The day you bring your new pup home will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your life and one you'll look back on for years to come. But you can be so caught up in the magic of it all that you just simply forget about what you need to buy for a new puppy. So that you are ready to be able to kick-start life with your brand-new bouncing ball of fur, we've rounded up the all-important items, covering everything from puppy food, to toys and pee pads.
Whether you’re getting your first dog or adding to your already growing dog brood – the weeks leading up to getting your puppy feel like some of the longest weeks of your life as you patiently wait for your pup to become part of your family. As you think about all the cuddles you're going to get, it is so easy to get lost in the excitement of it all and overlook the simple fact that a lot of planning and preparation is needed to get you ready for the new addition. For example, do you need to buy puppy milk? Is wet or dry food best? These are complex questions we can help you answer.
What to buy for a new puppy shortlist:
• Best dry puppy food: AVA Optimum Health Medium Breed Dry Puppy Food
• Most durable dog bed: 3 Peaks Durable Square Dog Bed
• Best value puppy pads: Just For Puppy Training Pads
• Best simple dog collar: Pets at Home Dual Dog Collar
• Best toy multipack: WeFine Puppy Dog Chew Toys Teething Training
• Best puppy shampoo: Animology Puppy Love Shampoo
To stop you from feeling overwhelmed before and after you pick up your puppy, we’ve put together a handy guide of everything you need to buy to help you (and them) become the best dog parents ever. We've also highlighted things you really need in the first few weeks and the things you can simply pick up along the way to avoid overspending.
Puppy food
Finding the right puppy food is a really important part of any pup's lifestyle and will not only help them grow but will also shape future eating habits. We've already rounded up the best wet and dry puppy food, but here are a few stand-out suggestions that you might want to consider.
It's recommended that you invest in different food for puppies up until they're twelve months of age. Some dog parents even start to move their puppy onto adult food after six months of eating it. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same time so you'll want to double-check with your vet before you wean your pup off of puppy food.
Best dry puppy food
Pets At Home www.petsathome.com
Recommended by veterinarians, AVA Optimum Health Dry Puppy Food is a great choice if you want something trustworthy. With Imutiva, easily digested proteins and a hypoallergenic recipe, this is perfect for any sensitive stomach. Calcium and Phosphorous help to maintain strong teeth and bones, while Omega 3 and 6 help keeps their skin and coat in excellent condition.
Customer review: "After trying 3 different brands Ava saved me, my 10-week puppy was having very runny stools so I tried Ava and was amazed that his stools are now normal. One happy puppy!"
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- A source of easily digestible protein
Cons
- Some reviews say the new reseal mechanism is a pain to use
Best wet puppy food
AmazonHarringtons Grain Free Wet Puppy Food is a complete and balanced meal and ticks all the boxes when it comes to catering for the needs of all growing puppies. It uses fresh ingredients, is freshly cooked, grain-free and is packed full of vitamins and minerals. It contains salmon oil as a natural source of Omega 3 to aid in cognitive development.
Customer review: "My puppy really enjoyed this grain-free food. The portions were large and very good value for money. My puppy seems to have even more energy now."
Pros
- Made with 70 per cent chicken, which is great for growing pups who need protein
- Contains chicory extract, which is a prebiotic known to support digestive health
Cons
- Messy to store once opened
If your pup has tummy troubles, you may want to consider getting them puppy food for sensitive stomachs that are made without ingredients that dogs are commonly allergic or intolerant to.
Food and water bowls
Dog bowls may be one of the easiest things to buy for your new puppy, but you need to take into consideration how much your dog may grow (and how quickly) when choosing the size. Many dog owners choose to buy a slow feeder bowl from the get-go, as it slows down dinner time and reduces the risk of tummy issues. Plus, making food fun is a great way to keep your new puppy engaged.
Best slow feeder puppy bowl
AmazonThe Tineer Double Pet Dog Slow Feeder Bowl is a great-sized slow feeder bowl to make sure your pup doesn't gulp its food down quickly and prevents indigestion. It comes with both a slow feeder bowl and stainless steel water bowl and it's got an anti-slip bottom to stop the bowl from sliding about while your pup is chowing down.
Customer review: "Bought this for our pup who was eating too fast at the time. He’s grown out of it now but it worked for us then. The bowl is very small, towards the end of use we did have to feed him one scoop, let him eat, and then feed him the rest of his food. That got annoying but if you have a small pup I’m sure it’ll be perfect for your needs."
