What Should You Put in a Kong for Your Puppy?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Training & Obedience

When you bring a new puppy into your home, keeping them entertained and mentally stimulated is just as important as meeting their basic needs. One of the best tools for this is the Kong toy—a versatile, durable chew that can provide hours of fun and enrichment. But what exactly should you put in a Kong for a puppy to make it both safe and engaging? Finding the right fillings can turn this simple toy into a rewarding experience that supports your puppy’s development and helps ease common challenges like teething and separation anxiety.

Choosing the perfect Kong stuffing involves balancing nutrition, texture, and your puppy’s individual preferences. The right combination can encourage healthy chewing habits, promote slower eating, and even provide comfort during times when your puppy might feel lonely or restless. Whether you’re looking to keep your puppy busy during training sessions or simply want to offer a tasty distraction, understanding the basics of what to put in a Kong is essential.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore a variety of safe and appealing options tailored specifically for puppies. From simple, wholesome ingredients to creative mixtures, you’ll discover how to make the most of this popular toy to support your puppy’s growth and happiness. Get ready to transform your Kong into a go-to source of joy and enrichment for your furry friend.

Safe and Nutritious Ingredients for Stuffing a Puppy’s Kong

Choosing the right ingredients to fill your puppy’s Kong is essential to ensure both enjoyment and nutritional value. Soft, easily digestible foods that are safe for puppies should be prioritized. Avoid anything with added sugars, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs), or high salt content.

Common safe ingredients include:

  • Plain yogurt (unsweetened, preferably Greek yogurt for added protein)
  • Cottage cheese (low-fat versions are best)
  • Peanut butter (natural, unsalted, and xylitol-free)
  • Mashed sweet potato or pumpkin (plain, canned pumpkin, not pie filling)
  • Soft fruits like banana or blueberries in small amounts
  • Cooked lean meats such as chicken or turkey (no seasoning)
  • Kibble soaked in broth (low sodium, homemade or dog-safe broth)

Mixing several of these ingredients can create a more engaging and flavorful experience, extending the time it takes for your puppy to finish the Kong.

Techniques to Stuff a Puppy’s Kong

How you stuff the Kong can influence how long your puppy is engaged with it and how challenging the treat is to retrieve. Here are some effective methods:

  • Layering: Start with a small amount of a sticky base like peanut butter or yogurt at the bottom, then add kibble or small treats, followed by another layer of the base.
  • Freezing: After stuffing, freeze the Kong to make the treat last longer and provide a soothing sensation, especially for teething puppies.
  • Sealing the end: Use a bit of peanut butter or cream cheese to “seal” the opening, preventing contents from spilling out too quickly.
  • Using kibble as filler: If you want to slow down the treat time, fill the Kong mostly with dry kibble mixed with a small amount of wet food or broth to moisten it.

Examples of Puppy-Friendly Kong Stuffing Combinations

Below is a table outlining several safe and nutritious stuffing combinations, suited for different levels of difficulty and puppy preferences:

Combination Ingredients Difficulty Level Benefits
Simple Smooth Plain Greek yogurt + mashed banana Easy Soft texture for young puppies, rich in probiotics
Meaty Mix Cooked shredded chicken + plain pumpkin puree Medium High protein, promotes digestion
Crunch & Cream Kibble soaked in low-sodium broth + natural peanut butter Medium to Hard Encourages chewing, longer engagement
Frozen Delight Layered cottage cheese + blueberries, frozen solid Hard Cooling for teething, antioxidant-rich

Foods and Ingredients to Avoid in a Puppy’s Kong

Certain ingredients are unsafe or unsuitable for puppies and should never be used to fill a Kong:

  • Chocolate or cocoa products – toxic to dogs
  • Grapes and raisins – can cause kidney failure
  • Onions and garlic – toxic to dogs
  • Xylitol (found in many peanut butters and sugar-free products) – extremely toxic and potentially fatal
  • Raw dough or raw eggs – risk of bacterial contamination
  • High-fat or heavily seasoned foods – can cause digestive upset
  • Bones or hard treats – risk of choking or dental damage

Always introduce new foods gradually to monitor for any allergic reactions or digestive sensitivities.

Tips for Using Kongs in Puppy Training and Enrichment

Using a Kong effectively goes beyond simply filling it. Consider the following tips to maximize its benefits:

  • Rotate stuffing ingredients to maintain interest and provide nutritional variety.
  • Use the Kong as a reward during training sessions to reinforce positive behaviors.
  • Supervise your puppy while using the Kong, especially with new ingredients or freezing methods.
  • Start with easier fillings and increase difficulty as your puppy masters retrieving treats.
  • Incorporate Kong play into daily routines to reduce boredom and promote mental stimulation.

This approach helps develop problem-solving skills and supports healthy chewing habits during critical developmental stages.

Safe and Nutritious Fillings for Your Puppy’s Kong

Choosing the right fillings for your puppy’s Kong is essential to ensure both safety and nutritional value while keeping your puppy engaged. Fillings should be appropriate for your puppy’s age, dietary needs, and chewing habits.

Here are some commonly recommended safe and healthy options to fill a Kong for your puppy:

  • Soft, Healthy Treats: Small pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, or lean beef provide protein and are easy to digest.
  • Vegetables: Carrot sticks, green beans, or sweet potato chunks can add crunch and nutrition.
  • Fruits: Small amounts of apple slices (without seeds), blueberries, or banana pieces offer natural sweetness and vitamins.
  • Commercial Puppy Treats: Breakable soft treats designed for puppies can fit inside and encourage chewing.
  • Wet Puppy Food: High-quality canned puppy food can be spooned into the Kong for a soft, tasty treat.
  • Plain Yogurt or Cottage Cheese: These dairy options provide probiotics and calcium, but only if your puppy tolerates dairy well.
  • Peanut Butter (Natural, Unsweetened): A small amount can be used as a sticky filler; ensure it does not contain xylitol or added sugars.

