Health and Ingredient Analysis of Pets at Home Dog and Cat Advent Calendars (2025)

Pet advent calendars are fun, but not all treats are created equal. This guide covers the ingredients, allergens, and health considerations of popular 2025 UK advent calendars for dogs and cats. We also share practical tips for safe festive gifting and highlight how FurBabies™ Botanicals can complement treat choices with skin-supporting care.

1. Pets at Home Luxury Advent Calendar (Dogs) – £30

Brand: Pets at Home 
Contents: 24 “full-size” surprises (16 treat bags, 5 toys, 3 vouchers)
Features: Multi-brand compilation (Applaws, Denzel’s, Wainwright’s, Lily’s Kitchen). Contains freeze-dried meat snacks, jerky sticks, dental bones, and biscuits. No chocolate.
Ingredients Highlights: Human-grade meats (chicken, beef, turkey, lamb), simple carbs (sweet potato, rice), vegetable glycerine, mixed herbs. Added vitamins (A, D3, E) and rosemary extract in bone biscuits.

Health Notes: Multi-protein treats may trigger allergies in sensitive dogs. Portion control is key (≤10% of daily caloric intake).

2. Pets at Home Dog “Chocolate” Advent Calendar – £2.50

Brand: Pets at Home 
Contents: 24 carob-based dog-safe “chocolates” (70 g total)
Ingredients: Carob powder, milk derivatives, vegetable oils, sugars (~27%), trace peanuts/nuts.
Health Notes: Safe cocoa alternative but high sugar. Limit treats for diabetic or weight-sensitive dogs.

3. Lily’s Kitchen Dog Treat Advent Calendar – £10.50

Brand: Lily’s Kitchen (organic pet foods)
Contents: 24 organic biscuits in two flavors: Bedtime Biscuits (chamomile, passionflower) and Breaktime Biscuits (peanut butter, banana, flaxseed, nettles, rosehips)
Health Notes: High palatability, moderate calories, contains peanuts (allergen) and honey (sugar).

4. Denzel’s Christmas Advent Calendar (Dogs) – £15

Brand: Denzel’s (UK treats)
Contents: 24 grain-free treats (6 flavors ×4 each), total 1.15 kg
Ingredients Highlights: Chickpea/pea flour, meats (duck, turkey, pork, salmon), sweet potato, glycerine, nuts, fruits.
Health Notes: High protein (18–20%), gluten-free. Contains nuts and honey – potential allergenic risk.

5. Wainwright’s Gourmet Dog Advent Calendar – £7.50

Brand: Wainwright’s (freeze-dried treats)
Contents: 24 treats alternating freeze-dried turkey cubes and Turkey Rice & Veggie bones
Ingredients: Turkey (34–60%), vegetables (peas, rice, potato, carrot, parsnip, cranberry), vitamins (A, D3, E), rosemary extract
Health Notes: High protein, fiber from vegetables, good for dental stimulation. Monitor small dogs for bone splinter risk.

6. Pets at Home Meaty Dog Treat Advent Calendar – £5

Brand: Pets at Home  
Contents: 24 meaty strips or chunks (Chicken, Duck, Chicken/Duck/Turkey, Chicken/Salmon)
Ingredients: 100% meat-based with glycerine, pea protein, tapioca.
Health Notes: High digestibility and protein (~40–45%). Low-fat. Safe for most dogs; check for fish or chicken allergies.

7. Scrumbles Dog Advent Calendar – £8

Brand: Scrumbles (organic pet treats)
Contents: 24 natural soft treats in mixed flavors
Ingredients Highlights: Dried turkey/chicken (26–30%), oats, sweet potato, glycerine, pumpkin, chia, linseed, herbs (slippery elm, chamomile, valerian), lemon balm, passionflower
Health Notes: Organic, grain-free (except oats), low sugar. Functional botanicals may aid digestion and mild calming effects. Rare chamomile allergy possible.

Cat Advent Calendars

Brands: Pets at Home, Scrumbles, Lily’s Kitchen
Contents: Single-protein lickable sachets, freeze-dried fish tidbits, catnip/valerian treats
Health Notes: High-protein, low-carb. Monitor urinary health. Limit novel herbs initially to assess tolerance.

Practical UK Feeding Guidance

1. Portion Control: Keep all advent treats ≤10% of daily calories (PDSA guidance).
2. Allergen Awareness: Always check labels for nuts, dairy, chicken, fish, or novel botanicals.
3. Gastrointestinal Safety: Introduce grain-free or pulse-heavy treats gradually.
4. Non-Edible Alternatives: For pets with sensitivities, consider FurBabies™ Botanicals paw balms, serums, or no-rinse shampoos to support healthy skin and coat during the festive season.

Key Takeaways

• Advent calendars are festive fun but not risk-free.
• Multi-protein, high-sugar, or pulse-heavy treats may trigger skin flare-ups, digestive upset, or allergenic reactions.
• For pets with sensitive skin, ears, or paws, pairing treats with FurBabies™ Botanicals Dermal Range supports comfort, healthy skin barrier, and a shiny, resilient coat.
• Always consult a vet if unsure about your pet’s dietary or dermatologic tolerance.

FAQ & Quick Answers

• Can I give the whole advent calendar to my dog at once? No, always spread treats across 24 days to avoid gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis.
• Are grain-free dog advent calendars safe? In moderation, yes. Concerns about grain-free diets mostly relate to long-term complete feeding, not occasional treats.
• My dog is allergic to chicken — which advent calendars are safe? Choose single-protein calendars (like salmon) or non-edible gifts such as skin-care balms.
• Can cats eat dog advent calendars? No. Cats need higher protein and specific nutrients. Use only cat-labelled advent calendars.
• Are carob “dog chocolates” safe? Yes, carob is non-toxic, but it’s high in sugar and calories. Feed sparingly, max one treat per day for small/medium dogs.
• What about small dogs or puppies? Supervise small dogs with small hard biscuits or toys in multi-brand calendars to avoid choking hazards. Adjust portions carefully.
• Do herbs in Scrumbles calendars really calm dogs? Slippery elm, chamomile, and valerian may have mild calming or digestive support, but effects are minimal at treat doses.
• Are freeze-dried meat calendars good for dogs? Freeze-dried turkey or other meats are digestible and high in protein. Feed 1–2 pieces per day and supervise small breeds.
• How do I calculate treat portions? Keep all advent treats combined ≤10% of your dog’s daily calorie allowance (PDSA guidance).
• Can multi-brand luxury advent calendars cause allergies? Yes, they contain multiple proteins. Avoid if your dog has known allergies to chicken, fish, or other ingredients.
• Are edible advent calendars safe for diabetic or obese pets? Not recommended. Opt for non-edible festive gifts like skin-care balms or toys.
• How do I store advent treats? Reseal after opening and keep in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
• Are there Christmas gift alternatives without calories? Yes. DERMARENEW Lavender Serum, DERMAPROTECT Rose Serum, Multipurpose Balm, and No-Rinse Hypoallergenic Shampoo are festive, safe, and calorie-free.
• Can advent treats upset sensitive stomachs? Yes. Pulse-based or nut-containing treats may cause GI upset. Always monitor new treats and consult your vet for ongoing issues. 

Disclaimer: Always consult your veterinarian.