If you’re raising a “naughty dog”, then chances are your dog is not getting the mental stimulation it needs. Most dogs need toys that are both stimulating and nearly indestructible. In this review, we take a closer look at the KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy to see if it lives up to the hype and the chewing power of larger breeds.
🔍 Quick Look
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Chew Toy, Treat Dispenser |
| Material | Durable Natural Rubber |
| Sizes Available | XS to XXL |
| Best For | Puppies, Adult Dogs, Power Chewers |
| Recommended Use | Chewing, Fetching, Crate Training |
Durability: Excellent for average chewers, very good for large breeds
Price Range: $10–$20 depending on size
✅ Pros
- Extremely durable rubber, holds up to heavy chewing
- Stuffable design for frozen treats or peanut butter
- Great for crate training or calming separation anxiety
- Bounce makes it usable for fetch too
- Dishwasher-safe and non-toxic
⚠️ Cons
- Some dogs may lose interest if not stuffed
- Aggressive chewers may eventually wear it down
- Needs supervision during early use
🐾 Why Dogs Love It
Dogs are natural problem solvers. Toys that challenge them mentally, such as the stuffable KONG, provide valuable enrichment and help reduce boredom. You can fill it with peanut butter, wet food, or frozen broth cubes to keep your dog engaged for longer periods.
This toy also helps calm anxiety during crate time or when you’re not home.
👀 Things to Know Before You Buy
- Choose the right size: Medium or Large is best for most medium to large dog breeds
- Don’t leave it empty: Stuff it with treats or freeze it for added value
- Check occasionally for wear if your dog is an extreme chewer
🛒 Where to Buy
You can get the KONG Classic on Amazon or at most major pet retailers. We recommend the Large size for adult Huskies.
- Satisfy Instinctual Needs: The KONG Classic red rubber toy helps satisfy dogs’ instinctual needs and provides mental sti…
- Enticing Chew Toy for Dogs: This unique toy has an erratic and unpredictable bounce, keeping all breeds of dogs engaged …
- Treat-Filling Capabilities: The hollow interior allows for stuffing with kibble, peanut butter, or KONG Snacks or Easy T…
How to Use a KONG Toy: Step-by-Step Instructions and Safe Recipes for Dogs
🧩 What You Need:
- A clean, appropriately sized KONG toy
- A freezer (optional but highly recommended)
- Dog-safe ingredients (see recipes below)
- A butter knife or spoon for stuffing
🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose the Right Size
Ensure the KONG size matches your dog’s age and jaw strength. Puppies, seniors, and aggressive chewers each have specially designed KONG versions.
2. Clean the KONG First
Wash the KONG with warm water and pet-safe soap to remove any factory residue and ensure a hygienic toy.
3. Block the Bottom Hole (Optional)
To prevent leaks, use something sticky like peanut butter, a small piece of cheese, or a dog biscuit to seal the bottom.
4. Layer Ingredients Inside
Use a mix of textures: something sticky, something chewy, and something crunchy. This keeps your dog engaged for longer.
Example layering:
- Base layer: Banana mash or plain yogurt
- Middle: Kibble or chopped carrots
- Top layer: Natural peanut butter
5. Freeze for an Added Challenge ❄️
Place the KONG in the freezer for 2 to 4 hours. This will make it last even longer and provide cooling relief, especially great for teething puppies or hot days.
🍽️ KONG Stuffing Recipes Your Dog Will Love
✅ All recipes use only dog-safe ingredients
❌ Toxic ingredients to avoid are listed at the bottom
🥜 The Classic Kong Recipe
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened peanut butter
- ¼ cup dry kibble
- 1 tablespoon banana mash
Mix and layer the ingredients into the KONG. Freeze for 2 hours.
🧊 Frozen Chicken Dinner
- ¼ cup cooked, unseasoned chicken breast, shredded
- 2 tablespoons plain mashed sweet potato
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
Spoon the mixture into the KONG and freeze overnight.
🍎 Apple-Cinnamon Delight
- ¼ apple, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
Mix and freeze the stuffing before serving.
🥕 Veggie Crunch
- ¼ cup steamed carrots, chopped
- ¼ cup green beans
- 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
Stuff the mixture into the KONG and refrigerate or freeze as preferred.
🍦 Doggie Dessert
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- A few blueberries
Freeze the stuffed KONG for a cool treat.
⚠️ Foods to AVOID When Using a KONG Toy
| 🚫 Toxic Ingredients | ❗ Why They’re Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs |
| Grapes / Raisins | Can cause kidney failure |
| Onion / Garlic | Can damage red blood cells |
| Avocado | Contains persin, which is toxic to some dogs |
| Xylitol (in sugar-free PB) | Causes rapid insulin release, leading to liver failure |
| Macadamia Nuts | Highly toxic to dogs |
| Salted / Spicy Foods | Can cause dehydration or gastrointestinal issues |
| Alcohol / Coffee / Tea | Stimulates the nervous system, can be fatal |
| Cooked Bones | Can splinter and cause internal injury |
Always check the label of any processed food, especially peanut butter and yogurt, to ensure they don’t contain xylitol or added sugars.
🧽 How to Clean the KONG Toy After Use
- Use warm water and a bottle brush or toothbrush to scrub inside the KONG
- KONG toys are dishwasher-safe (top rack only)
- Soak in vinegar water for a deep clean (1 part vinegar, 2 parts water)
Final Verdict
The KONG Classic is a favorite for good reason. It is simple, durable, and endlessly versatile, making it a great choice for most dogs. While no toy is completely indestructible, this one holds up better than most. Add it to your dog’s toy rotation and you’ll likely see a very happy pup.