I enjoy cooking so much, and though my "little helper" in the kitchen is my dog, he gets no cutting board scraps (much to his chagrin). After reading a dog specific cookbook with my dog drooling over my shoulder, I decided to look into finding some more recipes that are dog friendly. For some reason when I make food deemed "dog-friendly," I feel like my pup is getting a special healthy meal, not table scraps, even though the "dogourmet" meals are mostly made with human food ingredients.
My dog is large and in charge with a powerful jaw, and one of his favorite activi-toys is a KONG, stuffed or slathered with peanut butter. I had heard there were more exciting fillers than just peanut butter, so my search to find dog recipes that incorporated a KONG commenced. If you aren't familiar with KONG toys, you should get to know one.
KONGs are made for dogs of all sizes (no kidding, I have seen one so large a Chihuahua would have probably fit inside), and are super durable and useful. You can "stuff" a KONG with dog biscuits, kibble or homemade concoctions. After a little searching and asking friends, I was pleased to find so many mouthwatering (to my dog) recipes. Delicious delights for dogs, using what I already had in my kitchen. The best thing about stuffing a KONG with tasty treats is that it becomes an activity for your pup and can keep him occupied for hours!
Here are a few of the favorite recipes that my dog and I have tested out so far.
Our favorite from the KONG Company:
Banana Rama
1 banana
2 tbsp wheat germ
1 tbsp plain yogurt
In a bowl, mash up banana. Then, add wheat germ and yogurt. Mash all ingredients together and use spoon to add to KONG. Freeze for 4 hours. Makes 1 serving for Medium KONG. Double for every KONG size that is bigger.
Favorite Warm KONG Treat:
KONG au Gratin
Mix cheese pieces, shredded cheese, or cheese spread with your dog's usual dried kibble and press into the Kong. Microwave until the cheese starts to melt and binds the food together. Use a cup to contain the Kong when in the microwave. Let it cool to a safe temperature. Let your pup enjoy! Caution: this one can get messy, best served outside.
Favorite Frozen KONG Treat:
Puppy Pops
2 chicken or beef bouillon cubes
3 cups water
Dissolve bouillon in water. Pour into Kong. Freeze. Serve frozen. Give to pup outside, it gets messy!
Have these mouthwatering treats convinced you that you need a KONG if you don’t already have one? You are in luck, BaxterBoo sells a variety of KONGs! And if you don’t like to cook, you can always pick up already made KONG stuffers.
Do you have a fun recipe or yummy stuffer for a KONG? Please share... my test kitchen is open and my furry taste tester is always looking for new and yummy dog recipes!
