Kong Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Ask any dog owner and chances are they have used a Kong dog toy with their pet dog. With a broad range of toys and a reputation as a company that makes intuitively designed dog toys for both development and enrichment, Kong is one of the most recognizable names in dog toys. Kong also makes great cat toys for feline pets. However, they aren’t quite as well known as their line of dog toys. Your pet’s needs are front and center with this high-quality toy.

Most Popular Kong Products

Kongs toys are at just about any place that pet toys are sold. This includes major retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Their top-selling toys provide fun play while also helping meet developmental needs to keep your cat or dog happy and healthy. The Kong Classic line of rubber toys for adult dogs deserves a special shoutout. These toys are simple, well-made, and can hold up to dog’s chewing, chasing, and play.

There aren’t as many offerings for cats and their owners. But the few that are made by Kong are high-quality and keep pet wellness and development in mind. The best option for cats includes the cuddle collars. It can be used for dogs or cats. Additionally, they have catnip sprays and chase toys for feline friends.

Best KONG Store

Amazon.com: KONG

• The official Amazon KONG store
• Features all of the product lines, from their famous rubber toys to plush and snuggle toys
• Provides suggestions on how to select the best KONG products for your pets

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Here are some of the best Kong toys for dogs and cats.

1. Kong Classic Dog Toys

These popular toys come in multiple sizes and densities with options for every stage of life and size of dog. They help with teething and chewing in young dogs and offer that same stimulation for adult and senior dogs. You can fill the toy with treats for training and enrichment. Kong even makes treats that are sized and designed to go inside their classic dog toy.

Because of their shape, these toys also offer an unpredictable bounce when thrown for fun play. Dogs love this. If you are worried about them holding up for the long term, don’t be. These are some of the most durable toys out there. If your dog chews heavily on toys, they even make one for vigorous chewers that is extra durable.

KONG Classic Dog Toy

• Available in multiple sizes and densities
• Suitable for every stage of life and every size of dog
• Helps with teething and chewing
• Can be filled with treats
• Extremely durable

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2. Kong Cloud Collar

This collar works for cats or dogs and is great for injury recovery. The plush exterior is ideal for snuggling. By using an inflatable design, it offers a customizable fit while still being machine washable. Multiple sizes are available so that you get the right one for your pet.

KONG Cloud Collar for Dogs & Cats

• Perfect for dog's that are recovering from an injury
• Its plush exterior makes it great for snuggling
• Inflatable for a custom fit
• Machine washable
• Available in multiple sizes

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A-Z-Animals Top Picks of Best Kong Products

Key Features

• Natural rubber is extremely durable
• Simple but effective design
• Multiple sizes and densities for most toys
• Easy to find at multiple retailers
• Affordable
• Designed for maximum enrichment
• Helps with common developmental needs, including chewing, separation anxiety, boredom, and exercise

What Type of Animals and Breed Are Kong Toys Best Suited For?

Kong makes toys for dogs and cats. Options are available for puppies and dogs who chew all the way through to cats who like to cuddle. They are most known for their line of dog toys. Popular options include tug toys, fetch toys, and toys for chewing. Let’s look at some of their best pet-approved toy options.

Chewing Toys

Some of Kong’s best-selling toys are those that can be chewed by dogs. Chewing is a natural behavior in dogs. Teething puppies are especially enthusiastic about chewing. Providing a toy that your dog can chew safely is a great way to make sure they don’t chew things they shouldn’t, such as shoes or furniture. Kong even makes a line of toys for aggressive chewers. The natural rubber of these toys is extra durable and can hold up to their ferocious play. You never need to worry about losing a pair of shoes again!

These toys are made of natural rubber. It is durable and non-toxic. You never need to worry about your dog destroying the toy and ingesting something that could be unsafe or cause harm.

Tug Toys

Engaging in a fun game of tug-of-war with your dog is a great way to bond. Many Kong toys work for these games. The Kong Wubba toy is a popular choice for this game. It has a ball end and a tug end to allow for multiple ways of play with just one toy. Additionally, there is a specially designed Tug Toy with two identical sides. Two dogs can enjoy a rousing game of tug-of-war together.

Some Kong tug toys incorporate rope and rubber to provide multiple textures. This stimulation teaches your dog how to play with different items. The pressure needed to tug on a rubber handle differs from that required to tug on rope.

