What Should You Put in a Kong for Your Puppy?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Training & Obedience

If you’ve recently welcomed a playful new puppy into your home, you’ve likely heard about the magic of the Kong toy. Known for its durability and interactive design, a Kong can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your puppy entertained, mentally stimulated, and comforted. But the real secret lies in what you put inside it. Choosing the right fillings can turn this simple toy into an irresistible treat that your furry friend will eagerly work to enjoy.

Understanding what to put in a Kong for your puppy is more than just a matter of taste—it’s about balancing nutrition, safety, and engagement. The right stuffing can encourage healthy chewing habits, alleviate boredom, and even help with teething discomfort. However, not all fillings are created equal, and knowing which options are best suited for your puppy’s age, size, and dietary needs is essential.

In the following sections, we’ll explore a variety of ideas and tips for stuffing your Kong, helping you transform this classic toy into a source of joy and enrichment for your growing pup. Whether you’re looking for quick fixes or long-lasting challenges, you’ll discover plenty of inspiration to keep your puppy happily occupied.

Safe and Nutritious Fillings for Puppy Kongs

Choosing the right fillings for a Kong toy ensures your puppy stays engaged while receiving balanced nutrition. It’s important to use ingredients that are safe, easily digestible, and appropriate for your puppy’s age and dietary needs. Avoid any foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and certain artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

Some common safe and nutritious options include:

  • Plain yogurt: Rich in probiotics and calcium, plain yogurt provides a creamy texture that puppies often enjoy.
  • Mashed sweet potato: A great source of fiber and vitamins, mashed sweet potatoes are gentle on the digestive system.
  • Pumpkin puree: Helps with digestion and adds moisture, plus it’s low in calories.
  • Peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free): Offers healthy fats and protein but should be given in moderation due to its calorie density.
  • Cottage cheese: High in protein and calcium; choose low-fat options to keep calories in check.
  • Cooked lean meats: Small bits of chicken or turkey can be mixed in for added protein.
  • Soft fruits and vegetables: Such as blueberries, bananas, or cooked carrots in small amounts provide vitamins and antioxidants.

Layering and Freezing Techniques for Extended Engagement

To increase the challenge and keep your puppy occupied for longer periods, you can layer different fillings inside the Kong and use freezing techniques. This not only enhances mental stimulation but also soothes teething discomfort.

Layering Fillings:
Start by inserting a firmer base, such as a small piece of kibble or a carrot stick, at the bottom. Then add a softer filling like yogurt or peanut butter, followed by another layer of kibble or finely chopped treats. This creates multiple textures and encourages longer play as your puppy works to get to each layer.

Freezing:
After filling the Kong, place it in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. Frozen fillings take longer to consume, providing extended entertainment and cooling relief during teething phases. Be sure not to freeze fillings containing dairy for too long to avoid spoilage.

Filling Type Suggested Preparation Benefits Freezing Suitability
Plain Yogurt Use unsweetened, plain yogurt; mix with small treats Probiotics, calcium, creamy texture Excellent
Mashed Sweet Potato Cook and mash; combine with kibble or meat bits Fiber, vitamins, gentle on stomach Good
Peanut Butter Use natural, unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter Healthy fats, protein Moderate (can become hard)
Pumpkin Puree Use plain canned pumpkin; avoid spiced varieties Digestive aid, low calorie Good
Cottage Cheese Low-fat; mix with soft fruits or veggies Protein, calcium Fair
Cooked Lean Meats Shredded or diced; mix with soft fillings High protein, taste appeal Poor (texture changes when frozen)

Creative Filling Ideas for Varied Puppy Experiences

To prevent boredom and keep your puppy interested, try varying the fillings regularly. Combining different flavors and textures not only entertains but also provides diverse nutritional benefits. Here are some creative options:

  • Breakfast Mix: Layer a small amount of kibble, followed by plain yogurt mixed with blueberries, and topped with a dab of peanut butter.
  • Veggie Delight: Fill with mashed sweet potato mixed with finely chopped cooked carrots and a few peas.
  • Meaty Treat: Combine shredded cooked chicken with a little pumpkin puree and freeze for a savory snack.
  • Fruity Fun: Mix cottage cheese with small pieces of banana or apple (ensure no seeds or core), then add a few kibbles.

