Congrats on your new German Shepherd! Before you bring your furry friend home, you must ensure you have everything your pup needs to thrive. Some of these things are obvious, like dog food and food bowls, but other things you might not have thought about.
Check out our list of essential German Shepherd supplies so you know that you have absolutely everything your new pet will require. From food and feeding supplies to grooming tools, we’ve got you covered! Plus, we’ve included our recommendations for each category to give you an idea of where to start your search for each item.
Important Note: This article has been reviewed by one of our veterinarians to ensure accuracy and safety. However, please keep in mind that the opinions and insights expressed are those of the author and may not fully represent the veterinarian’s perspective. This information is intended to complement, not replace, personalized veterinary guidance.
Food and Feeding Supplies
1. Dog Food
- Our Pick: The Farmer’s Dog
Good nutrition is important to all dogs, and especially to lively, active dogs like German Shepherds. A natural food not only meets the nutritional requirements of dogs, but it also uses quality ingredients, is free from artificial additives, and more closely matches the natural diet of your canine companion.
The Farmer’s Dog is a natural food that uses human-grade ingredients. The food is made fresh, so it retains more of the nutrients found in the ingredients, and it comes as a subscription delivery service. Meals are prepared and portioned specific to your dog’s requirements and are delivered regularly so you always have fresh food ready to go. The food is palatable and all you need to do to serve the prepared meal is to defrost it before feeding.
This is fresh food, made from quality ingredients, which means it is more expensive than typical commercial dog food alternatives, however.
2. Food & Water Bowls
Our canine friends can be messy eaters and drinkers, so having food and water bowls that can counteract that messiness is extremely helpful (and saves you cleaning time!). Add in elevation, which some dogs may find more comfortable.
The Neater Pets Neater Feeder accomplishes both mess-free eating (or less mess, at any rate) and elevation to help your pet enjoy mealtime more. Raised walls on the side will help keep spills and splashes away from your floors, meaning less cleaning for you. Additionally, drainage holes on the bottom of the feeder allow water to go beneath the bowls to be dumped later.
3. Food Storage Container
You could keep your dog’s food in the bag it came in, but that’s not the best way to go about things, especially if you’re buying dog food in bulk. That much dog food can go bad long before you’ve had a chance to use it if you aren’t careful, so having a proper, airtight food storage container is essential.
This food storage container by IRIS gives you not only a large container for dog food but a smaller one to put all your dog’s favorite treats in. It also comes with a scoop, making it easier to get the right amount of food out for your pup when needed. Best of all, these containers have wheels for easy moving.
4. Food Mat
- Our Choice: Frisco Silicone Dog & Cat Food Mat
Even with raised food and water bowls with walls to prevent spills, the occasional food and water spillage will occur (particularly if your puppy gets super excited at meal times and knocks their bowls over). That’s why putting a mat beneath your pup’s bowls is useful.
This Frisco food mat is simple and inexpensive but will help keep your floors cleaner while your pet is chowing down. It’s designed to keep bowls from sliding around on the mat and has a lip around the edge to keep any spills on there rather than getting on the floor. This will definitely make your pet’s meals a cleaner affair!
Treats and Toy Supplies
5. Training Treats
Training is an essential part of puppyhood, and you need plenty of training treats on hand to make the process successful. Positive reinforcement is key during training, and what’s more positive than giving your German Shepherd delicious treats when they accomplish a task?
These Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are specifically made for pups and contain only the best all-natural ingredients. Plus, with only 6 kcal per treat, you can give these to your pet daily.
6. Chew Toys
- Our Choice: KONG Puppy Tires Dog Toy
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and for dogs like German Shepherds, this often translates into being a heavy chewer. That means your pup needs a lot of durable chew toys around so your shoes and furniture aren’t destroyed instead. Plus, chewing can help keep your dog’s teeth clean between brushing.
Kong is known for making tough chew toys that stand up to heavy chewing, which is just one reason this toy is excellent for German Shepherd puppies. It provides hours of fun for your pet as is, but you can also put it in the freezer to help soothe the ache of teething. Better yet, you can stuff treats inside to let your dog puzzle out how to retrieve them!
7. Interactive Toys
- Our Choice: Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy
German Shepherds are intelligent, so they don’t just need physical stimulation; they need lots of mental stimulation, too. Without that, they’re liable to become bored, leading to destructive behaviors. That’s why interactive toys are excellent to have on hand.
This treat dispensing toy provides your pup with hours of fun while they work to get treats out as the toy bobs around. You can even customize how hard it is for your dog to get the treats out! This is one toy your German Shepherd will love.
