Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider
- The Kong Classic addresses a variety of dogs' needs: It is a durable chew and fetch toy plus a food dispenser.
- If you have a dog prone to separation anxiety, this dog toy may lessen their stress when left alone.
- One of the most popular uses for this multipurpose dog toy is food-dispensing. A frozen, treat-stuffed Kong can occupy my dog for up to 40 minutes. This toy is so popular that users share their own Kong recipes widely across the internet.
Over the last eight years, I have bought dozens of products for my very good boys. But if someone told me I could own only one dog toy from here on, I'd choose the Kong Classic without hesitation.
This snowman-shaped rubber toy is an economical, multifunctional pet product that has proven safe, indestructible, and entertaining for both of my dogs. Brought to market 40 years ago, the Kong was designed to be a dog toy that could withstand long chew and fetch sessions. It was inspired by its creator's own dog who was suffering from dental damage due to a steady habit of chewing rocks and sticks.
But let's say your dog turns its nose up at chew toys and balls like mine mostly have. Well, early adopters found they could fill the Kong's hollow interior with food ranging from peanut butter and kibble to peas and cottage cheese. Not surprisingly, their more food-motivated pups became Kong devotees too. So was born a three-in-one toy that is good for chewing, fetching, and feeding. In the world of dogs, it's fair to say this is the ultimate trifecta.
But the Kong is more than a toy, really. When I adopted my first dog, the rescue explained that many dogs develop separation anxiety. Their suggestion to prevent or alleviate this challenging condition: Shortly before leaving my dog alone, give him a Kong filled with a tasty frozen treat to distract from my departure and absence. Ideally, a happily occupied dog is less inclined to experience anxiety and engage in destructive or disruptive behaviors like inappropriate chewing or barking.
Dr. Carlo Siracusa, DVM, associate professor of clinical animal behavior and welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, told Business Insider that food-enhanced toys, like the Kong, provide excellent environmental enrichment, keeping a dog's mind active and stimulated while promoting a more balanced and less anxious temperament. "They are particularly useful in case of anxiety that manifests when the owner is away and cannot interact with the dog," Dr. Siracusa said.
Thankfully, my dogs never displayed signs of separation anxiety. Perhaps I can credit the Kong here. Nonetheless, a stuffed Kong was the only toy that piqued the interest of my first dog. Now, with my second dog, Homer, the Kong is again a well-loved vessel that delivers tempting treats slowly and safely. I leave him with a frozen peanut-butter-filled Kong when I head out to work each morning. Without fail, Kong is king, and he doesn't even acknowledge my presence - or lack thereof.
This toy is also my go-to toy when entertaining friends, especially during summer barbecues. In typical beagle form, Homer can't resist begging for (and stealing) burgers. But if I give him a Kong, he saunters off to a corner of the patio to enjoy his own treat and leave us to ours.
How to prepare and clean the Kong
Right now, I have five Kong toys sitting in my freezer. Yes, FIVE. I prepare a week's worth in advance. It makes cleanup easier, and it's one less thing to remember during the week. The Kong Company also offers a convenient line of edible products to fill their classic toy, and users have shared their own super elaborate concoctions across the internet (yogurt, applesauce, ground beef, and eggs, anyone?).
Kong
It's pretty important to keep this toy clean and free of bacteria. I soak a dirty Kong in water to loosen up any remaining food, clean it out with a bottle brush, then toss it in the dishwasher. The first Kong, which I bought eight years ago, has been through hundreds of dishwasher cycles. While the color has faded and the rubber has noticeably softened, it still serves its purpose perfectly.
The Kong Classic is designed for dogs who are moderate chewers. It's available in six sizes that are matched to varying weight ranges. Breed-specific size recommendations can also be found on the Kong Company website. If the Kong Classic isn't the right fit for your dog, variations are available for puppies, senior dogs, power chewers, and even cats.
The Kong Company makes other great products my pup loves, too, including their Wobbler, Goodie Bone, and Flyer.
Get the Kong Classic Dog Toy, $7.99-$24.99, at Amazon
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