I like to stuff my kongs completely full because my dog is really intense about getting every bit out so if they arent completely stuffed he will get through them in no time. I use low fat ingredients in the winter when my boy tends to put on weight and higher fat (peanut butter) ingredients in the summer when he slims down. Yogurt mixed with pumpkin is a hit. Yogurt mixed with peanut butter too. Yogurt with finely chopped strawberries or blueberries. Yogurt with unsweetened applesauce. All frozen.
Still in the process of finding my rescue dog (ended up getting exposed and having to quarantine -- thankfully, hubby & I just got negative test results 😪👍🏽). Do you have any suggestions for dog safe peanut butter alternatives? I'm super allergic to pretty much all nuts, but still want to give my future dog options and experiences! Thank you, and happy new year! 💜
I have purchased a few kongs and topples for my dog. They are easy to clean but I’m hesitant to buy any of the weird shaped enrichment toys because they seen difficult to wash. What are some recommendations for other easy to clean enrichment toys or how do you clean your enrichment toys?
Great ideas! Do you recommend using kongs & licky mats under supervision only? Or are they OK to give when you leave the house to keep them busy while you are away?
Mike, Kong’s and lickimats are definitely a supervised activity. After your dog is comfortable with them, you may not have to keep as close an eye on them, but it’s definitely worth sticking around in case they accidentally get into a situation they didn’t mean too. Although the risk is low, a dog could always get its jaw stuck in a Kong, for example!
Ive never had an issue in 10 years of using the kongs though ive never used a licky mat. My dog doesnt tend to chew on the kongs though and i am careful to choose a size with an opening that he can easily fit his tongue into but NOT fit his jaw into. I feel pretty comfortable giving them to him when im out running errands but wouldnt give him one if i were going to be out for more than a couple hours just in case.
I've been giving my pup lick mats and a frozen kong in the evening to buy us some time. She then stopped eating her kibble. lol I stopped with the kongs... she's 4 months. Do you think she'll be better when she's older and eat her kibble and the kongs? I looooove making her kongs so much. It's my love language with her!! (Thanks!)
Hey Natasha! Have you tried mixing the kibble into the kongs? I like to make “layers” of kibble and other assorted healthy things so that they are a viable meal replacement. Also, be mindful of calorie intake as you incorporate kongs! If your dog is full, they are less likely to eat at mealtimes. If you make your kongs healthy and utilize their calories for meals in them, you’ll get more bang for your buck! :)
How do you figure out how much food to use for these enrichment activities and training treats vs “meal time” food? (To avoid over feeding and weight gain?). TY!
Easy! If I give my dogs a fully stuffed kong, for example, it has the (roughly) the same amount of calories as a regular meal. So, I might use it as a meal replacement one day. I use every piece of food intentionally, whether through enrichment or training, and when you start tracking food to that degree - you’re more aware of how much food is actually being used, so you can make adjustments as needed! Hope this helps.
I give them straight from the freezer all the time with great success. Your dog will let you know if they think it’s too cold! I encourage you to give it a shot and see what they think. :)
I work from home and I adopted 2 stray dogs and they're not destructive they behave pretty well 😅 However, I don't want them to be bored all the hours I work and wait until I take them out. Do you recommend kongs and licking mats? I want to start hard to keep it challenging for them, what do you recommend?
Kongs and lickmats are a great enrichment activity! Licking is a very soothing behavior for dogs and those activities definitely bring that out! You may also try food puzzles (like Nina Ottoson brand sells) to increase difficulty. You can gauge what you need to do based off of what you are observing from your dog!
My rescue loves cut up fruit and kibbles in her Kong. I also use dehydrated liver treats as well. My girl gets this as an added snack, not a meal so I keep it reasonable in calories. There is no way, my girl would let me skip a meal...she a 70 lb. Staffordshire/Lab mix (and a chow hound!)
What are some of your favorite things to stuff in kongs?
thanks for making this video. I'm learning a lot from you; these vids are so helpful especially for first time dog owners like myself!
I'm so glad!
Loved the last part where the doggies get to help clean up!
It’s their favorite part, too! 😉
I like to stuff my kongs completely full because my dog is really intense about getting every bit out so if they arent completely stuffed he will get through them in no time. I use low fat ingredients in the winter when my boy tends to put on weight and higher fat (peanut butter) ingredients in the summer when he slims down. Yogurt mixed with pumpkin is a hit. Yogurt mixed with peanut butter too. Yogurt with finely chopped strawberries or blueberries. Yogurt with unsweetened applesauce. All frozen.
Love all of these wonderful ideas! Great work!