Best Tug Toy

KONG Tug Dog Toy

• Crafted from natural rubber
• Stretches and recoils for the perfect game of tug
• Tug is an interactive game that facilitates bonding with your dog
• Grips are comfortable for you and for your dog
• Available in small, medium, and large

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Toys for Fetch

Just about any dog toy can be thrown and turn into a game of fetch. What makes Kong toys unique are the specific designs that provide plenty of stimulation for your dog. For instance, their popular Kong Classic Dog Toy bounces in unpredictable directions when thrown. This hones your dog’s natural instincts. Other fun options include fetch toys with tails and durable frisbees.

Best for Fetch

KONG Squeezz Ball Dog Toy, Color Varies

• Perfect for playing fetch with your pal
• The protected squeaker encourages play
• Comes in four vibrant colors
• Available in three sizes
• Suitable for medium dog breeds

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Aggressive Chewers

If you worry that this toy won’t hold up to your dog’s aggressive chewing, look no further. Kong has a line of toys specifically made for dogs who chew until they can’t chew anymore. Kong calls this a power chew and has everything from frisbees to balls to their popular fillable dog toy made in this extra durable rubber.

KONG Extreme Dental Dog Chew Toy, Large

• Designed specifically for aggressive chewers
• Made from extra-durable rubber
• Cleans teeth and gums
• Features grooves that you can fill with food to give the toy additional appeal
• Ideal for large dog breeds

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Puppy and Senior Dog Toys

Kong makes toys for dogs with tender teeth and gums. This includes puppies and senior dogs. Puppy toys are adorable baby pink or baby blue rubber, appropriate for these adorable little pups. Senior dog toys come in purple rubber. Because they are easy to spot, you’ll know which ones are best for your senior dogs.

Puppy and senior dog toys are a big more pliable and made for the developmental needs at these two distinct stages. Puppy toys focus on teething. Senior dog toys accommodate the aging teeth and gums of senior dogs without sacrificing play or enrichment.

Best for Puppies & Seniors

KONG Puppy Dog Toy

• Designed for dogs with tender teeth and gums
• Perfect for puppies and senior dogs
• Available in baby pink or baby blue for puppies and purple for senior dogs
• Made from more pliable natural rubber than Kong's other products
• You can fill them with your dog's favorite treats

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Kong Treats

You can purchase Kong food and treats to stuff inside your dog’s Kong toys. The design fits within the toys. Your dog enjoys the challenge to get the treat out, providing plenty of stimulation. These come in treat paste that can be sprayed into the toy, treats that can be stuffed inside, and Ziggies chewing sticks. Most dogs like Kong treats and food, but it often comes down to individual pet preference.

Best Treat for Fillable Kong Toys

KONG Stuff'N Easy Treat Peanut Butter Recipe

• Vitamin enriched
• Liver and peanut butter paste
• Easy-to-use spray can
• Simply apply inside a stuffable Kong toy or on the groves of a Kong dental toy
• Encourages play

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Kong Recalls & Controversies

Kong pet toys have not been part of any documented recalls. Additionally, as of June 20, 2022, no Kong treats or foods have been recalled according to the FDA recall database.

Amazon Reviews

Reviewers absolutely love the Kong Classic Dog Toy. It has an almost cult-like following. Many dog owners love that one simple toy can have so many uses. “These really are the world’s best dog toy!” wrote one reviewer. “It’s a perfect slow feeder for dogs who bolt their food. It can be used with wet food, dry kibble, or a mixture of both. Stick it in the refrigerator or freezer to get a nice cooling effect for sore gums in teething puppies. It is a stimulating, problem-solving puzzle for bored dogs, especially high-energy dogs that always need something to do. They also work as a nice bouncy ball for fetch.”

Some dog owners use it exclusively for feeding their dogs. “My dog doesn’t need a food bowl,” said one owner. “He’s a 9-month-old high-energy rescue who got turned in for ‘behavior problems’. On a normal day, he now gets 3 large Kongs and the rest (about half) of his kibble as training treats.”

Bottom Line

If you want a high-quality dog toy that is affordable and durable, Kong is the best of the best out there. They work in so many different ways. Due to their durability, Kongs will last through chewing, fetch, training, and more. The cat offerings from Kong aren’t as extensive or as highly reviewed. However, they still make reviewers happy with their performance and value.