What Do I Need For A Puppy? A Guide For New Puppy Parents

“What do I need for a puppy?” Not as much as you might think!

New puppies are exciting, but they can require a lot of work.

Some of the most important products for a new puppy are: a good quality food, a comfortable bed, and plenty of toys!

Preparing for a pup in advance can make caring for them a lot easier. So, take a look at our complete checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Products included in this article were carefully and independently selected by the Happy Puppy Site team. If you decide to make a purchase from one of the links marked by an asterisk, we may earn a small commission on that sale. This is at no extra cost to you.

Before You Get Your Puppy

Before you get your new dog, it’s best to prepare!

But don’t worry, you’re on the right track.

You’re already asking “what do I need for a puppy”, which means you’re doing your research.

And to help you on your way, we have everything you need for a new puppy listed below.

Get your pen and pad ready, because here are all the supplies needed for a pup.

What do I need for a puppy?

Here’s our ultimate checklist.

• high quality puppy food
• water and food bowls 
• crate and/or puppy pads
• leash, harness, and collar
• puppy playpen
• puppy gates (or baby gates)
• 5 or 6 puppy-friendly toys
• puppy safe treats
• bedding
• grooming brush
• puppy shampoo
• and a quality dog nail trimmer

Going Beyond the List

Why are all these things needed for a puppy, anyway? Are the supplies needed for a new pup really that important?

The truth is, being proactive before getting a new dog is going to ease what could be a somewhat exhausting process.

Not to mention that the above list of things needed for a puppy are things that are going to help you and your new friend thrive!

So, let us explain why the above-listed items needed for new puppy are so important.

Puppy Food – What To Look For

Up until your puppy is one year old, he will need a high-quality puppy food specially formulated for his age, size, and development.

Puppy food contains more nutrients than adult dog food does and a puppy needs these special nutrients to grow and develop properly.

Your pup might come home with a bag of the food his breeder has weaned him onto.

Either way, continue to give him the same diet he was weaned onto when he arrives, and make any changes gradually.

Ask your vet if you’re unsure when or how to transition to a new diet.

Different Types of Food

Also, keep in mind that larger breed puppies are going to need different types of puppy food than smaller breeds.

Make sure you read the puppy-food packages to be sure you are getting your pup the proper food for his breed.

Larger breed puppies should eat food that is formulated for their rapid growth into adulthood.

Choosing Puppy Food

Our favorite puppy foods have proteins as their first main ingredients, not to mention all the nutrients puppies need to flourish.

We’ve written extensively about the best puppy foods here. But, there are plenty of great examples out there.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food

Hill’s Science Diet puppy food* is just one great example.

Hill’s Science Diet Small Breed Food

And for the most petite pups there’s Hill’s Science Diet small breed puppy food*.

Both contain DHA that supports brain, eye, and skeletal development as well as antioxidants and vitamins to maintain a healthy immune system!

Taste of the Wild Natural Food

We also love Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food*.

It contains lots of protein for lean muscle development as well as superfoods, antioxidants, DHA, and smaller, puppy-friendly kibbles.

Remember that their kibble will make up their training treats too.

So it’s important to pick a really healthy one.

What do I Need for a Puppy’s Meals?

We recommend ceramic or stainless-steel bowls since they are easy to clean and won’t harbor bacteria like plastic does.

Plus, ceramic and stainless-steel dog bowls are dishwasher safe and come in hundreds of cute designs!

Mason Cash Non-Tip Bowl

This non-tip bowl from Mason Cash* is a design classic that comes in five different sizes.

Super Design Non-Slip Dish

This non-slip doggy dish by Super Design* makes cleaning up after messy eater a breeze by catching scattered crumbs.

Weebo Pets Stainless Steel Bowl

And for some extra flair, check out this pink stainless-steel no-tip bowl by Weebo Pets*.

Everything You Need For A Puppy – A Crate or Puppy Pads

Whether you are planning to crate-train or you want to use puppy pads, you’re going to need something to keep your puppy’s potty off your floors!

Basic Metal Dog Crate

Crate training? Here is a basic metal dog crate* by Carlson Pet Products.

And for those of you who are on the move often, perhaps you want something a bit more portable for your pup?

2Pet Foldable Dog Crate

Why not look at getting a foldable dog crate* by 2Pet?

Keep in mind you’ll want to make your puppy’s crate a comfortable space he feels safe in.

Line the floor of the crate with soft bedding and be sure to offer your puppy his favorite toy while he is in there.

Puppy Pads

Why not try HARTZ Home Protection Lavender Scent*?

These pads lock moisture in which helps to prevent odors and leaks, and the best part is that the urine doesn’t spread along the pad.

Leash, Harness and Collar

There is more to a collar, leash, and harness than just aesthetics.

Your puppy is new to “wearing” things, so when picking out a collar, look for a soft, adjustable one that won’t irritate his sensitive neck.

Keep in mind that you’ll likely go through many collars as your dog grows and ages.

For now, get the one that suits his needs.

Blueberry Pet Collars

These puppy collars from Blueberry Pet* are a sweet place to start.

You will also want a leash that is about four to six feet long.

Keep in mind that your first few walks are going to be pretty interesting since most puppies have no idea what a leash is or why it’s attached to them.

