The holidays are right around the corner, and you know what that means… it’s time to start thinking about gifts! And who deserves a little something special more than your furry best friend?
This year, skip the generic pet store toys and treats and opt for something with a gift from the heart. These five DIY gift ideas are fun, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make your dog's tail wag with delight.
Gift Idea #1: DIY Snuffle Mat
What It Is: A snuffle mat is a great way to encourage your dog to use his senses to forage for hidden goodies within the mat. This gift helps stimulate your pup’s natural instincts and provides mental enrichment.
Why It’s a Great Gift: This is a low-cost, engaging activity for your dog that slows down eating and keeps them mentally active. It's a wonderful way to stimulate their natural foraging instincts, providing a fun and rewarding challenge. Plus, snuffle mats can help reduce boredom and anxiety, making them a perfect gift for dogs of all ages and energy levels.
Materials Needed:
- Fleece fabric scraps (fleece, old t-shirts, etc.)
- Rubber sink mat (or similar base) with holes
How to Make:
- Use a rubber mat with holes as the base.
- Tie fabric straps through the holes to create a shaggy surface.
- Hide their favorite kibble, treats, or chewable supplements among the fabric strips.
- Then they’re set to sniff and explore!
Gift Idea #2: Frozen Kong Filler (with a Healthy Twist)
What It Is: You can’t go wrong with a classic Kong toy, but let’s spruce it up a bit! This gift takes their favorite toy and turns it into hours of delicious play.
Why It’s a Great Gift: Freezing the Kong extends playtime and keeps dogs entertained, providing a stimulating challenge that can bust boredom and relieve anxiety. It's a fantastic way to keep pups occupied while you're away or when they need a mental workout. Plus, you can customize the filling with healthy ingredients and supplements to address specific needs and add extra nutritional value!
Materials Needed:
- Kong toy
- Greek yogurt
- Favorite, dog-friendly foods (pumpkin, blueberries, etc.)
- Optional healthy add-In: Supplement soft chews
How to Make:
- Mix the yogurt, your chosen dog-friendly foods, and supplements (if added) together.
- Fill the Kong toy with the mixture.
- Place it in the freezer, and allow it to freeze overnight.
- When frozen, give to your pup and let him relish in the goodness!
Gift Idea #3: DIY Treat Dispenser
What It Is: This gift is another great way to keep your pup busy and mentally stimulated. This is a homemade puzzle toy made from a plastic bottle that dispenses treats or supplements as your dog rolls it around.
Why It’s a Great Gift: This homemade enrichment toy encourages problem-solving and slows down eating, which helps prevent boredom, reduces anxiety, and can even aid with digestion. It's a fantastic way to challenge your dog mentally and physically, keeping them entertained for hours while satisfying their natural instincts to work for their food. Plus, it's a budget-friendly option that's easy to customize with your dog's favorite treats!
Materials Needed:
- A clean plastic bottle
- Scissors
- Small treats or kibble
How to Make:
- Take an empty, clean plastic bottle and remove any labels.
- Cut a few small holes big enough for kibble or small treats to fall through (remove sharp edges).
- Fill the bottle with dry treats, kibble, or supplement chews.
- Screw the cap back on and supervise your dog during play.
Gift Idea #4: Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Cookies (with Joint Support Chews)
Why It’s a Great Gift: A delicious way to support their well-being AND show love—The added supplement supports joint health, especially in senior or active dogs, while the pumpkin and peanut butter add flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 large egg
- Crumbled joint health supplement soft chew (see Directions for Use for the amount necessary for your dog)
Instructions:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree and peanut butter until well combined.
- Add: Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add: Stir in the oat flour until a dough forms.
- Incorporate: Gently fold in the pieces of the joint supplement soft chew.
- Shape: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
Consistency: If the dough seems too sticky, add a bit more oat flour. If it's too dry, add a touch of water or pumpkin puree, a teaspoon at a time.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Idea #5: Frozen Yogurt and Blueberry Bites (with Probiotics)
Why It’s a Great Gift: Give the gift of happy tummies with these probiotic-packed frozen treats! Made with wholesome ingredients and a boost of gut-friendly bacteria, they're a delicious way to keep dogs feeling their best.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or low-fat is fine)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- Crumbled PupGrade Digestive Support soft chews (see Directions for Use for the amount necessary for your dog)
Instructions:
- Combine: In a medium bowl, gently mix the Greek yogurt and blueberries.
- Add probiotic: Stir in the canine-safe probiotic powder, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour: Spoon the mixture into silicone molds (fun shapes!) or ice cube trays.
- Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer on a flat surface and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
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Serve: Once frozen, pop the treats out of the molds and serve to your furry friend.
Variety: For variety, you can use different fruits like mashed banana or raspberries.
Storage: Store the frozen treats in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to a month.
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Important Note: Always supervise your dog when they are enjoying any new toy or treat. Make sure to choose safe, durable materials and ingredients that are appropriate for your dog's size and chewing habits. If you have any concerns about your dog's health or dietary needs, consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods or supplements.
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This holiday season, give your furry friend the gift of fun, enrichment, and well-being with these DIY dog gifts. They're sure to appreciate the extra love and attention, and you'll enjoy the satisfaction of creating something special just for them.
Happy Holidays from the PupGrade Pack!
Do you have any other DIY dog gift ideas you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!
