Are you ready for some football?  How about some Puppy Football? Then join us in planning a party for the 18^th annual Puppy Bowl on February 13^th to watch Team Fluff and Team Ruff in a fierce competition for the “Lombarky Trophy”!

A penalty will be called for any Pup Guests who don’t enthusiastically join in the fun by barking at the TV when the starting lineup takes the field.  This crew looks ready for action and eager to get their turn at scoring for their team.

This pack of Corgis could provide some substitutes for the starting lineup, but they look a little mystified by the game – could it be that they are wondering why the game ball is brown – and not a soccer ball?  Oh, those confused British puppies.  We are expecting a few fumbles from this crowd.

Planning for Puppy Bowl Sunday 

The Puppy Bowl will be packed with action with adorable puppies chasing, fetching, guarding, and sprinting to the end zone to score for their team.  You won’t want to miss the Kitty Half-Time show with more irresistible cuteness.

This year’s event features 118 adoptable puppy players from 67 rescue groups and shelters across 33 states. My dog and I will give an extra cheer for Emily on Team Fluff representing the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland in Maine where we live. The 3-hour Puppy Bowl XVIII will stream on discovery+, or you can watch it on Animal Planet at 2 p.m. ET.

Beer for Dogs and Beer Flavored Pet Treats 

Food and drink for this party is easy and fun.  Beer and Popcorn complete the theme for the Pups and the Pup Parents with our ideas for a Beer Cocktail, the Black and Tan, beer for dogs, beer-flavored pup treats, and a popcorn Pup Treat.

You should not give your dog the beer that you drink because alcohol can be dangerous for dogs, even in limited quantities. The good news is that there is beer that is made for dogs that you can serve safely as it is non-carbonated and without alcohol. Some of the commercial brands that are available are BarkBrew Beef Ale, Beer Paws Party Packs, Bowser Beer for Dogs, Good Boy Dog Beer, and Dog Brew by Busch.

Here is a fun and easy dog-friendly popcorn recipe for your party.

Bacon Peanut Butter Popcorn 

Ingredients

• 4 cups unsalted popcorn
• 10 ounces carob chips
• 1 cup crumbled bacon
• 1 cup peanut butter, unsalted, organic and xylitol-free

Important note: Carob chips are NOT chocolate chips.  Do not use chocolate chips as a substitute.

Directions

• Melt the carob chips and peanut butter together in a small bowl.
• In a large bowl, mix the popcorn, bacon and the carob-peanut butter mixture.
• Stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
• Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until firm.
• Serve in 1 cup scoops.

You can also find beer flavored pet treats including several flavors from the Portland Pet Food Company: Bacon Brew, Beef Broth Brew, and Pumpkin Brew. Click on the item to purchase.

The Beer Cocktail: The Black and Tan 

I always plan a special cocktail to coordinate with the theme of our party.  The Black and Tan pairs perfectly with Salted Butter Popcorn so have a giant bowl ready for your guests to devour. It is okay to share popcorn with your pup, but probably better to give them the unsalted and unbuttered variety.

 

Black and Tan Cocktail 

Ingredients 

• 6 ounces pale ale beer
• 6 ounces Guiness stout beer

Directions 

• Fill a pint glass halfway with the pale ale.
• Float the Guiness on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon to fill the glass.
• Serve – and Cheers!

Another fun idea for your Pup Parent Guests is to serve a variety of locally brewed beers.  A perfect addition to your Puppy Bowl Swag Bag is a 4-pack of these beers for enjoyment post-game at home.

The Puppy Bowl Bandana 

The MVP (Most Valuable Pup) of my family is Beckham – and he has the bandana to prove it!  Sadly, his team, the New England Patriots, are not playing in the Super Bowl this year, but for fellow Pup Fans, you can wear your pride in your team and their rookie quarterback with these adorable bow ties and bandanas, which can be found on our website at www.properlyposhpets.com.

The Puppy Bowl Swag Bag

We’ve collected some fun items for your Puppy Bowl Swag Bag – Dog Beer and Dog Beer Toys!  Include one of the Dog Beer brands we listed above. Click on the item to purchase.

Interested in more ideas for a pet football party? Check out Posh Celebrations, our award-winning party book that includes 7 themed pet parties available on Amazon.

The Kitty Half-Time Show 

Along with the action-packed Puppy Bowl, you won’t want to miss the Kitty Half-Time Show with adoptable kittens dancing their way through a purrfect beach party this year. These adorable kittens look ready for their prime-time performance.

Who Doesn’t Like Puppies and Kittens – and Beer and Popcorn?

Puppies playing football & kittens cheering and dancing – what better way is there to start off a new year full of parties with your friends and their pups.

Making memories with your dog – one Dog Beer at a time!