New research from Lily’s Kitchen has highlighted the happiness pets bring their owners all year round, as two thirds (67%) reveal their four-legged family bring them more joy than Christmas, or even going on a luxury holiday (65%). 

With their boundless energy, mischievous tendencies and unwavering, unconditional love, more than half of the 2,000 pet parents surveyed believe their furry family members make them feel loved daily (56%), as well as feeling joyful (43%) and happy (65%). What’s more, the research suggests that we all need to up our romance game, as more than two-fifths (45%) report a cuddle with their pup or moggie is more likely bring them joy than a date night with their partner (33%).  

There’s no denying that the UK is a nation of pet lovers and, this festive season Lily’s Kitchen is encouraging pet parents across the country to celebrate the joy their furry family members bring them each and every day. And it seems they’re well on their way as this year a whopping 43% of pet parents admit to spending more time picking out a present for their beloved pet than for family members, and three quarters (75%) confess their pet is easier to buy for than their other half! An extra-special playtime toy (39%) and edible treats (32%) are top of pet parents’ gifting list for their dog or cat for Christmas 2023. And to show just how special they are every day, almost a quarter (23%) of pet parents have plans to count down to the big day with their pet this December by treating them to their own advent calendar.   

But Christmas is not just about the presents. Gathering the whole family for a festive feast is, for many, the real highlight of the season. And with dedicated Christmas delights flowing from the supermarket shelves, our pets shouldn’t have to miss out! Lily’s Kitchen seasonal recipes are made using top quality, natural ingredients, and include everything you need to serve up a showstopping banquet for your four-legged Kings and Queens from as little as £1.35.  

To spread the joy even further this festive season, Lily’s Kitchen is donating 100% of profits from the sale of the Three Bird Feast for dogs to Dogs Trust and Turkey Feast Paté for cats to London Inner City Kitties (L.I.C.K.) this Christmas. The limited-edition Christmas ranges for both dogs and cats are available from the Lily’s Kitchen website and will also be available at retailers including Pets at Home, Amazon, Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s. 

Samantha Crossley, UK Marketing Director at Lily’s Kitchen, said: “Pets bring us so much joy every day of the year, so it’s no wonder owners across the country want to cherish the furry members of their family during the festive season and include them in the celebrations.  

“The magic of Christmas never ends when the greatest gift is our family and friends, and here at Lily’s Kitchen we’ve always believed that pets are part of the family. So this Christmas, and every day, return some of the joy they bring by treating them to proper food made from natural ingredients.” 

Rory the Vet, Lily’s Kitchen vet ambassador, said: “I see the love my clients have for their pets every day in the practice – they mean the world to them and bring them endless joy, which is why we love to treat them. And when it comes to my dog Nala, I’m exactly the same as my clients! She is a huge part of my family and I love being able to include her in celebrations such as Christmas. Nala will definitely be getting her own 'Three Bird Feast' this year!" 

To celebrate the playful and endearing spirit of our beloved pets even more, Lily’s Kitchen has created a heartwarming 30-second advert, ‘Christmas Every Day’, which features a montage of happy cats and dogs from real pet parents, Dogs Trust centres and L.I.C.K. foster homes to show how pets bring the joy of Christmas every single day of the year – not just during the festive season. 

The advert highlights the adorable things pets do and how they make every day special for pet parents – from slobbery, morning kisses to dinner dances and cuddles on the sofa.