9 Best Dog Advent Calendars

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Deck the halls and wag those tails—it’s the most wonderful time of the year to surprise your furry friend with a dog advent calendar! As the snow begins to fall and the jingle bells start ringing, there’s no better way to count down to Christmas than with a daily treat or toy for your four-legged family member. Pawsitively packed with festive cheer and tail-wagging delights, these calendars have taken the pet world by storm, creating a holiday tradition that includes even the furriest members of the household.

In this joyous and comprehensive guide, we’ll unleash the magic behind choosing the perfect dog advent calendar, ensuring safe and jolly treats for pups of all sizes and ages. From grain-free goodies to toy-stuffed surprises, we’ve sniffed out all the details to help you make a paw-some choice this holiday season. Plus, we’ll share woof-worthy reviews of the top dog advent calendars on the market, guaranteeing a merry and bright December for your canine companion. So, grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle up with your pup, and let’s dive into the festive world of dog advent calendars!

 

Buyer’s Guide: Factors to Consider When Choosing An Advent Calendar for Dogs

Choosing an advent calendar for your dog can be a fun way to include your furry friend in holiday festivities. Here are some factors to consider to ensure that you select a safe and enjoyable option for your pet:

Ingredients:

• Edible Treats: Ensure any edible treats included are safe for dogs, do not contain toxic ingredients (like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, or raisins), and are appropriate for your dog’s size and age.
• Allergies: Be mindful of any allergies your dog may have, and check the ingredient list to avoid adverse reactions.
• Quality: Opt for high-quality treats, preferably with natural ingredients and minimal additives or preservatives.

Size and Age Appropriateness:

• Treat Size: Make sure the treats are an appropriate size for your dog to prevent choking hazards.
• Age Consideration: Puppies and senior dogs might have different dietary needs and chewing capabilities.

Quantity:

• Moderation: Ensure that the treats provided are in moderation and suitable for daily consumption without disrupting your dog’s regular diet and causing weight gain.

Durability (If Including Toys):

• Chew-Proof: If the calendar includes toys, make sure they are durable and safe for your dog to chew on.
• Size Appropriate: Toys should be an appropriate size for your dog to prevent choking hazards.

Interactive Element:

• Engagement: Some advent calendars may include interactive elements to mentally stimulate your dog and keep them engaged.

Variety:

• Different Treats/Toys: A variety of treats or toys can keep the experience exciting for your dog.

Packaging:

• Safety: Ensure that the packaging is safe and does not pose a choking hazard.
• Ease of Opening: Consider how easy it will be for you to open the calendar and retrieve the treats or toys.

Price:

• Budget-Friendly: Choose an advent calendar that fits within your budget, keeping in mind that this is a seasonal item.

Brand Reputation:

• Trusted Brands: Opt for products from reputable brands with positive customer reviews.

Theme and Aesthetics:

• Holiday Spirit: You might want to choose an advent calendar that fits with your holiday decorations and brings festive cheer.

Customization:

• Personalized Options: Some advent calendars allow for personalization, which can be a nice touch.

Reviews and Recommendations:

• User Feedback: Look for customer reviews and possibly recommendations from other dog parents or pet experts.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can select an advent calendar that is safe, enjoyable, and tailored to your dog’s needs, ensuring a joyful holiday experience for your best friend.

The 8 Best Dog Advent Calendars

#1 – Wufers Advent Calendar Dog Cookie Box

The Wufers Advent Calendar Dog Cookie Box is a delightful treat for dogs, presenting an array of handmade, hand-decorated dog treats that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Crafted with care and precision, each cookie in this advent calendar is a work of art, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors that pet parents will appreciate. The treats are made from locally sourced natural ingredients, ensuring that your furry friend is indulging in high-quality, safe, and tasty snacks throughout the holiday season. The 2023 edition of this advent calendar continues Wufers’ tradition of delivering exceptional treats that double as festive decorations, making the countdown to Christmas a joyous and celebratory time for dogs.

