🦴 What to Put on Kong Toys, Lick Mats & Slow Feeders: Easy Fillers & DIY Recipes Your Dog Will Love

You’ve got the Kong, the lick mat, or the slow feeder — now the question is: What do you actually put on it?

Choosing the right filler can make a huge difference in keeping your dog engaged, satisfied, and calm during enrichment time. Whether you’re looking for a quick grocery store solution or something homemade from your kitchen, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s your ultimate guide to safe, healthy, and easy fillers for interactive feeding toys.

🛒 Easy Store-Bought Fillers

These are perfect when you’re short on time and want something you can grab straight from the fridge or pantry.

✅ Dog-Safe Store Items:

• Plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, low fat)
• Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• Cottage cheese
• Pumpkin purée (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
• Mashed banana
• Canned dog food or pâté
• Baby food (no onion, garlic, or added salt — check ingredients!)
• Wet or raw dog food
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Low-sodium bone broth or stock (gelled or frozen)
• Kibble soaked in water or broth until mushy

Tip: Use a small spatula, spoon, or piping bag to fill lick mats and Kongs easily.

🏠 Simple Homemade Filler Recipes

Making your own fillers can be cheaper, healthier, and gives you control over ingredients — great for dogs with sensitivities or special diets.

🥕 1. Banana-Peanut Butter Mash

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter
• Optional: 1 tbsp oats or Greek yoghurt
  → Mash together and spoon into a Kong or spread onto a lick mat. Freeze for a longer session.

🐔 2. Chicken & Veggie Blend

• ½ cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• ¼ cup steamed or raw grated carrot
• 1 tbsp plain yoghurt or cottage cheese
  → Mix well and use fresh or freeze.

🍠 3. Sweet Potato Delight

• ½ cup cooked mashed sweet potato
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or flaxseed oil
• → Great for anti-inflammatory benefits and easy digestion.

🍎 4. Apple Pie Spread (Dog-Safe)

• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup oats
• Dash of cinnamon
  → Mix and chill before use. Dogs love the smell!

🐟 5. Fishy  Mix (for Omega-3 boost)

• 1 tin of sardines, mackerel or tuna in spring water (no oil or salt)
• 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin
• 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato
• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• → Mash and mix together before use. 

🧊 Freezing Tips for Longer Play

• Freezing stuffed toys and mats adds an extra challenge and helps your dog settle for longer — perfect for crate time, downtime, or helping with anxiety.
• Layer soft + hard textures (e.g., banana and kibble)
• Seal the end of a Kong with a dollop of peanut butter or yoghurt
• Layer meats with your dog’s regular kibble or bone broth to stretch it further.
• Freeze mixtures in Kongs or slow feeders for longer play sessions.
• Add unsalted bone broth (gelled or frozen into cubes) to increase hydration and flavour.

• Hearts, liver, or kidney can be mashed or puréed and frozen into toys (if raw-fed).

• Always source high-quality meat, and introduce slowly if your dog is new to it.

  Freeze in bulk so you always have one ready

  Here are several meat-based filler ideas that are dog-safe, protein-rich, and highly motivating:

🥩 Simple Meat-Based Fillers for Enrichment Toys

1. Plain Cooked Mince (Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb)

• Lightly cook lean mince (no seasoning, onion, or garlic).

• Let cool, then spoon into toys or mix with a bit of broth to soften.

• You can freeze it in layers or add it to lick mats.

• You can use raw minced meat as well – but freeze it first! (Great to use as a frozen meal from a Kong toy!)

2. Canned Fish (in spring water)

• Sardines, mackerel, or salmon packed in spring water (not oil, salt, or sauce).

• Mash and use alone or mixed with plain rice or kibble.

• Great source of omega-3s.

3. Canned or Pâté-Style Dog Food

• Many meat-only or meat-dominant options available.

• Choose a high-protein, single-protein canned food for sensitive dogs.

• Easy to spread and freeze.

4. Shredded Roast Chicken or Turkey

• Cooked plain (no seasoning or skin).

• Shred finely and mix with a spoon of broth or a touch of plain yoghurt to make it more spreadable.

• Freeze into layers in a Kong or mix with soaked kibble.

5. Liver Paste or Dog-Specific Meat Spreads

• Available from pet stores or made at home by blending cooked liver with a bit of water or broth.

• Extremely high-value and very spreadable.

• Use sparingly (liver is rich!).

6. Raw or Lightly Cooked Organ Meat

🧊 Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Enrichment

Layer meats with your dog’s regular kibble or bone broth to stretch it further.

Freeze mixtures in Kongs or slow feeders for longer play sessions.

Add unsalted bone broth (gelled or frozen into cubes) to increase hydration and flavour.

⚠️ Avoid These:

• Highly processed meats (e.g., ham, bacon, deli meats)
• Anything seasoned with onion, garlic, salt, or spices
• Cooked bones or fatty table scraps

By using meat-based fillings that your dog truly enjoys, you can still provide excellent mental stimulation and support calm behaviour—without relying on fruit or veg they don’t like.

🐾 Customise Based on Your Dog’s Needs

⚠️ What to Avoid

Never use fillers that include:

• Xylitol (in peanut butter or yogurt)
• Onion or garlic (common in baby food or leftovers)
• Sweeteners, chocolate, raisins, grapes, or nuts
• Spicy sauces or fatty leftovers

When in doubt, stick to whole food ingredients or dog-specific options.

🐶 Final Thoughts

Interactive feeders like Kongs, lick mats, and puzzle trays aren’t just toys — they’re tools for mental stimulation, behaviour shaping, and emotional wellbeing.

By mixing up your fillers and offering variety, you’ll keep your dog mentally engaged and make enrichment something they look forward to every day.