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8 Best Christmas Dog Treats

As the winter holidays approach, people often put together festive desserts for the occasion. Dogs love treats more than anyone, so they shouldn't have to miss out on that tradition. If you want to give your dog some holiday snacks this season, consider choosing from some of the best Christmas dog treats.


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Holding gingerbread in front of dog

What to Look for in Christmas Dog Treats

A lot of dog treat companies have festive selections for holidays. So, there might be a whole section of Christmas dog treats at your local pet supply store. To help you decide which products to get for your dog, consider the following.


Appearance

Of course, looks shouldn’t be the most important factor when choosing treats for your dog. However, if you’re buying treats specifically for the holidays, they should have an appearance that fits the theme. These special dog treats are often shaped like gingerbread men, snowmen, and Christmas trees, making them cute while also being delicious for your pup.


Flavor

Treats are for eating, so don’t forget to consider the flavor. Some Chrisrtmas dog treats are seasonal flavors like pumpkin or gingerbread while others are traditional dog treat flavors like chicken and peanut butter. Choose a flavor you know your dog will love. If your dog isn’t picky, get a few different flavors to see which they like best.


Ingredients

It’s a good idea to check the ingredient list before buying dog treats, especially if your dog has allergies. Make sure the treats don’t include anything that might upset your dog’s stomach. Also, it’s a good idea to ensure the ingredients are healthy and don’t have too many calories.


Best Christmas Dog Treats

Below are some of the many Christmas dog treats you can get for your pup this season. They’re a great way to get your dog excited about the holidays.


Blue Buffalo Santa Snacks

Blue Buffalo sells a wide variety of snacks year-round, but these snacks are special because they’re shaped like trees, stars, and snowmen. They’re chicken-flavored with chicken as the first ingredient. Plus, they’re bite-sized with only four calories per treat, making them great for training during the holidays.


Christmas dog dental treats

My dog goes crazy for Whimzees. They’re tasty dog treats that help clean your dog’s teeth. These seasonal Whimzees are special because they’re shaped like trees and snowmen, making them great holiday gifts. Their natural ingredients help freshen your dog’s breath and remove plaque and tartar while they chew. Whimzees also offers fall shapes if you’re looking for dental chews during other seasons.


Dog treat advent calendar

Let your dog join in on the holiday fun by getting them a treat advent calendar. This Milk-Bone advent calendar has a treat for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. This includes a variety of treats, including festive shapes like trees and stockings and favorite flavors like vanilla yogurt bones and bone marrow treats. This product will give your dog something to look forward to each morning.


Gingerbread Milk Bone dog treats

Gingerbread is a favorite flavor for humans during the holidays, and luckily, dogs can enjoy it too. These Milk-Bone treats are shaped like bones with dog-friendly icing, but they have a gingerbread flavor. If you know your dog loves this seasonal flavor, consider getting a whole bag of these instead of a treat calendar. It all depends on your dog’s preferences.


Candy Cane dog cookies

These cookies look good enough for a human to eat. They look like Golden Oreos with candy cane cream in the middle. The adorable pink packaging has a spot where you can fill in “To” and “From,” making it a convenient gift for a beloved dog in your life. Three Dog Bakery has a few other seasonal cookie flavors, including carob, peppermint, and some Halloween cookies.


Hot Chocolate dog treats

If you’re looking for smaller treats than dog cookies, Three Dog Bakery has little marshmallow-like snacks. They’re carob and marshmallow flavored, resembling hot chocolate's taste. With these, your dog can enjoy human treats in a dog-friendly form. They’re a great way to spread a little joy to your furry friends this holiday season.


Holiday peanut butter dog treats

If your dog loves peanut butter, Wellness Old Mother Hubbard has great seasonal treats. These dog biscuits are shaped like trees, stars, stockings, and snowflakes. They’re made with peanut butter, apples, carrots, and molasses. These natural ingredients make the biscuits healthy for your dog while still being tasty.


Soft gingerbread dog treats

My dog loves Cloud Star’s Buddy dog treats. Not only are these treats a delicious gingerbread flavor, but they’re also shaped like tiny gingerbread men. Plus, they’re soft, making them easy for small dogs and dogs with dental issues to chew. They’re made with a few simple ingredients to ensure they don’t upset your dog’s stomach.


Frequently Asked Questions


How Do You Make Your Own Christmas Dog Treats?

You can find lots of great recipes online for dog Christmas treats. Most require you to find pet-safe ingredients your dog loves. Then, you can bake those ingredients into shapes that match the holiday season.


What Christmas Foods Can Dogs Have?

Don’t give your dog all your table scraps this holiday season. Stick to dog-safe foods like unseasoned turkey, plain carrots, green beans, and plain sweet potatoes. While humans love seasonings, many of them aren’t safe for dogs.


What are the Best Christmas Presents for Dogs?

Most dogs love to get toys and/or treats for Christmas. Consider your dog’s preferences and get them something you know they’ll enjoy. If you’re looking for something unique, consider puzzle toys for dogs.


Are Dog Treats Safe for Humans?

While you probably won’t be harmed by one treat, it’s best not to eat dog treats since they’re not formulated for humans. If the treats are made with human-grade treats, that’s an exception. But even then, dog treats typically taste bland to humans because they lack the amount of sugar, salt, and seasoning that human snacks have.


When Do Dog Treats Expire?

Dog treats typically last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. However, you should always check the expiration date listed on the packaging to find out the exact date.


Get Your Dog Some Special Christmas Dog Treats

The holidays aren’t just for humans. Let your dog experience the excitement and magic of winter too. By getting some Christmas dog treats, your pup will enjoy tasty snacks in a festive way. Of course, any new snacks and toys will be exciting to them, even if they’re not holiday-themed. So, find some way to spoil your dog this Christmas. They deserve it for being such a loving friend.

Resources for Pet Parents

  • Petfinder - Search for adoptable pets at shelters and rescues near you. You can narrow down your search settings based on breed, age, size, gender, etc.

  • BringFido - Check out pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and events in your area so you don't have to leave your dog behind on adventures.

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