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Stainless steel water bowl is removable for easy cleaning and refilling
Cons
- It is small, so may not be suitable for larger breed pups that require more food
Best stainless steel puppy bowl
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Stainless steel bowls are great for puppies as they are hardy and easy to clean. This Pets At Home Stainless Steel Puppy Bowl is available in both small and medium sizes so you can choose the one that is the best fit for your pup. It has a shallower design compared to other puppy bowls to give them easier access to their grub or water.
Customer review: "Keeps our furbabies water nice and cool for longer."
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- One reviewer felt it was a bit thin
Comfy bed
Your puppy needs a comfortable bed, so be sure to buy one that's big enough for it to grow into and stretch out in. If you want to crate train your puppy you might need to measure the crate before choosing a new bed to make sure it fits. Teething puppies love to chew everything in sight, so choosing a chew-resistant dog bed will stop you from having to spend a lot of money on replacement beds.
Best create mattress
This super comfy Dog Bed Crate Mattress Fluffy Anti Anxiety Calming Pet Bed Cushion makes crate life a lot comfier for your puppy and will help relieve stress and anxiety in your little one's first weeks. It has a non-slip backing, which is also water and dirt-resistant, which is what makes this so great to go into a crate.
Customer review: "Straight away already settled beautiful and soft for my fur baby."
Pros
- Great for growing puppies
- Easy to clean as it's machine washable
Cons
- Some reviewers felt it was a bit lumpy
Most durable dog bed
Pets At Home www.petsathome.com
Stop your dog destroying their bed from the get-go with this 3 Peaks Durable Square Dog Bed, which comes in small, medium and large sizes and has been hailed as 'indestructible'. It's made with a hardwearing fabric that is also water resistant so it's easy to wipe away muddy paw prints and any little accidents that may happen.
Customer review: "My dog chewed his last bed but NOT this one. He loves it and sleeps well in it"
Pros
- Lasts a long time
- Non-slip base to keep the bed in place
Cons
- As it is chew resistant, some reviews say it's not as comfy, but a blanket should sort that issue out
Dog Crate
It is completely up to you whether you want to crate train your puppy, but the first few months are vital for them to learn the ropes. Crate training your puppy takes advantage of the dog's natural instincts to seek out a comfortable, quiet and safe place when the environment around them becomes too loud or overwhelming.
Crate training has many benefits, including:
• It is a way to limit your puppy’s access to the house before they learn the house rules.
• With the idea of a crate being a comforting place, your puppy can be safely left overnight, or alone at home.
• When familiarised with the crate, your puppy no longer feels anxious or abandoned when left on its own.
Some dog owners choose to be a little bit more relaxed with crate training, such as not shutting the crate's door and using it as a safe space for your dog to have some quiet time or to house its comfy bed.
There are loads of dog crates on the market, but the size is key. Your pup needs plenty of room in its crate. A good way to determine the correct size is to measure your dog's height when standing (top of the dog's head to the floor) and length (tip of the dog's nose to the base of its tail). Then, add 4 inches to the dog's measurements to determine the best dog crate size.
Best two-crate
Pets At Home www.petsathome.com
If you're after a crate that will last, the Kong Two Door Ultra-Strong Dog Crate is a dual-door rust-resistant crate with triple-lock protection that is perfect for training and containment during the early years. The roomy crate is available in four sizes, from medium to extra-large breeds.
Customer review: "Large sturdy cage, I have a Mastiff and this is big & strong enough for her to stand up and move around easily. Happy with this purchase."
Pros
- Easy to set up and folds down easily
- Rounded corners and finished edges for a sleek, study design
Cons
- Some owners say their dog chewed the tray inside
Most stylish dog crate
AmazonIf you're looking for a dog crate that will fit into your interior design, this PawHut Furniture Style Dog Crate is sturdy and looks a lot nicer than other dog crates. It comes with a tabletop, you can blend it into the furniture while providing your pup with a safe space to curl up in.
Customer review: "Easy to assemble and plenty of room for my chihuahua x to have sleeping and feeding area"
Pros
- Sturdy
- Looks great in your home
Cons
- Reviewers have mentioned it is tricky to assemble
Puppy pads
Puppy pads are essential for those early days when your pup starts getting used to toilet training. Even though your little one will be allowed out in the garden, they won't be allowed into public places until their second round of injections so you will need to be prepared for accidents. Puppy pads can be a useful aid for training, especially at the stage in your puppy's life when they need to go frequently and in the same area.