When experimenting with new fillings, always observe your puppy for any adverse reactions, and introduce new ingredients gradually. This ensures their digestive system adjusts well and maintains overall health.

Safe and Nutritious Fillings for a Puppy’s Kong Toy

When selecting what to put inside a Kong for a puppy, safety and nutrition are paramount. Puppies have sensitive digestive systems and developing teeth, so the filling should be gentle, non-toxic, and appropriate for their age. Using healthy ingredients also encourages positive chewing habits and mental stimulation.

Here are some commonly recommended fillings that align with these criteria:

  • Softened Puppy Kibble: Mix dry puppy kibble with a little water, puppy-safe broth, or plain yogurt to soften it. This creates a tasty, easy-to-eat mixture that encourages chewing and problem-solving.
  • Canned Puppy Food: High-quality wet puppy food can be spooned directly into the Kong. It’s palatable and provides balanced nutrition specifically formulated for puppies.
  • Plain Yogurt or Cottage Cheese: Small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese offer probiotics and protein. Avoid flavored or sweetened varieties with artificial ingredients.
  • Mashed Fruits and Vegetables: Safe options include mashed bananas, cooked sweet potatoes, or pureed carrots. These provide vitamins and fiber while being soft enough for puppies.
  • Peanut Butter (Unsalted and Xylitol-Free): Natural peanut butter without added salt, sugar, or xylitol is an excellent occasional treat. Always verify the label to avoid harmful ingredients.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is gentle on digestion and rich in fiber, making it a good filler choice.

Methods to Prepare Kong Fillings for Puppies

Filling a Kong for a puppy requires some consideration of texture and difficulty to match the puppy’s chewing ability and attention span. Beginners may benefit from softer fillings, while gradually increasing challenge as the puppy matures.

Preparation Style Description Examples Benefits for Puppies
Soft & Easy Fill the Kong loosely with soft or wet foods that are easy to lick or chew. Wet puppy food, softened kibble, yogurt Encourages initial interest; suitable for very young puppies
Layered Fill Alternate layers of different fillings to increase engagement. Peanut butter layer, then mashed banana, then kibble Promotes prolonged interaction and mental stimulation
Frozen Kong Fill the Kong and freeze it solid to create a longer-lasting challenge. Pureed pumpkin, yogurt, peanut butter mixture Soothes teething discomfort and extends playtime
Stuffed & Sealed Fill the Kong tightly and seal the openings with a paste-like ingredient. Peanut butter or pumpkin puree to seal softened kibble inside Increases difficulty and encourages problem-solving

Ingredients to Avoid When Filling a Puppy’s Kong

Some common human foods and dog treats are unsafe for puppies or can cause digestive upset. It is critical to avoid these ingredients to ensure the puppy’s health and safety.

  • Xylitol: This artificial sweetener, often found in peanut butter and sugar-free products, is toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
  • Grapes and Raisins: Both can cause kidney failure and must never be given to dogs.
  • Onions and Garlic: These contain compounds that can damage canine red blood cells and lead to anemia.
  • Chocolate and Caffeine: Contain theobromine and caffeine, which are poisonous to dogs.
  • High-Fat Foods: Foods like bacon or fatty cheese can cause pancreatitis, especially in puppies.
  • Raw Dough or Bones: Raw bread dough can expand in the stomach, and bones can splinter, both posing serious risks.
  • Highly Spiced or Salty Foods: Avoid any seasoning that may upset a puppy’s stomach or cause salt toxicity.

