In today's market we can find a wide variety of products and toys for pets. Some, as is the case with the KONG classic, offer some extra benefits that are very interesting and that help improve the well-being of our best friend.
If you are considering buying a KONG but still don't know how it works or want to know what it is about in order to buy it in the future, you have come to the right place. In this article on our site we will show you how the KONG for dogs works, how to choose the most suitable one and when it is interesting to use it. Do not miss it! Find out more about the KONG!
What is KONG for dogs for?
The KONG is one of the most widely used dog toys mainly due to its multiple benefits. It is a food-dispensing toy, but it also works as a intelligence toy Basically you have to fill the hole with the chosen food (either feed, pâté or a mix of both) and leave it at your disposal.
The dog must make an effort to get the food out of the interior, due to its rigid structure, either manipulating it with its legs to make it come out, in the case of dry food, or holding it well with both to be able to lick it the interior, in the case of using wet food or pâté. This whole process stimulates your mind and your body.
This toy is indicated in the following cases:
- Dogs suffering from behavior problems in general
- Dogs with separation-related disorders
- Dogs that disperse easily and do not know how to pay attention to a specific stimulus
- Dogs that spend many hours alone or that live in a poor environment and without stimuli
- Dogs with anxiety and stress problems
Likewise, the KONG can be used as an extra for enrichment and daily stimulation, it is not necessary to use it exclusively in the event that the dog suffers from behavioral problems.
10 ideas to stuff the KONG for dogs
The way to fill the KONG will depend on several factors related to our dog. In the case of using the KONG for the first time or if you have a dog with a low tolerance for frustration, the ideal is to fill it with dry food or treats for dogs rigid. In this way, with just a slight touch, the toy will dispense food and it will be easier for the dog to understand its operation.
It is important to note that you should practice with dry food two or three times before moving on to a second "level" or wanting to introduce other types of food. It is important that the dog is used to its use.
If you want to use it as a relaxation tool or as entertainmentbefore leaving home, we can fill it with wet pâté, as it is more difficult to remove. The dog will spend more time trying to get all the food out of it. Finally, for dogs that already know how it works and that for them it is an extra enrichment, we can create several layers of food, combining all the possibilities that come to mind.
Some ideas to fill the kong can be:
- Dry feed
- Pate or wet food
- KONG Stuff'n
- Cream cheese without lactose, s alt or sugar
- Chicken bits boiled without s alt
- S alt-Free Turkey Frankfurt Bits
- Assorted fruits (banana, apple, pear…)
- Assorted cooked vegetables (carrot, pumpkin…)
- Peanut butter
- Dehydrated liver bits
KONG classic types
As we have mentioned, on the market you will find a large number and variety of types of KONG focused on the needs or characteristics of each dog. For this reason, don't be surprised if you find KONG in different colors and sizes in your usual shop. But which one to choose?
- KONG red: This is the "standard" model for practically any adult dog.
- KONG black: indicated for dogs with a powerful jaw, as is the case of the American pit bull terrier, it is practically impossible to destroy.
- KONG purple: this model is softer and is aimed at senior dogs (over 8 years old) that have dental problems, for example, or difficulties using the red KONG.
- KONG blue: suitable for puppies. Promotes good chewing.
- KONG blue "pacifier": especially suitable for teething dogs.
What is the price of a KONG for dogs?
This is a low-cost product (we place it between €/$6 and 10), for this reason we do not recommend making our own kong if we are thinking of using a plastic bottle, a raw bone etc. Your dog's safety comes first.