While this dog cookie box is a premium option and may be pricier compared to other advent calendars, the quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail justify the investment. The Wufers Advent Calendar Dog Cookie Box is a luxurious and delightful way to include your canine companion in the holiday festivities, ensuring they have a merry and tasty Christmas.

Pros:

• High-quality, safe, and tasty treats
• Adds a festive touch to the holidays for your dog
• Encourages daily bonding moments

Cons:

• Pricier option

#2 – SmartBones Holiday Advent Calendar 24 Count

The SmartBones Holiday Advent Calendar 24 Count is a festive way to include small dogs in the holiday celebrations. Made with real chicken, these rawhide-free chews provide a safer and highly digestible alternative to traditional rawhide products, ensuring that your furry friend can enjoy their daily treat without any added worries. Each of the 24 chews is carefully crafted to deliver not just a tasty snack, but also a moment of bonding between pup and parent as you count down to Christmas together. The inclusion of vitamins and minerals in the chews adds an additional layer of care, as SmartBones has thoughtfully created a product that contributes to your dog’s overall well-being.

Pros:

• Safe and digestible alternative to rawhide
• Provides daily bonding moments
• Tailored for small dogs

Cons:

• May not be suitable for dogs with specific chicken allergies or sensitivities

#3 – Christmas Paws Boutique Christmas Dog Advent Calendar

The Christmas Paws Boutique Advent Calendar is a charming and reusable option for dog parents who want to create a unique and personalized holiday experience for their furry friends. This advent calendar features 24 individual drawers, providing a delightful countdown to Christmas for your canine companion. The empty, refillable drawers give you the freedom to customize the calendar with their dog’s favorite treats or small toys, making each day a special surprise tailored to their preferences. The reusable design also offers sustainability and the opportunity to create new traditions year after year. The festive and stylish appearance of the calendar ensures it will be a beautiful addition to your dog-themed holiday decor, bringing joy and anticipation to both pets and their humans.

Pros:

• Customizable to suit individual dog preferences
• Sustainable and reusable year after year
• Adds a festive touch to holiday decor
• Encourages daily bonding moments

Cons:

• Requires time and effort to fill
• Purchaser must provide their own treats or toys

#4 – BLUE WOLF CALENDAR COMPANY 2023 Christmas Dog Advent Calendar

The BLUE WOLF CALENDAR COMPANY introduces a delightful grain-free option for the holiday season with their 2023 Christmas Dog Advent Calendar, filled with crunchy peanut butter flavored dog treat biscuits. This calendar caters to dogs with grain sensitivities, ensuring they don’t miss out on the festive fun. The treats are crafted to provide a satisfying crunch, and the peanut butter flavor is a hit among many canine pals. While the treats are a highlight, some pet parents might find the lack of variety throughout the month to be a drawback. However, for dogs that love peanut butter flavored treats, this calendar is sure to be a holiday hit.

Pros:

• Catered to dogs with grain sensitivities
• Satisfying crunchy texture
• Popular peanut butter flavor
• Ensures pets with dietary restrictions can participate in holiday fun

Cons:

• Lack of treat variety

#5 – Dr. Seuss for Pets How the Grinch Stole Christmas Dog Advent Calendar

The Dr. Seuss for Pets How the Grinch Stole Christmas Dog Advent Calendar is a whimsical and entertaining option for the holiday season, offering 12 surprise toys and accessories for your furry friend. This calendar is perfect for dog parents who prefer to give toys instead of treats, providing a variety of fun and interactive options to keep your pup entertained. The inclusion of Grinch-themed items adds a playful and nostalgic touch, making it a hit for both pets and their people.

However, it’s important to note that this calendar offers 12 days of surprises rather than the traditional 24, making it a more concise countdown to Christmas. The toys and accessories are designed with dogs in mind, ensuring safe and enjoyable playtime. For pet parents looking to bring a touch of Dr. Seuss magic to their dog’s holiday season, this Grinch-themed dog advent calendar with toys is a standout choice.

