Best Puppy Essentials for First-Time Dog Owners
Getting a puppy is one of the best things you'll ever do. It's also one of the most chaotic. They chew everything, pee everywhere, and somehow manage to be both exhausting and completely adorable at the same time. Having the right stuff from day one makes the whole experience way less stressful — for you and for the pup. We've narrowed it down to the essentials. Not the Instagram-worthy stuff, not the fancy boutique nonsense. Just the practical gear that every first-time dog owner actually needs: a crate that'll grow with your puppy, a harness that teaches them to walk without pulling your arm off, durable toys they can't destroy in five minutes, and good food to fuel all that energy. And poop bags. You're gonna need a lot of poop bags.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frisco Steel Wire Dog Crate with Divider Panel Double Door | Dog-Crate | Divider panel eliminates need to buy multiple crates as puppy grows | Buy on Amazon |
| PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness (Medium) | Dog | Reduces pulling immediately | Buy on Amazon |
| KONG Classic Dog Toy (Large) | Dog | Extremely durable | Buy on Amazon |
| Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food (35 lb) | Dog | Real chicken first ingredient | Buy on Amazon |
| Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags (270 Count) | Dog | Extra-thick leak-proof bags | Buy on Amazon |
| Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl (Large) | Dog | Slows eating up to 10x | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Frisco Steel Wire Dog Crate with Divider Panel Double Door
The Frisco Steel Wire Dog Crate includes a removable divider panel that lets puppies grow into the full crate size without purchasing multiple crates during training. Dual door access from the front and side adds flexibility for furniture placement in tight spaces. A removable plastic pan slides out for easy cleaning after accidents during house training.
- Divider panel eliminates need to buy multiple crates as puppy grows
- Dual door access improves room placement flexibility
- Removable plastic pan simplifies cleaning after accidents
- Wire construction is heavier than plastic travel crates
- Anxiety-prone dogs may require additional crate cover for security
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness (Medium)
No-pull front-clip harness that gently discourages pulling without choking. Front chest attachment redirects the dog toward you when they pull. Four adjustment points for a secure custom fit.
- Reduces pulling immediately
- No choking or gagging
- Four adjustment points
- Recommended by trainers
- Can chafe under front legs
- Some dogs outgrow sizing quickly
KONG Classic Dog Toy (Large)
Ultra-durable natural rubber dog toy for aggressive chewers. Unpredictable bounce for interactive fetch play. Hollow center can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter. Recommended by veterinarians and trainers worldwide. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Extremely durable
- Great for treat stuffing
- Vet recommended
- Keeps dogs entertained
- Sizing can be tricky
- Strong chewers may eventually destroy it
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food (35 lb)
Veterinarian-recommended high-protein dry dog food with real chicken as the first ingredient and live probiotics for digestive health. Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics and prebiotic fiber for immune and digestive support.
- Real chicken first ingredient
- Live probiotics for gut health
- Vet recommended
- 35 lb bag great value
- Contains some grain fillers
- Heavy bag to carry
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags (270 Count)
Leak-proof extra-thick dog waste bags with a lavender scent to mask odors. 270 bags on 18 refill rolls fit all standard dispensers. Each bag is large enough for any size dog. Responsibly sourced materials.
- Extra-thick leak-proof bags
- Lavender scent masks odor
- 270 bags is excellent value
- Fits standard dispensers
- Scent may bother some people
- Not fully biodegradable
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl (Large)
Slow feeder dog bowl with maze-like ridges that make dogs work around the pattern to eat, slowing meal consumption by up to 10 times. Reduces bloating, regurgitation, and overeating. BPA, PVC, and phthalate free.
- Slows eating up to 10x
- Reduces bloating risk
- Non-slip base
- Dishwasher safe
- Some dogs can flip it
- Ridges need thorough cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a crate for my puppy?
Yes. It sounds mean at first, but dogs are den animals and most puppies actually love their crate once they're used to it. It's the fastest way to housebreak them and it keeps them safe when you can't supervise. The Frisco wire crate comes with a divider so you can adjust the size as your puppy grows. Don't buy a crate for their adult size right away — too much space and they'll use one end as a bathroom.
What should I feed my new puppy?
Stick with a high-quality puppy formula (not adult food) for the first year. Purina Pro Plan is what a ton of breeders and vets recommend. It's not the cheapest, but your puppy's nutrition in the first year affects their health for life. The slow feeder bowl is a smart add-on too — puppies inhale food so fast they can get sick. Slowing them down is better for digestion.
What toys should I get for a puppy that chews everything?
The KONG Classic is the answer. Stuff it with peanut butter or treats and your puppy will work on it for ages instead of chewing your shoes. It's nearly indestructible — we're talking decades of dogs testing these things. Get the right size for your breed and you're set. Skip the cheap plush toys for now; puppies shred those in minutes and the stuffing can be a choking hazard.
Collar or harness for a puppy?
Harness, 100%. Puppies pull like crazy and a collar puts all that pressure on their throat, which can cause real damage to a growing dog. The PetSafe Easy Walk harness clips in the front so when they pull, it gently redirects them back toward you. It's the most effective no-pull harness we've used and it's great for training walks.