl can be filled with treats or food, making it an ideal puzzle toy that encourages dogs to work for their reward. Its flexible design allows for easy play and tossing, while also ensuring that the toy won't break or crack.

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Kong Filler Recipes For Senior Dogs

Our senior dogs require protein and vitamins to stay healthy. While you can help them meet their nutrition needs by feeding them daily supplements, putting them in Kongs is also a great idea. Some senior dogs that don’t want to eat might get an appetite again through the fun challenge a Kong presents!

#9 The Banana Buster

 Bananas, peanut butter, and apples.

Bananas can be a healthy and nutritious snack for dogs when given in moderation. Bananas are a good source of fiber, vitamins B6 and C, and potassium, which can help support your dog’s digestive and cardiovascular health. 

You should always remove the banana peel before giving it to your dog, as the peel can be difficult for them to digest and can also pose a choking hazard.

Banana Buster Kong Filler
Cheesy Wheezy Recipe

#10 Cheesy Wheezy –

Shredded cheese, pumpkin, and carrots.

Cheese can be a good source of protein and calcium for dogs, and many dogs enjoy the taste.

However, it’s important to note that cheese is also high in fat and calories, so you should only give your dog a small amount as an occasional treat. Too much cheese can lead to weight gain and digestive issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting.

Additionally, some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have difficulty digesting dairy products, so it’s best to start with a small amount and monitor your dog’s reaction before giving them more cheese.

#11 Cool Beans Kong Filler Recipe-

Green beans, cream cheese, and corn.

Green beans are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins, making them a good choice for dogs that need to lose weight or have digestive issues.

In fact, some commercial dog foods and treats even contain green beans as a main ingredient due to their nutritional value.

However, it’s important to avoid feeding your dog canned green beans that contain added salt or preservatives. Instead, you can offer your dog fresh or frozen green beans that have been steamed or boiled and cooled to room temperature.

Cool Beans Recipe
Our TOP Choice
KONG – Classic Dog Toy

The Kong Classic Toy is available in three sizes so you can choose the right one for your dog. This multifunctional toy comes in as our top pick for multiple reasons. Made of durable rubber, this serves as a hardy chew toy to keep your dog entertained. 


Use it to play fetch with your dog, too! The unique design and shape of the Kong give it an unpredictable bounce pattern which encourages more exercise as your Labradoodle chases after it. Fill the Kong with dry kibble, plain yogurt, or peanut butter to keep your dog busy as they work to get their reward. 


Best of all, the Kong is easy to clean by hand or it can be tossed in the dishwasher. This simple, classic toy is versatile and provides hours of mental and physical enrichment.

Yogurt Balls

#12 Yogurt Balls –

Blueberries, raspberries, and plain yogurt.

If your dog enjoys this combination, try this berry and yogurt treat recipe!

Feel free to try other berries but remember not all berries are safe for dogs to eat, but there are several types of berries that are safe and even healthy for dogs when given in moderation. These include:

  1. Blueberries: Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and fiber, and they can be given to dogs as a healthy snack.

  2. Strawberries: Strawberries are high in vitamin C and fiber, and they make a great occasional treat for dogs.

  3. Raspberries: Raspberries are high in fiber and antioxidants, and they can be given to dogs in small amounts.

  4. Blackberries: Blackberries are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, and they can be given to dogs as an occasional treat.

It’s important to note that you should always wash berries before giving them to your dog and remove any stems, leaves, or pits that may be present.

The Classic Kong Filler Recipe

#13 Frozen Peanut Butter Kong –

The most classic Kong filler recipe of all is probably the frozen peanut butter Kong.

Most dogs love peanut butter, and contrary to other nuts, peanuts are fine for dogs to eat. While your dog will probably love to gobble up a Kong that’s filled to the brim with peanut butter, please keep in mind that this is not the healthiest option. Peanut butter is high in fats, which not only adds a lot of calories to your pup’s diet, but can even lead to pancreatitis, a painful infection of the pancreas. To play it safe, it’s best to add some healthy, low-fat ingredients to the peanut butter. You could for example 3 parts mix pureed pumpkin and 1 part peanut butter.

