Why a Kong is a great investment for your dog

We all know how much energy dogs can have, and it can sometimes put a strain on your day to day life when you can't seem to expend all of it. Somehow, no matter how much playing or how many walks, dogs always seem to have an excess of energy left over. If you ever find yourself questioning why that is, it's probably because while your dog has exerted his physical energy, his mental energy hasn't peaked yet. So how do you expend mental energy? By giving your dog a job to do! Now, by a job I don't mean you need to train your dog to do some kind of task, although it would probably be a fun training experience! You can help your dog expend mental energy by giving your dogs puzzles and dispensers that he has to try and figure out in order to get the kibble inside. This will keep your dog from running around the house like a mad-man and will keep them from chewing on things they shouldn't. So what does this have to do with Kong? It's one of the greatest treat dispensing toys every created! Many trainers swear by them as they are the perfect tool to help train your dog. It's great for crate training, teaching what is appropriate to chew on, helping with separation anxiety, and calming down an excitable dog. So let's dive more into it!

What is Kong?

KONG founder, Joe Markham, loved his trained police dog, Fritz, but did not love his destructive chewing habits. Where other dogs might have chewed your shoes or favorite purse, Fritz loved to crunch on rocks, sticks and other harmful items. Fritz’s teeth were wearing down and his need for stimulation and play was not being met, and Joe was frustrated.

One day, while working on a VW Bus, Joe began throwing out car parts to Fritz to lure him away from those rocks. Fritz was immediately taken with a rubber suspension part and dropped it in Joe’s lap to play. The erratic bounce and toughness of the rubber inspired Joe.

They’ve been making KONGs from their own proprietary, pet-safe, built-to-chew rubber ever since. Dogs love KONG. The way it bounces keeps them engaged and ready to play. It has a soft mouth feel for a satisfying chew and, of course, it’s super durable. Owners love KONG too; they can stuff it, throw it, leave it out in the yard — KONG keeps coming back for more.

Dogs and their owners choose the original KONG and all of their other favorite toys because they’re fun. KONG toys are the best of the best in quality, originality, variety, safety, and value. Give a dog a KONG. They’ll be the first to show you: it’s not just a toy, it’s a KONG.

KONG 101

Most dogs need to learn to use a KONG Classic. Follow these steps to ensure your dog knows how to enjoy all the benefits of this popular toy.

1. SIZE FOR SAFETY

It’s important to use the right size KONG so that your dog can have the safest, most enjoyable experience. Not sure where to start on sizing? Each Kong has an estimated weight range that tells you what size Kong would be best for your dog. There are even Puppy Kongs for young dogs, Senior Kongs that are softer for the older dogs, and the Extreme Kongs for the dogs that are aggressive chewers.

2. ENGAGE TO ENSURE SUCCESS

Get your dog excited about their new KONG. Show it off and talk about it excitedly; maybe even play a little hard-to-get to pique their interest and show them what their new toy can do.

3. STUFF TO ENTICE AND EXTEND PLAYTIME

Many dogs are motivated by food and KONG toys are perfect for stuffing with treats or kibble to keep dogs busy. The key is to stuff loosely so that the food will come out of the toy easily. To entice your dog, try using a little bit of peanut butter or their favorite treat in the KONG.

4. FREEZE FOR GREATER CHALLENGE

Over time, your dog will learn how to get treats out of the KONG quickly. To increase the challenge, put together a mixture of wet and dry ingredients, stuff the KONG and freeze it. A frozen KONG heightens the experience by creating a long-lasting, mentally stimulating task.

What can you stuff in a Kong?
So many wonderful things! You can combine dozen's of healthy options to create hundreds of different experiences for your dog! We'll name just of a few of the many things you can stuff a Kong with!

• Peanut Butter
• Canned 100% Pure Pumpkin
• Canned Dog Food
• Cottage Cheese
• Yogurt (Greek or Plain)
• Apple Sauce
• Dog Treats
• Dog Kibble
• Carrots
• Cheerios (Plain)
• Cheese Slices (American or Cheddar)
• Freeze-dried Liver
• Peas
• Cooked Chicken or Turkey
• Apple Slices (make sure your dog doesn't eat the core)
• Bananas

Check out our Website for all your Kong needs! Plus take a look at all our other products you can stuff with treats!

Kong Stuffing Ideas; Including one for Calming

Everyone knows the famous Kong toys and their amazing ability to keep our dogs entertained and out of trouble. But how many of us are aware of the many incredible ways you can stuff your dogs Kong to keep him from getting bored? Most of us are used to stuffing Kong's with our dogs kibble or canned dog food, maybe some of our dogs favorites treats, and then topping it off with some peanut butter, but did you know there are dozens of other yummy and healthy foods you can use as well? Let's go over just a few examples!

Apples, Bananas, Cheerios, Cheese, Baby Food, Cream Cheese, Tuna, Yogurt (plain, lowfat, unsweetened, unflavored), peaches, and so much more! We'll list a few fun and delicious Kong stuffing recipes to get you started!

Calming Kong
Ingredients: A portion of your dog's normal kibble, about a dessertspoon of cottage cheese, a chunk of banana (about an inch thick)

Method: Half fill the Kong with kibble, then spoon in most of the cottage cheese. Holding your hand over the large opening, shake the Kong to coat the kibble in the cottage cheese. Add some more kibble, packing it in well, then top with the remainder of the cottage cheese before plugging the large opening with the banana.

Food Fact: Cottage cheese contains a good source of the protein amino-acid 'casein' which the body converts into naturally occurring opioids that have a calming affect. This is especially useful to help separation distressed dogs to feel more relaxed when alone. Bananas are also thought to have a calming affect.

Fun Kong Stuffers

1. Combine bran cereal with some peanut butter for a good source of fiber.
2. Plain Yogurt and mashed bananas. (You can also add a little peanut butter or other fruits). Then freeze it.
3. Combine some plain yogurt, canned pumpkin, and cooked rice in a small baggie. Mix well inside the bag, then snip off a corner of the bag and squeeze it into the Kong toy. Freeze.
4. Combine applesauce with chunks of fruit. Freeze.
5. Soak some of your dog's regular food in water (or chicken/beef broth) for a brief time before placing it inside a Kong. Then freeze. (Great for dogs with allergies)

Stop by and see all the Kong products Mickey's has to offer plus all the other great toys and treats! We offer free shipping on orders of $75 and very low cost shipping on orders under $75.

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