12 Best Christmas Treats For Dogs
You’d think it would be easy to find the best Christmas treats for dogs, but there’s a catch. A lot of dogs have sensitive tummies, itchy skin, or food allergies.
Fortunately, we have a lot of experience with the best dog treats. We are dog lovers, travel to pet industry trade shows, and talk to manufacturers, veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and pet nutritionists.
At Christmas, you want to feel good and safe gifting your dog or a friend’s dog with treats.
Not all dog treats are created equal, so we’ve narrowed down our list to the top 12 best Christmas treat selections.
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.
There’s something for every size and type of dog on this list, from puppies to seniors, grain-free to homemade. If you have a dog, get ready to shop for nom noms.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also an Etsy and Chewy affiliate.
Why These Dog Treats Made Our Christmas List
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
- A large number of positive reviews
- Transparency on the labeling and/or website
- We’ve used the treats, gifted them, and/or talked to other dog parents about their successes with them.
Tips For Feeding Your Dogs The Right Treat
Here are a few basic tips to follow to keep your dog 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 Cocker 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.
- Read our article to understand if homemade dog treats are really safe.
Best Christmas Treats For Dogs
Here are our 12 favorite dog treats and why we love them for Christmas and year-round:
Best Hemp Oil Infused Dog Treats
Pet Releaf Hemp Edibites
Available in several flavors
Keep your dog cool, calm, and collected with Stress Releaf from Pet Releaf. These chews are easy to dispense and the perfect size for Cocker Spaniels.
Best Christmas Cookies For Dogs
Bocce’s Bakery Reindeer Fuel
Banana and bacon soft, chewy treats
These wheat-free, made-in-the-USA treats contain ingredients like banana, oat flour, bacon, and molasses. My dog loves them and it’s the perfect packaging (and name) for gifting!
Best Long Lasting Chews For Dogs
Native Pet Yak Chews
Made with three active ingredients
Each tasty chew contains organic yak and cow’s milk, organic salt and lime. They are stink-free, mess-free, and dogs love to work on them. Great for all life stages. Like all treats, supervise when eating. A Christmas dog bone is a must have!
Best Peanut Butter Treats For Dogs
Three Dog Bakery Pet-Zel Bites
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 Bully Sticks For Dogs
Jack & Pup 12-Inch Bully Sticks
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 Spaniels
Bocce’s Bakery Dental Sticks
Ideal texture to clean dog’s teeth
This is the only dental stick I give my dog that doesn’t make him vomit. Available in several sizes, they are good for sensitive stomachs and made with all-natural ingredients you can pronounce.
Best Homemade Dog Treat Maker
Dash Dog Treat Maker
Make your own Christmas dog treats
Some Cocker 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
Zuke’s Training Treats
Featuring holiday flavors and packaging
If your dog loves KONG toys or dog games, fill them up with Zuke’s training treats. I love taking a few of these on long walks and when I am trick-training my pooch. Great for puppies, too.
Best Freeze Fried Treats For Dogs
Pure Bites Mini Freeze Dried Treats
Available in several real meat varieties
Whether your dog digs beef, chicken, or lamb Pure Bites has a freeze-dried treat perfect for stockings and treat ball stuffing. My dog loves these when we train. (they also have larger sizes, too)
Best Dog Advent Calendars
Advent Dog Calendars
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 Crunchy Biscuits For Dogs
Portland Pet Food Dog Treats
Oven-baked crunchy goodness for your Cockers
I recently discovered these dog treats, and my Cocker loves them. They are made with garbanzo bean flour, so rejoice if your dog has wheat allergies. Available in several flavors. Easily breakable.
Best Dog Subscription Box with Healthy Christmas Treats
Abby & Parker’s Treat 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 Cocker Spaniel 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
Cocker Spaniel Gift Guide of Must-Have Items
The Best Cocker Spaniel Dog Bowls
25 Ultimate Cocker Spaniel Gifts
