Tried & tested by us: 19 best pet Advent calendars to treat your furry friend to for 2024

The crème de la crème of Advent calendars for dogs this year comes from Pets at Home. Their Christmas All Kinds of Treats Advent Calendar for Dogs isn't just filled with tasty treats (although there are still plenty of those inside!). You'll also find different types of toys including a plush Christmas pudding and a tennis ball, festive fashion treats, such as a bandana and a Holly collar charm, as well as vouchers you can spend in-store on fashion accessories and put towards a treatment at the Groom Room.

Reviewed by Senior writer Rosie Floyd and her Yorkshire Terrier cross, Gina: "As a pet owner, it's really refreshing to have an Advent calendar for my dogs that isn't all about food. Don't get me wrong, there are still plenty of tasty treats to get your dog's tail wagging but it's nice to see that there are toys and accessories included too. After all, human Advent calendars are moving on from just being about food so why shouldn't pet Advent calendars too? I love the addition of the doggy versions of human biscuits into the mix compared to last year's version. There are also more plush toys and I know Gina will keep reaching for them - the Christmas tree plush from last year's calendar has been played with daily since!

"The money off vouchers to spend in-store on fashion and grooming is a nice touch too as it feels like you're getting some of the spend from the Advent calendar back. It's a shame you can't spend these online but just gives me an excuse to take Gina out to choose a new jumper or something for herself!"

In a change from previous Lily's Kitchen Advent calendars, the brand has replaced baked treats with savoury, meaty delights that are bound to make your furry friend's mouth water with excitement. The Lily's Kitchen Advent Calendar for Dogs now contains grain-free Turkey, Chicken and Chicken with Beef training treats that are sure to grab their attention at home or out on walks. Your pooch will look forward to having this Advent calendar part of their daily routine come December.

Reviewed by Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner and Cocker Spaniel, Dash: "My dog Dash loves Lily’s Kitchen treats and the advent calendar was almost torn out of my hand when he got a whiff of it. We love that the treats come in three grain-free flavours, turkey, chicken and chicken with beef as it adds a little bit of a variety for each day in December and they’re thick, chunky and crunchy. We taste-tested each and safe to say the chicken was the most popular. It’s also great the advent calendar comes in cardboard because it means when it’s finished we can give the box to Dash to play with for an extra bonus, he loves to shred it to pieces."

Tis the season for your pooch to eat treats and what better way to treat them than with Denzel's Christmas Advent Calendar for Dogs. Rather than just one treat behind each door, you get a whole pack so you can spread giving them out so your dog has a day full of treats. This also means if you've got more than one pooch at home, you can give each of them a little something out of the same pack so nobody gets left out. There are six different recipes to enjoy, including some limited edition ones that are packed full of festive flavours. We also love that the packaging is 100 per cent plastic-free, with the treat pouches inside even being biodegradable so you can pop them in the bin and they'll naturally break down within 30 weeks.

Reviewed by Senior Writer, Rosie Floyd and her dogs, Gina, Barney & Bella: “As an owner of multiple dogs, I’m so happy when I see an Advent calendar that’s got multiple treats behind each door. Bella is the biggest bully over food and will often barge Gina out of the way to get treats, with the Denzel’s Advent calendar that won’t be an issue if Bella does her usual stealing as I can make sure Bella has hers first and then all three dogs can enjoy the same treat. There is a good mix of limited edition flavours inside as well as regulars. As much as the festive flavours are nice for a Christmas treat, it’s good to see ones I can pick up regularly if the dogs go crazy over them (which it looks like we might have a new favourite in the Turkey & Nut Butter 👀). The treats are also low calorie, which is great for giving my Labrador Barney as he’s always had a bit of weight problem so I have to be super strict over what he’s eating. With these, I don’t have to worry too much about the weight gain, although everything in moderation is key!

"Due to the nature of my job (and a shopping habit that I can't quite quit), I always have lots of packaging and boxes lying around my house and it’s a bugbear of mine that it’s not always recyclable. The Denzel’s Advent calendar has made it really easy to be responsible this Christmas as it’s 100 per cent recyclable – even the packets that the treats come in are biodegradable! Do be careful opening the packaging though as I found on more than one occasion, I ripped the box as I was trying to open the door – oops. The dogs don’t care though, as long as they’re still getting Denzel’s tasty treats, they’re happy."