Best value puppy pads
Pets At Home www.petsathome.com
Buying puppy pads in bulk is the best option, and these Just For Puppy Training Pads from Pets at Home have 100 in a pack so you shouldn't run out in a hurry. They are highly absorbent, locking away up to 0.5 litres of moisture within the quilted five layers to help prevent the formation of odours.
Customer review: "Pads worked well for our Rottweiler puppy. Could maybe be a bit bigger but did the job most of the time"
Pros
- High absorption
- Sticky tabs to keep the pads in place on hard floors
Cons
- Just one size available, so you may need to put more down at a time for bigger breeds
Puppy pads with most options
AmazonAccessible, efficient and great value for money, these best-selling Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Training Pads are highly absorbent, leak proof and have a quick dry surface. The packs come in different sizes, so you can choose how many you need and the size of them depending on how many puppies you have and their need. Plus, you can get heavy-duty, scented and odour-control ones, too.
Customer review: "Pleased with the puppy pads but although my Biewer terrier uses a pad at night he absolutely refuses to go on these. ! I think they must have a smell he can sense that I can’t. They seem good if your puppy will use them."
Pros
- Good value
- Variety of sizes and styles to choose from
Cons
- Thinner than other brands
Dog collar
Getting your dog's collar and a name tag is a huge event in your journey to becoming a dog parent. Legally, all dogs must wear a collar and ID tag when out in public, which must detail their owner's name and address, including a postcode. This applies whether your dog is on their lead or not, so it is vital that a dog collar is at the top of your puppy shopping list. If you're confused about what collar you should start off with, an adjustable one is recommended for your growing pup.
It's also important to remember that your pup doesn't need to wear a collar all the time (take it off at night if you want) and you need to be able to fit two fingers underneath the collar to make sure it's not too tight.
Pretty dog collar
www.johnlewis.com
This pretty William Morris at Home Blackthorn Dog Collar features a beautiful heritage Blackthorn print so your pup will look super stylish while wearing it. It is crafted from durable, vegan leather, is adjustable and styled with a ‘D ring’ towards the centre of the strap providing easy access for attaching a nametag and lead.
Customer review: "Lovely collar, good quality and great colours. Looks really pretty."
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Beautiful heritage-inspired print
Cons
- Some reviews say the stitching comes away after a while
Best simple dog collar
Pets At Home www.petsathome.com
The Pets at Home Dual Dog Collar Green has a simple design with a two-tone green and brown colouring. It's fully adjustable so it's perfect for growing pups and it features a quick-release buckle. It's also finished with a stainless steel D ring for their identity tag and a reflective clasp, which will allow them to be easily seen in the dark when they're old enough to explore.
Customer review: "Great quality! My crazy puppy has had it for 6 months and it still looks new! He has been swimming, playing in mud and running around like crazy but it's still in perfect condition! Amazing for the price!"
Pros
- Simple design
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- May outgrow it quickly
Dog Harness and lead
Your puppy will be ready for walks by the time they have had its second round of vaccinations, which is normally around 8-12 weeks old and it will need to be able to get used to a lead and harness (if you choose to use a harness instead of a collar).
It is down to you to decide if you use a harness or lead and there are various pros and cons to each, a collar attaches around the neck and a harness is fitted on the chest and back.
Best harness
AmazonThe Julius-K9 Powerharness Minis have become popular with dog owners that rely on their sturdiness and adjustability that will last years. The handle atop the harness also allows you to control your dog with confidence. There are many sizes are available, depending on the weight of your dog, as well as a wide choice of colours and prints.
Customer review: "This is a lovely product. Fits lovely. Simple fastening."
Pros
- Hardwearing
- Bigger sizes available
Cons
- Can't be machine washed, only washed by hand
Best reflective harness
AmazonThis robust ThinkPet No Pull Dog Harness is made using an extra thick and padded, yet breathable mesh that is optimised for skin ventilation and your pup's comfort. While the Oxford nylon lining is soft, it's also reflective so your pup can easily be seen on nighttime walks, once they've had their second round of vaccinations, of course. Available in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL and in a whole range of colours.