Ecellent job! Great creative ways to keep the doggos busy!
You got it MT! Can be a great meal replacement too!
Still in the process of finding my rescue dog (ended up getting exposed and having to quarantine -- thankfully, hubby & I just got negative test results 😪👍🏽). Do you have any suggestions for dog safe peanut butter alternatives? I'm super allergic to pretty much all nuts, but still want to give my future dog options and experiences! Thank you, and happy new year! 💜
Yes! You could try a raw food (our comes frozen in meat nuggets and then we thaw it). Banana, yogurt, tuna and cream cheese can all be good options!
I have purchased a few kongs and topples for my dog. They are easy to clean but I’m hesitant to buy any of the weird shaped enrichment toys because they seen difficult to wash. What are some recommendations for other easy to clean enrichment toys or how do you clean your enrichment toys?
We get dishwasher safe ones, and that usually works ok. Maybe a bottle brush or something might work too!
Great ideas! Do you recommend using kongs & licky mats under supervision only? Or are they OK to give when you leave the house to keep them busy while you are away?
Mike, Kong’s and lickimats are definitely a supervised activity. After your dog is comfortable with them, you may not have to keep as close an eye on them, but it’s definitely worth sticking around in case they accidentally get into a situation they didn’t mean too. Although the risk is low, a dog could always get its jaw stuck in a Kong, for example!
Ive never had an issue in 10 years of using the kongs though ive never used a licky mat. My dog doesnt tend to chew on the kongs though and i am careful to choose a size with an opening that he can easily fit his tongue into but NOT fit his jaw into. I feel pretty comfortable giving them to him when im out running errands but wouldnt give him one if i were going to be out for more than a couple hours just in case.
I've been giving my pup lick mats and a frozen kong in the evening to buy us some time. She then stopped eating her kibble. lol I stopped with the kongs... she's 4 months. Do you think she'll be better when she's older and eat her kibble and the kongs? I looooove making her kongs so much. It's my love language with her!! (Thanks!)
Hey Natasha! Have you tried mixing the kibble into the kongs? I like to make “layers” of kibble and other assorted healthy things so that they are a viable meal replacement. Also, be mindful of calorie intake as you incorporate kongs! If your dog is full, they are less likely to eat at mealtimes. If you make your kongs healthy and utilize their calories for meals in them, you’ll get more bang for your buck! :)
So cool and awesome!!!
You're too kind Morgan. Thank you!
Can i use any of these recipes in a Dachshund puppy?
Sure!
How do you figure out how much food to use for these enrichment activities and training treats vs “meal time” food? (To avoid over feeding and weight gain?). TY!
Easy! If I give my dogs a fully stuffed kong, for example, it has the (roughly) the same amount of calories as a regular meal. So, I might use it as a meal replacement one day. I use every piece of food intentionally, whether through enrichment or training, and when you start tracking food to that degree - you’re more aware of how much food is actually being used, so you can make adjustments as needed! Hope this helps.
Can I give my dog the Kong/licking mat directly from the fridge? Or should I wait for a few minutes? Won't it very too cold for them?
I give them straight from the freezer all the time with great success. Your dog will let you know if they think it’s too cold! I encourage you to give it a shot and see what they think. :)
I work from home and I adopted 2 stray dogs and they're not destructive they behave pretty well 😅 However, I don't want them to be bored all the hours I work and wait until I take them out. Do you recommend kongs and licking mats? I want to start hard to keep it challenging for them, what do you recommend?
Kongs and lickmats are a great enrichment activity! Licking is a very soothing behavior for dogs and those activities definitely bring that out! You may also try food puzzles (like Nina Ottoson brand sells) to increase difficulty. You can gauge what you need to do based off of what you are observing from your dog!
This is a fantastic channel. Only just come across it. Some great content! I hope to see more from you in the future x
Thank you Cheryl! More to come - promise! For now, our local clients are keeping us busy! 🤗
Super unrelated but you're stunning 😍 and thank you for helping me spoil my pups.
Wow thank you! Glad we can help you spoil them!
My rescue loves cut up fruit and kibbles in her Kong. I also use dehydrated liver treats as well. My girl gets this as an added snack, not a meal so I keep it reasonable in calories. There is no way, my girl would let me skip a meal...she a 70 lb. Staffordshire/Lab mix (and a chow hound!)
That is awesome!
how long do the licky mat lasts? This is awesome! Any advice for an old 2.5KG dog thou?
It all depends! Frozen, it could be 15 min or more. Just smearing it on at room temp it could be gone in 2 min!
DOG