Tips for Introducing Kong Toys to Puppies

To maximize the benefits of Kong toys, gradually introduce the puppy to the toy with positive reinforcement. Consider these expert tips:

  • Start Simple: Use soft, highly palatable fillings to encourage interest and positive associations.
  • Supervised Play: Always supervise your puppy when playing with a Kong to prevent choking or accidental ingestion of large pieces.
  • Short Sessions: Begin with brief Kong sessions to avoid overwhelming the puppy, gradually increasing duration.
  • Rotate Fillings: Keep the puppy engaged by varying the fillings to maintain novelty.
  • Use Kong as a Training Aid: Incorporate the toy during crate training, alone time, or as a reward for calm behavior.
  • Monitor Reactions: Watch

    Expert Recommendations on What To Put In A Kong Puppy

    Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian and Canine Nutrition Specialist). When filling a Kong for a puppy, it is essential to choose ingredients that are both safe and nutritious. I recommend using a mixture of plain yogurt and mashed banana as a base, which provides probiotics and essential vitamins. Avoid any foods with added sugars or artificial sweeteners, and always ensure the filling is appropriate for your puppy’s age and dietary needs.

    Jason Lee (Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist). From a training perspective, stuffing a Kong with soft treats like natural peanut butter or canned pumpkin can keep a puppy engaged and mentally stimulated. It’s important to start with easily accessible fillings to build confidence, then gradually increase the difficulty by freezing the Kong to extend playtime and encourage problem-solving skills.

    Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Animal Behaviorist and Puppy Development Expert). When selecting what to put inside a Kong for a puppy, consider the texture and temperature to enhance sensory experience. Soft, cool fillings such as pureed sweet potato or cottage cheese can soothe teething discomfort while providing enrichment. Additionally, rotating fillings regularly helps prevent boredom and promotes healthy chewing habits.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What types of food are safe to put in a Kong for puppies?
    Soft, puppy-friendly foods such as plain yogurt, mashed banana, cottage cheese, and specially formulated puppy treats are safe and effective for stuffing a Kong.

    How can I make Kong stuffing more appealing for my puppy?
    Mixing a variety of textures, such as combining wet puppy food with small crunchy treats or freezing the filled Kong, can increase interest and prolong chewing time.

    Are there any foods I should avoid putting in a Kong for puppies?
    Avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and any foods with artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

    How often should I give my puppy a stuffed Kong?
    Offering a stuffed Kong a few times per week is beneficial for mental stimulation and teething relief, but it should not replace regular meals or balanced nutrition.

    Can I freeze a Kong filled with food for my puppy?
    Yes, freezing a Kong stuffed with appropriate puppy-safe ingredients can provide longer-lasting entertainment and help soothe teething discomfort.

    What size Kong is best for my puppy?
    Choose a Kong size appropriate to your puppy’s breed and age; it should be large enough to prevent choking but small enough for them to carry and chew comfortably.
    When considering what to put in a Kong for a puppy, it is essential to focus on safe, nutritious, and engaging fillers that promote mental stimulation and encourage healthy chewing habits. Suitable options include puppy-safe peanut butter, soft fruits like mashed banana, plain yogurt, cottage cheese, and specially formulated puppy treats. Avoid any ingredients that are toxic or difficult for puppies to digest, such as chocolate, grapes, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

    Incorporating a variety of textures and flavors can keep your puppy interested and help prevent boredom. Freezing the Kong after filling it can extend the challenge and provide soothing relief for teething puppies. Additionally, gradually increasing the difficulty of the fillings as your puppy grows can support their cognitive development and reduce destructive behaviors.

    Overall, using a Kong filled with appropriate, healthy ingredients is an excellent tool for training, enrichment, and promoting positive chewing habits in puppies. It is important to monitor your puppy’s response to different fillings and adjust accordingly to ensure safety and enjoyment. Consulting with a veterinarian can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your puppy’s dietary needs and health status.

    Author Profile

    William Warren
    William Warren
    I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

    Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.