16 Essential Dog Supplies to Get You Started: 2025 Guide

In the pet world, man’s best friend deserves nothing but the best. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a newcomer who’s recently adopted a furry companion, this guide will assist you in cutting through the noise to find quality dog supplies. We know how challenging it can be trying to weed out the good from the not-so-great.

So, we’ve narrowed down the best of the best to aid you in essential dog supplies that stand out among the rest. Join us as we share our top picks. With these, your dog is sure to notice the difference in quality.

The 16 Essential Dog Supplies

Food and Feeding

1. Dog Food

Diet matters, and Purina ONE is more than just kibble. Real chicken tops the ingredient list, promoting strong muscles and heart health. The formula also includes prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion and a blend of antioxidants for immune support.

Plus, omega-6s and glucosamine benefit the skin and joints, respectively. And let’s not forget zero fillers mean every ingredient serves a purpose. It’s nutrition that leaves no room for compromise.

2. Food and Water Bowls

Your pet’s bowls are more than just meal vessels; they’re an extension of your home’s aesthetic. Frisco’s Ceramic Water and Food Bowl Bundle scores high both in function and form. The set comes with a pair of ceramic bowls resting on elegant wood bases, a modern twist for your pet’s dining experience.

Each bowl has a touch of flair inside—a raised paw print or bone shape—that’s not just cute but serves as a visual cue to keep your pet focused on the meal. Practical? Check. Decor-friendly? Double check. Oh, and let’s not overlook the non-skid feet. They keep the bowls in place, reducing the chances of a culinary catastrophe on your floor. It’s like having a dining set that’s also a conversation starter, sans the chit chat.

3. Food Container

So you’ve got top-notch food for Fido. How do you keep it that way? Enter the Vittles Vault Plus—a sanctuary for your pet food that boasts a 15-pound capacity. Crafted from heavy-duty, food-grade plastic, this container is as concerned about your pet’s food safety as you are.

Prying it open is as easy as unscrewing a lid, and boom—freshness is locked in. No more playing defense against moisture and pests; this vault’s airtight seal is the goalkeeper your kibble never knew it needed. In the elegance department, it sports a granite stone finish that elevates the humble act of pet food storage to an art form.

Treats and Toy

4. Dog Treats

Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe Dog Treats are the champion of snacks. Forget the generic stuff; these treats have real beef and filet mignon infused with natural smoke flavor. The soft, chewy texture is a godsend for tender gums, making it a hit not just with the puppies but also the senior members of the pack.

And if you’re the type who scans the nutritional labels, these treats don’t disappoint. They come fortified with 12 essential vitamins and minerals. Designed for breeds of all sizes, these treats also avoid some common allergens by being rawhide-free and pea-free. And at 24 kcal per piece, they’re not going to ruin Fido’s figure, either.

5. Chew Toys

If you’ve ever caught your dog eying your Sunday bacon, it’s time to introduce them to Benebone’s Bacon Flavored Wishbone. This isn’t just any chew toy; it’s the crème de la crème of chew toys, boasting a taste any canine connoisseur would approve of.

What sets this chew apart is the real bacon infused throughout the toy, not just a coating on the surface. That means your dog won’t lose interest two bites in. Its ergonomic wishbone design is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it’s functional, providing an easy grip for your pup.

Walking

6. Dog Collar

Imagine a collar that combines safety, comfort, and a dash of flair. That’s the CollarDirect Adjustable Reflective Nylon Dog Collar in a nutshell. Made with reflective stitching, this collar ensures your four-legged friend stands out even in low-light conditions. So now you’ve got an extra layer of security during your nightly walks.

This isn’t just a collar; it’s a full package. Built from soft nylon that’s a treat for your pup’s neck, it also boasts carbon-plated metal hardware and side-release buckles for durability. In other words, this collar is built to last from one adventure to the next. But what about your stylish pup, who has a sensitive disposition? The collar is hypoallergenic, so it’s just as gentle on the skin as it is strong around the neck.

7. Dog Leash

When it comes to walking your dog, a leash is more than just a strap; it’s the lifeline between you and your canine companion. Enter the Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Leash, your reliable sidekick for daily walks and beyond. Made with high-quality, woven nylon and fortified with an Ultra-Weld seal, this leash offers a combination of superior strength and comfort that’s unmatched.

What’s more, this leash comes with an easy-to-attach bolt snap that’s nickel-coated for that extra touch of sophistication. But what really elevates this leash is its versatile sizing. Available in lengths of 4 or 6 feet and widths ranging from 3/8 to a full inch, there’s a perfect fit for every breed and age.

Comfort

8. Dog Bed

Don’t let the name’s nod to cats fool you; this is a bed worthy of your dog’s dreamland. Think of this donut-shaped marvel as the Ritz-Carlton of dog beds, a place where your pup can get lost in layers of comfort. Filled with high-loft, high-density polyfill, it’s comfort incarnate for your four-legged pal.

