Since Christmas advent calendars have become so much more than the stale chocolate kind, it only seems fitting that it's not just us humans that benefit from a pimped up advent calendar – our pets are getting in on the act, too, with a dog advent calendar and cat treat advent calendar on our shopping list for December.
And they're more popular than ever - Farmdrop, the online food delivery service, reported a 73% increase in searches for pet advent calendars last year. So while your counting down the days till your favourite beauty advent calendar goes on sale, or searching the web for a gin advent calendar before they sell out, think ahead and make sure your cat, dog or furry friend will have some Christmas countdown fun.
© Carla ChallisFrom one dog owner to the next, it's a lovely way to include your pet in the festivities - my whippet has had a dog advent calendar every single year of his life, and I'm not ashamed to admit I buy his before I buy my own. We love being able to include him in the daily Christmassy tradition and he loves it too. Have you ever met a dog that doesn't like a treat? No, me neither.
How I chose the best pet advent calendars
- Type: I've searched the web for pet advent calendars. While they're not in their hundreds, I've found the ones available with treats included and DIY options too.
- Price: Most pet advent calendars land around the £10 or less mark, but for those who love to pamper their pooches, you can spend upwards of £70 on one - you'll find them all in this list.
- Availability: All of the advent calendars included are in stock, and will be delivered before December 1.
- Personal opinion: My dog didn't get to try all of the advent calendars (sorry Sal!) but he's a fan of most of the brands included. His favourite? Lily's Kitchen.
Best dog advent calendars 2023
Lily's Kitchen Dog Advent Calendar
Lily's Kitchen is a family favourite in my house, and my pup will be all over this advent calendar from the brand.
This year, your dog will find a meaty treat behind each door with new treats for your dog to enjoy.
Scrumbles Dog Advent Calendar
This is a favourite every year and the Scrumbles Dog Advent Calendar features three different treats behind the 24 doors.
Scrumbles treats have added prebiotics and are grain-free. Got a cat? There's a cat advent calendar too!
Ginger Ray Dog Advent Calendar
Fill this dog advent calendar with your dog's favourite treats, and reuse it year on year.
Each day has an elasticated ribbon for you to pin the treat under.
Bonne et Filou Dog Advent Calendar
Want to go a little bougie for your buddy? Head to Harrods as this quite frankly beautiful dog advent calendar.
Illustrated with various pooches, the advent calendar opens like a book to reveal 24 doors, hidden behind which you'll find luxury dog treats - think truffles, dog bones and macarons.
Tails Advent Calendar for dogs
Tails have brought back their sellout advent calendar for this year, and you don't have to be a subscriber to their dog food to snap one up - you can buy one alone.
There's a festive flavoured treat behind each door, with 26 biscuits in total, and suitable for any dogs of any size from 12 weeks old.
Etsy Light-Up Dog Advent Calendar
How cute is this handmade wooden drawer advent calendar from Etsy? It can be personalised with your dog's name, and features 24 empty drawers for you to fill.
Needs 2 x AA batteries to light up the paw design and name.
12 Days of Woofmas Dog Advent Calendar
Behind each door of this bone-shaped advent calendar, your dog will find an oat sprinkled carob biscuit.
This can be personalised too, with up to 25 characters.
Pawsley Dog Advent Calendar
Behind each window is a dog-safe chocolate treat for your pup.
