DIY Advent Calendar: 24 Homemade Treats for Your Dog
The holiday season isn’t just for humans—our dogs deserve to join in the festive fun too. A DIY advent calendar filled with homemade treats is a creative way to celebrate December while keeping your pup happy and healthy. With 24 days of surprises, you’ll build anticipation and strengthen the bond with your furry friend.
Why Make It Yourself?
Store‑bought advent calendars for dogs often contain fillers, artificial flavors, or low‑quality ingredients. By making your own, you control what goes inside. You can tailor treats to your dog’s dietary needs, avoid allergens, and ensure every bite is safe and nutritious.
Choosing Safe Ingredients
Stick to dog‑friendly staples like pumpkin, peanut butter (xylitol‑free), oats, sweet potato, and lean meats. Avoid harmful foods such as chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, and anything containing xylitol. Homemade treats should be portion‑controlled to prevent overfeeding during the month.
24 Treat Ideas to Fill Your Calendar
Here’s a mix of simple, safe options you can rotate through:
- Peanut butter oat bites
- Pumpkin cookies
- Sweet potato chews
- Carrot sticks
- Apple slices (no seeds)
- Frozen yogurt drops (plain, unsweetened)
- Banana chips
- Chicken jerky (homemade, no seasoning)
- Green bean crisps
- Rice flour biscuits
- Blueberry bites
- Turkey meatballs (plain, baked)
- Zucchini chips
- Cottage cheese cubes
- Salmon training treats
- Spinach and oat cookies
- Dehydrated liver pieces
- Pear slices (no seeds)
- Egg scramble bites
- Pumpkin and flaxseed biscuits
- Broccoli florets (steamed)
- Cheese cubes (low‑fat, in moderation)
- Dehydrated sweet pepper strips
- Holiday‑shaped dog biscuits (bone or paw molds)
How to Assemble the Calendar
Use small paper bags, reusable tins, or boxes labeled 1–24. Place one treat in each container and arrange them in a festive display. Keep perishable items refrigerated and refill the calendar as needed to maintain freshness.
A Festive Tradition Your Dog Will Love
A DIY advent calendar is more than a fun project—it’s a way to include your dog in holiday traditions while ensuring their treats are safe and healthy. With 24 homemade surprises, you’ll create joy every day of December and start a tradition your pup will look forward to year after year.