Pros
- Robust
- Comes in various sizes and colours
Cons
- Some reviewers felt it was hard to adjust
Toys
As well as helping to burn all that puppy energy, toys are vital in helping provide comfort when your puppy is feeling anxious and can even help prevent your dog from developing certain problem behaviours. However, it is easy to spoil your young dog with too many toys, which can be overwhelming. Experts say that dogs should have access to about 10-12 toys, which are swapped and changed around at regular intervals and should be made up of enrichment toys and chew toys. Remember to buy chew toys because those puppy teeth can be painful.
Best toy multipack
AmazonThis 10-pack of WeFine Puppy Dog Chew Toys Teething Training toys will provide hours of entertainment and are made from 100 per cent natural fibres. All of these rope toys are not only fun for your pup to chew and play with, but they can also help with soothing any teething they might have as the texture will help to massage their sore gums.
Customer review: "I was so surprised to get really durable, good quality products, they were going to be ‘make do’s’ until I got to the pet store. The puppies love these and they are Frenchie puppy-proof! Really good value."
Pros
- Great variety
- Easy to wash and keep clean
Cons
- The smaller toys may be destroyed very quickly
Best individual toy
Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
Kong toys are famously made to be durable and this Kong Floppy Knots Fox Dog Toy is no exception. The knotted rope and floppy design satisfies natural instincts and will give your pup plenty of stimulation. There are varied textures and squeakers to entice play and minimal stuffing for less mess, if your pup ends up chewing through it.
Customer review: "Our pug loves this toy so much that we keep an extra ones in stock as he would be lost without it."
Pros
- 2-in-1 element makes it great for enticing your pup to play
- Offers mental and physical stimulation
Cons
- Some reviewers expected it to last longer before being chewed by their pup
Best toy box
AmazonThe Enrichment Box for Dogs and Puppies would be a great gift for anyone welcoming a new pup into the family. It includes a foraging snuffle mat, a LickiMat buddy, a rubber treat ball and a rope toy, making it great value for money. All of the toys included in this box are designed to bring fun and enjoyment to your pooch while also making sure it enriches and stimulates your dog's mind.
Customer review: "Great value for money - my dog loves this set and it seems to be good quality. He's used everything loads and it's holding up well so far. He did manage to pull one of the strips off of the snuffle mat so just make sure you don't leave your dog alone with it - just in case. Really good boredom cure though and lovely, useful set."
Pros
- A great gift
- Utilises all their senses
Cons
- Young puppies may chew the snuffle mat
Car seat or crate
You will most likely pick up your new puppy by car, so a car seat or crate should be on the top of your list, even though their first trip home will be snuggled up on your lap. Puppies are prone to car sickness, so journeys should be little and often and should start as soon as possible.
There are also rules to follow with dogs in cars, Rule 57 of The Highway Code states, "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they can't distract you while you're driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly.
"A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars."
There are loads of options to choose from, from pet carriers that are great for smaller dogs to boot crates that will be a great fit for large growing pups.
Best travel booster seat
AmazonIdeal for smaller dogs (and puppies), this SWIHELP Pet Car Booster Seat Travel Carrier Cage will provide a safe and comfortable seat for your furry passenger. It's strong and durable and comes with built-in adjustable straps to make installation a breeze in almost any vehicle. It includes a safety belt that you can attach to their collar or harness to ensure they're secure.
Customer review: "I've bought this for my small shih tzu for our holiday, tested it and its perfect. Great fabric, easy to assemble, easy to store great product highly recommend."
Pros
- Easy to fit
- Saves room
Cons
- Not for larger dogs
Best travel crate
Pet Planetwww.petplanet.co.uk
The Barkshire Sloping Dog Car Crate is designed to fit the boot interior of most cars and SUVs and will accommodate your growing dog. Your pup should be able to lie down and turn around in the cage to be able to fit inside. It has two secure bolt latches on both doors and a removable tray that is easy to clean up any messes left behind from your outdoor adventures.
Customer review: "I had been searching for so long to find something strong and with the right dimensions. This is perfect and my dog loves it. He's a small pointer - small Labrador sized and it's ideal. Delivered fast and no problems thanks."
Pros
- Great for medium dogs
- Creates a safe space away from the rest of the car
Cons
- Some reviews says the cage does rattle (cable ties sort that out)
Best car cover
AmazonA car boot cover is a great idea for larger dogs as they have the whole boot to travel in. Prevent mud, claw scratches and mess with this Toozey Car Boot Protector for Dog cover. It's fast and easy to install, you've got to hook the look straps and click the closures around your headrests and then you're good to go. It also includes two large pockets to store treats, toys, poop bags and more.
