New Puppy Essentials Checklist: Everything You Actually Need (and What to Skip)

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Bringing home a puppy is one of those moments where you’re equal parts excited… and suddenly questioning every decision you’ve ever made.

I remember thinking, “Do I actually have everything I need… or am I about to learn the hard way?”

And the truth is — most puppy lists either:

• Overwhelm you
• Or convince you to buy things you’ll never use

So this is the version I wish I had.

👉 What you actually need
👉 What’s worth spending money on
👉 And what you can absolutely skip (for now)

TIP: If you’d just like a simple shopping list, we have it covered! Just jump to the end of the article to view our list of Puppy Essentials

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🛒 The Must-Have Puppy Essentials (Start Here)

These are the things I use every single day — not optional, not trendy, just necessary.

Food & Water Bowls

This seems simple, but not all bowls are created equal.

When I was choosing bowls, I quickly realized:

• Lightweight plastic bowls slide everywhere
• Some materials hold onto smells (not ideal)
• Size matters more than you think

What I recommend looking for:

• Stainless steel (easy to clean, doesn’t hold bacteria)
• A non-slip bottom (you’ll thank yourself during zoomie mealtime)
• The right size so your puppy isn’t face-diving into a giant bowl

👉 Shop puppy bowls

High-Quality Puppy Food

This is one area where I try not to overcomplicate things at the beginning. If your breeder or shelter gave you food, stick with that at first. Changing food too quickly can lead to stomach issues — and trust me, that’s not something you want to deal with in week one.

When you do transition, look for:

• Puppy-specific formulas
• Clearly listed protein sources
• No sudden diet changes

👉 Shop puppy food options

Collar + ID Tag

Even if your puppy is mostly indoors, this is one of those “don’t skip it” items. I like collars that are:

• Lightweight and adjustable (puppies grow fast)
• Soft enough not to irritate their neck
• Secure but easy to remove

And an ID tag is just peace of mind — even if you think “she’ll never get out.”

👉 Shop puppy collars

👉 Shop pet ID tags

Leash

You don’t need anything fancy here — simple is better in the beginning.

Look for:

• A standard 4–6 ft leash
• Lightweight material
• Comfortable handle

Retractable leashes might seem convenient, but I personally prefer starting with a basic leash while training.

👉 Shop puppy leashes

Crate (Your Secret Weapon)

If there’s one item I would absolutely not skip, it’s the crate. I know some people hesitate here, but crates are a HUGE help with potty training, create a safe space and prevent nighttime chaos.

When choosing one, look for:

• Enough room to stand, turn, and lie down
• Not too big (this matters for training)
• A divider panel if possible (so it grows with your puppy)

👉 Shop puppy crates

If you are still hesitant about putting your adorable new puppy in a “cage”, listen to what Caesar Milan has to say about it…

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Just want a list of things you need to buy for your new puppy (without all of our thoughts and opinions)? Jump down to our New Puppy Checklist at the end of the article.

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Crate Pad or Liner (Highly Recommended)

One thing I didn’t fully think through at first was what my puppy would actually be laying on inside the crate.

Most crates come with a hard plastic tray — which is easy to clean, but not exactly comfortable. Adding a crate pad or liner makes a huge difference, especially for:

• Sleep quality
• Helping your puppy settle faster
• Making the crate feel like a safe, cozy space instead of “just a crate”

When I was choosing one, I looked for:

• A snug fit (so it doesn’t slide around)
• Something machine washable (because… accidents happen)
• Durable stitching and material

👉 Explore crate pads & liners

Quick tip: Your first crate pad probably isn’t going to last a long time due to accidents, chewing, etc. So please don’t spend a lot on the first one! Here’s a nice affordable option that works well…

💡 Important Tip (Learned the Hard Way):
Not all puppies are ready for soft bedding right away. If your puppy is in the chewing phase (which… most are), look for chew-resistant or “indestructible” styles and/or thinner, more durable mats vs super plush beds. If you notice your puppy trying to shred or eat the bedding, it’s better to remove it temporarily and reintroduce it later. Safety always comes first — especially when you’re not in the room!

