13 Tasty Kong Recipes: Cavapoo Approved
Have you heard of a Kong and Kong recipes?
It’s more than just a toy; it’s a veritable treasure chest of fun and health benefits for your Cavapoo.
A Kong is a snowman-shaped, hollow, rubber dog toy that’s tough and durable yet safe for your pet to chew on. What’s unique about Kong is that it can be filled with your dog’s favorite treats, creating an exciting, reward-based game that can keep them busy for hours on end.
Think of it as a food puzzle that stimulates your pet’s mind while also satisfying their natural urge to chew and their love for treats.
But that’s not all.
By choosing what to stuff your Kong with, you can ensure that your pet’s snacks are not just tasty, but nutritious too.
Chewing on a Kong can also help maintain your dog’s oral health by cleaning their teeth and gums.
Plus, it’s a stress reliever that can keep your pet calm and content, reducing destructive behaviors born out of boredom or anxiety.
So if you’re looking for a way to keep your Cavapoo entertained, healthy, and well-behaved, a Kong might be just what you need.
And with the diverse range of Kong recipes available, the possibilities are endless.
From sweet surprises to protein-packed delights, there’s a Kong recipe to suit every dog’s palate and dietary needs.
Buying A Kong
Kongs are readily available in most stores.
A small Kong is suitable for dogs up to 20 lbs/9 kg.
A medium Kong is for dogs between 15-35 lbs/7-16 kg.
If in doubt rather go bigger because if it is too small then your Cavapoo could be in danger of choking on it.
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Don’t Plug The Holes
The Kong has a hole on the top and at the bottom of it.
This is not just for looks.
These holes are there to make sure there is no vacuum created in the Kong causing your dog’s tongue to get stuck.
It is paramount that these holes are left open.
Before filling the Kong, insert a plastic or metal straw through the Kong so it sticks out on both sides.
Leave the straw in the Kong.
Then fill the Kong with your chosen recipe and freeze it for a while.
Pour a little bit of hot water into the straw to remove it before giving the Kong to your dog.
Never leave your Cavapoo unattended when they are busy eating from a Kong.
Tasty Kong Recipes
Anytime you provide your Cavapoo with additional treats, such as Kong stuffings or snacks, it’s crucial to factor these into their daily calorie count.
If, for example, you’re offering a Kong filled with treats that total 400 calories, you’ll need to reduce the quantity of their regular food.
Because of this, it’s essential to be aware of the caloric content of your chosen Kong recipes.
The Sweet Potato Treat
Ingredients:
- Half a sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
Method:
- Cook the sweet potato until it’s soft and mashable.
- Let it cool down before mixing it with peanut butter.
- Once it’s cool, stuff the mixture into the Kong and let your dog enjoy.
Special Instructions: Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Calorie Count: Approximately 120 kcal.
Protein-Packed Chicken Mix
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked chicken breast (no seasoning)
- Half a cup of cooked quinoa
Method:
- Shred the chicken breast and mix it with the quinoa.
- Stuff the mixture into the Kong.
- Let your dog savor this protein-packed delight.
Special Instructions: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Calorie Count: Approximately 180 kcal.
The Tuna Surprise
Ingredients:
- Half a can of tuna (in water, not oil)
- 1 tablespoon of cooked, mashed carrots
Method:
- Drain the tuna and mix it with the mashed carrots.
- Stuff this mixture into the Kong.
- Watch as your dog relishes this seafood treat.
Special Instructions: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Calorie Count: Approximately 150 kcal.
Fruit-Filled Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 small apple, cored and chopped
- 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
Method:
- Mix the chopped apple with the yogurt.
- Stuff this fruity concoction into the Kong.
- Enjoy seeing your dog munch on this healthy, refreshing treat.
Special Instructions: Can be frozen for up to a week. Always remember to remove apple seeds as they are not safe for dogs.
Calorie Count: Approximately 85 kcal.
Cheesy Spinach Special
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of cooked, drained spinach
- 1 tablespoon of cottage cheese
Method:
- Mix the cooked spinach with the cottage cheese.
- Stuff the mixture into the Kong.
- Let your dog feast on this unique, nutrient-packed treat.
Special Instructions: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Calorie Count: Approximately 45 kcal.
