Best Puppy Starter Kit Essentials (2026)
The complete checklist of everything you need before bringing your new puppy home. Tested and recommended by veterinarians and dog trainers.
Quick Overview
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting! But without the right supplies, that excitement can quickly turn to stress. This guide covers everything you need â from the essentials you need on day one to items that make training easier.
ðĄ Pro Tip:
Buy supplies before bringing your puppy home. The first few days are hectic â you don't want to make emergency store runs!
Crate & Bedding
MidWest Homes iCrate
$49.99Includes divider panel to grow with your puppy. Double door design for flexibility.
Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed
$29.99Machine washable cover essential for puppy accidents. Supportive foam.
Food & Water
Blue Buffalo Puppy Food
$54.99High-quality protein for growing puppies. DHA for brain development.
Stainless Steel Bowls (Set)
$12.99Non-porous, easy to clean, won't harbor bacteria like plastic.
Training Essentials
Zuke's Mini Naturals Training Treats
$9.99Tiny, soft treats perfect for training. Under 3 calories each.
Potty Training Pads (100 count)
$24.99Essential for apartment living or rainy days during potty training.
Enzymatic Cleaner (Nature's Miracle)
$14.99Completely eliminates odors so puppy doesn't re-mark spots.
Collar, Leash & ID
Blueberry Pet Adjustable Collar
$11.99Adjustable for growing puppies. Durable nylon with secure buckle.
6ft Nylon Training Leash
$9.99Standard length ideal for training. Strong hardware.
Custom ID Tag
$7.99Critical for safety. Include phone number and address.
Toys & Enrichment
KONG Puppy Toy
$11.99Softer rubber for puppy teeth. Stuff with treats for mental stimulation.
Nylabone Puppy Chew Starter Kit
$14.99Various textures for teething relief. Safe for unsupervised chewing.
Rope Toy for Puppies
$8.99Great for tug and helps clean teeth. Supervised play only.
Grooming
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
$15.99Gentle on puppy coats. Gets them used to grooming early.
Puppy Shampoo (Burt's Bees)
$9.99Tearless, pH balanced for puppies. Natural ingredients.
Nail Clippers with Guard
$7.99Safety guard prevents over-cutting. Start nail care early.
First Week Survival Tips
- Vet visit within 72 hours â Schedule before pickup to ensure your puppy is healthy.
- Establish a routine immediately â Puppies thrive on consistency. Same feeding and potty times daily.
- Crate train from day one â Makes potty training easier and gives puppy a safe space.
- Puppy-proof your home â Get on puppy-level and look for hazards: cords, small objects, toxic plants.