Dear Santa Paws – Christmas Gifts for Dogs

(And dog lovers!)

There is no doubt about it: we love our dogs, especially if you are reading this article! Dog owners in the UK reportedly (collectively) spend over £200 million on gifts for their dogs at Christmas. Many of the Christmas treats available can be detrimental to our dogs’ health and are not good quality. Nearly every doggy Christmas stocking I see contains rawhide – this is particularly risky for flat-faced breeds who can often choke on it. Therefore, I have put together a collection of the best Christmas gifts for dogs that are guaranteed to get tails wagging on Christmas day. The treats are healthy and the toys have been tested by my four bulldogs and their friends.

This doggy Christmas wish list is specifically targeted at UK residents, but if you are elsewhere in the world and you see something you like, please get in touch and I will do my best to source a supplier in your area.

^{Prices correct at time of publishing. I am not affiliated with any of the retailers. All opinions are my own and that of my dogs.}

Christmas Gifts for Dogs -The Best Dog Toys

1. The Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster is Bertie’s favourite toy. This is perfect for dogs who like to play fetch. It can launch a tennis ball up to 50ft in the air and the sound it makes upon firing encourages Bertie to chase the ball. I’ve found that regular tennis balls last longer than the Nerf balls. The Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster is widely available online. Best Price: Argos £14.99 (plus 20% off when you buy two dog toys together).

2. Ruby lives for her Boomer Ball. Best Price: Amazon £8.50 medium (available with Prime delivery). I have to limit Ruby’s time with this toy; she will dribble it around the garden until she is fit to drop. This is one of few toys that has not been destroyed by chewing – it has lasted years! Available in different sizes to suit different breeds.

3. The Idepet Feeder Ball is non-toxic, bite resistant, great for keeping teeth clean and also exercises your dog’s brain. You can place treats in this ball, which encourages your dog to play. Best Price: Amazon £5.99 (available with Prime delivery).

4. The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball from JML is Snøggi’s favourite toy. It is a similar size to Ruby’s medium Boomer Ball and made of hard plastic too. It makes a funny sound when it rolls, which Snøggi gets very excited about. The in-built ‘clutch pockets’ make it possible for medium/large dogs to pick this ball up. However, smaller dogs can still enjoy pushing the ball around, listening to the unique giggle noise it makes. Best Price: Wilko £15.00.

5. This Giant Snake Dog Toy has squeakers in the head and tail to make playtime more exciting. It’s over one metre long so it is great for snuggling into as well as playing with. Best Price: Zooplus £7.99.

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6. This Indoor Agility Tunnel is great for small to medium dogs. It can be used inside and outdoors. Using agility equipment with your dog promotes concentration and body condition. This particular model has 4 sturdy foam supports to stop it rolling. Best Price: Zooplus £10.99.

7. Even my bulldogs can master the Dog Agility Jumping Hoop. The hoop can be adjusted to suit your dog’s ability – I started with it on the floor and let my dogs get used to walking through it for treats before they started jumping. Best Price: Zooplus £14.99.

8. My dogs loved their Trixie Dog Toy Sheep when they were puppies. It contains hidden rattles and squeakers to entice dogs to play. This is a great boredom buster that suits every dog. Best Price: Zooplus £4.99.

9. The Christmas Rope Reindeer Tugger is a splendid seasonally themed toy that will engage your dog’s senses. Perfect for all breeds. Best Price: Pets At Home £8.00.

10. Another festive favourite: the Sprout House Forager toy. It wouldn’t be Christmas without Brussels Sprouts, right? A great toy for mental stimulation; your dog has to extract the sprouts from the house. Make it more interesting by hiding some of their favourite treats in the house too! Check out my recipes for some homemade treat ideas. Best Price: Pets At Home £10.00.

The Best Chews and Treats

1. This Personalised Advent Calendar is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies because you get to fill the pockets with your dog’s favourite treats. Check out my Fresh Breath Biscuits for some homemade inspiration. The calendars can be used year on year, reducing waste and providing a countdown to Christmas your will love. Edition Dog £19.99

2. The Lily’s Kitchen Advent Calendar for Dogs offers a selection of tasty treats including: Rise and Shines, Cheese and Apple Training Treats and Bedtime Biscuits. Best Price: Not in the Dog House £9.00.

3. The unique vegetarian chewing snack made from yak milk. Yakers dog chews help to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and last a long time. They are fully digestible and high in protein. The best part: once your dog has eventually broken down the chew into smaller bits, you can pop them in the microwave for around 30 seconds which will puff them up and (once they are cool) make a nice crunchy treat for your dog. Nothing is wasted with these chews! Best Price: Zooplus £5.49 for a medium chew.

4. Wainwright’s Christmas Antler is filled with turkey and cranberry. A seasonal chew for your dog to enjoy. Pets At Home £12.00.

5. The Soopa Christmas Selection Box contains 4 cranberry and sweet potato flavoured superfood sticks and 50 healthy bites. There are no additives in these treats, just 100% fruit and vegetables. Nutritious and delicious. Best Price: Healthful Pets £6.99.

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6. Ideal for dogs of all breeds and sizes, these Pure Ostrich Sticks are made from 100% fresh meat so are a great source of protein. These would make a great stocking filler. Best Price: Healthful Pets £3.49.

7. A lovely little variety pack of Pure Training Treats from JR Pet Products. Again, made from 100% fresh meat and ideal for all breeds. This award-winning range includes three delicious flavours: kangaroo, goat and venison. Best Price: Healthful Pets £13.99 for 3 packets.

8. Our Instagram friend Luna recommended this great Benebone Chew. There are a variety of chew shapes that are all infused with natural flavours. Check out the Benebone website to see which size and chew type would best suit your dog. Best Price: Amazon £10.99 for a regular bacon wishbone.

9. The Indestructibone comes from American-based company www.bulletproofpetproducts.com but is available to buy in the UK on Amazon with free delivery. A large chew (suitable for dogs weighing 13-22kgs) is £25.78. That may seem like a lot of money for a chew but these chew toys are so tough, they come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a 90-day replacement guarantee. There are lots different sizes available.

Check out the BEST interactive dog toys and festive accessories.

What to buy your dog-loving family and friends this Christmas.