How to stuff a rubber treat toy, from easy to frozen

A hollow rubber toy stuffed with food is one of the most useful bits of dog kit there is. Done well, it keeps a dog busy with chewing, licking and working food out of the toy. The best-known shape is the KONG Classic, but the same ideas work with other hollow toys such as the West Paw Toppl.

Choose the right size and strength

Pick a size your dog cannot fit completely in their mouth, following the maker’s size guide. Many ranges come in different strengths — softer for puppies and older dogs, tougher for strong chewers like the KONG Extreme. If in doubt, size up.

Level 1: Easy

Start with fillings that fall out easily, so your dog learns that the toy pays off.

• Dry kibble, loose, with a few treats.
• A little of their wet food smeared just inside the opening.

Hand it over and let them work it out. If they lose interest, make it easier.

Level 2: Layered

Once they understand the toy, start packing it.

1. Put a little wet food or soaked kibble in the bottom.
2. Add a layer of dry kibble.
3. Repeat, packing gently.
4. Seal the top with a smear of something tasty.

Level 3: Frozen

Freezing makes the toy last much longer.

1. Soak your dog’s kibble in warm water until it is soft.
2. Mix with a little wet food if you like.
3. Pack the mixture into the toy.
4. Freeze, upright in a mug, for several hours or overnight.

Frozen toys are useful on a warm day or when you need a longer quiet period. Some dogs find a frozen toy too hard at first — let it soften a few minutes, or go back to level 2 for a while.

Filling ideas

• Their normal kibble, soaked or dry.
• Their normal wet food.
• Plain natural yoghurt, in small amounts, for dogs who are fine with dairy.
• Plain cooked vegetables they already eat, mashed, with nothing added.
• Xylitol-free peanut butter, as a thin seal only.

Avoid grapes, raisins, chocolate, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, cooked bones, xylitol and salty or fatty leftovers. Count the filling as part of your dog’s daily food.

Cleaning

Rinse the toy after use and wash it in hot soapy water, using a bottle brush to reach inside. Check the maker’s instructions to see if it is dishwasher-safe. Let it dry thoroughly. Throw away a toy that is cracked, torn or missing chunks.

Safety

• Supervise, especially at first.
• Take the toy away if your dog is chewing pieces off it.
• Never use a toy too small for your dog.
• If several dogs live together, give stuffed toys in separate spaces.

Rolling treat balls

For dry food only, a rolling treat ball like the Starmark Everlasting Treat Ball gives a different challenge: your dog has to push and roll it to get each piece out.

You can search Amazon UK for stuffable rubber dog toys (affiliate link, opens Amazon UK) and compare sizes and strengths. Check the live price and size guide in the listing.

For more ideas, see puzzle feeder levels explained and rainy-day indoor games.