Trader Joe’s Will Have Treat-Filled Advent Calendars for Dogs and Cats

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartCats, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on October 22, 2019

Christmas is filled with exciting gifts for humans, but of course, your dogs and cats want to get in on the fun as well! So, last year, Trader Joe’s launched an advent calendar specifically for dogs. For all 24 days before Christmas, there is a salmon and sweet potato treat for dogs, and then a bigger, tastier treat on the 25th day. However, when cat lovers saw this product on the shelves, they were upset that there wasn’t something like this for cats too.

So, on the September episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s podcast, they announced that this year, they will be selling cat advent calendars as well! These advent calendars will contain 24 salmon and seaweed treats for each of the days leading up to Christmas. After they’ve eaten all 24 small treats, the 25th one will be a large one that’s shaped like a fish.

Colin Fields, the vice president of merchandising at Trader Joe’s was shocked by how many people were interested in the dog advent calendar last year. In the podcast, he goes on to explain how that sparked their idea to create a gift for cats as well.

“Last year we came out with the dog advent calendar, which seemed pretty odd until we got out in the stores and there was quite a following for it,” said Fields. “And we heard from our feline-loving customers that we should have something for their cats. So we found it, we developed it, and it’s pretty cool.”

While Trader Joe’s has not specifically stated that the dog advent calendars will be making a comeback as well, it is very likely. The dog advent calendars were such a huge success last year. So, many dog parents will likely be upset if they cannot get them again for this holiday season.

Last year, the dog advent calendars made an appearance in stores on December 1st. So, that is when both the dog and cat advent calendars are expected to launch this year too. However, the exact date has not been confirmed just yet. 

Both advent calendars will be decorated with cute illustrations of dogs and cats. The dog one also included images of various dog toys, so it is likely that the cat one will have a similar appearance as well.

There are plenty of Christmas items for dog and cats out there, but an advent calendar can be the perfect way to keep them entertained throughout the month. Many people are excited for the holidays, so why can’t dogs and cats be as well? Make sure to keep an eye out for these advent calendars as December approaches!

H/T: people.com