Wondering what to get your dog this holiday season? Christmas treats for dogs are one of the easiest and most fun ways to celebrate the holidays or any day with your pup.
Not all dog treats are created equal, so we’ve narrowed down our list to the top 12 Christmas treats for dogs. You want to feel safe with the ingredients in any type of treat your dog eats. We always recommend you ignore the front of a treat bag or container. Flip the package around and learn what ingredients are inside those cute-looking holiday-themed dog treats.
Consider making a dog treat stocking or wrapping a few of the treats for dogs on our list into a surprise gift box for fellow dog moms and dads. There’s something for every size and type of dog on this list from puppies to seniors, grain-free to homemade.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also a Chewy and Etsy affiliate.
Why These Christmas Treats For Dogs Made Our List
We sought out certain qualities in these treats for dogs, which you can gift at Christmas time or any time of you to family, friends, or your own pooch. Here’s why we selected the dog treats on this list:
- The ingredients are easily pronounced and recognizable.
- Calories are clearly stated or readily available
- High quality with whole food and good ingredients for dogs
- Clear and honest sourcing as indicated on the label or website
- Large amount of positive reviews
- Transparency on the labeling and/or website
Tips For Feeding Your Dogs The Right Treat
When feeding your dog Christmas treats or treats in general, here are a few basic tips to follow to keep her happy and healthy:
- Treats should never comprise more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily intake of food.
- Pay attention to the calorie content in each treat. Overindulgence can lead to weight gain and obesity-related health problems in dogs.
- No matter how big or small the treat, always supervise your dog when she’s eating treats.
- Choose the right sized treats for your dog. For example, don’t give a puppy a large biscuit to work on.
- Be careful with grain-free dog treats. While generally okay in moderation, some treat manufacturers remove the grain and replace it with carbs or fatty substitutes.
- Dental treats are fine as a treat and to help work off tartar while satisfying your dog’s chewing instincts. They are not a substitute for teeth brushing and dental care.
- More natural ingredients are best. Avoid treats with a lot of sugars and fats.
- If your dog is a fast eater, try a fillable KONG toy or a board game for dogs.
- Softer treats work well for most senior dogs who are missing teeth or have sensitive gums.
- Break larger treats into pieces for more “treat time.”
- Hypoallergenic or no allergen labeling doesn’t mean your dog can eat the treat without a reaction. Dogs can be allergic to any ingredient including whole wheat flour, beef, chicken, etc.
- Ingredients are listed from most to least by weight on the label so be sure you feed your pup a high-quality snack without a ton of fillers and unnecessary ingredients.
Best Christmas Treats For Dogs
Here are our 12 favorite Christmas treats for dogs that you can gift to your pooch right now, during the holidays, or for friends and family members’ dogs any time of the year.
Best Meat Freeze Dried Treat For Dogs
Available in beef or chicken
Our Cocker Spaniel’s favorite treat is made from one single ingredient: beef or chicken. Contains nothing artificial and is proudly made in the USA. A safe and more natural alternative to treats with fillers.
Best Holiday Themed Dog Treat
Made with real sweet potatoes, all-white turkey, and cranberries
This low-calorie dog biscuit is a staple in our household. Produced in small batches in the USA using seven ingredients. They are GMO-free and contain no soy or corn. Infused with chia seed.
Best Grain-Free Gingerbread Shaped Biscuits For Dogs
Available in several varieties for all sized dogs
Standing 1-1/2-inches tall, this soft and chewy gingerbread treat is a mere 9 calories. Great for smaller mouths or as a reward for large doggos. Made and boxed in the USA without fillers.
Best Peanut Butter Treats For Dogs
Drool-worthy yummy peanut butter nom noms
Put a bow on this and you are done! These dog treats look like peanut butter-filled pretzels people love to snack on. Baked slowly to perfection in the USA, each treat contains real creamy peanut butter.
Best Long Lasting Chew For Dogs
Odor-free and made from free-range cattle
If your dog loves to chew, use supervision and give her a premium-grade Jack&Pup 12-inch odor-free bully stick to gnaw on. We love that they are processed in a USDA human-grade facility without hormones or antibiotics used on the cattle.
Best Dental Chew For Dogs
Ideal texture to clean dog’s teeth
My pooch loves an after-dinner treat, and he’s been eating Zuke’s Z-Bones for a dozen years. Made with apples or carrots, these dental chews are free of wheat, corn, soy, and gluten. Available in large or mini sizes, too.
Best Homemade Dog Treat Maker
Make your own Christmas dog treats
Some pet parents prefer making their own dog treats, and the Dash Dog Treat maker is super simple. The BPA-free nonstick coating is safe for pets. Makes up to 8 dog bone-shaped treats at a time. Includes pet-approved recipes.
Best Dog Game Fillable Treats
Featuring holiday flavors and packaging
If your dog loves KONG toys or dog games, fill them up with Zuke’s mini naturals seasonal treats. Although Zuke’s makes mini naturals year-round, they sell pumpkins and trees around the holidays. Great for puppies, too.
Best Natural Treat Trio For Dogs
Rabbit bites, Chicken hearts, and Salmon bites
Dr. Harvey’s rolled our favorite dog treat of the year with their new trio. Featuring healthy bites of pure protein dogs love, use them as a snack or augment meals with rabbit, chicken hearts, or salmon.
Best Dog Advent Calendar
For good dogs of all ages
If you’re in the market for dog advent calendars, we scoured the Internet for 24 of our favorites. Your pooch deserves to countdown to the holiday with you, so here are our selections for festive fun.
Best Traditional Holiday Dog Treat
Oven-baked crunchy goodness for your pups
It’s holiday crunch time with BLUE Santa Snacks, a tradition for millions of dog parents. Available for. a limited time only, they contain no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or colors. Yummy oatmeal and cinnamon flavor.
Best Dog Subscription Box
The ultimate feel-good gift box for dogs
Nothing says I love you and thank you for your unconditional love like the gift box that keeps on giving from Sweet Paws Bakery. Filled with treats baked in the bakery in Florida along with an activity card, coupon, and more surprises.
Keep Track Of Your Dog’s Treats and Meals
Keep track of your dog’s treat servings and meals plus much more with our handy DogMinder Canine Health and Wellness Journal available for under $10 on Amazon.
Need More Gift Ideas For Dogs and Dog Lovers?
Don’t stop now. Keep reading and get your holiday shopping done below:
10 Best Dog Coats for Cocker Spaniels
25 Ultimate Cocker Spaniel Gifts