With the Scrumbles Advent calendar in paw, your canine companion's countdown to the holiday season will be brimming with excitement and joy. The delectable all-natural treats in this Scrumbles calendar are not only tasty but they're designed to support your beloved furry friend's overall well-being as they contain essential prebiotics. The treats are also gluten-free and hypoallergenic, containing up to 80 per cent meat so they're 100 per cent tasty! One of the best things about Scrumbles dog Advent calendar is that it's suitable for dogs from eight weeks old so a good choice for any pup's first Christmas. The offering from Scrumbles this year is very similar to last year so it would have been nice to see them mix it up for 2024, but we do like the change of the illustration on the front.

Reviewed by Senior Writer, Rosie Floyd and Cockapoo, Teddie: "My four-legged, fluffy dog-nephew Teddie has an extremely sensitive tum, so we're always mindful about what goes into his bowl to keep him feeling his best. We're also mindful that the other dogs in the family get to enjoy whatever treats they want during Christmas and we don't ever want him to feel left out just because he has dietary needs. I'm so pleased to have found Scrumbles dog Advent calendar as the treats inside are hypoallergenic and made with all-natural ingredients and as such, haven't caused Teddie any issues with his easily upset stomach. We also got to test their Advent calendar last year and there isn't much different from last year's offering but for pet owners that are always worried about a potentially poorly pooch, it's a bit of a blessing. Teddie has been able to devour all the treats inside without any of us worrying about the aftermath, so we're just as big fans of it as he is."

Next up we have the Advent calendar that's gone viral all over social media so you might just recognise it from scrolling through your feeds. The Pets at Home Our Favourite Brands Dog Advent Calendar includes treats, toys and other dog care essentials from much-loved brands in the pet sphere. Wainwright's, Wagg, Denzel's, Harringtons, Scrumbles, Lily's Kitchen and more are included so you and your pooch may discover a new favourite and many are full-sized products. When we say there are treats inside, we don't just mean a handful, we mean there are full packets of treats behind each door. One of the TikTok reviews we've seen online mentions some of the products had a short date on them but with so many inside, they should last you absolutely ages. It's also worth noting this Advent calendar is only available for click and collect when in stock but you can still order online.

As expected for a viral product, this dog Advent calendar regularly goes in and out of stock due to its popularity so you'll have to be quick to get your paws on it when it comes back!

Next up on our list is the Pooch & Mutt Cheese Fondue Advent Calendar. This one is a must if your hound is a fiend for cheese and expects you to pay 'the cheese tax' every time you simply open the fridge. Each one of the meaty cheese wedge treats is grain-free and they're all packed with collagen for healthy skin and coat plus probiotics for healthy digestion. Be warned, it can be quite whiffy which we weren't keen on but your dog will love!

Reviewed last year by Senior Writer Rosie Floyd and Yorkshire Terrier cross Gina: "If your pup is a cheese lover, they won't be able to keep their paws off this calendar. Gina is scared of cardboard so she won't usually stick around when I'm opening up an Advent calendar, but when I got this one out, the smell lured her closer. I will say the cheese smell is quite strong so it might not be your favourite, but your dog won't be able to get enough."

If you've been greeted by stinky doggy breath when your pup has gone to give you a slobbery kiss, you need the Pooch & Mutt Dental Stick Advent Calendar. It will help your dog keep their teeth and gums looking and feeling healthy and fresh throughout December. It features an individually wrapped dental stick behind each door, in one of four flavours, including their popular peanut butter flavour as well as a limited edition cheese fondue flavour especially for Christmas. Just be aware the cheesy one will be a strong scent like the Cheese Fondue Advent Calendar above!

Get your pup's tail wagging with the Pets at Home Christmas Advent Calendar Meaty Dog Treats. It may look small in size but don't let that throw you, it's packed full of meaty treats that is sure to get your pup's mouth-watering. Behind each door of this Advent calendar awaits a daily surprise of chicken, duck, salmon or turkey treats to help your pooch countdown to Christmas. Some of them are also shaped like stars to really add to the festive spirit.

Reviewed by Affiliate Business Development Executive, Holly Yeeles and Labrador, Bob: "Bob absolutely loved his Pets at Home Meaty Advent Calendar! Each window had more than one treat, which made for an extra exciting surprise every day for him. Bob has a sensitive tummy, but these treats didn’t upset him at all, which both Bob and I appreciated. It probably helps that they're made without artificial flavours, colours and preservatives with no added sugar too. Another bonus is that they aren’t overly smelly, so I didn’t mind opening them up the doors for him each morning. He was always very happy to see the Advent calendar every day, excitedly wagging his tail the moment he set his eyes on it. The calendar was a lot smaller than I expected though, it looks tiny when you place it next to Bob. Overall, it’s made for a very happy Bobby and a very happy Bobby equals a very happy Holly so it’s win-win for all involved."

