How do I know what size KONG to buy for my dog?
To choose the right size KONG you need to consider your dog’s age, size, and chewing habits. If your pup is small he’ll need something that sits comfortably with his small jaw. The KONG Classic, for example, comes in many different sizes such as X-small (for pets up to five pounds) and small (for pets up to 20 pounds). Filling a Kong with your dog’s normal meal is a quick and easy way to replace their dog food bowl and provide them with something fun to do.Many pet owners and professionals, such as vets and trainers, recommend KONG toys for their durability, safety, and ability to keep dogs entertained.Kongs can be stuffed with anything that is safe for your dog to eat. Never feed chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins or spicy foods. Just plug the small hole with a chewy treat or peanut butter, flip the Kong over, and stuff!Straw Trick to Prevent the Vacuum Effect Insert a straw through the Kong’s holes before stuffing, removing it after the Kong is full. This creates an air passage, making it easier for your dog to get the treats out and prevents suction.Toys that can be stuffed like the KONG Goodie Ribbon make getting the nibbles out a mentally challenging puzzle for dogs. This brain stimulation keeps them eager to work to get the food out and tires them out, often warding out unwanted behaviors and boredom.
Can a KONG be too big for a dog?
The first thing you want to make sure of is that you have selected the right size kong for your dog; too small and it can pose a choking hazard, too large and it can be uncomfortable for your dog to work on. Each kong has a recommended weight and size on the packaging, so that’s the place to start! Peanut butter, yogurt, canned pumpkin and fruit are a few favorites. Using a variety of different foods keeps the challenge interesting. For easy, fast stuffing use KONG treats. Baked to fit into KONG toys, KONG Snacks Peanut Butter can be stuffed into the toys whole or broken into pieces to add a yummy crunch.It’s recommended to wash toys that contain food after every use to prevent bacteria and food-borne illnesses from developing. The next time you’re looking for an easy-to-make, easy-to-eat, and easy-to-clean treat to stuff your pup’s favorite enrichment toy with, try this refreshing Cube Chiller KONG Cuisine recipe!Try freezing the stuffed Kong for just 30 minutes the next time you give it and then for an hour the following time. If all is going well and your dog is not giving up on getting all the goodies out, you can then start freezing it for a couple hours or more so it is completely frozen.We recommend incorporating a range of foods into your dog’s Kong to keep them excited to eat it every day. There are plenty of dog-safe ingredients, treats, and produce that work well in Kongs. You can even feed their entire kibble or wet dog food meal in a Kong!
Can I give my dog a KONG everyday?
We whole heartedly recommend the use of stuffed Kongs. If you decide that a stuffed Kong should become part of your dog’s daily routine. It is important to be consistent with them. Studies have shown that if a dog becomes used to a treat, such as a stuffed Kong, and then the treat stops happening. Larger dogs have bigger jaws, which means they need a larger size KONG. If you’re ever unsure, size up. Another important thing to take into consideration when choosing your dog’s new toy: how powerful your pup’s chew is. If your dog has a powerful bite, no matter what size or weight he is, go for the KONG Extreme.If your dog has never had a kong before and you give them a fully stuffed, fully frozen kong, what sometimes happens is that it’s too difficult for the dog to get the food out and so they give up all together. I suggest giving your dog a kong in the following order: 1) Partially stuffed, totally unfrozen.Be sure you get the correct size for your dog; too small of a Kong can present a choking hazard, and Kong suggests that when in doubt go up a size. Kong also makes a couple of different colors.Selecting the Right KONG Rubber Strength They come in sizes small (for dogs up to 20 pounds) through XX-large (for dogs 85 pounds and up). Like the KONG Classic, this snowman-shaped toy can be stuffed with treats to add extra enticement.We whole heartedly recommend the use of stuffed Kongs. If you decide that a stuffed Kong should become part of your dog’s daily routine. It is important to be consistent with them. Studies have shown that if a dog becomes used to a treat, such as a stuffed Kong, and then the treat stops happening.
Do KONGs stress dogs out?
