Every year, around October, someone in every dog owner group asks the same question: are dog advent calendars actually worth buying, or is it just something we do for ourselves? Honest answer: a bit of both, and that's completely fine.
What's Actually in a Dog Advent Calendar?
Quality varies enormously. At one end, you've got calendars filled with cheap, artificial treats. At the other end, you've got calendars filled with proper natural treats — small portions of air-dried meat, grain-free biscuits, natural chews — things you'd actually be happy giving your dog on any other day of the year. The difference in your dog's reaction to those two things is significant.
Does Your Dog Actually Enjoy It?
Yes — with caveats. Dogs don't understand the concept of counting down to Christmas. What they do understand is: this human is giving me something good from this box every morning, and it's excellent. The routine element is genuinely enjoyable for most dogs. A small daily treat, given at the same time each morning, becomes something they look forward to.
The Human Element (And Why That's Fine)
Let's be honest — part of the appeal is the joy of opening a little door every morning with your dog. That's a genuinely nice thing. It's a small daily moment that's just about you and your dog, and those moments are worth having. The fact that you're enjoying it as much as they are doesn't make it less valid. It makes it better.
What to Look For When Buying
- Natural ingredients — check the treat quality, not just the calendar packaging
- Appropriate for your dog's size — some calendars have one-size portions that aren't suitable for very small or very large dogs
- Variety — 24 days of the same treat gets boring
- No artificial colours or preservatives — there's no reason for these in advent calendar treats
When to Buy
Dog advent calendars sell out. Every year, people leave it until late November and find their preferred option is gone. If you want a good one, buy in October or early November at the latest.
👉 See our full Christmas range for dogs here.
Get the calendar. Your dog will thank you every morning for 24 days.
