the kong

Question
Hi Labman,
   We have been giving Clover a stuffed Kong when we leave to go anywhere since she was a pup.  Mostly I fill it halfway with her kibble and then cover it with peanut butter, which I freeze.  I am wondering if you have any other suggestions for filling a kong- i.e. Would yogurt be an okay thing to freeze in her Kong?  Should I use plain yogurt- or is Vanilla flavoured 1% yogurt okay (the kind that I eat)  full fat, no fat low fat- does it matter?  I hope this isn't too dumb of a question- I just don't want to give her anything that is bad for her.
Thanks,
Bridget

Answer
It never hurts to check things carefully.  It is common knowledge that chocolate is bad for dogs.  The non aspirin pain killers can be deadly.  It is only in more recen years the word is gettig out on only a few grapes rasins may kill some dogs.  What is in yougurt?  Dogs don't digest lactose well.  Other than that, I think it should be OK at any fat level.  Watch sugarless products. Avoid anything with Xylitol.  It over stimulates dog's production of insulin dropping the blood sugar level too low.  

Make sure she is getting most of her calories from her kibble.  That is the only way to make sure she is getting a complete and balanced diet without too many calories.  Keeping her lean is the secret to a long, active life.  This is a link to a great guide on maintaining a healthy body conition, http://www.puppychow.com/products/popup_body_condition.aspx