Puppy Bed

Your puppy will sleep a lot — like, a lot. I’ve found that:

• Washable beds are non-negotiable
• Slightly durable fabric helps during chewing phases
• Not overly plush at first (they will test it)

👉 Shop puppy beds on Amazon

I really liked this bed from Amazon – it feels more like an upholstered sofa so it holds up much better than some of the cute and fluffy beds that are out there. Also, if you have a HomeGoods in your area, they have a great selection of dog beds at very reasonable prices.

🚽 Potty Training Supplies

Even if you plan to go straight to outdoor potty training, accidents will happen.

What helped me most was having supplies ready instead of reacting (or panicking!) and also cleaning the area properly the first time, so the pup can’t smell where they had their earlier accident.

Look for:

• Puppy pads (backup, even if you don’t rely on them)
• Enzyme cleaner (this is key — regular cleaner will NOT remove scent)

👉 Shop puppy pads

👉 Shop enzyme cleaners

🧸 Toys That Actually Work (and Save Your Furniture)

This is where it’s really easy to overbuy.

I’ve learned that it’s not about having a lot of toys — it’s about having the right types.

🦴 Chew Toys (Essential)

Puppies chew. A lot. Instead of trying to stop it, I focused on redirecting it.

When you’re shopping for chew toys avoid any with little pieces that could come off. They should be durable but not too hard (puppy teeth matter!). Also make sure they have a textured surface for teething relief.

👉 Shop puppy chew toys

Here’s a great option to start with…

Interactive / Enrichment Toys

These were a game-changer for me. These help keep your new puppy mentally stimulated, reduce boredom and most importantly, help prevent destructive behavior.

👉Shop interactive dog toys

My pup Archie gives this one two paws up…

Quick note: Kong also sells some “stuff” you can squirt inside, but honestly, you can just put a few treats in there or even their kibble and 99% of puppies are thrilled.

Tug & Rope Toys

These are great for bonding and burning off energy. I like these because:

• They’re interactive (not just solo play)
• Help with training engagement
• Can double as chew toys

👉 Shop rope dog toys

💡 One thing I wish I knew sooner: Rotate toys instead of leaving them all out — it keeps things interesting without buying more.

Grooming & Care Basics

You don’t need a full grooming station — just a few essentials that make life easier.

Puppy Shampoo

Regular shampoo can be too harsh for puppies. Look for gentle, puppy-safe formulas, tear-free options with minimal fragrance.

👉 Shop puppy shampoo

This is a great option if you have a dog with longer fur…

🪮 Brush or Comb

This really does depend on your dog’s coat, but here’s what helped me:

• Short hair → soft bristle or rubber brush
• Medium/long coat → slicker brush or comb
• Double coat → undercoat rake (later on)

Even brushing a few times a week helps reduce shedding, prevent tangles and gets your puppy used to grooming early

👉 Shop dog brushes

✂️ Nail Clippers

This is one of those things that’s (much) easier if you start early. Look for:

• Small or puppy-sized clippers
• Comfortable grip
• Optional safety guard

👉 Shop dog nail clippers

Optional Puppy Essentials

Depending upon your new fur baby’s personality, here are a few that are totally optional, but were so incredibly helpful for me.

The Snuggle Puppy with Heartbeat

Your new puppy is probably used to sleeping with his or her mother and littermates, so this simple toy can really help them get through the first few weeks (or more) in your home.

I know the price seems a little high for a stuffed toy, but it dramatically reduces the nighttime crying or howling and also makes crate training so much easier. Check out all the reviews on Amazon and you’ll see that people are raving about this little gadget.

Slow Feeder Bowl (For Fast Eaters & Better Digestion)

This is one of those things I didn’t think I needed… until I realized how fast puppies can eat. Some dogs inhale their food in seconds, which can lead to:

• Upset stomach
• Gas (fun 😅)
• Poor digestion
• Even choking in extreme cases

A slow feeder bowl has ridges or patterns that make your puppy work a little for their food, which helps slow down eating, improve digestion and add a bit of mental stimulation (bonus!).

When choosing one, I’d look for a design that’s not too complicated for a puppy, has a non-slip base and is easy to clean (this matters more than you think).

👉 Shop slow feeder bowls

💡 Tip: If your puppy eats at a normal pace, you may not need this right away (if ever) — but if mealtime looks like a race, this is a quick fix.

Snuffle Mat or Treat-Dispensing Toy (Mental Stimulation = Less Chaos)

This is one of my favorite “why didn’t I do this sooner” items. A snuffle mat or treat-dispensing toy turns feeding or snack time into a little game. Instead of just eating from a bowl, your puppy has to sniff, search and work for the food.

