Everything you need to know about stuffed or kong dog toys
Experts' guide to using the best dog toy correctly
WHAT IS A KONG OR STUFFED TOY?
Approximate reading time: 7 minutes
Dog toys are accessories designed for their entertainment and learning. There are numerous alternatives on the market to amuse and stimulate our pets daily. Among them all, the stuffed toy stands out, better known by the name of the brand that made it popular: kong. These toys, although they come in different formats, have in common the holes through which the dog has to extract the food, treats, or snacks we hide inside. In addition, stuffed toys have rounded edges, allowing them to bounce softly in all directions, adding even more excitement. According to many experts, the kong is the most recommended toy for dogs, as they can entertain themselves by licking and nibbling in search of their reward.
Table of contents
1. Benefits of the kong or stuffed dog toy
• Reduces destructive or unwanted behaviours
2. How to choose the best kong for my dog?
3. How to use the stuffed toy or kong with my dog?
4. How to use the kong for dogs in layers?
5. When can I use the stuffed toy with my dog?
6. Tips to make your dog fall in love with the kong
Benefits of the kong or stuffed dog toy
If you are not yet familiar with the benefits of the kong or stuffed toy, let us tell you that not only is it a fun puzzle for most dogs, but there are numerous benefits associated with its use. You can buy a toy from the popular brand or from other manufacturers, but make sure it is a quality product and free of toxins. Kong toys are made of natural rubber, and although they are very resistant, they do not endanger the dog if they chew on them and swallow a piece of the material. These are the main advantages of your dog playing with a Kong toy.
• Mental stimulation
Stimulating your dog mentally is just as important as ensuring they get enough physical exercise. The kong works like a little puzzle for your pet's brain, which will have to work to solve a problem and will receive a reward each time they get it right. This mechanics makes stuffed toys an excellent way to keep your furry friend's mental health in tip-top condition.
• Weight control
There are many owners who, on the recommendation of their vet, use the kong as a food bowl for their pets. By receiving food from the toy little by little, the dog is prevented from overeating or binge eating. This promotes better digestion and avoids very serious problems such as an enlarged stomach. However, be aware that the kong, if used incorrectly, can contribute to an increase in the animal's calorie intake. If you use the stuffed toy as a supplement and not as a food bowl, be aware that you will need to reduce your dog's food portions to avoid overeating. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian on this matter.
• Reduces destructive or unwanted behaviours
If your dog chews or scratches objects or barks incessantly when you're not at home, a kong or stuffed toy can be a lifesaver. With these gadgets, dogs are able to concentrate for a long time, avoiding the boredom that sometimes causes these unwanted behaviours.
• Very relaxing
Did you know that stuffed toys can help your furry friend relax? Biting and licking are instinctive actions in dogs that are both natural and calming for them. Having a safe, sturdy object to nibble and suck on for a long time can be very soothing for your pet, reducing stress levels. Try it: introduce a kong into your furry friend's life and watch them lie relaxed on the floor while they thoroughly occupy themself with their toy for hours on end.
• Benefits to teeth
Giving your dog a safe object to gnaw, lick and chew on will increase their salivation, which is very helpful in preventing tartar. Therefore, the kong or stuffed toy can improve your pet's oral health. Also, if you have a puppy and they are teething, a kong adapted to their size and bite will be very practical, as it will alleviate their gum pain.
• Reduces hunger
If you live with a gluttonous puppy and they struggle to get to mealtimes, using the kong can be a great solution. The very act of entertaining themself by chewing and licking will get your pet to concentrate and not pay so much attention to food cravings. This, coupled with the calming effects and the small pieces of food that will trick their palate and soothe their stomach, makes the stuffed toy a perfect alternative for dogs with food cravings.
• Helps burn energy
Did you know that dogs burn a lot of energy through smell? A dog's most developed sense is at work practically 24 hours a day. The kong or stuffed toy will stimulate your dog's nose, helping them to release all their pent-up tension. This can be very useful for very active and energetic dogs, or if you have not been able to go out for a walk due to inclement weather.
How to choose the best kong for my dog?
There are different kongs or stuffed toys on the market depending on size, hardness and other variables related to their use. In the case of the firmness of the material, it will depend on the age of your dog, their breed and type of jaw, and their character and bite. In the Kong brand, the different levels of hardness are represented by colours. In terms of size, the toy is available in sizes XS to XXL to suit all dogs sizes. The smaller kongs are designed for smaller dogs, as a large toy would make them too large and difficult to handle. Large kongs, on the other hand, are intended for large dogs, where a toy that is too small could be dangerous if swallowed. As for the type of stuffed toys, there are teething toys, dental toys, floats (for playing in the water), etc. Take your time and consult your vet if necessary to choose the best stuffed toy for your dog according to their characteristics and temperament. This will ensure that it is interesting and useful for them.
How to use the stuffed toy or kong with my dog?
If you already have the ideal kong for your furry friend and you want to introduce it into their play routine and make it a success, you can't just leave it to one side and forget about it. Think of the toy as something completely new for your pet. You know how it works, but your dog will have no idea. So the first thing you should do is introduce them to the accessory. Let them smell it, then show them what it is, how you put the food in and take it out and how it bounces.
The first few times you use the kong with your dog, you can put some of their food inside. Gradually, put in more interesting food. The difficulty in extracting the treat should also be progressive. Start with small pieces that your dog can easily get at. The next few times, try larger pieces that get stuck in the toy so that your dog has to work a little harder to get them. This way you'll pique their interest a little more each time until they are totally hooked on this healthy game.
How to use the layered dog kong?
A highly recommended way to use the stuffed toys or kongs is to take advantage of the 4 levels or layers they have. In the Kong brand, the accessories have two holes, a large one through which your dog will take out the food, and a smaller one that connects to the last layer, where it is ideal to place a super tasty food for your dog to act as bait. Your dog will be able to smell it through the small hole, and will be eager and motivated to dig into the large hole in search of their dreamed-of treat.
As for what food to use, we recommend you don't overdo it with snacks and treats, as some are highly processed and not very nutritious. If you choose to use human food, be careful not to use toxic ingredients. If you need inspiration, there are plenty of kong recipes available on the internet.
When can I use the stuffed toy with my dog?
The use of the kong in dogs is highly beneficial, as long as it is well planned and does not lead to overfeeding the animal. Therefore, you can offer it to your dog whenever you want, but do not abuse it, otherwise it will no longer be interesting for them. Some highly recommended uses of the stuffed toy are as follows:
- As positive reinforcement during training.
- As a food bowl for your pet, to get them to eat more slowly.
- When they are left alone at home, to keep them entertained and not bored.
- If you cannot go out for a walk due to bad weather or other reasons.
- In very active and energetic dogs.
- In cases of separation anxiety.
Tips for your dog to fall in love with the kong
If you want to ensure that your dog goes crazy with their new kong toy, try changing the fillings from time to time to motivate them with different flavours and aromas. To add an extra layer of difficulty, if they start to get used to the dynamic and find it too easy, try hiding the toy in a box or behind an object to keep your dog entertained by following the trail. Another useful idea in summer is to freeze the kong so that your furry friend can cool off while chewing on it. Just leave it at room temperature for a few minutes before giving it to your dog to protect their teeth.
Stuffed toys or kongs are an ideal leisure alternative for dogs, as they help them to entertain themselves, relax, concentrate, manage their emotions and a host of other benefits. In addition, it is highly satisfying for dogs to work to eat, an aspect that is very present in nature. If you still have any doubts about its use, consult your vet and make the most of this interesting tool. Long live the kong!