Another option is to use plain, no-fat yogurt. This way your dog can enjoy the taste of peanut butter without ingesting too much fat or calories

Frozen Peanut Butter Kong

Tips & Tricks On How To Use A Kong Toy:

One of the main questions we see from new puppy owners after they purchase a treat dispensing toy for their dog is how to use a Kong toy anyways? Kongs and other similar products are a great way to help keep our puppies entertained and give them an outlet to practice natural calming behaviors like licking and chewing in an appropriate manner. This can actually even help reduce things like puppy biting! We want to fill our stuffable toys with something high enough in value that our dogs want to work to get the food out, but definitely not anything that will be too rich or upset our dog’s stomach in large quantities. There are lots of Kong filler recipes out there, though not all are created equal. We want to make sure that we aren’t using anything that could potentially be harmful to our dogs of course. Many pet stores will actually carry Kong treats for dogs, these are cookies and pâté in a spray can be made specifically to fill Kongs. We often suggest mixing your puppy’s kibble with some wet food and soaking it in water, then pureeing it and putting it in the Kong as a tummy-friendly option that allows you to use their daily meal allowance so that we aren’t overfeeding. You can also add pureed pumpkin to this recipe as well, just keep in mind we want a peanut butter-like consistency for easy stuffing. For our very food-motivated dogs and super chewers, you can freeze the Kongs to make them last even longer! When your pup is all done, Kongs are top-rack dishwasher safe, so you can wash them and restuff them over and over for multiple uses.

How can I make my Kong last longer?

I recommend Kongs to at least half of my clientele. Dogs are hardwired to chew. They enjoy chewing, it calms them down, and many dogs desire to chew so much that if we do not give them appropriate options, they will pick their own – unfortunately, this often means furniture, shoes, etc. Chewing and cleaning out a Kong will let your dog engage in their natural desire to chew and help them settle. 

In many cases, a Kong is a first band-aid as well as a long-term management tool for dogs with behavior issues. Even if they do not have any behavioral problems, working on emptying a frozen Kong is always a fun challenge for your dog. 

But how do you make a Kong last longer? Filling it to the brim and freezing it is the key to success! Some owners try to put individual treats in the Kong – every dog can shake those out within seconds. Simply putting some peanut butter along the walls also won’t work; your dog can lick it off right away. By filling it to the very top and then freezing it, you can essentially turn your Kong into a reusable hard bone.

Doggo Chewing on a Kong

Kongs – The Canine Babysitter

Especially for puppies, Kongs often function as babysitters. I advise all puppy owners to have a filled Kong ready to go in their freezer at all times. When needed, it functions as instant entertainment for their puppy. A surprise visit from your friends and your pup won’t settle and let you catch up in peace? Give them the Kong that’s ready in the freezer, and they will take it and lie down somewhere working on it. Have to leave, and your pup whines because they don’t want to be left alone? A Kong can turn saying goodbye into a pleasant experience for your dog, as he learns that every time you leave him, a delicious treat awaits him.

Which Kong Is The Right One?

When picking out a Kong for your dog, ensure that your dog cannot take the whole Kong into his mouth. Food-driven dogs can become so thrilled about getting a filled Kong that they attempt to take it into their mouth as a whole. While they may not be able to swallow, it can become lodged and require an expensive and unpleasant vet visit. 

For heavier chewers, pick the black Kongs that will withstand even the strongest jaws. One thing that can damage Kongs is sunlight: They should be kept inside. If you allow your dog to take his Kong outside, make sure that you collect it after he is done, or it will become brittle over time.

Can My Dogs Share One Kong?