Even doggies can enjoy a chocolate treat over Christmas with the Webbox Dog Safe Chocolate Advent Calendar. It's very important to note that this Advent calendar is made using carob, which is a dog-safe version of chocolate, so you can indulge your pet without the worry of harmful ingredients. The recipe is also grain-free and wheat-free so it's suitable for dogs with specific dietry needs and the treats can be easily broken down into smaller pieces for smaller breeds to chow down on or to share among multiple dogs. This product does contain sugar so make sure to alter the amount you're feeding your pooch at mealtimes to make way for the extra calories to avoid weight gain.

Reviewed by Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner and Cocker Spaniel, Dash: "One of the cheaper brands on the list, the Webbox dog advent calendar is made from carob so it means my dog Dash can join in on the Advent calendar fun without worry that he’ll get ill! As we don’t often give my dog carob it’s a bit of a different flavour than he’s used to, I think he prefers the savoury treats. Thinner pieces, but still a nice little treat when he wakes up in the morning!"

Build up your pooch's excitement for the big day with this Christmas Countdown Advent calendar by Tails.com. The biscuits are suitable for dogs of any size and breed from 12 weeks old but as our tested found out, some of them are quite chunky so it might take puppies and pups with teeth problems a while to chomp through. You can rest easy knowing they don't contain any nasties as they're made without added sugar, artificial colours or flavours. The recipe for each one is made without wheat too so a great choice for those pups with an allergy or intolerance to it.

Reviewed by Arabella Horspool, Commercial Content Writer for our sister brand Yours, and her Jack Russell, Toby: "Toby couldn’t have been happier with his Tails.com Advent calendar. As soon as he caught the scent of those star-shaped treats, he eagerly waited for me to open it up! I was really pleased with the packaging too - it’s all recyclable cardboard, which is a big plus. The treats themselves were a great size, especially the paws and stars. They were nice and chunky, so Toby actually got to enjoy them instead of devouring them in one bite!"

Indulge your beloved four-legged companion with this Personalised Dog Advent Calendar Wreath that can be filled with 24 delectable bone biscuits or chewy dental sticks (pictured below). Opt your pup's name to this customisable wreath and choose from four different ribbons to create a structure that can be reused year after year by simply adding your own selection of treats. Just make sure you hang this one high enough so excitable jaws don't prematurely seize the treats.

The Pets at Home All Kinds of Treats Cat Advent Calendar is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with your feline friend! Packed with a variety of meaty and fishy treats, toys, and accessories, this calendar has everything your cat needs to feel festive. Each door reveals exciting surprises like salmon biscuits, duck stars, and chicken treats, all made without artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives.

Beyond the tasty treats, your cat will love the assortment of toys designed to encourage natural behaviours like pouncing, swiping, and chasing. From fluffy balls to a scrunchy turtle dove (possibly infused with catnip!), there’s something for every cat's playstyle. There’s even a stylish festive collar and bowtie to ensure your cat looks their best this Christmas.

Reviewed by Affiliate Operations Manager, Adam Binnie and his cat, Sock: "The clue is in the title a bit with this one, but the Pets at Home "All Kinds of Treats" advent calendar comes packed with a great variety of presents for your cat leading up to the big day. The first door contains a £10 cat furniture voucher, which doesn't have the immediate payoff that the rest of the calendar offers, but after that it's a solid run of meat and fish-flavoured treats kept in individual bags for freshness. My cat Sock went pretty wild for all of the flavours, including duck, chicken and salmon, and I was pleased to see there was a variety of textures too.

"Later on in the month, behind the large door at the bottom, is a series of bigger (and therefore more exciting) presents, including toys and cat apparel. My boy is an older gentleman and doesn't play with fluffy balls or mice as readily as a kitten would, but was very keen indeed on the scrunchy turtle dove. There's nothing on the box to confirm this, but I suspect it has catnip in it, given how difficult it was to separate him from it. While he was distracted by that I popped the collar and bow tie on him, which I certainly enjoyed, even if he was a bit indifferent to it. Overall I'd say there's a good balance of edible and entertaining treats in this calendar, some your cat will love and others they might not, so it's a good fit for a wide range of pets."

Designed to captivate your feline friend's attention and hopefully keep them from embarking on any Christmas tree-climbing adventures, the Lily's Kitchen Advent Calendar for Cats is brimming with delightful daily treats. Concealed behind each door are irresistible 'Cracking Chicken Nibbles', 'Festive Salmon Nibbles' and 'Festive Treats with Turkey'. These delectable morsels are naturally delicious and fresh, guaranteed to get a contented purr from your kitty every day as you count down to Christmas day.