The Pumpkin Patch
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1 tablespoon of xylitol-free peanut butter
Method:
- Mix pumpkin and peanut butter.
- Stuff the Kong and serve.
Special Instructions: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Calorie Count: Approximately 80 kcal.
Banana Bonanza
Ingredients:
- Half a banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon of xylitol-free peanut butter
Method:
- Mix banana and peanut butter.
- Stuff the Kong and let your dog enjoy.
Special Instructions: Can be frozen for up to a week.
Calorie Count: Approximately 105 kcal.
Turkey Temptation
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked turkey slice, shredded
- 1 tablespoon of cooked green beans, chopped
Method:
- Mix shredded turkey and chopped green beans.
- Stuff the Kong and serve.
Special Instructions: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Calorie Count: Approximately 90 kcal.
Raspberry Rumble
Ingredients:
- A handful of raspberries
- 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
Method:
- Mash raspberries and mix with yogurt.
- Stuff the Kong and let your dog relish it.
Special Instructions: Can be frozen for up to a week.
Calorie Count: Approximately 50 kcal.
Beefy Bliss
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked beef slice, shredded
- 1 tablespoon of cooked peas
Method:
- Mix shredded beef and peas.
- Stuff the Kong and serve.
Special Instructions: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Calorie Count: Approximately 130 kcal.
Salmon Sensation
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked salmon fillet, shredded
- 1 tablespoon of cooked broccoli, chopped
Method:
- Mix shredded salmon and chopped broccoli.
- Stuff the Kong and let your dog enjoy.
Special Instructions: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Calorie Count: Approximately 150 kcal.
Pear Pleasure
Ingredients:
- Half a pear, cored and chopped
- 1 tablespoon of cottage cheese
Method:
- Mix chopped pear and cottage cheese.
- Stuff the Kong and serve.
Special Instructions: Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Always remove pear seeds as they’re not safe for dogs.
Calorie Count: Approximately 70 kcal.
Crunchy Kibble Delight
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of your dog’s kibble
- 1/4 cup of mashed bananas
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
Method:
- First, take the kibble and put it in a mixing bowl.
- Mash the bananas until they have a puree-like consistency, and add them to the bowl.
- Add the peanut butter to the mixture and mix all the ingredients until you get a paste-like consistency. If it’s too dry, you can add a bit more banana or peanut butter.
Special Instructions: Store the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Calorie Count: Approximately 300 kcal.
Kong Safety
While a Kong is an excellent tool for stimulating your Cavapoo’s mind and providing them with a safe outlet for their chewing instincts, it’s crucial to keep safety front and center when letting your dog enjoy this delightful toy.
Choose the Correct Size
The size of the Kong you choose should be appropriate for your dog’s size.
A Kong that’s too small could pose a choking hazard, while a Kong that’s too large might not provide enough stimulation and can also be difficult for your Cavapoo to handle.
Supervise Your Dog
Although Kongs are designed to be durable, no toy is truly indestructible.
Keep an eye on your dog while they’re enjoying their Kong, especially when you first introduce it.
If you notice any significant damage to the Kong, or if your Cavapoo is attempting to tear it apart, it’s time to take it away and perhaps invest in a new one.
Select Appropriate Stuffing
The fun of a Kong is in the stuffing.
However, it’s vital to ensure that the stuffing you choose is safe for your pet.
Avoid any foods that are toxic to dogs such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and anything containing the sweetener xylitol.
Always check the ingredients if you’re using store-bought products.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping the Kong clean is beneficial for your pet’s health.
Rinse it out after each use and do a deep clean once a week.
You can use warm, soapy water, or put it in the top rack of the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher safe.
Regularly Replace the Kong
Despite the Kong’s durability, over time, it may wear down, especially with heavy chewers.
Regularly inspect it for any signs of excessive wear and replace it when necessary.
Final Thoughts
Kong toys are an excellent investment for any Cavapoo owner, combining entertainment, exercise, mental stimulation, and dental health into a single toy.
Like any pet product, they should be used responsibly and with safety in mind.
Always keep an eye on your dog while they’re using their Kong, ensure it’s the right size, use appropriate and healthy fillings, and keep it clean.
With these tips in mind, your dog can safely enjoy their Kong for many hours to come.