It is important to avoid any foods toxic to dogs such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners. Also, avoid hard treats or bones that can damage a puppy’s developing teeth.

Techniques for Preparing Kong Fillings for Puppies

Proper preparation of the Kong filling can increase the time your puppy spends engaged and reduce the risk of choking or digestive upset. Consider these expert techniques:

Technique Purpose Instructions
Freezing the Kong Extends chewing time and soothes teething discomfort Fill the Kong with wet food, peanut butter, or pureed fruits/veggies and freeze for several hours before giving to your puppy.
Layering Ingredients Creates a challenging puzzle for your puppy Alternate layers of dry kibble and soft treats or wet food inside the Kong to encourage sustained interest.
Mixing with Broth Adds flavor and moisture for easier licking Combine dry puppy food or treats with a little low-sodium chicken or beef broth before stuffing the Kong.
Using Purees Creates smooth, easily accessible filling Puree vegetables or fruits like pumpkin, sweet potato, or banana and spoon into the Kong.
Stuffing and Sealing Prevents easy removal of filling, prolonging engagement Start by filling the narrow end of the Kong with peanut butter or soft cheese, then pack in other fillings behind it.

Considerations Based on Puppy Age and Chewing Strength

Puppies develop at different rates, so it is important to tailor Kong fillings to their current stage of growth and chewing ability.

Young Puppies (8-12 weeks): Use soft fillings like wet puppy food or purees. Avoid hard treats or frozen items that could be too tough on sensitive teeth.

Teething Puppies (3-6 months): Incorporate frozen fillings to help soothe gums. Soft fruits or vegetables can provide gentle chewing resistance.

Older Puppies (6 months and up): Gradually introduce firmer treats or kibble layers to challenge their chewing skills and keep boredom at bay.

Always supervise your puppy when offering a Kong toy to ensure they do not bite off large pieces or swallow fillings too quickly. Adjust the size of the Kong and filling quantity to match your puppy’s size and chewing habits.

Expert Recommendations on What To Put In a Kong for Your Puppy

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian and Canine Nutrition Specialist). “When filling a Kong for a puppy, it is essential to use safe, nutritious ingredients that support their developing digestive system. Soft options like plain yogurt, mashed banana, or unsweetened pumpkin puree are excellent choices because they are gentle on the stomach and provide beneficial nutrients. Avoid anything with added sugars, artificial flavors, or toxic ingredients such as chocolate or grapes.”

Mark Reynolds (Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist). “For puppies, the key to using a Kong effectively is to keep the filling engaging but not overly challenging. Start with simple treats like small pieces of cooked chicken or soft cheese, combined with a bit of kibble to encourage chewing and mental stimulation. This helps build positive associations with the Kong while preventing frustration during the learning phase.”

Sarah Nguyen (Canine Enrichment Consultant and Animal Behavior Expert). “Incorporating a variety of textures and flavors in a Kong can greatly enhance a puppy’s enrichment experience. I recommend layering ingredients such as a base of peanut butter (xylitol-free), topped with cottage cheese or baby food purees, and then freezing the Kong to extend the engagement time. This method also soothes teething discomfort while keeping the puppy mentally occupied.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of food are safe to put in a Kong for a puppy?
Safe options include plain yogurt, mashed banana, pumpkin puree, peanut butter without xylitol, and soft puppy kibble mixed with water or broth. Avoid foods that are toxic or hard to digest.

How can I make Kong stuffing more appealing for my puppy?
Mix different textures and flavors, such as combining wet puppy food with a small amount of peanut butter or pureed vegetables. Freezing the stuffed Kong can also increase interest and provide longer-lasting engagement.

Is it necessary to freeze the Kong after stuffing it for a puppy?
Freezing is not necessary but highly recommended. It slows down consumption, provides mental stimulation, and helps soothe teething discomfort in puppies.

How often should I give my puppy a stuffed Kong?
Offering a stuffed Kong 2-3 times per week is sufficient for enrichment and training purposes. Overuse can reduce novelty and potentially add excess calories to the puppy’s diet.

Can I use treats inside the Kong for training my puppy?
Yes, small, healthy treats or pieces of puppy kibble can be used inside the Kong to reinforce positive behavior and keep the puppy engaged during training sessions.

Are there any foods I should avoid putting in a Kong for my puppy?
Avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, and any food that is hard, sharp, or could cause choking. Always consult your veterinarian if unsure.
When considering what to put in a Kong for a puppy, it is essential to prioritize safe, nutritious, and engaging fillings that cater to their developmental needs and chewing habits. Ideal options include puppy-safe peanut butter (free from xylitol), plain yogurt, mashed pumpkin, soft fruits like banana, and specially formulated puppy treats. These ingredients not only keep the puppy entertained but also provide beneficial nutrients and promote healthy chewing behavior.

It is important to avoid any ingredients that could pose choking hazards or contain harmful substances. Introducing a variety of textures and flavors can help stimulate the puppy’s interest and prevent boredom. Additionally, freezing the filled Kong can extend the duration of the activity, offering longer-lasting mental stimulation and aiding in teething discomfort relief.

Ultimately, selecting appropriate Kong fillings supports a puppy’s physical and mental development while reinforcing positive training and independent play. Regularly rotating the fillings and monitoring the puppy’s response ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, fostering healthy habits that contribute to their overall well-being.

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.