Reviewed by Aaron Hussian, Commercial Content Writer for our sister brand Parkers, and his cat, Kitty: "An intriguing gift idea by Lily's Kitchen - and one that brings a wholesome element of joy between yourself and your precious feline. Kitty, my black rescue cat of 17 years, is on a strict diet due to her arthritis. Yet each time I reached into the top cupboard, she rushed to point her nose and tail closer to the ceiling and purr aggressively to the point of exhaustion. 

One major drawback we came across was how deep those pockets are. Kitty vigorously tried to dip her nose in to gobble up the goods, but without success. Picking with her claws didn't work either, so I always had to manually pick them out myself. They must've been incredibly delicious, as while I was watching to see if she could get them out, the test resulted in shreds of cardboard being littered across the kitchen. Despite the packaging design though, it still represents a lovely sense of inclusion, where your cat can be involved with Christmas too."

Another fantastic choice within Pets at Home's pet advent calendar collection is the Pets at Home Christmas Meaty Treats Cat Advent Calendar. This delightful option is purr-fect for feline friends aged six months and older who can't get enough of the taste of meaty treats. They'll find mouthwatering chicken, tuna, duck and salmon treats that can be broken into smaller pieces so you and your moggy can enjoy the joy of treat giving and receiving for that little bit longer. There are also multiple behind each door so great if you have multiple cats.

Reviewed by Affiliate Operations Manager, Clare Bradley and her cat, Sushi: "I got the Pets at Home Christmas Meaty Treats Cat Advent Calendar for my cat, Sushi, and she actually really enjoys it! Unlike most treats that she usually gobbles up, these are larger, so she has to chew them properly, which is great as it means they last longer and keep her entertained for longer too. So far, there hasn’t been a single flavour she’s turned down! The only downside is that the treats are quite pungent, but it doesn’t bother her at all, just me. Overall, it offers a fun way to celebrate the season with Sushi, and she looks forward to her daily treats!"

Let the festive countdown for your fabulous feline begin with the Webbox Festive Cat Premium Advent Calendar. Each morning, your cat will eagerly anticipate their daily treat in the lead-up to the 25th as behind every door awaits a tantalising catnip-flavoured treat that will have your kitty purring with delight. They're snappable so you can adjust them to suit your cat's size and dietary requirements so you know exactly what you're giving your cat each day.

Tested by nail technician Kim Wainwright and her five cats for Take a Break Pets: "The snappable treats of the Webbox calendar are perfect for sharing between all five of my cats, as I can make sure no one is left out of treat time. I love that they’re made from yoghurt, so I don’t have to worry about harmful ingredients. However, as a responsible owner, I know it’s important to feed these treats in moderation, especially since they’re quite high in sugar. As they're infused with catnip, my moggies couldn't get enough - in fact one of my cats, Salem kept licking the floor after he was given a piece to make sure he didn't miss a single crumb."

This Scrumbles Cat Advent Calendar is packed with a selection of scrumptious, all-natural treats. For those kitties who might get a tad anxious during the hustle and bustle of the festive season, the Scrumbles calendar offers calming treats infused with valerian and lemon balm, specially crafted to keep them relaxed and serene. Much like the dog Advent calendar, not much has changed from last year's Scrumbles cat Advent calendar but the up to 80 per cent meat treats made from natural, wholesome ingredients and no added sugar, salt or artificial colours are enough to keep loyal Scrumbles fan coming back for more year after year.

In search of a cat calendar that you can reuse for years to come? Look no further than this Engraved Cat Advent Calendar. You can fill it with treats of your choosing, so it's great for fussy felines or cats with specific dietary requirements as they don't have to miss out on the fun. This fill-your-own calendar for your cats comes with the option to personalise for that extra special touch and once you've filled it up using the gold twist ties provided, you're sure to have them purring all through December. Just remember to put it out of reach of your kitty so they can't help themselves.

Pets at Home ensures that even our smaller furry friends, like Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Gerbils, are not left out of the Christmas festivities. It is thoughtfully designed as there are 24 100 per cent natural nibbly treats behind each of the 24 doors. These delightful treats feature festive flavours like carrot, parsley, and beetroot so you can make this holiday season extra special for your small-sized companions. It is worth noting, however, that this calendar isn't suitable for Degus, Chinchillas, or Ferrets and for small animals under three months old.

This customisable Advent calendar will be a wonderful surprise for your beloved bunnies. You have the choice to personalise it or opt for the charming 'Santa Paws' engraving, allowing you to create a memorable Christmas for your furry companions. Throughout December, you can delight your fur babies with their favourite treat each day as you can choose exactly what you put on it. They might not appreciate the cute design of this fill-your-own calendar as much as we do, but they'll love the treats nonetheless.