Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with great responsibility. Puppies require time, attention, and a range of essentials to help them grow into happy, healthy, and well-behaved adult dogs. If you’re preparing for your first puppy, this guide will walk you through all the puppy essentials you need and explain why each one is so important.
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1. Food and Water Bowls
One of the first things on the list of puppy essentials is a set of food and water bowls. Your puppy needs consistent access to clean water and regular meals to ensure proper nutrition and hydration. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are the best options, as they are durable, easy to clean, and less likely to harbour bacteria compared to plastic. Puppies are playful and may knock over lighter bowls, so opt for weighted or non-slip designs to prevent spills.
These stainless steel dog bowls with a rubber base are perfect. They are non-slip, hard to knock over, and dishwasher safe.
If your puppy has a tendency to gobble down their food too fast, you might want a slow feeder bowl. This will help them to eat at a slower pace and prevent tummy aches. Check out this one on amazon.
2. Puppy Food
Choosing the right puppy food is crucial for your puppy’s health. Puppies require more calories, protein, and specific nutrients than adult dogs, so it’s important to feed them food designed specifically for their age. You’ll need to ensure the food contains the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to support healthy growth, bone development, and a strong immune system. Don’t forget a shiny coat!
The dog breeder or shelter where your puppy is coming from should provide you with a starter amount of the food the puppy is currently eating. It’s best to do a slow transition if you are changing their food, to not upset their stomach. You can do this by mixing the two puppy foods together for a few days and gradually making the new dog food the majority in the bowl.
3. Treats
Treats are not just for spoiling your puppy; they play a vital role in training and bonding. In the early days of having a puppy you’ll likely use treats for lots of positive reinforcement in the home. For example, when they go to the toilet in the correct place. Look for healthy, low-calorie treats specifically made for puppies. Avoid giving them human food or overly processed treats, as these can lead to weight gain and health issues.
Sometimes you’ll need to keep your puppy occupied for a longer period, and long-lasting treats, such as dental chews or rawhide alternatives, are perfect for this. Be sure to choose safe, high-quality treats that won’t pose a choking risk. Long-lasting treats provide your puppy with a healthy outlet for their natural chewing instincts and keep them entertained when you’re busy or away for a short time.
I love to get natural treats like these pig ears , however these might not be your cup of tea. A Yakkers Chew is another great long lasting chew that my dog loves, these are made from dried Yak milk. Get them on amazon here.
4. Collar and ID Tag
A comfortable collar with an ID tag is one of the most important things to get for your puppy from this list of puppy essentials. The collar should be lightweight, adjustable, and not too tight. You should be able to comfortably get 2 fingers underneath the puppy’s collar when it is fastened to their neck. If you can’t, loosen it a notch or two.
Puppies are curious and can easily wander off or get lost. A collar with an ID tag helps ensure that if your puppy goes missing, they can be quickly returned to you. Make sure the ID tag includes your contact details in case your puppy ever gets lost. In the UK, it is the law that dogs must be wearing an ID tag in public spaces, even if they are on the lead. You can be fined if not!
Getting a custom ID tag is far simpler than you’d think. You get them from Amazon for as little as £3.50 – my puppy has this cute little bone shaped one.
5. Harness
While collars are great for identification, using a harness for walks is better for your puppy’s comfort and safety. Harnesses provide more control and prevent strain on the puppy’s neck, especially during the early stages of lead training. A harness gives you more control during walks, making them safer and more enjoyable for both of you.
I used the Halti no-pull harness for lead walking training with my puppy before I was comfortable walking her on just the collar. This affordable harness is designed by experts to help prevent pulling on the lead. Check out my review of it here.
6. Lead
A lead is essential for outdoor walks and helps you control your puppy while exploring new environments. Choose a sturdy lead that’s not too long, ideally around 1.2 to 1.5 metres, which gives you control without restricting your puppy too much.
It’s great to have a couple of different types of leads, like an extendable one or long line lead for walks where your puppy can have more freedom.
7. Poo Bags
Puppy ownership comes with the responsibility of cleaning up after them. Biodegradable poo bags are an environmentally friendly option for disposing of your puppy’s waste while on walks or during outdoor playtime. My favourites are the Earth Rated Poo bags – get them on a subscription from Amazon and you’ll never find yourself caught short! Check them out here.
