Dog Advent Calendars: How to Choose One, Plus a DIY Version

By Dog Gear Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 November 2026

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Not veterinary advice. This article shares general information about dog gear only. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Check fit and supervise your dog with new gear, toys and chews, and ask your vet about health, diet, injuries or behaviour concerns.

An advent calendar for your dog turns the December countdown into a small daily ritual. Open a door, hand over a treat or toy, enjoy the tail wags. It's a simple pleasure, and it's become a popular holiday gift for dog owners.

Calendars vary a lot in what's behind the doors, so it's worth checking a few things before you buy. This guide covers the main types, what to look for and how to make a DIY version.

The main types of dog advent calendar

Treat calendars

The most common type. Each door holds a small biscuit or chew. They're usually the cheapest option and easy to find.

Good for: most dogs without food sensitivities.

Watch out for: ingredients your dog can't have, and treats that are too big or too hard for small dogs.

Toy calendars

Each door, or a set of boxes, holds a small toy. Some mix toys and treats.

Good for: dogs with allergies or restricted diets, and owners who'd rather not add daily snacks.

Watch out for: toys that are too small for big dogs, or too flimsy for strong chewers.

Mixed calendars

Treats on most days, with a few toys or chews on special days. A balance of both.

Reusable calendars

Fabric or wooden calendars with pockets or drawers that you fill yourself. You choose exactly what goes in, and you can use it again every year.

What to check before you buy

1. Ingredients

Read the full ingredient list. If your dog has a known allergy or sensitivity, avoid calendars that contain that ingredient. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists beef, dairy, chicken, wheat and lamb among the most commonly reported food allergens in dogs, and many calendar biscuits and jerky treats contain at least one of them. A dog on an elimination diet trial should skip treat calendars until the trial is over. Look for treats made specifically for dogs, from sellers that list ingredients clearly. If your dog is on a prescription diet, ask your vet before adding any treats.

2. Treat size and texture

Small dogs and puppies need small, soft treats. Big dogs can choke on tiny hard pieces if they gulp. If the calendar's treats don't suit your dog, break them up or swap them for something suitable.

3. Toy size and durability

For toy calendars, check the size guidance. A toy that's small enough to fit fully in your dog's mouth can be a choking risk. Supervise play with new toys and take away anything that's falling apart. Our guide to dog toys for strong chewers covers what to look for.

4. Calories

Twenty-four extra treats add up. VCA Animal Hospitals recommends that treats make up no more than 10% of a dog's daily calories, and calendar treats count toward that along with training treats and chews. Check the calories per piece on the box and ask your vet what daily total is right for your dog. If your dog is watching its weight, reduce meal portions a little in December, or use a toy or DIY calendar instead.

5. Packaging

Dogs are good at finding food. Keep the calendar somewhere high or closed away, as some dogs will happily eat a whole cardboard calendar, treats, plastic and all, if they get the chance.

6. Timing

Popular calendars can sell out in the weeks before December. If you have a specific type in mind, order in November. You can search dog advent calendar treats or dog advent calendar toys to compare current options.

Treat calendar or toy calendar?

A treat calendar suits:

• Dogs at a healthy weight with room in their treat allowance
• Food-motivated dogs that aren't very interested in toys
• Strong chewers that would quickly destroy a plush toy

A toy calendar suits:

• Dogs on a weight-loss plan or a prescription diet
• Dogs with food allergies
• Gentle players that carry and cuddle their toys

How to run a treat calendar without an upset stomach

1. Check the calories per piece on the box.
2. Work out roughly 10% of your dog's daily calories (your vet can give you a target).
3. Trim meals slightly on calendar days to make room.
4. On day one, offer only a small piece of a new treat and see how your dog does.
5. Break large treats into smaller pieces for small dogs.
6. Stop if a treat disagrees with your dog, and switch to toys, kibble or activity days for the rest of the month.

How to make a DIY dog advent calendar

A DIY calendar lets you control every ingredient and toy, and it can be cheaper.

What you need

• A reusable fabric or wooden advent calendar with pockets or drawers. A reusable fabric advent calendar works well.
• Small portions of your dog's usual treats or kibble
• A few small toys, sized for your dog
• Optional: notes for activities on some days

Ideas for the doors

• Most days: one or two of your dog's usual treats, or a handful of kibble from its daily allowance
• Weekends: a new toy or a chew
• Activity days: a note that says "new sniff walk route", "five minutes of trick training" or "snuffle mat breakfast". Our indoor enrichment ideas have lots more.
• Christmas Eve: a frozen stuffed toy. See frozen treat toys.

Activity days are a great way to keep the countdown fun without adding calories.

Safety reminders for the holidays

• Keep human advent calendars, especially chocolate ones, well out of reach. The ASPCA's list of foods to keep away from pets includes chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts.
• Watch for xylitol (birch sugar) in any sweets, gum or baked goods in the house.
• Don't let dogs chew calendar packaging, foil or plastic trays.
• If your dog eats something it shouldn't, call your vet or an animal poison helpline straight away.

Advent calendars as gifts

A dog advent calendar makes a nice gift for a friend's dog, but ask first if the dog has allergies or diet restrictions. A toy calendar or reusable calendar is a safer surprise. For more ideas, see our Christmas gifts for dogs and dog lovers.

Read next: Dog Christmas Stocking Ideas: Safe Stuffers Dogs Love →