my storeA series of educational pet nutrition blogs written by pet experts, just for pet parents.
How to Build the Perfect Stocking for Your Dog or Cat
There's something about a stocking with your pet's name on it. It's a small way of saying they belong here, right alongside everyone else on Christmas morning.
The best pet stockings aren't the most expensive ones. They're the ones put together with a little thought about who your pet is: what they love to chew, chase, nap on, or snack on. Here's a simple way to build one your dog or cat will be glad to dig into, without overspending.
The simple formula: one of each
A well-rounded stocking covers five things. Pick one from each and you're done.
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Something to taste. A small bag of a treat they love, or one they haven't tried yet.
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Something to play with. A toy that fits how your pet likes to play.
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Something to work on. A chew, puzzle, or lick mat that keeps them happily busy.
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Something for comfort or care. A soft blanket, a brush, or a festive bandana.
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One little surprise. A new flavor, a new texture, or just a toy that crinkles.
Five items fill most stockings nicely. It also keeps the budget in check. Many of these are small add-ons, so you can build a full stocking for less than you might expect.
Building the dog stocking
|
Slot |
Ideas |
Good to know |
|
Something to taste |
Single-ingredient jerky, freeze-dried bites, training treats |
Look for a named protein near the top of the label |
|
Something to play with |
A plush squeaker, a rope tug, a rubber ball |
Size it to your dog's mouth, not the stocking |
|
Something to work on |
A long-lasting chew, a stuffable rubber toy, a lick mat |
Choose a chew matched to how hard your dog chews |
|
Comfort or care |
A holiday bandana, a slicker brush, a paw balm |
A brush is a nice way to make grooming part of the gift |
|
The surprise |
A new treat flavor, a crinkle toy |
Try one new thing at a time |
Tip for big dogs: Some favorite chews and toys won't fit in a standard stocking. Tie a bow on them and set them beside it. That counts.
Building the cat stocking
|
Slot |
Ideas |
Good to know |
|
Something to taste |
Freeze-dried treats, lickable treats, a small pouch of a new flavor |
Cats can be picky; a small size is a low-risk way to try something new |
|
Something to play with |
A wand toy, catnip kickers, crinkle balls |
Put wand toys away after playtime |
|
Something to work on |
A treat ball, a snuffle mat, a small puzzle feeder |
Start with an easy puzzle so they don't give up |
|
Comfort or care |
A soft blanket, a grooming glove, a small scratcher |
A blanket that smells like you is often a favorite |
|
The surprise |
Silvervine or a new catnip toy |
Not every cat reacts to catnip, so it's worth trying both |
Tip for cats: Let them explore the stocking itself. For many cats, the paper and the bag are half the fun. Just tidy up ribbon and string right after.
A few things we keep in mind
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Hang it high until the big morning. Pets have great noses. A stocking full of treats at nose height may not make it to Christmas.
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Supervise the unwrapping. Tissue paper, ribbon, and tags can be tempting to chew. Clear them away once the fun is over.
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Go easy on treats. Spread stocking treats over the week instead of the morning, and count them as part of the day's food. If you're thinking about a bigger change, like a new food, ask your vet before changing your pet's diet.
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Check toys for size and wear. Pick toys too big to swallow, and retire anything that starts to come apart.
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Skip the people food. Holiday cookies and leftovers belong in your stocking, not theirs.
Let us help you fill it
Not sure where to start? Tell us a little about your pet, how they play, what they love, and what they turn their nose up at, and our team will help you put together a stocking that fits them and your budget.
Visit any Treats Unleashed store in St. Louis, Columbia, or Kansas City this season.
Here's to a Merry Christmas for every member of the family, two legs or four.