5 Easy Kong Recipes, Including Fillings for Sensitive Stomachs
Updated: 3 days ago
A stuffed Kong is one of the simplest ways to keep a dog busy, calm and happy. It turns a meal or a snack into a job, and licking and chewing help dogs settle, which is why one often goes in the pen with a puppy when I want them to switch off. But if your dog has a sensitive stomach, or has got bored of the same spoonful of peanut butter, you might be wondering what to put in a Kong. Here are five easy recipes, how to make them last longer and the ingredients to avoid.
THE SHORT ANSWER
You can put almost any safe, dog-friendly food in a Kong: your dog's own wet or soaked kibble, plain cooked meat or fish, mashed vegetables, plain yoghurt, banana or xylitol-free peanut butter. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, the best Kong fillings are simple and bland, like their usual food soaked and mashed, plain chicken or white fish, and plain pumpkin or sweet potato. Freeze a stuffed Kong to make it last longer. Never use xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic or heavily seasoned leftovers, and take Kong food out of your dog's daily allowance so they don't put on weight.
Why Kongs are so useful
Licking and chewing are calming for dogs. A Kong gives your dog something to focus on when you need them to settle, such as in the crate, when visitors arrive or when you're on a work call. It also slows down fast eaters and gives busy dogs a job to do.
Kongs are great for puppies and older dogs too. For puppies, a Kong in the crate or pen helps them learn that quiet time is a nice time. For older dogs, it's gentle brain work that doesn't need a long walk. Read indoor enrichment ideas for dogs.
Kong recipes for sensitive stomachs
If your dog's tummy is easily upset, keep Kong fillings simple and close to what they already eat. The easiest option is your dog's own food. Soak their kibble in warm water until soft, mash it, spoon it in and freeze it. It's their normal diet, so it's the least likely to cause problems.
Other gentle fillings include plain boiled chicken or turkey, plain white fish with the bones removed, plain cooked pumpkin or sweet potato, and a little plain cooked rice. Introduce one new food at a time, in small amounts, so you can spot anything that doesn't agree with your dog. If your dog has a diagnosed food allergy or is on a special diet, check with your vet first.
Five easy Kong recipes
1. Banana and peanut butter
Mash half a ripe banana with a teaspoon of xylitol-free peanut butter, spoon it in and freeze. It's an easy starter recipe for dogs who are new to Kongs.
2. Roast dinner Kong
Mix plain shredded chicken or turkey with mashed carrot and peas. Add a little plain mashed potato to hold it together. Leave out gravy, onion and seasoning.
3. Yoghurt and blueberry
Mix plain natural yoghurt with a few mashed blueberries. Check the label for sugar and sweeteners. Freeze it for a cool summer treat.
4. Fish and sweet potato
Mix flaked tuna in spring water or plain cooked white fish with mashed sweet potato. Keep tuna to once or twice a week.
5. Breakfast Kong
Mix plain scrambled egg, cooked without butter or milk, with a little porridge oats cooked in water. Good for dogs who love a warm, soft filling, served once it's cool.
How to make a Kong last longer
A Kong that's emptied in thirty seconds isn't doing much. It's easy to fix. These simple changes make a big difference:
freeze it, so your dog has to lick rather than gulp
layer it, with soft food at the bottom and a few dry pieces at the top
plug the small hole with a little peanut butter or cheese spread so the filling stays put
start easy for beginners and make it harder as your dog gets the hang of it
use a bigger Kong or a tougher one for strong chewers
Foods to avoid in a Kong
Some foods that are fine for people are dangerous for dogs. Check every label. Never put any of these in a Kong:
peanut butter or yoghurt with xylitol (also called birch sugar)
chocolate, grapes, raisins and sultanas
onion, garlic, leeks and chives, including in gravy or stock
cooked bones, fatty or heavily seasoned leftovers
macadamia nuts and anything containing alcohol or caffeine
If your dog eats any of these, call your vet straight away. Read human foods that are poisonous to dogs.
RENEE'S TIP
Make a batch of five or six Kongs on a Sunday, freeze them and keep them ready in a bag. When you need your dog to settle, you've got one to hand, and you'll use them far more often than if you have to make one each time.
QUICK CHECK
ā Kongs help dogs settle through licking and chewing
ā For sensitive stomachs, use your dog's own food or simple bland fillings
ā Freeze and layer Kongs to make them last longer
ā Never use xylitol, chocolate, grapes, onion or garlic
ā Take Kong food out of your dog's daily allowance
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with a dog who struggles to settle
If your dog finds it hard to settle at home, in the crate or when you're busy, I can help you build a calm routine in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
What can I put in a Kong for a dog with a sensitive stomach?
Your dog's own food soaked and mashed, plain chicken or white fish, and plain pumpkin or sweet potato. Add new foods one at a time.
What should I put in my dog's Kong?
Safe, dog-friendly foods like soaked kibble, plain cooked meat, mashed vegetables, plain yoghurt, banana or xylitol-free peanut butter.
How do I make a Kong last longer?
Freeze it, layer soft food at the bottom with dry pieces on top, and plug the small hole so the filling stays in.
Is peanut butter safe in a Kong?
Yes, if it's xylitol-free and used in small amounts. Check the label every time, as recipes can change.
How many Kongs can a dog have a day?
It depends on your dog's size and diet. Count the food in Kongs as part of their daily allowance rather than extra.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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