The Truth About Pets at Home Dog (and Cat) Advent Calendars: Ingredients, Risks & Safer Christmas Gifts
The market is full of dog (and cat) advent calendars this year. Pets at Home’s own ranges, multi-brand luxury boxes, Scrumbles, Denzel’s, Wainwright’s and more. Below I walk through the most common calendars you’ll find in the UK, list the main ingredients, and put practical UK-based advice under each product so pet guardians can decide whether to buy or choose a safer skin-care present instead.
Table of Contents
1) Pets at Home — Luxury / “Our Favourite Products” Dog Advent Calendar
2) Pets at Home “Dog Chocolate” / Pet-Safe Carob Advent Calendar
3) Denzel’s Christmas Advent Calendar (Grain-Free, Multi-Flavour)
4) Wainwright’s Gourmet Dog Advent Calendar (Freeze-Dried / Turkey Focused)
5) Pets at Home Meaty Dog Treat Advent Calendar (Meat Strips/Chunks)
6) Scrumbles Dog Advent Calendar (Natural + Functional Botanicals)
7) Cat Advent Calendars (Pets at Home, Scrumbles, Lily’s Kitchen, etc.)
Practical UK Rules & Best Practice
My Fur Babies Gift Suggestions for Christmas
1) Pets at Home — Luxury / “Our Favourite Products” Dog Advent Calendar
What’s inside (summary): 24 'doors' with a mix of small treat bags (freeze-dried meats, biscuits, jerky), a few toys and vouchers. Treats are from multiple brands (meat treats, bone/biscuit items, freeze-dried pieces).
Ingredients to watch for: mixed animal proteins (chicken, turkey, beef, salmon), vegetable glycerine (binder), small amounts of fruit/veg (sweet potato, cranberry), occasional grains (barley, rice).
Our UK advice:
- Portion control: Multi-brand advents can be tempting because there are many small items so ensure all treats combined don’t exceed about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie allowance (PDSA guidance).
- Allergy check: Multi-brand boxes make it harder to guarantee a single protein. Avoid if your pet has known protein allergies (e.g. chicken, fish).
- Choking or chew hazard: Some 'doors' contain small hard biscuits or toys so supervise small dogs and puppies.
- When to skip: Avoid for diabetic, obese or pancreatitis-prone pets — choose non-edible gifts instead.
Alternative gift idea: A travel pack of Multipurpose Balm plus a small toy treats the pet without extra calories.
2) Pets at Home “Dog Chocolate” / Pet-Safe Carob Advent Calendar
What’s inside (summary): Carob-based “dog chocolate” sweets (carob powder, milk derivatives, vegetable oils, sugars, glycerine).
Ingredients to watch for: milk derivatives, added (lots of) sugars, and “may contain nuts” statements. There is NO meat in this advent calender.
Our UK advice:
- Why carob, not chocolate: Cocoa is toxic to dogs, carob is safe but still calorie-dense.
- Feeding caution: Limit to one treat per day for small/medium dogs. Check dairy content for lactose-sensitive pets. Please note that this product has a very high sugar content. Be careful when giving to pets with or suspected diabetes.
- Allergen note: Review packaging for nut warnings before purchase.
Alternative gift idea: Swap for a DERMARENEW Lavender Skin & Coat Repair Serum — festive, no calories, supports skin health.
3) Denzel’s Christmas Advent Calendar (Grain-Free, Multi-Flavour)
What’s inside (summary): Grain-free baked treats (pea/chickpea base), flavours like “Pigs in Blankets”, “Mince Pie”, salmon-banana blends. Uses vegetable glycerine and may include nuts.
Ingredients to watch for: chickpea/pea flours, nuts (almond, peanut), glycerine, concentrated fruit.
Our UK advice:
- Allergy & calorie flag: Grain-free doesn’t mean hypoallergenic. Pulses may upset digestion; nuts add fat and allergy risks.
- DCM note: Concerns about grain-free diets mainly relate to long-term feeding, not occasional treats — use moderately.
- Feeding tip: Remove nut-containing treats before gifting.
Alternative gift idea: Choose a single-protein treat or No-Rinse Hypoallergenic Shampoo as a stocking filler.
4) Wainwright’s Gourmet Dog Advent Calendar (Freeze-Dried / Turkey Focused)
What’s inside (summary): Freeze-dried turkey cubes and biscuit bones; some biscuits include added vitamins/minerals.
