Crafting a Homemade Dog Treat Advent Calendar: A DIY for Pet Lovers

The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and treats – and not just for humans! This festive season, why not create a special advent calendar for your furry friend, filled with homemade dog treats? This DIY project is not only a delightful way to count down to Christmas with your pup but also a fantastic way to ensure they’re getting healthy, homemade snacks. Let’s dive into crafting a simple, material-based advent calendar shaped like a Christmas tree, complete with recipes for dog-friendly treats.

Designing Your Dog Treat Advent Calendar

Choosing the Right Materials

For this project, you’ll need a sturdy fabric like felt or heavy-duty cotton to create the base of the calendar. Choose festive colors like green, red, and white.

Planning the Calendar Shape and Size

Cut your fabric into a large Christmas tree shape. This will be the backdrop of your advent calendar.

Creating Pockets for Treats

Design 24 small pockets, enough for each day leading up to Christmas. These can be simple squares or more festive shapes like stars or bones.

Sewing the Advent Calendar

Attaching Pockets to the Base

Arrange and evenly space the pockets on the tree-shaped fabric. Sew them securely, ensuring they’re large enough to fit the treats.

Adding Numbers and Decorations

Use fabric paint or stitched numbers to label each pocket from 1 to 24. Decorate the tree with fabric scraps, glitter, or other festive materials.

Preparing Homemade Dog Treats

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs until well combined.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into small shapes with a cookie cutter.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until hard.
5. Let cool before placing in the calendar.

Apple and Oatmeal Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 cup apple sauce (unsweetened)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl to form a dough.
3. Roll small amounts of dough into balls and flatten slightly.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
5. Allow to cool before adding to the calendar.

Filling Your Advent Calendar

Storing and Adding Treats

Store the treats in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Each day, place a treat in the corresponding pocket of the calendar.

Celebrating the Holiday Season with Your Dog

The Joy of Daily Surprises

Enjoy the excitement each day as your dog discovers a new treat leading up to Christmas.

Sharing Your Creations

Don’t forget to take photos of your advent calendar and share them on social media. It’s a great way to connect with other pet lovers and show off your DIY skills!

Homemade dog treat

This homemade dog treat advent calendar is more than just a festive decoration; it’s a labor of love and a celebration of the special bond you share with your pet. By choosing to make your own treats, you’re ensuring a healthy, delicious countdown to Christmas for your beloved dog. Happy crafting and happy holidays!