Easter Basket for Dogs: Safe Ideas for Every Holiday

What to put in a dog Easter basket

Start with one durable toy sized for your dog: a rubber chew that can be stuffed with food, a plush toy for gentle players, or a rope toy for tug. Add a puzzle feeder or a snuffle mat to turn treats into a game, and a new collar bandana if your dog enjoys dressing up. Choose toys too big to swallow, and supervise with anything new.

For edible fillers, use treats made for dogs, or simple foods most dogs can have in small amounts: plain baked sweet potato chews, a few blueberries, apple slices with the core and seeds removed, or a frozen spoonful of plain pumpkin. Keep the total small, since treats should only be a small part of the day's food. Use a shallow bowl or the toy itself as the basket.

A hidden-food toy or snuffle feeding mat gives the basket an activity theme. Check the size and supervise the first use rather than assuming every Easter gift suits every dog.

Easter hazards to keep away

Chocolate eggs and bunnies are the biggest risk; the ASPCA notes that dark and baking chocolate are the most toxic. Sugar-free candy and gum may contain xylitol, which can drop a dog's blood sugar dangerously and damage the liver. Jelly beans and marshmallow chicks are pure sugar and often contain xylitol in diet versions. Raisins in hot cross buns can cause kidney damage.

Plastic Easter grass, foil wrappers and plastic eggs can cause choking or an intestinal blockage if swallowed, and so can hard-boiled eggs hidden outdoors and forgotten, which also spoil. Easter lilies are deadly to cats and should not be in a home with a cat at all. After an egg hunt, count the eggs and sweep the yard before letting your dog out.

St. Patrick's Day and Valentine's Day ideas

For St. Patrick's Day, swap green beer and corned beef for a green bandana, a new shamrock toy, or a few pieces of plain cooked cabbage or green beans. Alcohol is dangerous to dogs even in small amounts, and salty, fatty meats can upset the stomach or trigger pancreatitis. Keep drinks off low tables at parties.

For Valentine's Day, the classic gift box of chocolates is exactly what to keep away from your dog. Choose a heart-shaped chew toy, homemade heart-cut dog treats, or a long walk. Roses are not considered highly toxic, but thorns can injure mouths and paws, and lilies in bouquets are a serious risk to cats. Keep flowers, candles and candy boxes out of reach.

Homemade holiday treats

Simple homemade treats make good basket fillers. Mix plain canned pumpkin, a little xylitol-free peanut butter, an egg and whole wheat or oat flour, roll the dough, cut shapes with a cookie cutter and bake at 350°F until firm. Our dog birthday cake recipe uses the same safe ingredients and works for any celebration.

Check every label: no xylitol or birch sugar, no chocolate or cocoa, no raisins, macadamia nuts, onion or garlic powder. Let treats cool fully and store them in the fridge for a few days or the freezer for longer. If your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach or a medical condition, ask your vet before trying new foods.

If your dog eats something they shouldn't

Call your vet or an emergency vet right away, without waiting for signs, if your dog eats chocolate, xylitol-containing candy, raisins, alcohol, or a large amount of plastic grass or foil. Have the packaging with you. ASPCA Animal Poison Control is (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline is (855) 764-7661; a fee may apply.

Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, tremors, weakness, a swollen or painful belly, or straining to poop, and call your vet if any appear. Do not try to make your dog vomit at home unless a vet tells you to. A calm holiday is the best gift of all: give your dog a quiet place to rest during busy family gatherings.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.