12.17.2025

The holiday season is all about family, warmth, and traditions that bring joy year after year – and that includes our dogs, too. As pet parents, we know our pups aren’t just part of the family, they’re the heart of it.

From festive walks watching Christmas lights to cozy photoshoots by the fire and special treats under the tree, there are so many ways to create meaningful, healthy holiday rituals with your dog. And the best part? These traditions strengthen your bond while keeping your pup happy, healthy, and included in every celebration.

In this blog, we’re sharing fun, safe, and heartwarming ways to build dog-friendly holiday traditions, plus how Farmland Traditions’ air-dried treats and food can make the season even more special. Turn everyday moments into traditions your dog looks forward to year after year!

🧠 Why Traditions Matter for Dogs

The holiday season can be overwhelming for pets, so predictable, dog-centered traditions give your pup comfort, mental stimulation, and bonding time with you. Dogs thrive on routine and connection. Creating traditions gives them structure, emotional security, and something to look forward to each year. It also builds your relationship through shared joy and trust. Consistent rituals like daily winter walks and planned treat times help balance the chaos of guests, travel, and schedule changes.

And when those traditions include nutritious, clean-ingredient treats from Farmland Traditions, they’re supporting your pup’s health too.

1. Take a Winter Walk 🎄

Bundle up and head outdoors for a crisp winter walk with your dog. Whether it’s a stroll through the neighborhood to see the lights or a snow-covered hike on a local trail, this can be an annual tradition your pup comes to love.

Make it special:

• • Wear matching scarves, bandanas, or festive sweaters
  • Snap a few pics with snowflakes falling ❄️
  • Pack some Tiny Loves with Bone Broth – just 2 calories each and perfect for rewarding good leash behavior
  • Bring Dogs Love Jerky treats as a high-value reward for loose-leash walking, recall, or polite greetings with neighbors

Why it matters: Physical activity during the colder months supports your dog’s mood, weight, and energy levels – and walking together boosts your bond.

2. Bake a DIY Dog Treat Together 🍪

Want to make memories and make your house smell amazing?

Try a DIY holiday treat recipe featuring Farmland Traditions favorites. One of our go-to’s: “Jerky Bark Bites” made with chopped Dogs Love Jerky, shredded carrots, and a little unsweetened pumpkin – frozen in molds or baked into low-temp goodies

3. Make a Stocking Just for Them 🎁

Start the tradition of stuffing your dog’s stocking each year with healthy, tasty treats and a few new toys.

Safe stocking stuffers:

• • Simple Snacks for a crunchy bite with clean ingredients
  • Tiny Loves for training and tiny rewards
  • A new squeaky or enrichment toy

Bonus tip: Let them “unwrap” their own treat (just be sure to supervise and avoid ribbons or small packaging pieces).

4. Share a Special Holiday Dinner 🍽

You’re sitting down to your holiday feast – shouldn’t your dog enjoy a version of it too?
Instead of table scraps (which can be dangerous), serve a bowl of The Good List air-dried dog food. With 90% premium animal protein and 10% superfoods like pumpkin and blueberries, it’s festive, filling, and formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Holiday serving ideas:

• • Mix The Good List with plain green beans or carrots
  • Crumble on top of kibble as a holiday topper
  • Freeze into molds for a “holiday meatball” snack

5. Host a “Howl-iday” Photoshoot 📸

Whether you’re sending out holiday cards or just documenting your favorite moments of the year to share on social media, a themed photoshoot with your pup is both fun and memorable.

Tradition tip:

• • Use props like festive bandanas, lights, mini trees, wrapping paper or gifts
  • Try different settings like next to the cozy fireplace, outdoor snow scenes, or tree farm adventures
  • Use Tiny Loves treats with bone broth as tiny, low-calorie rewards to hold your dog’s focus during the shoot. Since each piece is only 2 calories, you can keep your dog motivated through multiple setups without overdoing treats
  • Snap a photo in the same spot every year to see how your pup grows (or just how their holiday outfit evolves!)

6. Create a Calm Corner for Cozy Nights In 🕯

In a season full of parties and noise, scheduling a quiet “just us” night with your dog can become the tradition you look forward to most. Turn off your notifications, make yourself a warm drink, and create a relaxing space for your pup with their bed, blanket, familiar toys, and treats while you sit by the tree or fireplace together.

🛍 Our Favorite Farmland Traditions Picks for Holidays

🎁 The Good List – A complete air-dried meal, topper, mix-in, or treat with 90% real meat and 10% superfoods, gently prepared for taste and nutrition
🎁 Dogs Love Jerky – 95% meat, soft-textured jerky patties that dogs go wild for
🎁 Tiny Loves – Only 2 calories per treat, infused with savory bone broth
🎁 Simple Snacks – Simple, recognizable ingredients for clean crunch

All Farmland Traditions products are:

• Made in the USA 🇺🇸
• Free from grains, soy, corn, or artificial preservatives
• Gently air-dried for 9–12 hours for chewy, nutrient-packed goodness
• Loved by picky eaters and sensitive tummies alike

🎅 Start a New Tradition This Year

It’s never too late to start a tradition that brings more joy, love, and health to your holiday season. Ready to make this holiday dog-friendly, nutritious, and unforgettable?

Shop Farmland Traditions on Amazon now 🛒
Because good dogs deserve great traditions.