Absolutely not! Having dogs “sharing” a Kong is a recipe for disaster (and food aggression). Dogs do not understand the concept of sharing the way we do. In a dog’s mind, the only possession he has is what is in front of him right at that moment. That means your dog doesn’t understand that they own a toy box full of treasures. As far as they are concerned, they only own the toy in their mouth at a particular moment. This concept results in them feeling very protective about what they have and they do not understand why they should give up that possession to another dog at all. 

Do not give one Kong to two or more dogs; let them figure out who gets it. This will foster resource guarding tendencies and worsen your dogs’ relationship.

How To Prepare a Frozen Kong

You want to use a food processor for all foods found in this article. Puree the ingredients and fill the mixture into the Kong (alternatively, you can chop them up with a knife). You can block the little hole at the top with cheese if the filling seems too liquid. Then put your Kong in the freezer for at least a couple of hours. If you want to ensure it is thoroughly frozen, leave it in the freezer overnight. 

It is advisable to prepare several Kongs and freeze them all. This way, you always have one handy when you need it, as well as only having to spend time preparing and cleaning once.

Dog and Cat

Ideas For Smart Kong Usage

Filled Kongs are not just for enjoying at home. You can bring them anywhere and make many difficult situations easier and more fun for your dog by taking one of their favorite toys along. 

In contrast to feeding your dog treats that they might swallow instantly, a Kong will provide them with long-lasting entertainment. Often you can build a new emotional connection by just bringing along a Kong a couple of times. Your dog will link the situation that may have been scary for them to their chew toy and the delicious treats and be much calmer and well-behaved. Here are some ideas for taking your Kong on the road:

In The Car

Does your dog show signs of discomfort in the car? They might be panting, drooling, shaking, or whining. Reasons why dogs are unhappy on car rides span from nausea over motion-sensitivity (and the wish to chase other cars in traffic) to being overly excited and impatient about getting out of the vehicle. Try to give your dog their Kong with their favorite Kong filler recipe as soon as they jump into the car. 

Unless your dog experiences heavy nausea (in which case it is best to consult a vet), They should not have problems chewing and working on his Kong during the drive. They will arrive in a much more relaxed and happy state!

Dog Hanging Out Car Window
Three dogs at the vet

At The Vet

Using a Kong toy at the vet can be a helpful way to keep your dog calm and distracted during potentially stressful procedures such as examinations or vaccinations. Kong toys are durable, chew-resistant toys that can be filled with treats or peanut butter, providing a delicious distraction for your dog to focus on while the vet completes the necessary procedures.

Dogs can become anxious and fearful when taken to the vet, especially if they associate the vet with negative experiences such as shots or uncomfortable procedures. The Kong toy can help to redirect your dog’s focus and provide a positive association with the vet’s office. Additionally, chewing and licking on the Kong toy can help to alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs by releasing endorphins that promote relaxation.

Overall, using a Kong with one of our Kong Filler Recipes at the vet can be a useful tool to help keep your dog calm and make the visit a more positive experience for both you and your furry friend.

During A Training Class

Is your dog majorly distracted or stressed during a training class? They may be anxious and uncomfortable around dogs and people They do not know. Or they might just be so excited to be in a room with many potential new friends! 

Regardless of the source of their stress, they will not be able to learn as well as when they are in a calm state of mind. It can be challenging to calm them down. I have had great success with having clients bring a chew item for their dog in such cases. Your dog will lie down and concentrate on their frozen Kong and learn not to pay too much attention to all the commotion around them – until it is his turn to train, of course.

Jack Russell Terrier
Puppy Eyeing Some Sushi

On Pet-Friendly Patios

Would you love to take your dog along to a restaurant patio or brewery but are afraid they will not behave and embarrass you in front of everyone else? Kong to the rescue! 

Bring a comfortable mat and a frozen Kong with one of our Kong filler recipes along for your dog. Tie them up at your table, show them their mat, and give them their chew toy. They can relax immediately and chill while you have a meal or drink with friends. 

The more often you do this, the more normal it will become for them to settle out and about, and they will not think twice about it. There you have your perfect patio dog!