The dog Christmas stocking has become a fully mainstream tradition in UK households. Roughly half of UK dog owners now buy their dog a Christmas gift, and the stocking — hung alongside the family's stockings on Christmas Eve — is the most popular format.
But a lot of dog stockings get filled with things the dog is entirely indifferent to. Here's how to do it properly.
The Golden Rule of Stocking Filling
Everything in a dog's Christmas stocking should be something the dog will actually engage with. Not something that looks cute in a photo. Not something that was cheap. Something that — when the dog gets their nose in and pulls it out — produces a genuine reaction.
That means treats first, always.
What to Put In: The Ideal Dog Christmas Stocking
2–3 Natural Treat Varieties
The anchor of the stocking. Mix textures and formats — a long-lasting chew, a small bag of training-sized soft treats, and something seasonal. Our Christmas dog treats range has everything you need, with festive options alongside year-round favourites.
One Good Toy
One well-chosen toy is better than three cheap ones. Think about what your dog actually plays with — a squeaky plush, a rope toy, a rubber chew toy. Size it appropriately. Our Christmas dog toys range includes festive options across all durability levels.
A Small Seasonal Extra
A festive bandana, a little grooming treat, something that makes the stocking feel curated rather than grabbed. This is what makes the difference between a stocking that felt considered and one that didn't.
A Dog Birthday Surprise (If Applicable)
If your dog's birthday falls near Christmas, add something birthday-specific to the stocking — a edible birthday card or a small birthday treat. Dogs whose birthdays get lost in the Christmas rush deserve acknowledgement.
What Not to Put In
- Heavily processed treats from supermarket multipacks — they're cheap for a reason and your dog deserves better on Christmas Day
- Toys that are the wrong size — a toy designed for a small dog is a choking risk for a large one, and vice versa
- Anything containing xylitol, chocolate, raisins, or onion powder — check every ingredient list before it goes in the stocking
- Novelty items with no practical value — your dog cannot read the funny dog book or wear the comedy antlers comfortably
The Easiest Solution: A Pre-Filled Dog Christmas Box
If you'd rather not source everything individually, our Christmas gift boxes are essentially a perfectly filled stocking in a box — natural treats, an appropriate toy, and seasonal extras, all curated and ready to go.
👉 See our full Christmas gifts for dogs range here
👉 Browse Christmas dog treats for stocking fillers
