Let's Get a Kong - Does Your Dog Love Marvin Gaye?

Boost Your Dog’s Mood with a Fun Kong Bone Enrichment Activity

Today’s post is all about an easy and enjoyable food enrichment activity featuring the Kong Bone – a toy that has never let me down when it comes to keeping dogs entertained. If you’ve never tried one, these toys are a hit with pups of all shapes and sizes. Watch this video for a quick demo of how to set up this enriching activity in under a minute. It’s a great way to add stimulation to your dog’s day with minimal effort (though I’m not suggesting you skip out on playtime – just offering quick ways to make your dog’s day a little more enriching!). 

In the video, my buddy Oakley spends three hours with her Kong Bone, while Moose wraps up after about 25 minutes; all pups are different in their need for enriching activities, so find what works for yours.

(Oakley enjoyed her Kong Bone for three whole hours!)

My posts blend my personal experience with research on the science of animal behavior, aiming to provide suggestions on quick ways to optimize feel good hormones for your pup. So, for those who enjoy the nerdy details, let’s dive into a little more science behind this fun activity and explore the "why."

The Science of Chewing and Its Impact on Your Dog

When dogs chew, their brains release endorphins, also known as ‘feel-good hormones.” According to the University of Texas at Austin, “Chewing not only satisfies a dog’s natural urges but can also play a major role in managing their stress levels.” This simple, instinctual behavior helps dogs cope with mild stress and boosts their overall mood.

So, if your dog could use a little emotional boost, consider giving them a Kong Bone. The benefits of chewing go beyond just a fun distraction – it can be part of helping reduce mild anxiety and provide comfort to your furry friend. Read the full article here: Impact of Chewing on Dog Anxiety Levels.

Tips for Using the Kong Bone

When choosing a Kong Bone for your dog, it’s important to pick the right size and chew type based on your dog’s age, size, and chewing habits. Kong offers different color-coded options:

• Pink or Blue for puppies

• Red for regular chewers

• Black for super chewers

  
  

You can fill the Kong with a variety of tasty treats to keep your dog engaged. Some great options include soaked and smashed kibble, wet food, cream cheese, sweet potato, or even pre-made dog food like Lucy’s Roll (Lucy’s Roll was used in the video). For more fun recipes and ideas, check out Kong’s official Cuisine page, if you want to get fancy.

So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to help your dog feel calmer and more content, the Kong Bone is a fantastic choice. Give it a try and see how much your dog enjoys it!

Watch the video below. Moose says, “You know what I’m talking about, come on baby, let’s get a Kong.” 🎵

Human Time: 1 Minute

Pup Time: 25 Minutes - 3 Hours (3 hours is most likely an outlier)

My priority is helping dogs feel good! I only post on either free enrichment, or to food toys that I have found to be quite durable. Amazon links to Kong Bones are shown below. If you decide to purchase through my link, I earn a small commission (no pressure). 

Link to Small Dog Size Kong Bone: https://amzn.to/48UAynx 

Link to Medium Dog Size Kong Bone: https://amzn.to/3OaR5dK 

Link to Large Dog Size Kong Bone: https://amzn.to/3UUsmxZ

Link for Puppy Kong Bone: https://amzn.to/3OylGBT

Link for Lucy’s Roll: https://amzn.to/4g7deW2

Caution: If your dog guards food or toys, be sure to separate dogs for this activity. Always supervise. These ideas are meant to supplement a healthy overall lifestyle. If your pup is showing chronic stress, please consult a certified positive reinforcement trainer.