6 Vet-Approved Gifts for Pets That Will Keep Them Healthy

Published Dec. 6, 2010

Reviewed and updated for accuracy on December 2, 2019, by Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM

The joy of giving just the right gift is priceless, and this holds true even when the recipient is a pet.

The trick to picking out the perfect presents for your pet is to put yourself in their shoes (so to speak). No matter how cute your Persian might look squeezed into that turtleneck sweater, I’m thinking that they probably have something else in mind.

So, what would your pets really want? Here are six vet-approved presents that are sure to spark some joy in your pets this holiday season.

1. Puzzle Feeders

Both cats and dogs are designed to spend much of their time hunting for food, but we’ve made life easy for them by putting food in a bowl a few times each day.

These hand-delivered meals not only promote overeating and weight gain, but they also lead to boredom.

How do we expect our pets to fill their days if they don’t have to hunt for food, particularly when we leave the house?

Puzzle feeders offer great ways to increase the amount of time it takes for pets to consume their meals, while simultaneously providing entertainment, mental stimulation and sometimes physical exercise as well.

Pick out the best type of puzzle feeder based on the type of food you offer and your pet’s temperament and habits. Better yet, get several that you can rotate through to provide an even more diverse experience for your dog or cat.

Here are just a few feeder options you can gift your dog or cat this season:

For Dogs and Cats

Dog Gifts

  • The Outward Hound Fun Feeder interactive dog bowl will slow down dogs who eat their meals very quickly and provide mental stimulation as they try to get those last few kibbles.

  • The KONG Wobbler dog toy is a good option for aggressive chewers. By limiting the amount of kibble dispensed, you can slow down your dog’s mealtime while also providing them with a fun toy to push around.

Cat Gifts

2. A Catio

Cats are safest when they live indoors, but it’s undeniably true that their lives become duller without outdoor access. But they can have it both ways.

Catios (cat patios) let cats safely enjoy some of the benefits of being outside without putting their safety at risk. Plans and kits for fabulously large and complex structures are widely available online, but if your home situation (or finances) put these out of reach, you still have options.

Here are two catio options that you can use to enrich your cat’s daily routine.

3. A New Bed

Your pet’s bedding gets worn out just like mattresses do. A great gift for your pet could be a brand new pet bed.

You’ll need to find one that suits your pet’s needs and preferences. Here are a few great bed options to gift your furry family member.

4. A Larger Tank or Cage

Don’t forget the smaller critters in your life.

A common issue seen with smaller pets—fish, birds and small mammals—is that their living quarters don’t provide them enough space to comfortably engage in their normal behaviors.

Gifting your small animal a larger environment is a great way to help improve their overall quality of life, and it makes for a happier pet. Here are a few options for larger living arrangements for the small pets in your life.

5. New or Improved Experiences

Sometimes the best presents aren’t things but experiences. Your pet is sure to love some new, novel activities that provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

Here are a few ways to provide new or improved experiences:

  • If your dog spends long stretches of time at home alone, maybe he would like to spend a day or two a week at a nearby doggy day care instead. Or, if being social isn’t his thing, you could hire a dog walker to take him for a midday walk.

  • Have you looked into your pet’s nutrition? Improving their diet could provide both a tasty treat and a boost to their overall health. Talk with your veterinarian about potentially upgrading your pet’s food.

6. Extra Love and Attention

Finally, what pets want most from us is our attention. The best way to show our love is to spend some extra time with them … and it’s free!

By: Jennifer Coates, DVM

Featured Image: iStock.com/


Jennifer Coates, DVM

WRITTEN BY

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary...


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