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What to put in a dog stocking (and what to leave out)

Updated October 2026By the Snout & Tail Co. teamFirst published October 25, 2026

There's something lovely about watching a dog stick their whole head into a Christmas stocking. A good dog stocking doesn't need to be big or expensive. It needs to be safe, sized right for your dog, and full of things they'll actually enjoy after the wrapping paper is gone.

Here's a simple formula for filling one, ideas at different budgets, a few extras that make sense for a Canadian winter, and the safety checklist we'd run through before Christmas morning.

The easy 5-item formula

If you're staring at an empty stocking, use this as your checklist. Five things is enough to feel generous without overdoing the treats.

1. One "brain" toy that gets used again and again, like a treat puzzle or lick mat.
2. One fun toy for Christmas morning, like a squeaky plush.
3. One or two small treat packs of something your dog already eats well.
4. One care item, like a paw balm or a brush.
5. One festive extra, like a bandana or a new tag, mostly for the photo.

The brain toy is the one that earns its spot. Treats are gone in a minute and plush toys can be shredded by lunchtime, but a puzzle or lick mat keeps working long into January.

Stocking stuffer ideas under $25

These were all under $25 CAD on Amazon.ca when we checked in late October 2026.

See all of them, plus a catnip kicker for the cat, in our pet stocking stuffers under $25 guide.

Canadian winter extras

A stocking is a nice excuse to pick up the little things that make winter walks easier:

• Paw balm. Cold air, dry indoor heat and salted sidewalks are tough on paw pads. A balm helps keep them conditioned.
• A reflective collar, leash or light. Walks happen in the dark a lot in December and January.
• A paw towel by the door for wiping off salt and slush after every walk.

If you'd like to give a bigger gift alongside the stocking, a winter coat is one of the most practical. Our winter coats guide compares three, from small dogs to large breeds.

Size it to your dog

The most common stocking mistake is buying toys that are the wrong size. A toy that's perfect for a Chihuahua can be a choking hazard for a Labrador. As a rule of thumb:

• Pick toys and chews labelled for your dog's size, and size up if you're between sizes.
• Avoid anything small enough to fit entirely in your dog's mouth.
• For strong chewers, skip soft plush and stick to puzzles and lick mats, and supervise play.
• For puppies, choose puppy-appropriate items and keep sessions short.

What to leave out

Holiday food and decorations are a big part of why vets get busy in December. Keep these out of the stocking and out of reach:

• Human treats and leftovers: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol and salty snacks are all off-limits.
• Anything with xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar), which is found in some sugar-free sweets, gum and peanut butters.
• Cooked bones, which can splinter.
• Ribbon, string and tinsel, which can cause serious blockages if swallowed.
• Too many new treats at once. Even dog-safe treats can upset a stomach if your dog eats a whole stocking's worth in one go.

Christmas morning checklist

• Hang the stocking out of reach until it's time. Dogs can smell treats through fabric.
• Take off tags, plastic and packaging before your dog gets the toy.
• Hand items over one at a time so it doesn't get overwhelming.
• Give a calm activity, like a frozen lick mat, for when the house gets busy.
• Put new toys away after playtime, and check them for damage before the next round.

Don't forget the cat

If there's a cat in the house, they'll want a stocking too. A catnip toy, a wand toy (put it away after play) and a few of their usual treats is plenty. Our catnip-and-silvervine kicker fish is a cat favourite in our under-$25 guide.

For bigger cat gifts, see our best gifts for indoor cats guide, and for more dog ideas, our Christmas gifts for dogs guide.

Frequently asked questions

Want more ideas? Pet stocking stuffers under $25 has our full shortlist.

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