The classic KONG is likely one of the most well-known dog toys on the market. Although we recognize it as a durable rubber chew toy, there are countless creative and fun ways to use a KONG to keep your pet entertained.
Over the years, the KONG product line has expanded significantly, with new innovations designed to bring joy and value to your dog’s life. However, it all began with the iconic classic KONG design.
Regardless of breed, age, or play preferences, most dogs have had a KONG toy at some point. While this reliable design remains a favourite for many dog owners, not all dogs show the same excitement for it as they once did.
It doesn’t squeak, crackle, or have an enticing scent or taste. It can’t be easily torn apart like stuffed toys and doesn’t satisfy the natural prey drive like other toys. For dogs that crave more mentally stimulating toys, the KONG may not measure up to some of the newer, more unique options available.
13 Ways to Use a KONG
Has your dog lost interest in their old, worn-out KONG? There are more ways than you might expect to reignite your dog’s enthusiasm for their once-loved toy. Discover how to stuff a KONG and explore other fun tips to make the most of your dog’s KONG toy.
Check out some of our favourite ways to use a KONG:
1. Frozen Teething KONG
From a very young age, dogs have an instinctual need to chew. As their teeth grow and push through their gums, they naturally chew to help speed up the process and loosen baby teeth.
The KONG, made from soft rubber, is gentler on their gums than hard nylon toys and can help prevent destructive chewing on household items. For added relief, try freezing your puppy’s KONG.
2. The Slow Feed KONG
Dogs that are motivated by food often gulp it down rather than chew, which can make digestion more difficult and affect the proper absorption of calories and nutrients.
To help your fast eater slow down, consider using a KONG toy filled with their full meals. They’ll need to nudge, chew, and toss the KONG to get the food out, encouraging slower eating and potentially improving digestion, weight, and overall eating habits.
This slow feeding method works with all types of food, though kibble is the easiest to clean up. While wet and raw diets may cause more mess and require the toy to be sanitized after each meal, it’s still worth trying.
3. The Brain Teaser KONG
KONGs have a simple design, making it easy for dogs to knock out small treats or kibble. To keep your dog more engaged, you might need to increase the challenge.
Fill the KONG with treats or kibble as usual, but then use a piece of carrot, broccoli stalk, or a larger treat to plug the large opening. The tighter the fit, the better.
Your dog will have to work to remove the plug before they can reach the treats inside, which can help slow down their eating and offer a mentally stimulating challenge.
4. Cool KONG-cicles
Keep your dog cool with these effective cooling tips. Frozen treats are an excellent way to help your dog stay comfortable during hot weather, especially for double-coated breeds or dogs prone to overheating.
To make a cooling treat, turn a KONG upside down in a cup or bowl and use a soft, pliable treat to plug the small hole now at the bottom. Add some treats, veggies, or kibble, and then fill the rest with water, broth, or goat’s milk.
Freeze the KONG overnight, and by the next day, you’ll have a refreshing frozen KONG-cicle to give your dog. Since it can get messy as it defrosts, it’s best served outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area. For more ideas, check out the stuffed KONG recipe below:
5. Calming KONG
For pets that struggle with being left alone, a stuffed KONG can be a great way to keep them occupied and help them relax. A frozen KONG, as described earlier, will last the longest, but you can also fill it with dry treats, kibble, or dog-safe peanut butter for a quicker option.
Ensure the KONG is the right size for your dog—large enough that they can’t swallow it, but small enough that they can’t fit their bottom jaw inside the larger opening.
Dogs that tend to destroy and ingest things should never be left unsupervised with any toy.
6. KONG Scent Detection
Scent detection is an excellent dog sport that exercises your pup’s powerful sense of smell. Some breeds have particularly keen noses and can be trained to search for scents around the house or yard.
To play, use a high-value treat or scent to keep your dog engaged—bacon, hot dogs, or fish are great options for this fun hide-and-seek game.
Place a small amount of the chosen aromatic treat inside the KONG and hide it. Let your dog sniff a small piece, and reward them with a taste.
Start by guiding them to find the first few hidden KONGs. As they become more familiar with the game, you can hide the KONG in more challenging spots and offer fewer hints.
This interactive game is a fantastic way to engage your dog in playtime and can help strengthen your bond.
7. Fetch-a-KONG
Fetch-a-KONG is a variation of the classic KONG toy, designed specifically for interactive play like fetching. It combines the durability and bounce of the original KONG with a shape that makes it perfect for throwing and retrieving. Like other KONG toys, Fetch-a-KONG is made from tough rubber, so it can withstand chewing and rough play. Its unique shape makes it unpredictable when it bounces, adding an extra element of fun and challenge for dogs during playtime.
