Are Kongs safe for puppies? A Step-by-Step Guide

What to put in Kong toys

There are many ways that you can stuff your dog’s Kong toy. Hard treats can be wedged inside of the Kong, requiring your dog to bounce or jostle it to dispense treats. You can also smear a soft treat on the inside surfaces of the Kong, allowing your dog to use his tongue to lick the treats clean. Use trial and error to see which type of treat your dog prefers.

There are a number of treats specifically designed for use in Kong toys. These include both hard treats, such as KONG Ziggies, (opens in new tab)and soft or creamy treats, such as KONG Easy Treat (opens in new tab). You can also think outside the box, using other soft or crunchy treats that you may have at home.

When it comes to soft treats for spreading, common options include:

  • Peanut butter (avoid sugar-free peanut butter, which may contain xylitol)
  • Yogurt
  • Canned pumpkin
  • Canned dog food
  • Cream cheese
  • Applesauce
  • You can even freeze liquid inside a Kong toy, as a special treat during the warm summer months. (You will want your dog to enjoy this treat outside, though, because it will be messy!) Seal the holes in each end of your dog’s Kong toy with peanut butter, then fill the center of the toy with chicken or beef broth. Place the toy in the freezer overnight to make your dog his very own pupsicle!

    Can you trust a puppy to be alone with any toys?

    It is never recommended to allow a puppy to be truly alone with any toys. Some toys have a higher risk than other toys, for example, stuffed toys can be a higher risk than a quality rubber toy, such as a Kong or Nylabone.

    If you are leaving your puppy alone at home, then you should ensure they don’t have access to stuffed toys. These are higher risk than a strong, quality rubber toy. But also keep in mind that a specific rubber “puppy” toy will likely have softer, less durable rubber.

    This is due to their puppy teeth. But some puppies have razor-sharp teeth and crocodile jaw strength, meaning these toys won’t last long.

    We also have this article you may be interested in reading, Leaving Your Dog Home Alone: (8,12, or 24-hours)

    Puppies 9 Months to 1 Year — The Teenager.

    They’re not that different than the human kind of young adult. They get bored and anxious — and when they do, bad things happen. But in the dog form of adolescence, KONG toys, stuffed with healthy treats, are effective tools to help prevent these problems.

  • Those strong teeth mean it’s time to upgrade to a tougher rubber, so try KONG Classic or Extreme — depending on how big of a chewer you have on your hands.
  • Introduce your dog to new flavors of Stuff’N Snacks and Treats. Remember, they need variety just like people do.
  • AirDog Squeakair Balls are great for interactive play. They aren’t abrasive to dogs’ teeth, like normal tennis balls, so mouth and jaws stay healthy and strong.
  • The KONG Wubba is perfect for tugging and fetching.
  • Most DANGEROUS Dog Toy?! How you SHOULD NEVER use a kong, seriously!

    Dogs have different play and treat needs throughout the day and throughout their lives. That’s why there are so many kinds of KONG toys. Understanding these needs helps you keep your dog feeling safe and secure, which limits the chance of them reverting back to bad behaviors. Let’s find out what KONG your dog needs, based on his or her age.