Want to know the best puppy supplies? This post gives you our tried and true, top 15 essential items!
Congratulations on the exciting news! After a long wait, the time has finally come for you to welcome your new family member into your home. We understand that the idea of shopping for your new puppy can be a daunting task, given the huge variety of products available! In this post we’ve got you covered with our simplified, must-have best puppy supplies!
As an experienced breeder with over 15 years of knowledge in the field, I am confident that I can guide you in selecting only the essential products you’ll need to purchase for your puppy! Simply click the pictures of the items for direct links.
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1. The Best Dog Crate
First things first, the puppy’s crate. This is one of the most important supplies for your puppy. You simply would not bring home a new baby without a crib or bassinet, and the same goes for your new puppy. Think of the crate as their crib or safe place, rather than a pen. The most important thing when choosing a crate is to ensure that the bottom tray is removable and washable and that it comes with a divider panel. The divider panel will allow the crate to be made larger or smaller and grow with the puppy.
This double door crate is our top pick. It comes with a divider panel so it will grow with your new puppy which is extremely important for crate training. This crate also folds up and can slide under a bed or easily be taken in the car.
2. Vitamins
The next most important item to order before your new puppy arrives is vitamins! I have an entire blog post on why I recommend NuVet Vitamins and you can check out here.
These vitamins are made from human-grade ingredients and they are not heat processed, making them the best option for your pet. What’s more, NuVet vitamins are crafted in a human-grade lab and have to meet the same strict standards as human medications.
Unlike other pet vitamins on the market that may contain fillers or artificial binding agents, NuVet uses a high compression tableting machine to press the wafers, resulting in a pure and potent supplement that your pet will love. NuVet vitamins are a great choice for responsible pet owners who want to ensure their pet is getting the best possible nutrition.
3. Puppy Food
We feed our puppies Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food. This formula is carefully designed to promote healthy growth and development, utilizing a blend of natural ingredients, vitamins, and essential nutrients.
There are so many great puppy foods out there and Blue Buffalois just one of them. We do recommend to continue feeding this food when you first bring your puppy home since it is what they are used to. If you decide to switch foods do it slowly to avoid upset tummy’s!
4. Puppy Training Treats
It’s no surprise as soon as your puppy comes home the training will begin! Utilizing training treats can make all the difference in keeping your pup’s attention and reinforcing positive behavior. These are two of our favorite treats for training. We recommend having both on hand and alternating between the two during your training sessions. This trick will help keep your puppy engaged, as they will always have something “new” and exciting to look forward to during their training.
5. Stain & Order Remover
With new puppies, accidents will happen, but being prepared with the right cleaning supplies can make all the difference. That’s why it’s important to choose high-quality stain and odor removers that are specifically designed for puppy accidents. This will not only effectively clean up any messes, but also prevent your pet from going in the same spot again.
This stain and order eliminator is certified gentle and safe for pets and kids! It can be used on furniture, carpets, on clothes and even in your dogs crate.
6. Puppy Shampoo
Making sure your puppy enjoys bath time from an early age means they will be calm and relaxed during each bath. It’s important to remember to choose a shampoo that is specifically made for dogs as their pH balance is different from humans, and using the wrong shampoo can cause dryness and discomfort. Using the right shampoo will help keep your pet’s coat healthy and shiny and ensure their skin remains moisturized and protected.
This shampoo is great for any dog, but especially dogs with longer coats like Doodles as it detangles conditions and washes all at the same time. Plus, it is made with all organic ingredients which we love!
7. Ear Cleaner
Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry will be very beneficial for their health and helping to prevent infections. This gentle clear is great to use on a regular basis to keep those ears clean!
This ear cleaner is great for daily/weekly maintenance and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive ears! It is an alcohol free, non-irritating formula. Definitely a supply you will want to have one hand for your puppy.
8. Ear Medicine
I always recommend having a bottle of Zymox Otic on hand in case and ear infection does develop. This product is amazing for many dog ear problems including, itchy ears, ear infections, swimmer ear, inflammation or just plain smelly ears!
Zymox Otic is safe for dogs of all ages and a great supply to have on hand for your puppy.
9. Slicker Brush
Having a slicker brush for regular brushing will ensure you do not get any tangles or mats on your new puppy! This type of brush is amazing for Doodles or any dog with longer hair.
Slicker brushes are the absolute best type of brush for dogs with longer hair. They eliminate tangles, knots and mats with the long bristles that separate each piece of hair.
10. Collar & Leash
You absolutely will want to have a collar, leash, and name tag before getting your new puppy. There are many different types of collars and leashes, and a lot of them just come down to preference and what your specific puppy does best with. I recommend having a collar that is adjustable and will fit the puppy snugly at first but allow for some growth. Many people ask about harnesses, and while I love them for older puppies/adult dogs, most of them are just too bulky for an 8-week-old puppy. I recommend waiting until they are closer to 12-16 weeks to introduce a harness.
11. Dog Bed
I have found that almost all puppies love to have a dog bed that can be kept in a family room where everyone hangs out. If you are not going to allow your dog on the furniture it is important for them to have their own space to lay.
This dog bed is super soft and the puppies normally love to cuddle up in it! When the puppies are together with their litter mates they all climb on each other into a big pile to sleep. The softness of this dog bed tends to remind them of their siblings!
12. Dog Food and Water Bowls
Another essential item to add to your shopping list are food and water bowls. These bowls come in a variety colors and they are dishwasher safe, have a cute stand, and are made at the perfect height for puppies. Not only will these bowls be easy to clean and maintain, but they will also look cute in your home!
13. Puppy Toys
When it comes to getting a new puppy, one of the most exciting things you get to do as an owner is to shop for puppy toys! The options are endless, with so many different types of toys, bones, balls and more to choose from. It’s easy to get carried away and want to buy everything in sight, but it’s important to remember not to purchase too many toys at once. In fact, it’s recommended that you start with just a few toys initially, so that your puppy can learn to differentiate between their new toys and other household items like shoes, coffee table legs, or purses.
By providing your new puppy with a limited selection of toys, you can help them better understand what is acceptable to chew on and what is not. Instead of bombarding your pup with 100s of toys, it’s more effective to find and purchase a few toys they really love and enjoy playing with. Some great options for puppy toys include bones, balls, and other interactive toys that will help keep your pup occupied and happy. So have fun picking out some new toys, but remember to be mindful of your puppy’s needs and behavior when making your selections.
14. Nail Clippers & Kwik Stop
With the right products, keeping your puppies nails trimmed can easily be done at home, so you do not always have to take them to the vet or groomer. Not only are they efficient and easy to use, but they also come with a safety feature that ensures you won’t accidentally cut their nails too short. In the event that a nail does get cut too short and starts to bleed, we suggest having a container of Kwik Stop powder nearby. This product is great for instantly stopping any bleeding, a must have supply for your puppy!
15. Poop Bags and Dispenser
This dispenser for dog poop bags makes taking your puppy out on walks even more convenient. It’s easy to attach to your backpack, purse, headrest, or leash, and perfect for hiking, camping, or traveling. These bags are extra strong, leak-proof, and environmentally friendly, a must have supply for your puppy!
