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The Best Dog Stocking Stuffers

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Beagle dog wearing red Santa hat next to a red Christmas stocking on a brown wood background

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that Embark may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. All linked products have been reviewed by a veterinarian.

According to a Rover.com survey in 2020, nearly 70% of dog owners say their dog has a Christmas stocking. If you’re one of them, you know you’ll need some good dog stocking stuffers this holiday season.

Read on to find some unique, practical, and fun stocking stuffer ideas for dogs.

1. Festive Starbucks plush toy

Give them a puppuccino they can have anytime with these dog stocking stuffers from Haute Diggity Dog. Each plush toy is based on a popular Starbucks holiday drink. Our favorite is the “puppermint mocha,” but they also have “pupkin spice latte,” “dog nog,” and many more to fit any coffee lover’s preference.

As with any new chew or toy, be sure to supervise your dog to make sure they don’t ingest any pieces.

2. Bath brush

Brown Pomeranian dog wearing pink towel on head

Who says bath time can’t be fun? Pups like to be pampered, too. The Bodhi Dog bath brush has 17,000+ ratings on Amazon and was a winner of the 2020 Family Choice Awards. It scrubs away dirt while giving your dog a gentle massage, making it a fun and practical dog stocking stuffer.

3. Turkey + cranberry dog treats

Zuke’s turkey and cranberry dog treats are shaped like Christmas trees. They come in a mini size, making them a perfect stocking stuffer for dogs with refined palates. For pups with sensitive stomachs, try the Purina Gentle Snackers dog treats instead.

Did you know? Embark found that treats are the most common gifts that pet parents give (92%). Other popular gifts include chew toys (82%), beds (74%), squeaky toys (74%), balls (71%), and plush toys (62%).

Veterinarian tip: Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. When introducing new food, you should ideally try one new treat at a time to make sure that it does not upset your dog’s stomach.

4. Qwizl treat toy

Everyone loves a good puzzle toy. The Qwizl treat-dispensing toy from West Paw is a great dog stocking stuffer that will keep your pup busy for hours. It’s dishwasher-safe and pairs well with all kinds of treats, including dog biscuits, dental chews, mashed banana, kibble, and more. It’s available in two sizes and three bright colors. It’s eco-friendly, too.

5. Embark gift card

Embark Dog DNA Test Gift Card

An Embark gift card is a great stocking stuffer for any dog or dog lover in your life. Simply order your eGift card online, print it out, and place it in your dog’s stocking. Gift cards are available in $25 increments, starting at $50.

6. Lamb Chop plush toy

Who knew that the puppet Lamb Chop would be coming back in a big way? With 23,000+ reviews on Amazon, this Lamb Chop plush squeaker toy is a real sleeper hit that is both nostalgic for you and fun for your dog. The best part? It’s under $10, making it a great price for a dog stocking stuffer.

7. Festive holiday bandanas

This Native Pup bandana set comes in multiple holiday theme options. Each set is under $10 and includes three bandanas, so you can even gift them to multiple dogs. 

8. Paw protection wax

Cold, dry weather and walking on ice or snow in the winter can lead to dry or cracked paw pads. Musher’s Secret paw protection wax is a great dog stocking stuffer that helps to soothe and heal cracked paws. It contains beeswax and vitamin E and is recommended by vets.

Veterinarian tip: Never use lotions made for humans on your dog. If you’re using a paw wax or balm, use one that has dog-safe ingredients. Be careful not to over-moisturize your dog’s paws, which can cause them to be too soft to handle walking on rough surfaces. Talk to their veterinarian if you think that there could be a true medical issue with their paw pads.

9. Red holiday collar

Two bright red collars with gold buckles on a white background

The ruby collar from The Foggy Dog is perfect for the winter or any time of year. It features a solid, brass D-ring and is made with durable nylon webbing.

10. Burt’s Bees multipurpose wipes

This doggy stocking stuffer is a gift for both you and your dog. If you have a pup who loves to run around in the mud and dive into piles of leaves and dirt, keep a set of these Burt’s Bees multipurpose wipes on hand. They’re made with natural ingredients and infused with honey to help give your dog a soft and shiny coat.

MalAcetic Wet Wipes are another vet-recommended option. They are available in 25-count or 100-count packs.

11. Ice cream for dogs

The Pooch Creamery ice cream for dogs starts as a dry mix that doesn’t need to be refrigerated, making it a perfect dog stocking stuffer. Just add water and freeze it to give your pup a holiday treat.

Frosty Paws offers another frozen dog treat option that is veterinarian-approved. However, these have to stay in the freezer, making them less stocking-friendly.

Veterinarian tip: For any pups with underlying medical conditions or a sensitive tummy, we recommend skipping this treat.

12. A stocking

With all these dog stocking stuffers, you’ll need a stocking to put them in. Customize a holiday stocking with your dog’s name and hang it up to hold all these new gifts.

Looking for more gift ideas for dogs and dog lovers? Check out our vet-approved gift guide and the best gifts for dog moms

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