Ingredients to watch for: Turkey, gluten in biscuits, vitamin/mineral additives.
Our UK advice:
- Best for: Dogs without turkey allergies; freeze-dried meat is digestible and high in protein.
- Dental caution: Hard biscuits can risk tooth damage — supervise small dogs.
- Portion tip: One piece per day is enough; they’re calorie-dense.
Alternative gift idea: A Nose, Wrinkle & Paw Balm is a safer festive option.
5) Pets at Home Meaty Dog Treat Advent Calendar (Meat Strips/Chunks)
What’s inside (summary): Meat strips/chunks (chicken, duck, salmon) with binders like pea protein or tapioca.
Ingredients to watch for: Specific animal proteins, glycerine/pea protein binders.
Our UK advice:
- Good pick: High meat content and few fillers, generally lower-risk for most dogs.
- Label check: Confirm protein source if your dog is on a restricted diet.
- Storage tip: Reseal after opening to prevent spoilage.
Alternative gift idea: Consider a DERMAPROTECT Rose Skin Repair Serum instead of edible treats.
6) Scrumbles Dog Advent Calendar (Natural + Functional Botanicals)
What’s inside (summary): Natural treats with slippery elm, chamomile, valerian and a meaty base — marketed for digestive or calming support.
Ingredients to watch for: Slippery elm, chamomile, valerian, glycerine, oats.
Our UK advice:
- Functional herbs: Slippery elm supports digestion; chamomile/valerian have mild calming effects but may cause rare allergies.
- Calming claims: Herb amounts are tiny, don’t expect clinical effects.
- Feeding tip: Always keep within treat limits and consult a vet for ongoing GI or behavioural issues.
Alternative gift idea: For anxious pets, try the Aches & Pains Rub alongside one calming treat.
7) Cat Advent Calendars (Pets at Home, Scrumbles, Lily’s Kitchen, etc.)
What’s inside (summary): Single-protein lickable sachets, freeze-dried fish tidbits, catnip or valerian treats.
Ingredients to watch for: Fish/seafood proteins, dairy in novelty chocolates, herbs (catnip/valerian).
Our UK advice:
- Portion & urinary health: Cats need high protein, low carbs, choose pure meat treats and avoid high-salt snacks.
- Catnip & behaviour: Some cats become excitable; limit to one small piece for first trials.
Alternative gift idea: A No-Rinse Hypoallergenic Shampoo or balm is ideal for older/sensitive cats.
Practical UK Rules & Best Practice
- Treats ≤10% of daily calories: Follow PDSA advice, adjust main meals accordingly.
- Label trust: UK pet food regulations require ingredient lists and feeding instructions. Avoid unclear labels or missing allergen warnings.
- When in doubt: Ask your vet before introducing novelty treats to puppies, seniors, or chronically ill pets.
Our Reviews
We want pets to have joy and owners to have peace of mind. Edible advent calendars are fun but not risk-free.
- Always read ingredient labels.
- Keep moderation in mind (≤10% rule).
- Consider skin-safe gifts that pamper without calories or allergens.
Gift Suggestions for Christmas
- DERMARENEW Lavender Skin & Coat Repair Serum (50 ml) — Lightweight, rejuvenates dry or pigmented skin. [View Product]
- DERMAPROTECT Rose Skin Repair Serum (50 ml) — Supports barrier health for older or hormonally sensitive pets. [View Product]
- Multipurpose Balm (30 g) — Soothes paw licking, tear stains, and irritated areas. [View Product]
- No-Rinse Hypoallergenic Shampoo (60 ml) — Perfect for quick refreshes on sensitive pets. [View Product]
Short FAQ & Quick Answers
Can I give the whole advent calendar at once?
No. Spread treats across days — overfeeding can cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis.
Are grain-free calendars dangerous?
Not in moderation. The DCM link concerns long-term complete diets, not treats.
My dog is allergic to chicken — any safe advents?
Opt for single-protein calendars (e.g. salmon) or non-edible alternatives.
Can cats have dog advent calendars?
No — cats require higher protein and specific vitamins. Choose cat-labelled products only.
If you’re shopping for a Pets at Home dog advent calendar this year, check the label, limit portions, and consider a skin-care gift from our brand instead. Our serums and balms are festive, functional, and free of calories.
© 2025 FurBabies™ Botanicals. All rights reserved. This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace veterinary advice.
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