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14 best gifts for dogs

Man's best friend gets some festive pampering this year with our pick of the best pooch presents

Monday 14 December 2015 12:06 GMT

From advent calendars, cuddlies and chewy toys, to personalised blankets and winter woollies, we've covered all pet present-buying possibilities.

1. Petface Christmas Mega Moose: £8.99, Fin & Fur

Over a metre long, this luxuriously soft Christmas moose is the perfect playmate for large dogs to carry round and chew, and for smaller dogs to chase and roll around with. Or, hold one end and drag your dog around the house for hours of fun - the squeaker inside also gives them an entertaining extra challenge.

2. Lily’s Kitchen Advent Calendar for Dogs: £9.95, Lily’s Kitchen

Doggy advent calendars - who knew such a thing existed. But why not give your pooch a treat every day during the countdown to Christmas? Especially when it's been made by the clever cooks at Lily's Kitchen. From training treats to bedtime biscuits, these naturally wholesome, delicious, organic goodies will definitely go down a storm with your pup.

3. Maison Le Lou Albert Dog Toy: £22, Maison Le Lou

Is your pooch fond of stealing your kids' soft toys? If his doggy cuddlies just don't cut it, then give this softy a go. He’s so beautiful it's almost criminal to give him to the dog. Albert Bear is handmade in England from luxury Italian wool. Cedric, £20, is another great option, made from soft fake fur and ideal for puppies.

4. Alfie & Molly's Grain Free Turkey, Chestnut &Thyme Christmas Trees: £2.99, The Artisan Pet Deli

Everyone's four-legged friend needs some Christmas treats and these (according to Scamp, our tester) are delicious. Grain, wheat and gluten free, ensures they're perfect for pups with sensitive tummies and allergies, plus there's no added salt, sugar, preservatives or flavours. If your dog prefers the finer things in life, The Artisan Pet Deli is well worth a look. It sources the best healthy pet foods from all over the UK, selecting only the ones that use high-quality, human-grade ingredients.

5. Rosewood Reindeer Christmas Dog Antlers: £3.99, Fin & Fur

If you're a pet owner, Christmas isn't complete without a comedy outfit for your animal. From Christmas hats and reindeer costumes to Father Christmas and snowman outfits, every pooch needs a Christmas dress up day. And if you can get a pair of these antlers on your pup, it's pure comedy gold. Our family Christmas highlight (by a long way), is a brisk wintry walk after lunch to spot dressed-up doggies walking off their Christmas dinner.

6. Pets Pyjamas Christmas Dog Treat Box: £20, Pets Pyjamas

It’s just like the kids' traditional Christmas chocolate selection box, but this one's for doggies instead. Packed with a range of super treats, including everything from bones and chewy steaks to a Christmas cracker dog toy and a pop up travel bowl, it’s great value for money and something your dog will definitely enjoy.

7. Mister Woof Berkley Hoodie: £38, Bob + Bear

For pup owners who aren't keen on a novelty Christmas outfit for their dog, but just want a simple, cosy coat in on-trend burgundy, then this is the gift to go for. Bob + Bear is an online shop for beautiful, design-led products for the modern stylish pup (and their owner).

8. Charley Chau Snuggle Beds in Cotton: £70, Charley Chau

For dogs that like to burrow and make a nest when they sleep, these Charley Chau beds are perfect for cosy winter nights. The Ferrari of dog bedding, these are an investment, but well worth every penny.

9. Milk & Pepper Red Knitted Wool Dog Sweater: £45, Lead the Walk

Dogs look ridiculously cute in jumpers and this stylish cable knit in festive red is perfect for any little autumn puppies needing an extra layer of warmth this winter.

10. Planet Dog Bamboo Wood Chuck with Ball: £25, Bob + Bear

Handmade from 100 per cent sustainable bamboo wood (to give strength and flexibility) and an ergonomic cork handle for the ultimate grip, this is a comfortable ball thrower and knocks the socks off cheap, ugly plastic ones. It'll work with any 2.5 inch ball and the chucker is 19 inches long. Perfect for dogs that want to play fetch all day.

11. House of Paws Christmas Party Animals Dog Stocking: £9.99, Fetch

Let your dog have some festive fun this year with a stocking filled with a plush reindeer toy, chewable candy cane, rope ball and obligatory comedy Santa hat. It’s great value for money, especially if you have a playful pup.

12. Pet Face Christmas Robin Dog Toy: £4.99, Fin & Fur

Rather like an oversized ball, this Christmas robin is perfect for big dogs playing fetch, or dragging and shaking for terrier breeds. Pups love a Christmas hat with a bonus pom pom too.

13. Happy Pet Christmas Vinyl Assortment: £1.99 each, Fin & Fur

For dogs who love endless hours of fetch with a ball, add a festive twist with these Christmas-themed rubber balls. Our favourites are the red Santa design or green ball with candy canes on. They squeak too for added entertainment.

14. Mr Mole Blankets Personalised Embroidered Pet Blanket: £19.50, Not on the High Street

If you like your doggy accessories personalised, Not on the High Street do a great range of bowls, blankets and jars with your pup’s name emblazoned on them. This excellent, high-quality, plush blanket is available in three sizes and three colours (red, green and brown) and can be gift wrapped with a message to send direct to your favourite pup.

The Verdict: Gifts for dogs

Pets Pyjamas treat box is superb value for money, while it goes without saying the Novelty Antlers are a festive must buy. Maison Le Lou has the chicest doggy toys - ideal for stylish owners, and Christmas isn't Christmas without an advent calendar – even for your pooch. But the Pet Face Christmas Moose is irresistible, with its super-soft long body and wonderfully cheery face - he'll give your pup hours of fun.