Top picks at a glance
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Dog advent calendars sell out every year, and they start on December 1, so mid-November is the sweet spot to order. Here’s how to choose one, plus two easy do-it-yourself options if your dog has a sensitive tummy.
How we picked (honestly): we haven’t opened or tested these calendars with our own pets yet. These are researched picks, chosen from manufacturer product pages and size guides, the listing details and owner questions on Amazon, long-running owner discussions in pet communities, and roundups from established pet and review publications. Hands-on testing is coming, and we’ll update this page with our own photos and notes when it’s done.
Where to start
Advent calendars are seasonal, and the exact lineup changes every year. These links open Amazon’s current options for each type.
Dog treat advent calendars
The classic: a small treat behind each door from Dec 1 to Christmas Eve.
- Best for: most dogs without food allergies
- Check the ingredient list for allergies
- Count the treats into your dog’s daily food
Dog toy advent calendars
Small toys instead of treats: a good choice for dogs on a diet or with food sensitivities.
- Best for: dogs on a diet or with sensitive tummies
- Check toy sizes against your dog’s size
- Supervise with any small toy
Cat advent calendars
Have a cat too? Cat calendars usually mix small treats and toys.
- Best for: multi-pet homes
- Check treat ingredients
- Keep string-style toys supervised
Make your own advent calendar
If store-bought treats don’t suit your dog, use something they already love, one small surprise a day.
KONG Classic
Best for: Everyday chewers who love a stuffed treat
Make your own: fill a KONG Classic with a little of your dog’s usual food each morning. It’s reusable, and you control every ingredient.
- Many sizes
- Freeze fillings to make it last
Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat
Best for: Food-motivated sniffers and fast eaters
Or hide a few pieces of kibble in a snuffle mat as the “daily surprise”. It turns a treat into a sniffing game.
- Machine-washable fabric
- Great for food-motivated dogs
- Not a chew toy: supervise and put away after
How to choose a dog advent calendar
Treats or toys?
Treat calendars are the most common. Toy calendars are better for dogs on a diet, and some mix both.
Read the ingredients
If your dog has allergies, check the full ingredient list on the listing before you buy, not just the front of the box.
Size matters
Small treats and toys are made for small dogs. For a big dog, make sure nothing is small enough to swallow whole.
Order early
Calendars start on December 1. Check the delivery date on Amazon before you order.
FAQ
When should I buy a dog advent calendar?
By mid-November if you can. They start on December 1, and popular ones sell out.
Are dog advent calendars healthy?
It depends on the treats. Check the ingredients, and keep total treats to a small part of your dog’s daily food. Ask your vet if you’re unsure.
Have you tried these calendars?
Not yet. This guide is researched. We’ll add our own notes after we try some.
Save this guide for later
Pin it to your holiday or dog board so it’s there when you’re ready to shop.
Save to PinterestSources we used
- Manufacturer product pages and Amazon listing details (ingredients, sizes, contents)
- Owner discussions about holiday treats and calendars
- Holiday gift roundups from established pet publications