How to Use KONG® for Dog Weight Management 

Why Weight Management Matters  

Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for dogs’ overall wellbeing. A 2022 study by the Association for Pet Obesity found that 59% of dogs are overweight or obese, indicating a wide-spread pet health concern. Even a few extra pounds can increase the risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis and high blood pressure. Weight gain can also reduce your dog’s energy, mobility and playfulness. Worst of all, it can shorten their lifespan. 

Weight management involves more than just cutting back on treats. While that’s certainly a good place to start, incorporating physical and mental activity in your dog’s routine is key—and that’s where KONGs come in. 

How KONGs Can Help

KONGs turn meals and snacks into a fun, engaging activity that naturally promotes weight management. A great alternative to the traditional dog bowl, stuffed KONGs provide a satisfying mental and physical challenge while delivering controlled portions of food. Plus, its unpredictable bounce encourages movement, taking your pup from mealtime to playtime for additional health and exercise benefits.  

Perhaps most importantly, KONGs slow down eating and extend mealtimes. We all know a dog who eats as if every meal is their last. Not only does overeating and eating too quickly contribute to weight gain, but it can also cause discomfort, choking, vomiting or a dangerous condition known as bloat. By serving food in a KONG, dogs are forced to take their time, which can help them feel fuller, control hunger and prevent overeating. By working harder for their food, they also burn calories as they go.  

Tips for Using KONGs  

Whether your pup is on a weight loss journey or maintaining a healthy weight, there are so many creative ways to use KONGs to help them achieve their health goals. Here a few tips for how to make the most of your KONG:

• Break Up Meals: Extend mealtime and slow your dog’s eating by dividing their meals and serving portions in a KONG throughout the day. KONGs can be stuffed with dry kibble, wet food and raw diets. For an added challenge, freeze the stuffed KONG ahead of time before serving.  

• Choose Healthy Fillings: Swap out high-calorie stuffings such as peanut butter with healthier alternatives like pumpkin, blueberries, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, apples, peas or watermelon. If you’re feeling creative, try guilt-free recipes like the Pumpkin and Apple Frosty Treat or KONG-U-Copia! 

• Add Exercise: As with humans, dogs need exercise. For an easy way to incorporate more physical activity in their routine and bond with your pup, use KONGs and other enrichment toys like it for interactive play. KONGs’ erratic bouncing and rolling keep games of fetch new and exciting while encouraging movement.  

• Consult Your Veterinarian: Always discuss your dog’s weight management plan with your veterinarian to ensure their unique needs are met. 

KONGs prove that weight management doesn’t have to be all work and no play. By turning eating into an engaging, interactive experience and encouraging more physical activity, they help keep your pup healthy and happy through the power of play. Coupled with regular exercise and a balanced diet, your dog will be on the path to maintaining a good weight while having fun along the way.