Giving them a stuffed Kong or lick mat while they are anxious or stressed can help them relax. This is especially helpful when your dog is home alone and/or crated. This is also helpful for dogs who try to steal another dog’s food. Puppy Kongsicles: If you have a puppy, moisten his kibble with water, stuff it in the Kong, and freeze it overnight. He’ll have a fun, energy-expending breakfast the following morning.I give my dogs frozen Kongs stuffed with food when the weather doesn’t allow for walks or other outdoor activities, and it keeps them busy for 20 minutes or so. But my dogs are pros at getting all the food out. A novice dog with less practice could be engaged for as long as 45 minutes.Separation anxiety happens within the first 20 minutes of a dog being left alone. By giving them a time-consuming food puzzle as soon as you’re about to leave, it not only distracts them from their peak anxiety but starts to create a positive association between being alone and getting a reward like a stuffed KONG.You can stuff a KONG with anything that is safe for your dog to eat. Peanut butter, yogurt, canned pumpkin and fruit are a few favorites. Using a variety of different foods keeps the challenge interesting. For easy, fast stuffing use KONG treats.
What is better than a KONG?
Lickimats such as the UFO and Wobble are designed to be tasty boredom busters for dogs to reduce anxiety and destructive behaviours. This makes them perfect dog enrichment toy alternatives to the classic KONG. Especially if you are looking for an easier option that is flatter and more open than treat dispensers! KONGs are hollow rubber toys you fill with a variety of delicious, healthy treats. Providing your dog with one of these toys during moments of boredom, anxiety, or stress can help soothe them, keep them engaged, and prevent unwanted behaviors. They also provide mental stimulation and focus for companions.The KONG Dental rubber dog toy is designed for cleaning teeth and gums while giving an appropriate chewing outlet and supporting a dog’s instinctual needs. Made out of KONG Classic’s unique natural red rubber formula, the KONG Dental toy has grooves that help clean teeth.If the Kong is too small and you have a large dog who is unable to extract the filling, it can become an exercise in frustration, and this is exactly what we are using the Kong to prevent; a bored, frustrated dog.Toys such as Kongs have 2 holes in their toys for a reason – to prevent suction. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT ? When your pet licks at the contents of the toy or squeezes it in its mouth, their tongue can get SUCKED into the hole and get STUCK on the dogs tongue.
Which color KONG is the strongest?
KONG has engineered an ultra-durable rubber for these chewers: black KONG Extreme Rubber. Formulated for strong jaws, KONG Extreme Rubber is tough enough to withstand power chewing, but has enough springy rebound to keep it fun to chew. Choose: Black KONG Extreme Rubber. Yes, they are. The rubber used is non-toxic and it’s tailored to your dog’s age and how much he or she chews. Basic KONG toys come in four sizes: KONG puppy; KONG classic; KONG senior; KONG extreme. The puppy version is made from the softest rubber so it’s ideal for a puppy’s teeth and gums.Lickimats such as the UFO and Wobble are designed to be tasty boredom busters for dogs to reduce anxiety and destructive behaviours. This makes them perfect dog enrichment toy alternatives to the classic KONG. Especially if you are looking for an easier option that is flatter and more open than treat dispensers!We recommend incorporating a range of foods into your dog’s Kong to keep them excited to eat it every day. There are plenty of dog-safe ingredients, treats, and produce that work well in Kongs. You can even feed their entire kibble or wet dog food meal in a Kong!Kongs come in different strengths. The black Kongs are stronger but a very aggressive chewer can still chew pieces off of it. Once they have taken the treats out, they may then start to chew the Kong itself and break off pieces.One of the best things is that you can stuff a Kong with whatever you have available. Be creative! For my two labradors, I’ll often use peanut butter, plain greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, treats, kibble, carrots, apples, chews, jerky, etc.
Why do KONGs have two holes?
Toys such as Kongs have 2 holes in their toys for a reason – to prevent suction. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT ? When your pet licks at the contents of the toy or squeezes it in its mouth, their tongue can get SUCKED into the hole and get STUCK on the dogs tongue. These 5 toys: The Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy, The Kong Rewards Ball, The CyunCmay Indestructible Dog Toy Bone, The Hetoo Indestructible Squeaky Dental Care Dog Toy and The Kong Wobbler spent a week being chewed, played with, stared at with wide eyes, taken into water, buried, found again and put through their .First things first… You may have heard that giving your dog a frozen Kong is a great way to slow down their eating and keep them busy for 20 minutes or so. This is true!Not only are Kongs fun for your furry companion, they’re also safe and help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.Kong toys are excellent durable toys that you can leave in your puppy’s crate. There are some toys that your dog may feel comfortable with.Typically I will follow a pattern of a smear of something sticky on the entire inside of the kong, then layer soft and crunchy foods on the inside for added texture, plug the hole up with the sticky food, then stick a long and narrow chewy in the middle of the kong before throwing the kong in the freezer.