What Should I Get a Dog Owner for Christmas? Gifts by Budget

Pick a gift the dog uses every day, not another toy that gets chewed up by Sunday. A slow feeder, lick toy or snuffle mat gets used at every meal, which is why dog people tend to love them. A good starting point is the Puzzle Feeder Wave ($39.99), a slow feeder bowl with 3 modular parts and 4 modes.

Below are gift ideas for dog owners sorted by budget, plus how to pick the right size and what to put in the stocking.

What are good dog Christmas gifts under $25?

Small gifts work best when they solve a real daily moment: dinner that disappears in seconds, a bored dog at 3pm, or a hot afternoon.

• Puzzle Feeder Tumbler M ($19.99): a slow feeder and lick toy for small and medium dogs.
• Puzzle Feeder Lickpop ($23.99): a freezable treat dispenser, handy for hot days and long afternoons.
• Snuffle Mat Insert ($9.99): a stocking stuffer that adds a sniffing layer to a Puzzle Feeder bowl.

What is a good gift for a dog that eats too fast?

If the dog on your list finishes dinner before you put the scoop away, a slow feeder is the gift that fixes a daily annoyance. The Wave comes apart in 3 pieces and has 4 modes, so you can set it up easy for a newcomer and make it harder once the dog figures it out. It is also top-rack dishwasher safe, which owners tend to appreciate more than they expect.

If gulping comes with vomiting, coughing or a swollen belly, that is a conversation for the vet, not a gift.

What if I want something to wow them?

Bundles are ready to gift and save you from picking pieces one by one:

• Starter Bundle ($45.99): the Wave bowl plus a lick insert, a good first gift.
• Premium Bundle ($64.99): a bowl, a lick insert and a mat for dogs who like variety.
• Ultimate Bundle ($74.99): the Wave bowl, a lick mat, a Puzzle Mat and a Tumbler XL for the dog person who has everything.

Gifts by budget at a glance

How do I pick the right size?

The Wave is made for all breeds. For small and medium dogs, the Junior bowl is sized for smaller mouths. If you are unsure, the size guide below walks through muzzle shape and meal size in a minute. Gift receipts are easy to include, and returns are open for 30 days.

Gift ideas for dog people, step by step

1. Pick the daily problem: fast eating, boredom or wet-food days.
2. Match the size to the dog, not the photo.
3. Choose one main gift and one small add-on, like the snuffle insert.
4. Add a note with the dog's name on it. That is what gets remembered.

How do I introduce a new feeder on Christmas morning?

Keep the first meal easy. Start the Wave in its simplest mode, add a few treats the dog can see, and let them win in the first minute. Once they get the idea, you can make it harder over a week or two. A dog who gets frustrated on day one is a dog who ignores the bowl on day three, so slow and steady works here as well.

For lick mats and the Lickpop, spread the filling thin and freeze it for about 30 minutes if you want it to last. Plain unsweetened yogurt and plain pumpkin puree are common picks. Check labels for xylitol and ask your vet about allergies and calories.

What should I skip when buying a gift for a dog?

Skip anything that cannot be cleaned, anything small enough to swallow, and anything sized for a different dog. If you are not sure about the dog, a gift receipt and a size guide take the pressure off. Supervise the first few sessions with any new toy, and remove it if the dog starts chewing off pieces.

Which gift fits which kind of dog?

• The dog who inhales dinner: the Wave bowl, with the Snuffle Mat Insert as a second layer later.
• The sniffer: the Grass Snuffle Mat, scattered with a little kibble.
• The licker: the Lickpop or a lick bowl, filled and frozen.
• The small dog with a big appetite: the Junior bowl or Tumbler M.

FAQ

Is a slow feeder a good gift for a dog owner?

Yes, if the dog gulps dinner or needs something to do. It is used every day, so it earns its spot in the kitchen.

Can a slow feeder be used with wet food?

Many owners use lick bowls and mats with wet food, yogurt or pumpkin. Check labels for xylitol and ask your vet about anything new.

Is it hard to clean?

The Wave has 3 parts that come apart and is top-rack dishwasher safe, so cleaning is a quick rinse or a dishwasher load.

What should I get someone with a new puppy?

Start with the Junior bowl or a lick toy. Our new puppy gift guide has more ideas.

Will it arrive in time for Christmas?

Shipping times vary, so check the delivery estimate at checkout. US orders of $40 or more ship free.

More gift reading: why a puzzle feeder makes a good dog gift.

New customers can use code PZFDNEW10 for 10% off Shop All, and it works with free shipping on US orders over $40 (Canada $60 CAD).

Not sure which one to choose? Use our size guide to pick the right Puzzle Feeder.