Pixel Reviews: The King of Kong

When discussing boredom breakers and toys, for dogs, you are almost certain to hear one name over all the others; Kong. As a company, Kong has successfully carved out their niche in the market, they achieved this through creating fun and durable boredom breakers and toys; for many the name Kong is synonymous with the word tough. Over six months Pixel has acquired a number of Kong products and we have decided to present them all in one large review.

Pixel's Kong Collection

Kong Classic

The Kong Classic is exactly that. Like many, we purchased the rounded red rubber cone as a boredom breaker, something to give to Pixel to stimulate him, especially when being left at home alone. Once filled with something delicious, the Kong Classic will provide Pixel with a happy distraction when we leave the house. Typically we use pâté although we also have a can of Kong Stuff'n (which has a great shelf life and is fantastic in a bind).

The problem with the Kong Classic is that it is just too simple for Pixel to get the treats out. Ultimately he loses interests in the Classic after about ten minutes or so (as opposed to the zee.dog Super Toys that can hold is attention for a half hour or over).

Kong Quest Bone

This blue rubber bone is a more challenging treat feeder than the Classic, with a central section for the Kong Stuff'n and four smaller holes, perfect for treats that can be difficult for the dog to get to. With the correct combination of treats, the Quest Bone can keep Pixel interested for twenty minutes and sometimes longer.

The Quest Bone however is not as durable as the Classic and if your dog is a heavy chewer this might not last that long.

Kong Wobbler

This heavy duty, plastic, weeble-like feeder is a fantastic way to prevent your dog from gulping their food, as well as providing a stimulating meal. Pixel happily walks around a room, violently batting the Wobbler with his paws, sending it spinning across the floor and scattering the food randomly about. The Wobbler is by no means a toy, and will remain unloved in the corner of a room when not being used for a meal (apart from the occasional inquisitive nudge to make sure it is empty). If you don't wish to feed your dog their meals from the Wobbler, you can easily use it for treats and watch as your dog works for the food they love.

The biggest drawback to this fun feeder is that it can be very loud. Pixel takes great enjoyment in throwing it against wardrobes, walls, and door frames. While our house has remained unmarked by the toy, the resulting bang can be a little noisy.

(For a comparative review with other "Fun Feeders", see Pixel Reviews: Fun Feeders)

Kong Bounzer

The Kong Bounzer is a large, hollow, rubber toy that is meant to be thrown for your dog to chase outside. We purchased this toy before we knew that Pixel didn't like chasing toys outside so the Bounzer sat in a cupboard for the first six months. Then one day when I was swapping around the toys that Pixel has access to, I decided to throw it inside and Pixel practically exploded with excitement. Since then the Bounzer has become one of Pixel's favorite toy. He enjoys the way that is bounces erratically around the house, the way he can chew on the handle and he loves that when you squeeze it, it blows out air. A word of warning however, if you do decided to purchase a Bounzer for indoor use, watch out for anything that might be breakable.

Kong Cozie Elmer

We bought this bright pink elephant toy as a Christmas present for Pixel and he immediately took to it. Originally this toy had wonderfully soft fur that Pixel took great pleasure in chewing on. The toy seems well made and is tough enough to survive the gentle tugging and playing which Pixel gives. Coming with one small squeaker, the Cozie provides Pixel with light weight toy to throw about the room. While this toy is one of Pixel's favorite soft toys, I think this is due to the Cozie's soft fur which is entirely subjective for each dog. All that said, I feel that the toy might not survive dogs that deliberately set out to kill their soft toys.