Its 7-inch-tall bolster supports both burrowing and cuddling—two key activities in the canine napping sector. Whether it’s anxiety or just a penchant for snuggling, your pet will find the sense of security it’s been looking for. Plus, its round shape optimizes your dog’s favorite sleep positions.

9. Dog Kennel

Your dog’s personal condo is here, and it’s the Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Dog Crate. Equipped with a large single door that locks securely, this crate is practically a fortress—but way comfier. What’s cool is its growth mindset: it comes with a divider that can be removed as your pup ages from teeny to not-so-teeny.

Assembly? A breeze. Travel? Even breezier. The crate folds and has adjustable handles, so it’s as portable as that morning latte you can’t live without. Cleanup is a no-brainer, thanks to a removable plastic base pan. In short, it’s not just a cage; it’s your dog’s home within a home.

Cleaning

10. Stain Remover

Ah, the joys of pet ownership: the wagging tails, the wet noses, and yes, the not-so-glamorous messes. Nature’s Miracle Dog Enzymatic Stain Remover swoops in like a cleanup hero. It’s bacterial-based, which sounds scarier than it is—it simply means the enzymes it produces are laser-focused on obliterating stains like urine, feces, and that regrettable incident involving vomit.

Safety? Check. The spray is good to go on carpets, hard floors, and that corner couch your dog can’t seem to leave alone. Convenience? Double-check. It comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle and leaves behind a light citrus scent.

11. Poop Bags

Nobody really wants to talk about poop, but when it comes to dog walks, it’s an inevitable part of the conversation. Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags make the unspeakable act as painless as possible. These bags come with easy-tie handles that are clutch during frosty winter months when your fingers are more numb than nimble.

Functionality is one thing, but let’s talk about responsibility. These bags are made from 65% certified post-consumer recycled plastic. Your dog’s waste won’t be the only thing you’re taking care of—you’re also helping to repurpose landfill-bound plastic. Win-win. And let’s face it, the word ‘leak-proof’ brings a certain emotional relief only a dog owner can understand.

Grooming

12. Toothbrush and Toothpaste Combo

Canine dental hygiene isn’t just about freshening breath; it’s a tooth-or-consequence situation. Virbac’s combo pack of poultry-flavored enzymatic toothpaste and a pet toothbrush comes to the rescue. The toothpaste, a culinary delight in the pet world, packs enzymes that show plaque the door. And it’s meant to be swallowed—no foam, no fuss.

The included toothbrush goes above and beyond, too. Its small head and reverse angle are perfect for reaching the nooks and crannies of your pet’s mouth, no matter their size. It’s the kind of tool that makes you say, “Why didn’t I think of this sooner?”

13. Ear Cleaner

Ear issues in pets can make everyone in the household cranky. Cue the Vetnique Labs Oticbliss Ear Flush Cleaner. This isn’t some random rinse; it’s a medicated liquid army against ear infections, bacteria, yeast, and fungus. Loaded with Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole, it’s practically a laboratory in a bottle.

What’s more, aloe vera leaf juice steps in to soothe itchiness and reduce redness. So, you’ve got an ear cleaner that’s as gentle as a spa day but wholly effective. Just a few drops and a little base-of-the-ear massage, and you’re all set.

14. Dog Shampoo

Here’s the shampoo you didn’t know you needed. The Hepper’s Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo (Aloe and Cucumber Scent) is the solution to cleaning a slightly smelly dog without having to dump them in the bathtub. The foam formula makes it easy to massage into your dog’s fur, helping eliminate odor.

Once you are done massaging your dog, simply brush the remaining foam out of their coat and they are good to go!

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

15. Dog Brush

Enter the Babyliss Pro Pet Long Pin Slicker Pet Brush, the upgrade your dog’s grooming routine has been waiting for. Designed with flexible stainless-steel pins, this brush goes beyond mere surface-level grooming. It dives deep into your dog’s coat to untangle those stubborn mats, leaving behind nothing but soft, radiant fur.

But let’s not brush over its other features. The anti-slip handle is crafted with bubble gel, offering you the kind of ergonomic comfort that’ll make you want to keep grooming even when your pup is already looking like they stepped out of a salon.

16. Dog Wipes

Have you taken your dog for a walk and they rolled in something a bit “pungent”? You may be miles away from your home, so giving them a bath is not an option; however, you really want to get rid of the smell…fast! The Hepper Wash Wipes will come in handy for situations like this.

These aloe and cucumber scented wipes help get rid of smells and moisturize your dog’s skin at the same time. The wipes are designed for dogs of all skin and hair types. So, if your canine has sensitive skin, these wipes will not irritate them.

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

Summary

The canine kingdom is awash with products—some fantastic, some not so much. It’s easy to get buried in the plethora of choices. That’s where this guide aims to be your loyal companion, offering top-tier picks that are more best-in-show than a nosedive in the mud. These products not only meet the bare minimum—they exceed it by leaps and bounds.

• See also: 34 Cool Dog Products You Can Grab Today

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Featured Image Credit: Jennay Hitesman, Shutterstock