New Puppy Checklist: Puppy Essentials You'll Need

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, and a little chaotic. The easiest way to make the first few weeks go smoothly is to have everything ready before your puppy walks through the door.

This new puppy checklist covers every essential: food, sleep, training, grooming, toys, health and travel. Start with the must-haves below, then work through the full list.

Puppy Essentials Checklist

Food and Treats

• Puppy food: Choose a complete, high-protein puppy food made for your dog's expected adult size. Large and giant breeds have different nutritional needs than small breeds. For the first week, keep feeding what your puppy ate before, then switch gradually over 7–10 days.
• Food and water bowls: Stainless steel is easy to clean and hard to chew. A heavy-duty steel bowl holds up to puppies that like to flip and chew their dishes.
• Measuring scoop: Puppies need the right amount of food to grow at a healthy pace. A measuring scoop keeps portions consistent.
• Training treats: Small, soft treats are best for puppy training, because you'll use a lot of them.
• Food storage container: An airtight container keeps kibble fresh. Store food in its original bag inside the container so you keep the lot number and feeding guide.

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Sleeping

• Crate: A crate gives your puppy a safe space of their own and makes potty training much easier. Buy one that fits your dog's adult size and use a divider while they're small.
• Bed: Pick a washable, chew-resistant bed. Expect a few accidents in the first weeks.
• Blankets: A dog blanket or soft towel works well in the crate. Make sure it's machine-washable.

Puppies sleep a lot, often 18–20 hours a day. See our puppy daily schedule for how to plan naps, meals and potty breaks.

Training

• Leash and collar or harness: Choose comfortable, adjustable gear and check the fit often, since puppies grow fast. A bungee training leash absorbs sudden pulls from strong, excitable pups.
• ID tag: Your puppy should always wear a tag with your phone number. Ask your vet about microchipping too.
• Training clicker: If you plan to clicker-train, start on day one.
• Puppy classes: Even if you've trained dogs before, a puppy class is one of the best ways to socialize your puppy.
• Potty supplies: Poop bags, an enzyme cleaner for accidents and, if you need them, training pads. See our guide on how to potty train a puppy.

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Grooming

• Brush: Choose one that suits your dog's coat. Short-coated breeds do well with a rubber grooming mitt.
• Dog shampoo: Pick a gentle, puppy-safe formula. Puppies don't need frequent baths, but they do get dirty.
• Nail clippers or grinder: Handle your puppy's paws often so nail trims are no big deal later.
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste: Start early so brushing becomes routine. Never use human toothpaste.

Dog Toys and Enrichment

• Chew toys: Teething puppies chew everything. Give them tough options like a chew ring to save your shoes and furniture, and replace toys once they start breaking apart.
• Tug toys: A sturdy tug toy is great for bonding and teaching "drop it."
• Fetch toys: Pick a ball that's too big to swallow. A heavy-duty dog ball holds up to strong chewers.
• Puzzle toys: Food puzzles and lick mats give your puppy something to do when you're busy.

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Health and Safety

• A vet appointment: Book a checkup for your puppy's first week home.
• Vaccination records: Get a copy from the breeder or shelter, and keep it updated after every visit. Learn more in our guide to puppy health.
• Flea, tick and heartworm prevention: Ask your vet what your puppy needs and when to start.
• First aid kit: Include gauze, vet wrap, styptic powder and your vet's emergency number.
• Pet insurance: Worth considering before any health problems show up.
• Puppy-proofing: Baby gates, cord covers and latches for trash cans and cabinets. Move cleaning products, medications and toxic foods out of reach.

Travel and Outdoors

• Travel crate or car harness: Keeps your puppy safe in the car.
• Portable water bottle: For walks, hikes and car rides.
• Exercise pen or play yard: Useful indoors or out, especially if your yard isn't fenced.

Puppy Starter Pack

Want to cover food and supplements in one order? The Bully Max Puppy Starter Pack bundles our 24/14 high-protein puppy food, Puppy Chews for immunity and growth, a heavy-duty leash and more.

Final Thoughts

A new puppy needs a lot of gear, but the most important thing you'll buy is their food. Bully Max high-protein puppy food is made in the USA with meat-based nutrition. Every batch is triple tested for safety, and we've never had a recall.

FAQ

What do I need before bringing a puppy home?

At minimum: puppy food, bowls, a measuring scoop, treats, a crate, a washable bed, a collar or harness with an ID tag, a leash, chew toys, an enzyme cleaner and a vet appointment.

What size crate should I get for a puppy?

Buy a crate that fits your dog's adult size and use a divider so your puppy has just enough room to stand, turn around and lie down.

Should I change my puppy's food right away?

No. Feed the same food your puppy was eating for the first week, then switch gradually over 7–10 days to avoid an upset stomach.

What toys are safe for puppies?

Choose toys that are too big to swallow and tough enough for chewing. Supervise play and throw away toys that start breaking apart.