Something I find myself always saying is how stuffing a KONG is a great way to keep your dog busy. I’ve compiled a list of 36 healthy KONG treats ideas that are safe for your dog. These are easy to prepare and can last a long time. They can really keep any dog entertained. A stuffed KONG is great for mental stimulation as well.
There are so many options out there that don’t require you to purchase the KONG brand treats. They are definitely easy and convenient but I’m sure there are plenty of items you already buy that you can use. Below you will find a list of 36 different options you can use.
Benefits of Stuffing a KONG
Stuffing a KONG is a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated but it certainly isn’t the only benefit.
- Great to slow down dogs who eat too fast
- Gives your dog a simple job to do
- Keeps your dog busy and entertained
- Simple way to use up leftovers (see the list for the healthy options)
- Provides mental stimulation for your dog
- Can help keep your dog occupied while you get stuff done
There are plenty of items you can add to a KONG from veggies to kibble to even yoghurt. No worries about your dog not getting them clean because KONGs are dishwasher safe. My dogs don’t ever seem to mind what I stuff the KONGs with, they just enjoy working to get everything out from inside. Using leftovers from the fridge has helped keep the food from spoiling and is extra enticing to my dogs. It’s basically a win-win for us and them.
KONG Alternative
If you don’t have a KONG or you don’t want to purchase one, check out the West Paw Toppl Toy. This is an item I love using as well. It has an open top and comes in two sizes. These are totally safe for your dog and dishwasher safe as well. They come in small and large and are easy to freeze. I highly recommend you check them out. I have the small and large and both have withstood my two 52 pound dogs.
If you only plan to use kibble, another good option is the Bob a Lot toy. It’s definitely more suited for solid foods. It can hold around 3 cups of food inside the large one. These are also durable and easy to wash like KONGS and West Paw toys.
36 Healthy KONG Treats
This is the big list you’ve been waiting for. Be sure to use these treats in moderation and if you need to watch how many calories your dog gets, be sure to not forget to count these extras in for them. Another thing to remember is that some dogs have sensitive stomachs and new foods can cause digestive issues.
Here is the full list of healthy treats you can use to stuff a KONG:
- Applesauce
- Apples (no core, seeds, or stem)
- Honey
- Eggs (chicken, duck, or quail)
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Cheese
- Cucumber
- Broccoli
- Flax Seeds
- Green Beans
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Oatmeal
- Watermelon
- Yoghurt (plain, lowfat)
- Salmon
- Steak
- Peanut Butter
- Spinach
- Sweet Potato
- Squash
- Zucchini
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Rice (cooked)
- Kale
- Oranges (in moderation)
- Rutabaga
- Cottage Cheese
- Celery
- Brussel Sprouts
- Pineapple
- Carrots
- Canned Pumpkin (make sure it is pure pumpkin)

Mix up the Healthy KONG Treats
Feel free to mix any of the above mentioned items. What may sound gross to us, your dog will probably love. No more throwing out odd ingredients or ones that are just a few stragglers when they are safe for your dog and can be stuffed in a KONG. Even using up that little bit of extra broth, a single egg, and a few shredded carrots can be a delicious treat for your dog. Plus it’ll help give them the mental stimulation they need and give you a few minutes to do something without them directly next to you.
Get creative with these. I typically line the KONG with some peanut butter and then toss in some sort of protein (beef, steak, chicken, salmon). I will add in some frozen bone broth cubes and a few berries with a drop of honey on top. Freeze it for a few hours and then give it to my dogs when I need to get some things done. I’ve also given it to them for extra mental stimulation during the day.
Do you have any go to KONG recipes? Healthy KONG Treat ideas?
Comment below with your go to or the favorite stuffers your dog loves to get. Do you use KONG to keep your dog busy? I’m horrible at naming recipes so I usually don’t even bother with trying to name them.

Curious about finding the right KONG toy for your dog? Look no further than this post right here.