Reviewed by Marcus Maximo, Co-Founder & Canine Nutrition Specialist. Updated .
TL;DR
National Dog Day is celebrated every August 26, which lands on a Wednesday in 2026. It honors dogs of all breeds and raises awareness about shelter adoption. The simplest way to mark it: give your dog a long-lasting natural chew, spend extra time together, and support a local shelter. Natural Farm runs its National Dog Day sale around the holiday.
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National Dog Day falls on August 26, and 2026 is no different. It's the one day a year built specifically around celebrating dogs, and it doubles as a good excuse to treat yours to something better than the usual snack. Below is what the holiday actually is, easy ways to celebrate, which natural chews and food make the best National Dog Day gifts, and where to find Natural Farm's National Dog Day deals and sales.
This guide covers National Dog Day gift ideas and celebration tips for US dog owners. For gift picks by dog type, jump to the gift guide below.
When is National Dog Day 2026?
National Dog Day 2026 falls on . The date never moves. Unlike holidays that shift around with the calendar, National Dog Day is fixed on August 26 every single year, so you can plan around it well in advance. Natural Farm's sale runs in the window around the holiday, usually in the days leading up to and including the 26th.
What is National Dog Day, and why August 26?
National Dog Day is a US holiday that celebrates dogs of every breed and background while raising awareness about the number of dogs waiting in shelters. Pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige founded it in 2004, and New York State later recognized it through legislation in 2013. You can read the full background on National Day Calendar's National Dog Day page.
The date isn't random. August 26 is the day Paige's family adopted their first dog, a Sheltie, from a local shelter when she was 10. That adoption is the whole point of the holiday: it's a celebration of dogs, yes, but it's also a nudge to give a shelter dog a home. Keep that in mind, because it shapes the best way to spend the day.
National Dog Day vs the "dog days" of summer
These two get mixed up constantly, so here's the clean version. National Dog Day is a single holiday on August 26 that celebrates dogs and encourages adoption. The "dog days" are something else entirely: the hottest stretch of summer, roughly early July to mid-August.
The phrase goes back to ancient Greek and Roman astronomers, who noticed that the year's hottest weeks lined up with the rising of Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, the "Greater Dog." They called that period the dog days. So one is about your dog, and the other is about a star. No connection beyond the word.
Best National Dog Day gifts by type of dog
Skip the toy aisle. If you're shopping for a National Dog Day gift, a natural chew is the smarter buy: it lasts longer than most toys, gives your dog a real job to do, and won't end up as a pile of stuffing by lunch. Here's how to match the chew to the dog you actually live with.
Puppies and small breeds
French Bulldogs and Dachshunds top the AKC's most popular breeds list, and both are small-mouthed dogs that need smaller, softer chews. Start with a variety Natural Farm treat bundle so you can find a favorite without betting the whole order on one flavor.
Everyday adult chewers
For most adult dogs, a classic single-ingredient bully stick is the safe default. Browse Natural Farm bully sticks, which are naturally odor-free and fully digestible, so there's no harsh smell during chew time and nothing artificial to worry about.
Strong, determined chewers
Labradors, German Shepherds, and any dog that demolishes a chew in five minutes need thicker, longer-lasting options. Size up within the same Natural Farm bully sticks in larger sizes, and look for braided or jumbo formats that hold up to serious jaw work.
A mealtime upgrade
If you'd rather spoil your dog at dinner than with a chew, the freeze-dried and Natural Farm dog food line turns August 26 into a better bowl. The freeze-dried recipes are built around real, protein-rich meat.
Whatever you pick, two rules keep chew time safe: choose a size that suits your dog, and supervise, taking the chew away once it's worn down to a small piece.
How to celebrate National Dog Day
You don't need a party. The best version of the day is usually just more of what your dog already loves, with a little extra attention thrown in.
- Take a longer walk than usual, or drive somewhere new like a trail or a favorite park.
- Hand over a new chew or a meal upgrade your dog hasn't tried before.
- Give back the way the holiday intends: donate to, foster for, or adopt from a local shelter. The ASPCA's adopt a pet resources are a solid starting point.
- Take a few photos. National Dog Day is one of the biggest pet days on social media, and it's a low-effort way to spread the adoption message.
How to save on Natural Farm year-round
Here's the part most people miss: you don't have to wait for August 26 to spend less. Subscribe & Save gives you a recurring discount on the chews and food your dog already goes through, the orders arrive on a schedule you set, and you can pause or cancel anytime. It's the most practical fit for dog food and for chews a heavy chewer burns through fast. Natural Farm ships nationwide, with free shipping on US orders over $79.
Frequently asked questions
Is National Dog Day the same as International Dog Day?
For most purposes, yes. August 26 is observed as National Dog Day in the United States and as International Dog Day in several other countries, and both were started by the same advocate, Colleen Paige. The focus is the same: celebrating dogs and encouraging shelter adoption.
What kind of deals and sales does Natural Farm run for National Dog Day?
Natural Farm runs seasonal discounts on single-ingredient chews, treat bundles, and dog food around August 26 each year. The exact products and savings change from year to year, and any active discount is applied automatically at checkout in USD.
Are there National Dog Day freebies?
The main free perk at Natural Farm is free shipping on US orders over $79. Any seasonal extras tied to the National Dog Day sale show up on the sale page during the event. For ongoing value rather than a one-time freebie, Subscribe & Save lowers the price on the products your dog uses most.
What is a good National Dog Day gift for a dog?
A long-lasting natural chew is the easiest win. It outlasts most toys, keeps your dog busy, and works for nearly every dog once you match the size. For a safe choice, pick a single-ingredient chew like a bully stick over anything with fillers or additives.
Are bully sticks a good National Dog Day treat?
Yes. Bully sticks are single-ingredient, fully digestible, and naturally odor-free, which makes them an easy treat for most adult dogs. Choose a size that suits your dog, supervise chew time, and take away the end piece once it gets short.
How can I celebrate National Dog Day if I work all day?
Keep it simple. A new chew in the morning, a longer walk when you get home, and a few minutes of undivided attention go further than anything elaborate. If you're truly out of time, an online order of your dog's favorites still counts.
Is National Dog Day a good time to adopt a dog?
It can be. National Dog Day was created partly to encourage shelter adoption, so many shelters run adoption events around August 26. If you're ready for the commitment, the ASPCA's adopt a pet resources are a good place to start your search.
How do I get the best National Dog Day deals at Natural Farm?
Natural Farm runs seasonal discounts around August 26, and any active discount is applied automatically at checkout in USD. For savings the rest of the year, Subscribe & Save lowers the price on the chews and food your dog already uses, and US orders over $79 ship free.
