Avoiding the Holiday Health Hazards: Say No to Pre-Made Dog Stockings and Create Your Own ‘Wooftastic’ Stocking!

As the festive season approaches, it’s easy to be tempted by the pre-made dog stockings that pop up in pet shops. Filled with colourful chews, bones, and treats, these stockings might seem like the perfect gift for your pup. But behind the festive packaging, many of these items can pose serious health risks for your dog. Courtesy of Barbara Hanly, doggie wellness expert and founder of Soopa, the delicious, healthy dog treats range, here’s what to watch out for and how to make your own safe, healthy, and fun stocking for your furry friend!

Ingredients and Additives to Avoid:

Rawhide – One of the most common inclusions in these stockings is rawhide chews. While rawhide may seem like a good long-lasting chew for your dog, it is actually very dangerous. These chews are often made from chemically treated animal hides, and the chewing process can lead to large pieces breaking off, which can cause choking or blockages in the digestive system. In severe cases, it may even require surgery to remove.

Artificial Additives – Many of the treats in pre-made stockings contain a cocktail of artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours. These additives can cause gastrointestinal distress, allergic reactions, and long-term health problems. Look out for ingredients like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which are often found in low-quality dog treats.

Excess Calories – Pre-made stockings are often packed with high-calorie treats, which can lead to unnecessary weight gain, especially during a season already full of indulgence. Some chews can be over 200 calories each, which is far more than your dog needs from a single snack. Be sure to keep your dog’s calorie intake balanced to avoid the holiday weight gain we all fear!

Sugar and Salt – Shockingly, many dog treats contain added sugars and salts to enhance flavour and prolong shelf life. These ingredients are unnecessary and harmful, contributing to dental issues, obesity, and even more serious health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure in dogs.

How to Make Your Own ‘Wooftastic’ Stocking

Why take the risk when you can create your own healthy, homemade stocking filled with delicious treats and toys your dog will love? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own paw-some stocking that will keep your dog happy and healthy this holiday season.

What You’ll Need:

A cute stocking or festive bag
A selection of healthy treats (see below for homemade options!)
A couple of safe, natural chews
A fun toy or two (something durable and safe)

Step-by-Step:

Pick Your Stocking – Choose a dog-friendly stocking that’s the perfect size for your pooch. You can even personalise it with their name!

Healthy Treats – Fill your stocking with wholesome treats made from natural ingredients:

• Sweet Potato Chews – Slice a sweet potato into thick rounds, bake at a low temperature for 2-3 hours, and voilà! You’ve got crunchy, nutritious chews that are loaded with vitamins and fibre.
• Soopa Christmas Selection Box – Packed full of delicious Cranberry & Sweet potato-flavoured dental sticks and healthy bites, this selection box is the perfect gift this Christmas!
• Coconut Bites – Mix coconut flour, mashed banana, and a bit of peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free!) into small balls and bake for a bite-sized treat that’s rich in healthy fats.

Natural Chews – Instead of rawhide, opt for chews like Soopa’s:

• Sweet Potato Chews – A healthy, plant-based alternative that’s gentle on your dog’s digestive system and full of fibre.
• Papaya Chews – These 100% natural chews are safe, satisfying, and won’t cause the digestive issues associated with rawhide.

Toys – Add a couple of durable toys to the stocking. Look for toys made from natural rubber or other safe materials. Enrichment toys like Kongs/Lickimats are always a great choice. Avoid toys with small parts or stuffing that can be easily ingested.

Assembly – Place everything in the stocking and hang it up, ready for your pup to enjoy on Christmas morning!

A Final Woof of Advice:

Creating your own dog stocking ensures that your pup only gets the best, safest treats and toys this Christmas. By avoiding harmful additives, rawhide, and excess calories, you can help your dog stay healthy while still enjoying the festive spirit. Plus, making a stocking yourself adds a personal touch that your furry friend will appreciate – and you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly what’s inside.