Customer review: "Really good quality product, the fit is great, easy to install & clean."
Pros
- Protects car interior
- Creates space away from the rest of the car
Cons
- Some reviews say it is thin
Grooming products
Depending on your puppy's breed, it is important to think about whether their coat needs to be groomed or clipped. Experts say that you should wait until your puppy is at least three months old to start using shampoo and conditioner and they recommend plant-based products with no chemical additives. If your puppy is particularly fluffy, you should introduce a brushing routine as soon as possible to get them used to the feeling.
Best puppy shampoo
Animology Puppy Love Shampoo was developed using a mild, deep-cleaning formulation that takes care of your puppy’s sensitive skin. With a balanced pH formula, the deodorizing effect is the ideal solution for cleaning your little pup. Not only will it leave your pup smelling beautifully fresh and clean, but it'll also have their coat looking healthy and shiny, thanks to the built-in conditioner.
Customer review: "This is a great shampoo for dogs. It doesn't foam up much at all, just enough so you can see where you've covered, and it rinses out very easily. The scent is subtle, so it won't get up sensitive wee noses. It cleans really well and leaves fur nice, smooth and shiny. I'll definitely be buying more!"
Pros
- Small amount goes a long way
- Smells fresh
Cons
- Hard to get product out once it gets to the end of the bottle
Most nourishing puppy shampoo
Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
With natural oils and extracts, Pet Head Mucky Pup Pear with Chamomile Puppy Shampoo is packed with natural and wholesome ingredients. The prickly pear scent will leave your pooch smelling fruity and fresh while the rosehip seed oil hydrates and conditions your pup's young skin in conjunction with chamomile providing a boost of nourishment properties.
Customer review: "Smells amazing, and left our puppy's coat very soft."
Pros
- Smells amazing
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Avoid getting into pup's eyes and ears as it may irritate them
Flea and worm subscription
While pups are young, it is essential that they are kept away from harm, this includes pesky fleas and worms that can jump onto them. Staying on top of flea treatments and worming can be confusing, especially as puppies need to be wormed every two weeks until 12 weeks old, then once per month until six months old, and then worm your dog routinely at least every three months.
They should also be given a flea treatment every four weeks. Thankfully, there are subscription services that offer to do the work for you.
Best flea, worm and tick subscription
Instagramwww.protect-mypet.com
Protect My Pet will deliver your pet’s exact doses of flea, tick and worm treatments when they’re due, straight to your door so you won't need to worry about missing a dose. All you need to do is tell them everything about your pup and they'll work out exactly what they need. It also includes free delivery as an added bonus.
Customer review: "A great service for pet owners. Protect My Pet can relax you to some extent."
Pros
- Tailored to your pup's needs
- Delivered straight to your door for free
Cons
- You can also include treats and poop bags to your subscription, but this is at an additional cost
What to buy for a new puppy FAQs
A list of everything you need to buy your puppy
Here's a checklist of essentials to give your puppy the best start:
Puppy food - whether you opt for dry or wet puppy food
Food and water bowls
A comfy bed
Pet carrier
Collar and lead
Grooming brush
Flea and worm treatments
Toys
Crate (if you plan to crate train)
Coat and jumper
Puppy pads
Insurance
Treats for training
Additionally, there's a fab checklist of must-have items for a puppy on the Dogs Trust website.
Top tips for your puppy’s settling-in period
We can't stress how important your first few days and weeks with your puppy are. Your new addition will establish its bond with you from the get-go, so it is critical that you think about how you are going to talk to them, cuddle them, where they are going to sleep, what they are going to eat, how you are going to deal with the first cries and who they are going to meet.
That being said though, the first weeks will go by so fast that it's also important to:
Accept that everything won’t go right
If you think the first few days with your new pup will go swimmingly, you're going to be in for a big shock. Accidents will happen, beds will be chewed, they'll be lots of crying and you'll probably get hardly any sleep (even when the puppy is asleep you'll most likely be kept awake with worry about if they've eaten the right amount that day).
Try to leave them alone for small periods of time
Ever heard of the phrase sleeping dogs lie? Even though socialisation is key, your puppy will need their sleep and some quieter time even if the only thing you want to do is give them a cuddle, because they're just so adorable.
Don't give them too much pressure
It’s natural to be excited about finally having your dog home, but they need a chance to get used to you and their new family first. Try and avoid having visitors for the first few days at least.