Football is all about big moments, from cheering crowds to comfort food, and gathering with the people you love. And for many of us, that includes our dogs. While game day excitement can be fun, it can also be overwhelming for pups if they’re left out or surrounded by unfamiliar guests, sights, sounds, and smells.
The good news? With a little planning, the big game can be just as enjoyable for your dog as it is for you. From homemade, dog-friendly treats to engaging activities that keep tails wagging, there are plenty of easy ways to include your pup in the celebration while keeping their comfort and safety top of mind.
Dog-Friendly Game Day Treats
Football-Shaped Treats
Game day isn’t complete without snacks, and these homemade dog treats fit the theme perfectly. Made with dog-safe ingredients like bananas and peanut butter, they’re soft, tasty, and perfect for a photo op.
Use a football cookie cutter (or shape them by hand), then decorate with plain Greek yogurt and dog-friendly peanut butter drizzle to mimic football laces. These treats look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker.
Dog-Friendly Nachos
If you’re serving nachos to your guests, why not make a dog-safe version for your pup, too? Because they deserve to enjoy game-day nachos as much as you do! You can use thin apple slices as the chips, shredded carrots as the cheese, and small pieces of plain cooked chicken or plain, lean ground beef as the protein. Don’t forget to use plain Greek yogurt as their version of sour cream!
You can also customize the toppings based on what your dog loves most. Try other dog-safe fruits and veggies like blueberries, cucumber, banana slices, or green beans.
Serve on a plate for a fun, shareable snack that looks festive but keeps things healthy. This is a great option for dogs who prefer softer, fresh snacks over baked treats, and it’s an easy way to make game-day snacks feel extra special for your pup.
Football Jersey Biscuits
If you love going all-in on game day, these football jersey–inspired dog treats are a fun way to show off your team spirit with your pup in mind. These treats start with a simple, dog-friendly dough that can be rolled out and cut into small jersey shapes before baking.
Once cooled, you can decorate them using plain Greek yogurt mixed with naturally colored ingredients like beet powder or turmeric to create team-inspired accents. Keep the decorations minimal and dog-safe, focusing more on the festive look than heavy toppings.
These treats are best served as a special game-day snack and make a great addition to your game day spread.
For more dog-friendly treats for your pup, check out this list!
Tip: Planning on making treats ahead of time? Don’t forget to refrigerate them!
Dog-Friendly Game Day Activities
Host a Puppy Bowl
If your dog enjoys the company of other pups, consider hosting a mini Puppy Bowl for them. Invite a few of their dog friends over for a controlled play session before kickoff. Keep it short and supervised, and make sure all dogs are familiar with each other’s play styles. After some playtime, dogs are more likely to settle down and relax while the game is on, a win for everyone.
Game Day Enrichment Station
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity, especially on busy days. Set up an enrichment station with puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or treat-dispensing toys your dog already loves.
Rotate toys throughout the game to keep things interesting. This gives your dog something engaging to focus on while guests are chatting or reacting loudly to big plays.
Designated a Calm, Cozy Dog Zone
Not every dog wants to be part of the action, and that’s okay! Set up a quiet space with a comfy bed, cozy blanket, and some favorite toys where your dog can retreat if things get too loud. This is especially helpful for dogs who are sensitive to noise or unfamiliar guests. Giving them a choice to step away helps reduce stress and keeps game day positive.
Dogtopia is Here to Help
Game day doesn’t have to mean chaos for your dog. With a thoughtful mix of tasty treats, mental stimulation, and downtime, you can create an experience that works for everyone in your home.
And if you know your dog might be more comfortable burning off energy or socializing with friends instead of navigating a busy house full of guests, Dogtopia can help! Bringing your dog to daycare on game day gives them a safe, structured environment where they can play, stay active, and enjoy their day just as much as you enjoy the big game. It also allows them to burn off energy and tires them out, so they’ll return sleepy and ready to relax, no matter what’s happening at home.
Whether your pup is celebrating at home or spending the day at Dogtopia, a little planning goes a long way in making game day a win for everyone involved. Contact a Dogtopia location near you to get started!
(Photo courtesy of instagram.com/dogtopialex/)
This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.