Blueberry Pet Durable Leashes

Blueberry Pet also make a collection of durable leashes in a kaleidoscope of colors*, perfect for your puppy!

And because puppies are small, we recommend harnesses instead of attaching the leashes to their collars.

Puppies can be susceptible to tracheal collapse and other injuries if too much pressure is applied to their throats.

EcoBark Adjustable Harnesses

Here are some soft, adjustable harnesses* by EcoBark Pet Supplies.

A Puppy Playpen

You are not going to want to let your new dog wander the house while you’re in the midst of training him.

For one, puppies have no idea they are supposed to be potty trained and will just go wherever they please at first.

Not to mention that puppies are like toddlers, and they tend to chew on things they shouldn’t like wires, furniture, and clothing.

Whenever you can’t supervise them, you’ll want to be sure that they’re confined to an area where they’re safe and their accidents are contained

Foldable Exercise Pen

So, while you’re in the middle of puppy-proofing and potty training, we recommend playpens, like this foldable metal exercise pen*.

Portable Playpen

We also like this portable playpen* option by Unleashed.

Puppy Gates (or Baby Gates!)

Your puppy shouldn’t have access to the entire house at once.

Just a single room with a wipe clean floor to begin with.

This will really help potty training to get established, and you can achieve it with baby gates.

Regalo Expandable Gates

These expandable gates from Regalo* do the job well.

Animal’s Favorite Retractable Gate

If you don’t want to have to see your gate while it;s not in use, a retractable gate like this one* from Animals’ Favorite might be the answer.

Puppy-Friendly Toys

Puppies love to play, so you’ll want to keep yours entertained so he doesn’t become bored and therefore destructive.

The American Kennel Club recommends 5 to 6 toys that you can interchange, keeping your pooch on his paws and busy at all times!

Pets Skinneeez Crinklers Toy

My pup absolutely adores her Pets Skinneeez Crinklers toy*. It’s crinkly-noises keep her entertained for hours!

Yotache Puppy Toy Set

We also love this puppy toy set* by Yotache.

PetSafe Treat Dispenser

And this toy that doubles as a treat dispenser* by PetSafe.

Bedding

Puppies love being warm and snuggly during nap and bedtime.

Their bedding needs to be soft and gentle, yet withstand a lot of washing!

Comspart Puppy Blankets

These puppy blankets by Comspart* come in a handy multipack, and can be washed over and over again.

Animal’s Favorite Pet Bed

This easy-to-clean pet bed from Animals’ Favorite* comes in different sizes so you can always find the perfect fit.

Deep Dish Cuddler Bed

And I know my puppy feels like a princess in her Deep Dish Cuddler bed*! It’s machine washable, and has a waterproof bottom.

Regardless of the bedding you choose, we recommend that you get some extra bedding to interchange in your puppy’s crate or playpen in case of accidents.

Grooming Brush

All dogs need a bit of brushing in some form or another.

GripSoft Bristle Brush

A soft-bristled brush such as the GripSoft Bristle Brush* is perfect for everyday brushing and getting your puppy used to being groomed.

LilPals Double Sided Comb

For puppies with longer hair, you’ll want a metal comb  like this double sided comb* by LilPals.

Grooming gloves are great for puppies who are big shedders.

Puppy Shampoo

Along with a brush, you’ll want to get a gentle, high-quality shampoo.

Pet Care Sciences 5 in 1

One of my favorites is made by Pet Care Sciences*.

This brand offers pet shampoos that are natural and do not only clean your pup but are also gentle on his sensitive skin and fur.

All Natural Tearless Shampoo and Conditioner

I also like Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Tearless Shampoo and Conditioner*.

And Finally – A Quality Dog Nail Trimmer

Not only do puppies have sharp, needle-like nails, but their nails can grow like weeds!

Unless you plan on taking your dog to the groomer once a week just for a nail trimming, we recommend you get a high-quality nail trimmer.

Be sure to research how short to trim your puppy’s nails, as trimming too short could cause bleeding, pain, and even infection.

However, not trimming your puppy’s nails could lead to cracking and breaking, which could also lead to pain and infection.

These OmegaPet Best Dog Nail Clippers with Quick Sensor* have a safety guard which lets you clip your pup’s nails without fearing you’ll cut too short.

What Do I Need for a Puppy?

Along with consistency, patience, and lots of love, your puppy is going to need veterinary visits, and plenty of socialization and obedience training.

All of this is key to raising a happy, healthy, and well-rounded pup!

So, Now You’re Set!

You know everything you need for a puppy and everything a they’ll needs from you!

Go forth now into doggy-parenthood confidently, and enjoy your new family member!

Do you Think We’ve Missed Anything?

Is there anything else you had, or wished you had had, when you brought your first pup home?

Add your must-haves to the list using the comments box!

Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

References

• Kersti Seksel, Puppy Socialization Classes, Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 1997
• Lara Batt, et al, The Effects of Structured Sessions for Juvenile Training and Socialization on Guide Dog Success and Puppy-Raiser Participation, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2008
• Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett, Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior, 2015
• Brian Hare, Michael Tomasello, Human-Like Social Skills in Dogs?, Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2005