Pros:

• Toy variety provides entertainment and enrichment
• Nostalgic and fun theme
• Safe and dog-friendly items
• Encourages play and interaction

Cons:

• Only 12 days of surprises
• May not be suitable for extremely aggressive chewers

#6 – Himalayan Dog Chew 24 Joyful Days Dog Advent Calendar

The Himalayan Dog Chew 24 Joyful Days Dog Advent Calendar stands out as a premium treat option, offering a variety of tasty delights for dogs of all breeds. This calendar showcases Himalayan cheese treats, cookie treats, and freeze-dried whole meat treats, ensuring a delightful and diverse tasting experience for your furry friend every day. The quality of the treats is evident, and the brand has taken care to cater to a wide array of dog preferences, making it a versatile choice.

While the calendar is on the pricier side, the investment reflects the high-quality ingredients and variety offered. One potential drawback is that the richer treats may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to monitor your pet’s reaction and adjust their daily treat intake as needed. Overall, the Himalayan Dog Chew Advent Calendar provides a luxurious and tasty countdown to Christmas.

Pros:

• Diverse range of treats caters to different preferences
• Premium quality ingredients
• Inclusive of all dog breeds
• Festive and engaging daily experience

Cons:

• Pricier option
• Richer treats may not suit all dogs

#7 – Merry Makings Hanukkah 8-Nights of Thrills Dog Toy Calendar

The Merry Makings Hanukkah 8-Nights of Thrills Dog Toy Calendar brings a unique and festive twist to the holiday season, specifically tailored for the Hanukkah celebration. Designed for small to medium-sized dogs, this calendar provides eight nights of exciting toys, ensuring your furry friend is part of the festivities. The toys are varied, offering different textures and play options to keep your pet engaged and entertained. The focus on toys rather than treats is a great alternative for pet parents mindful of their dog’s diet. This Hannukah Toy Calendar ensures you pup has a playful and joyful holiday season too.

Pros:

• Alternative to treat-based calendars
• Engages pets in holiday celebrations
• Variety of toys for different play preferences
• Suitable for small to medium-sized dogs

Cons:

• May not suit all play preferences

#8 – Cieyan Advent Calendar 2023 Jigsaw Puzzles-Christmas Dogs

While your furry friend enjoys own advent calendar full of daily treats, this one is for you! The Cieyan Advent Calendar 2023 introduces a unique and engaging twist to the traditional advent calendar, featuring a delightful combination of jigsaw puzzles with a Christmas dogs theme. This calendar is perfect for dog lovers and puzzle enthusiasts alike. It provides 24 boxes, each containing pieces of a 1008-piece puzzle that gradually comes together to reveal a festive and heartwarming scene of dogs celebrating Christmas.

As a dog lover, you can immerse yourself in the daily challenge of piecing together the puzzle, creating a relaxing and enjoyable moment each day of the holiday season. Combined with any of the dog advent calendars above, this puzzle calendar gives you both something special to look forward to each day. Plus, the Christmas dog puzzle makes a delightful addition to your Christmas decorations.

Pros:

• Unique and engaging daily activity
• Perfect for dog lovers and puzzle enthusiasts
• Encourages relaxation and focus during the holiday season
• Creates a festive and heartwarming scene

Cons:

• May not be suitable for very young children

FAQs About Dog Advent Calendars

Are Dog Advent Calendars Safe?

Dog advent calendars are generally safe for pets, as long as they are specifically designed for dogs and purchased from reputable brands. The treats included should be made from dog-safe ingredients. Any toys should be durable and appropriate for your pet’s size to prevent choking hazards. Inspect the calendar and its contents before giving anything to your dog. If you have any doubts or concerns about the safety of a particular item, consult with your veterinarian. Always supervise your dog while they are enjoying treats or playing with toys from the advent calendar to ensure their safety.

Can I Get a Calendar Suited to My Dog’s Size?

