Puppy Essentials: Puppy Checklist of Everything You'll Need

Bringing a new puppy into your life is like opening a surprise package filled with wagging tails and chewed-up slippers. Exciting as it is, before you let the cuteness overload your entire home, it’s time for some serious prep work.

Puppy parents need to buy a whole host of supplies, from appropriate food and treats to grooming equipment, safety precautions, and more.

This new puppy checklist will explain all the necessary gear and supplies to transform your home into a haven for your new puppy. From must-have toys to necessary puppy-proofing gear, we’ve got you covered!

Puppy Essentials Checklist

Food and Treats

• Puppy Food: Choose a high-quality puppy food that matches your dog’s size and fits your budget. Small breeds need kibble that will fit their mouths, while larger breeds have other unique dietary requirements.
• Food and Water Bowls: Choose an option that’s easy to clean, like stainless steel.
• Treats: You’ll need treats for rewards. The smaller, the better, though you can break larger treats up into smaller pieces if necessary, especially for puppy training.
• Measuring Cup: Your puppy needs an exact amount of food for proper growth, so get an appropriately sized measuring cup for your pup.
• Food Storage Container: Buying dog food in bulk helps save money, but dog food does get stale unless stored in the proper container.

Sleeping

• Dog Bed: A comfortable, appropriately sized dog bed is a must for cozy naptimes! Consider something waterproof to help you make it through those first few weeks of potty training.
• Crate: We highly recommend crate-training your pup, if only to give them their own space. You can buy a large crate with a divider so you don’t need to upgrade as your pup grows.
• Blankets: A blanket or soft towel works well in your puppy’s crate. Just be sure it’s washer-safe.

Grooming

• Brush: Choose a brush that’s appropriate for your dog’s coat type. You may need to purchase several brushes if your dog’s grooming needs are more involved.
• Dog Shampoo: Choose a gentle, puppy-formulated option. Even if your dog doesn’t need to be bathed all that often, puppies tend to get dirty!
• Nail Clippers: Since dogs need regular nail trimmings, it’s a good idea to get them used to the process early!
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: It’s important to start your dog’s dental care right away. Not only will this help keep your puppy’s teeth clean, but it also gets them used to the process.

Training

• Leash and Collar/Harness: Choose lightweight, adjustable options that are comfortable while still being able to grow with your puppy.
• ID Tag: Your puppy should always wear an ID tag with your contact information on it.
• Training Clicker: If you decide to clicker-train your pup, it’s best to get started on day one.
• Training Books or Classes: Even if you’ve trained a puppy before, puppy training classes with a dog trainer can provide some much-needed socialization.

Dog Toys and Enrichment

• Chew Toys: Puppies will teethe, which typically involves a lot of chewing. Save your chair legs by investing in some quality chew toys and replacing them often.
• Puzzle Toys: Puppies need mental stimulation, too. Consider puzzle toys that challenge your dog’s mind to keep them entertained while you’re away.
• Fetch Toys: Many dogs like to play fetch, so balls are a must. Make sure they can fit in your dog’s mouth without being a choking hazard.

Health and Safety

• Vaccination Record: Whenever you adopt your puppy, ask for a copy of their vaccination record if the course has already been started. Then, whenever your puppy gets more vaccinations, ask for an updated copy. You never know when you’ll need to show proof of vaccination.
• Flea and Tick Prevention: Talk to your vet about flea and tick prevention for your pup.
• First Aid Kit: Stock up on basic supplies for minor injuries, like styptic powder.
• Pet Insurance: Consider investing in pet insurance for peace of mind and unexpected health problems.

Travel and Outdoors

• Travel Crate: Even if your dog eventually gets trained to ride in the car outside the crate, a crate for your puppy helps keep car trips safe until that happens.
• Portable Water Bottle: For hydration on the go, a portable water bottle is a must.
• Exercise Pen or Play Yard: If your yard isn’t fenced-in, a play yard you can put up outside can help your pup burn off some energy before they’re masters at walking on a leash.

Miscellaneous

• Training Pads: You may want to use training pads to help with potty training, though this isn’t necessary for all dogs. However, it’s usually best to start training your pup to go outside right away so they don’t get confused.
• Puppy-proofing Supplies: Puppy gates and furniture protectors are necessary to help prevent accidents. However, crate-training your dog also goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a new puppy home means purchasing the right supplies. Healthy dog food is a must, so consider checking out our line of high-protein dog food suitable for all life stages, including puppies. With no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and globally sourced ingredients, we’ve done the research necessary to ensure you keep your puppy happy and healthy as they grow!