8. Bed
Every puppy needs a cosy and comfortable place to sleep. Puppies need plenty of sleep to support their development – around 18 hours per day. A comfortable bed helps them feel secure and ensures they get the rest they need. A soft, supportive bed is essential for their rest and relaxation. Look for a bed with washable covers, so you can keep it clean and smelling fresh. If your puppy is a breed which will grow quite big, I wouldn’t splash out too much on their first bed as it will need replacing in 6 months time!
9. Crate
Crate training is an excellent way to give your puppy a safe space where they can feel secure. A crate can also help with house training and prevent destructive behaviours when you’re not around. Make sure the crate is the right size – large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably but not so large that they use one corner as a toilet.
I’m a huge advocate for crate training, I think it’s a game changer when it comes to having a puppy in the house. I just couldn’t miss it off this puppy essentials list! Here are some great crate training tips if you’re thinking about adopting this practice too.
10. Soft Toys
Puppies love to snuggle and play, and soft toys are perfect for both. Choose plush toys that are durable and safe, without small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Soft toys often become a puppy’s comfort object, especially when they are settling into a new home.
11. Chew Toys
Teething puppies have a natural urge to chew, and if you don’t provide suitable chew toys, they may turn to furniture or shoes. Durable rubber chew toys can help satisfy this instinct and prevent destructive chewing in the home. Chew toys help relieve the discomfort of teething and they also promote healthy teeth and gums.
Toys like this Benebone wishbone for strong chewers were perfect for my puppy, and last a really long time.
12. Enrichment Toys
Puppies are intelligent and curious, so it’s important to keep their minds stimulated. Enrichment toys like puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys challenge your puppy’s brain and help prevent boredom. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for puppies. Trust me, playing with an enrichment toy can tire your dog out in half the time it takes to go on a walk! They’re especially helpful if you work from home – read more about working from home with a puppy here.
My favourite enrichment toy for my dog is this Kong Stuff-a-Ball, which she has to work hard to get the treats out of.
Another great option is a snuffle mat, which requires lots of sniffing to find treats. Here is a great one from Amazon.
13. Seatbelt
On to some of the more boring puppy essentials: When travelling by car, it’s vital to keep your puppy safe. A dog seatbelt or car harness helps to secure your puppy in place, preventing them from moving around or getting injured during a sudden stop. It’s important to attach the seatbelt to a harness instead of a collar, to avoid injuries to your puppy’s neck in the event of a sudden stop. See my recommendations for the best travel harnesses and seatbelts in this blog post.
14. Seat Cover
Puppies can make a mess of your car. Think about all the dirt, sand and water they can get covered in on their walks! Never mind all the hair they shed on a daily basis, depending on the breed. A waterproof seat cover protects your car’s upholstery from dirt, fur, and accidents. Many seat covers are easy to clean and can be removed and washed when needed.
I use this exact car seat cover from Amazon. It looks smart, is easy to wipe down, and even comes with a seatbelt. It has velcro pockets to feed the seatbelt through the cover.
15. Boot Crate or Boot Guard
If you prefer to keep your puppy in the boot of the car during travel, a boot crate or guard is essential. A boot crate provides a secure and comfortable space for your puppy, while a boot guard prevents them from jumping over the seats into the main area of the car. A boot quart is definitely the lowest cost option, while a boot crate can provide more security for your puppy, and stop them trying to jump out the boot as you open it.
This boot guard attaches to your head rests, and is super affordable at under £20. Link to Amazon here.
This boot crate is around £40, and comes with a bed as well. Link to Amazon here.
Conclusion
Bringing a new puppy into your life is a rewarding experience, but it requires preparation and the right equipment to ensure your puppy has everything they need to thrive. From food and water bowls to chew toys and seatbelts, each item on this list of puppy essentials plays a crucial role in supporting your puppy’s development, safety, and wellbeing.
Investing in these puppy essentials will set the foundation for a happy, healthy life with your new furry friend. Properly equipping yourself now will not only make the transition smoother but also help you build a strong bond with your puppy that will last a lifetime.