Yes, there are dog advent calendars available in various sizes to suit different breeds and ages of dogs. Manufacturers often provide guidelines on the packaging to help you choose the appropriate size for your pet. It is essential to select a calendar that matches your dog’s size, as treats and toys that are too small can be a choking hazard, while those that are too large might be difficult for them to enjoy. Make sure to read the product description and reviews from other pet parents to ensure the calendar is a good fit for your dog.

Are There Grain-Free or Allergy-Friendly Options?

Many manufacturers offer grain-free and allergy-friendly dog advent calendars to cater to pets with specific dietary needs. These calendars typically contain treats made without common allergens like wheat, soy, or corn, and may also avoid other ingredients that are known to cause sensitivities in some dogs. If your dog has known allergies or dietary restrictions, carefully check the ingredient list on the advent calendar to ensure it is safe for them to consume. You can also consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure whether a particular product is appropriate for your pet.

How Many Treats Come in a Dog Advent Calendar?

The number of treats in a dog advent calendar can vary depending on the brand and design of the product. However, most calendars are designed to provide one treat per day in the lead-up to Christmas, resulting in a total of 24 or 25 treats. Consider the size and calorie content of the treats when giving them to your dog, as they should be offered in moderation and not replace a balanced diet. If the treats are particularly large or high in calories, you might choose to break them into smaller pieces or spread them out over several days to prevent overfeeding.

Can I Use the Advent Calendar to Train My Dog?

Yes, you can use the treats from a dog advent calendar as rewards during training sessions. This can be a great way to make training more enjoyable for your pet and reinforce positive behavior. However, it is important to ensure that the treats are suitable for your dog and given in moderation. Training treats should be small and low in calories, so if the advent calendar treats are larger or richer, you might need to break them into smaller pieces. Always incorporate the treats into your dog’s daily calorie allowance to prevent overfeeding and potential weight gain.

Are Dog Advent Calendars Expensive?

The price of dog advent calendars can vary widely depending on the brand, the quality of the treats or toys included, and where you purchase them. Some calendars are quite affordable, while others can be more expensive, especially if they feature high-quality ingredients or premium toys. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping and compare prices from different retailers to ensure you are getting a good deal. Keep in mind that while a more expensive calendar might offer better quality treats or toys, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options that can still provide a lot of enjoyment for your pet.

Will an Advent Calendar Help With My Dog’s Boredom?

An advent calendar can provide mental stimulation and enrichment for your dog, helping to alleviate boredom. The daily anticipation of a new treat or toy can be exciting for pets, and interacting with the calendar can provide a fun challenge. Some dog advent calendars also include interactive elements, such as hidden treats or puzzles, which can further engage your pet’s mind and help to keep them entertained. However, it’s important to remember that an advent calendar should not be the sole source of enrichment for your dog. They also need regular exercise, playtime, and interaction with their human family members to stay happy and healthy.

Can I Make My Own Dog Advent Calendar?

Yes, creating a DIY dog advent calendar can be a fun and personalized way to celebrate the holiday season with your pet. You can use a variety of materials to create the calendar, such as a fabric hanging organizer, small boxes, or envelopes. Fill each day with a dog-safe treat or small toy, ensuring that the items are appropriate for your pet’s size and dietary needs. You can also include notes with training challenges or fun activities to do together. Making your own advent calendar allows you to tailor the contents to your dog’s preferences. It also ensures that everything included is safe and suitable for them. Just be sure to keep the calendar out of your dog’s reach to prevent them from helping themselves to all the treats at once!

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our festive journey through the world of advent calendars for dogs, it’s clear that these delightful holiday treats offer a pawsome way to include our furry friends in the Christmas celebrations. From grain-free options to interactive toys, there’s a perfect calendar out there for every tail-wagging companion, ensuring their holiday season is just as joyful and exciting as ours. So, let’s make this Christmas an unforgettable one for our four-legged family members, filled with love, treats, and plenty of merry woofs, as we count down the days together with the perfect dog advent calendar!

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.