This helps them burn mental energy, reduce boredom and prevent destructive behavior. And honestly? A mentally tired puppy is a much calmer puppy.

👉 Shop snuffle mats & enrichment toys

💡 Tip: Start simple. If it’s too difficult, your puppy might get frustrated instead of engaged.

Training Treats (You’ll Use More Than You Think)

I didn’t realize how many treats I’d go through in the first few weeks. Between potty training, basic commands, and just rewarding good behavior, treats become part of your daily routine fast.

The key here isn’t just grabbing any treats — it’s choosing the right kind. What I look for:

• Small, soft treats (easy to chew quickly)
• Low-calorie options (because you’ll use a lot)
• Simple ingredients

You want something your puppy can eat quickly so you can keep training moving without distractions.

👉 Shop training treats

💡 Tip: Break treats into even smaller pieces — your puppy doesn’t care about size, just the reward.

Treat Pouch (This Makes Training So Much Easier)

This is one of those things I didn’t buy right away… and then immediately wished I had. Instead of constantly digging in your pockets or forgetting them altogether, a treat pouch keeps everything in one place and makes training feel effortless. Look for:

• A clip or belt attachment
• Easy one-hand access
• A washable interior (trust me on this)

👉 Shop treat pouches

💡 Tip: If you’re serious about training (even just basic commands), this is one of the highest-impact small purchases you can make.

Poop Bags (You Will Run Out Faster Than You Think)

Not glamorous… but depending on where you live they can be essential. I’ve learned the hard way that running out of poop bags mid-walk is not a situation you want to be in. Look for durable, leak-proof bags, easy-tear rolls, and if possible bio-degradable bags.

👉 Shop poop bags

👉 Shop poop bag dispensers

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🐶 New Puppy Essentials Shopping List (Screenshot This 📌)

Save this checklist before your puppy comes home — it’ll save you a few “oh no, I forgot that” moments.

Item	What to Look For
Food & Water Bowls	Stainless steel, non-slip base
Puppy Food	Puppy-specific, transition slowly
Collar & ID Tag	Adjustable, lightweight, secure
Leash	4–6 ft, lightweight, comfortable grip
Puppy Crate	Proper size, divider panel if possible
Crate Pad/Liner	Washable, snug fit, chew-resistant
Puppy Bed	Washable, durable, not overly plush
Puppy Pads	Absorbent, backup for accidents
Enzyme Cleaner	Removes odor completely
Chew Toys / Bones	Durable, safe for teething
Interactive Toys	Beginner-friendly, treat-based
Rope / Tug Toys	Good for play + bonding
Slow Feeder Bowl	Helps prevent fast eating
Snuffle Mat / Toy	Mental stimulation, washable
Puppy Shampoo	Gentle, tear-free formula
Brush / Comb	Based on coat type
Nail Clippers	Small size, easy grip
Training Treats	Small, soft, low-calorie
Treat Pouch	Clip-on, easy access
Poop Bags	Durable, leak-proof
Poop Bag Dispenser	Clips to leash, easy refill

🏡 Puppy-Proofing Your Home (Don’t Skip This)

This part isn’t fun… but it’s important.

Before your puppy arrives, I recommend:

• Moving shoes (learned that one the hard way)
• Hiding cords
• Securing trash cans
• Keeping unsafe foods out of reach

👉 This is also a must read for all new dog moms and dads: Foods Dogs Should Never (Ever) Eat

💸 What You Don’t Need (Right Away)

I definitely overbought here, so let me save you the trouble. You can skip for now:

• Fancy outfits
• Too many toys
• Automatic feeders
• Trendy gadgets

Your puppy doesn’t care about aesthetics — just comfort and consistency.

⭐ Nice-to-Have Upgrades (Later On)

Once you get into a routine, these can be helpful:

• Puzzle feeders
• Training clickers
• Travel carriers
• Elevated bowls

👉 Shop puppy accessories

Real Talk: What Actually Matters

It’s not about having everything perfect. It’s about a few solid essentials, a consistent routine and being prepared enough to handle the chaos.

Your puppy doesn’t need a perfect setup. He (or she) just needs someone who clearly cares — and if you’re here, you’re already doing that.

Save Me

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