This toy is ideal for dogs that love to chase and retrieve, providing both mental and physical exercise. It’s also versatile, as it can be used in different environments, whether you’re playing in the backyard, at the park, or even indoors. Like other KONG products, Fetch-a-KONG can also be stuffed with treats, adding an extra layer of engagement for your dog.
8. Bobbing for KONG
Your KONG will sink, so when we suggest using it as a “water toy,” we mean for use in pools, shallow ponds, and shallow lakes where you can see the bottom. Avoid using it in deep water, as you might not retrieve it.
For dogs that are natural swimmers, this toy is an excellent way to exercise and a fun way to cool off on a hot day. For dogs that are nervous around water, use this game to help them get used to dipping their head into shallow water to fetch the toy.
Introduce the game gradually for anxious dogs, and be ready to join them in the water to support their training.
9. Keep Away KONG
This approach works great for group playtime. Fill a KONG with kibble or treats and enjoy a classic game of keep-away. Toss the KONG back and forth between two or more people with your dog in the middle.
It might seem a bit cheeky, but your dog will quickly forgive you when they see the treats flying out with each throw. In grassy areas, the challenge of finding fallen food adds an extra nose workout for your dog.
10. DIY Tether KONG
Tether tugs are perfect for high-energy dogs that need to learn how to entertain themselves for a while. This DIY version mimics a tetherball setup but uses a KONG attached to a rope instead.
You can use a pre-made tetherball pole or create your own with a long metal pipe. Drill a hole near the top of the pole and tie one end of the rope securely to it.
Ensure the knot is strong, as your dog will be pulling on it. Thread the other end of the rope through the KONG and secure it with another tight knot.
Start by playing with your dog, helping them bat at and tug on the KONG. Make sure the pole is anchored deeply in the ground so your dog can’t tip it over. Once they get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they start enjoying solo playtime.
11. Medication KONG Hack
Is your dog a picky eater when it comes to medications or supplements? Try hiding them in a KONG! Mix the pills or supplements with wet food, peanut butter, or other soft treats and stuff the KONG. Your dog will love the tasty treat and never suspect they’re getting something healthy at the same time. This can make administering medications much easier and reduce stress for both you and your furry friend.
Important: Only use this method for medications and supplements that are meant to be taken orally. Always read the instructions to ensure they can be taken with food.
12. The Koñgata
This clever hack requires a bit more effort, but it’s definitely worth it. Get a long rope—long enough to stretch between two stable posts or trees in your yard.
Thread the rope through the KONG and set it up at a height slightly above your dog’s head while standing.
Fill the KONG with treats or food, and let your dog enjoy it. It’s mentally stimulating and fun for the whole family.
13. The Dental KONG
Chewing benefits your dog’s dental health by massaging their gums, loosening bacteria between their teeth, and exercising their jaws. The KONG, known for its durability as a chew toy, can enhance these dental benefits even more.
Apply some dog toothpaste, oral gel, or spray, or a small amount of coconut oil to one side of the KONG. As your dog chews and licks the KONG, they will spread the oral treatment around their mouth, helping to reduce bacteria.
While this method does not replace regular tooth brushing, it can complement and improve their existing dental care routine.
How to Stuff a KONG
Many of our methods involve stuffing your dog’s KONG. While this might seem straightforward, it can be a bit messy if you haven’t done it before. To assist you, we’ve compiled some tips for stuffing a KONG.
- Seal the Base: Use a chewy treat, coconut oil, or dog-safe peanut butter to block the small end of the KONG. Freeze the KONG for at least 30 minutes to solidify the seal.
- Utilize a Muffin Tin: Position the small end of the KONG into a wide muffin tin to keep it steady while you stuff it. You can also leave it in the tin while freezing.
- Layer Ingredients: To prevent dry ingredients like kibble or crunchy dog cookies from falling out too easily, alternate layers of dry and wet ingredients when stuffing the KONG.
- Create a DIY Pastry Bag: For a neater stuffing process, especially with wet ingredients, use a sandwich bag with the corner cut off as a makeshift piping bag.
- Clean Efficiently: To clean a KONG dog toy, soak it in warm water for 5 minutes, then use a KONG Cleaning Brush to remove all food, slobber, and bacteria.
These tips aren’t exclusive to KONG toys. While Classic KONGs are among the easiest dog toys to stuff, many treat-dispensing chew toys can also be filled using the same stuffing recipes and techniques.