A few years ago, we got our pups an advent calendar. We splurged and got one with sturdy little drawers, healthy treats, and toys. They were so excited and quickly learned to stand by it every morning, waiting for the day’s surprise. Each year, we refill this same advent calendar, and each year they wait with anticipation for the days to begin.
Dog advent calendars are everywhere now – and honestly, it makes perfect sense. Why should we get all the festive countdown fun?
With more people treating their pets like true family members, brands have jumped on the trend by releasing dog-friendly calendars packed with daily surprises. But here’s the thing… while they’re adorable and Instagrammable, not all store-bought dog advent calendars are actually good for our pets. And they’re getting pretty expensive!
The good news? Making your own is ridiculously easy, super fun, and gives you total control over what goes inside. Let’s break it down!
Why Some Dog Advent Calendars Aren’t So Healthy
Just like human holiday treats, commercial dog advent calendars can be full of things your dog doesn’t need, including:
- Questionable ingredients: Many contain fillers, artificial colours, humectants, preservatives, and vague “meat by-product” ingredients.
- High sugar or salt: Cheaper treats often contain unnecessary sweeteners or sodium to enhance palatability.
- Low-quality proteins: Some rely on rendered meats, mystery proteins, or tiny amounts of real meat.
- Plastics and chemical coatings: Toys tucked into low-cost calendars may break easily or contain unsafe dyes or glues.
Since your dog gets a little surprise every day for nearly a month, that’s a lot of exposure to things that may not sit well with sensitive stomachs, allergies, or natural lifestyles.
DIYing your own advent calendar means every single treat and toy is chosen with intention, which is really what the holidays are about, right?
Creative Ideas for Making Your Own Dog Advent Calendar
The fun part is that your calendar can be as simple or crafty as you want. Here are some easy ways to make one:
- Muffin Tin Calendar – Take a 24-count muffin tin, fill each cup with a surprise, and cover them with decorated cardstock circles taped at one edge so your dog can “open” each one daily.
- Hanging Envelope Garland – Pick up 24 mini envelopes or cotton drawstring pouches, number them, and hang them on twine with clothespins. This looks adorable hung across a fireplace or doorway.
- Reusable Fabric Advent Calendar – Buy (or sew!) a fabric wall calendar with pockets. Choose a sturdier one if you’re planning to tuck small toys inside.
- Tiny Gift Boxes – Mini gift boxes or treat boxes from the craft store create a pretty, reusable display that feels like 24 tiny presents.
- Cardboard Tube Countdown – Save toilet paper or paper towel rolls, fold the ends, number them, and place treats inside. Eco-friendly and fun!
Whatever style you choose, make sure the pockets or compartments keep items secure until it’s time to open – some pups will try to “celebrate early.”
Healthy Treat Ideas to Fill Each Day
We choose a few days for special things – holiday bandanas, new toys, and other fun, special items – but most of the days are filled with treats.
You can easily fill the days with healthy store-bought treats your dog loves, or get creative and change things up by making your own! Mix and match these healthy options to keep each day exciting.
1. Simple Whole-Food Ideas
Great for dogs who love crunching or nibbling on fresh foods (just remember to keep these in the fridge or fill those pockets or tubes on the day of):
- Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries
- Small pieces of cucumber or carrot
- Tiny chunks of plain cooked chicken or turkey
- Freeze-dried single-ingredient meats (for example, we use this recipe from our friends at Pawdega to make dehydrated treats)
Whole foods are nutrient-dense and light on calories—perfect for daily treats.
2. Mini Turkey & Blueberry Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup blueberries
- 1 tbsp parsley
Instructions:
Mix everything together and form tiny meatballs (dime-sized). Bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes. Cool and freeze.
Tip: Freeze in small batches and thaw as needed.
3. Sweet Potato Chews
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
Instructions:
Slice into ¼” strips and bake at 250°F for 2.5–3 hours, flipping halfway. They should be chewy, not crunchy. Cool and store in the fridge or freezer.
3. Crunchy Pumpkin Oat Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- 1 egg
Instructions:
Mix, roll small balls, flatten slightly, and bake at 325°F for 20–25 minutes. Bake longer for crunchier cookies.
4. Frozen Yogurt Holiday “Snow Bites”
Ingredients:
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Mashed banana
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (Ceylon only)
Instructions:
Mix ingredients and spoon into silicone molds. Freeze overnight.
A DIY dog advent calendar isn’t just a countdown; it’s a daily moment of joy and bonding for you and your pup. Plus, you can be sure everything inside aligns with your dog’s health, lifestyle, and taste preferences.
And honestly? Watching your dog excitedly check their calendar every morning might just become your favourite holiday tradition. It is, without a doubt, one of mine.
