How to Throw Your Dog the Ulti-Mutt Puppy Bowl Party

The big game is right around the corner. That's right — it's Puppy Bowl season! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the most adorable championship in all of sports, and it’s shaping up to be the cutest ever. Invite all your puppy-loving friends and throw a doggone good watch party with these ideas.

Make a Menu Gameplan

Like any game day event, a top-notch Puppy Bowl party is all about the food. For two-legged guests, classic watch party crowd-pleasers like a chili bar, dips and charcuterie are the way to go. We also love these hand-held snack ideas, so you'll always have a free hand for giving plenty of belly rubs.

Score major points with furry party-goers with a selection of homemade dog treats, like these peanut butter dog biscuits. We also recommend setting up a few extra drink stations to avoid a backup at the water bowl.

Decide on the Starting Line Up

To ensure everyone has a stress-free day, give plenty of thought to what other animals will be in attendance. It may sound like a blast to invite every dog you know, but hosting a smaller group of pups who have already met and played together is safest. And, while there is the Kitty Halftime Show to look forward to, it's best to leave feline friends at home.

Draw Up Some Big Plays

At a typical watch party, the main event is, well, watching. But a room full of dogs may not be interested in sitting still for very long. (Including the pregame and halftime show, the Puppy Bowl has a three-hour run time.) Plan to bring everyone outside to stretch their legs with a round of fetch or have enrichment games on hand to keep tails wagging.

Everyone’s a Winner

Pack up leftover treats to send home with every fur baby. You'll be a shoe-in for MVH (most valuable human).

Tune into Puppy Bowl XX on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2p|1c on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Max and discovery+.