8. Rope Toys
- Our Choice: Frisco Rope with 5 Knots Dog Toy
Rope toys are another great option for dogs that are heavy chewers; these toys help you strengthen your bond with your pet while you play and are challenging for even the most serious chewers to get through.
This particular rope toy has knots, so your pet has something to grab onto while you play tug of war. It’s also the perfect size for larger dogs (though it’s advisable to play with this toy in the backyard since it’s a bigger rope). This toy will provide hours of fun!
9. Fetch Toys
- Our Choice: West Paw Sailz Dog Fetch Toy
German Shepherds are chase-happy, so fetch toys are a must. Something like this West Paw toy will let you and your pup play fetch for hours (sure to tire your pet out!) and is a fabulous way for your dog to get their daily exercise in.
This toy is made to be extra durable, so it holds up to aggressive chewers and is lightweight, and it will go sailing far (so be careful!). And because this fetch toy has a hole, it can double as a tug-of-war toy!
Walking Supplies
10. Collar
- Our Choice: OneTigris Nylon Military Dog Collar
You want a durable collar for your German Shepherd puppy, but you also want it to be comfortable for them to wear. A collar your pet can’t slip out of is also a must! Luckily, the OneTigris Military collar fits the bill.
This collar is durable enough to hold up to dogs that have tried to chew their collars off, but it’s comfortable for canines due to the padding inside. It’s also difficult for dogs to slip out of, but not so tight that it harms your dog. Just be sure you’ve measured your German Shepherd’s neck to get the correct size.
11. Leash
- Our Choice: Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash
Of course, you’ll need a good leash to take your dog on walks. This breed has a high prey drive, so until your German Shepherd learns to walk properly on a leash, they may be prone to chasing after every squirrel or cat they see. So, you need to ensure you have enough control over your pup.
The Prima Pets leash is a good choice because it has a dual handle; having two handles means you have an easier time controlling your dog. The second handle is further down on the leash, so it’s closer to your pet, which makes wrangling them much more manageable. This leash is also made of durable nylon that will be difficult for your pet to chew through.
12. ID Tags
- Our Choice: Frisco Personalized Dog ID Tag
ID tags are another must when it comes to pets. Attaching tags to your pet’s collar ensures that if the worst happens and they get lost, they’ll have a chance of being returned. You can put your German Shepherd’s name on there, along with your phone number and even known allergies or other important information.
These Frisco tags are stainless steel, so they’re plenty durable and quite affordable, too!
13. Harness
German Shepherds can be big pullers until they learn to walk nicely on their leash. And having a leash clipped to their collar means they’re putting pressure on their throat and trachea, which can harm them. This makes a harness your safest bet.
This Julies-K9 harness is designed for working dogs on the go and is highly durable but also extremely comfy for your pet due to the inner lining. Even better, it’s waterproof and holds up to any outdoor adventure you and your pup go on.
14. Poop Bags
- Our Choice: Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags with Handles
Of course, no dog walk is complete without poop bags! Dogs are going to go to the bathroom on walks (that’s half the point), and when they poop, you’ll have to pick it up. We like the Earth Rated bags because they’re a bit thicker and larger than others, making picking up your dog’s waste easier.
Also, as the name implies, these bags have handles, so tying them off is a breeze. If you’re trying to live more eco-friendly, you’ll appreciate that these bags are oxo-degradable, so they’ll break down in landfills quicker than most plastic bags.
15. Portable Water Dish
If you’re taking your German Shepherd for a long walk or hike, you’ll need to take a portable water dish to keep your dog hydrated. Carrying a water dish on your walk can seem like an inconvenience, but this one by Prima Pets is not only collapsible but comes with a carabiner to attach it to your belt loop or a bag.
The large size holds up to 5 cups of water, so it’s big enough for large breed dogs, and is made with food-grade, non-porous silicone and BPA-free plastic, so it’s safe for your pet. It’s also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning once your walk is done!
Comfort Supplies
16. Crate
Some people aren’t fond of the idea of crates and crate training, but it’s beneficial for your dog to have their own safe space, and a crate provides that. It can also help when potty training your dog and can keep them from causing mischief when you aren’t home. As long as your pup isn’t in their crate for long hours or put in there as punishment, then crate training can be an excellent tool.
This Frisco dog crate is terrific for German Shepherds because it’s heavy-duty, so it’ll hold up if your puppy decides to chew on it. Plus, this crate is adjustable, so it can get bigger as your dog does.
17. Dog Bed
Your German Shepherd will need somewhere to lay their head, so a dog bed is another essential. However, since your puppy will still be potty training, it’s a good idea to have a bed that’s waterproof or easy to clean. This Brindle bed offers both those things!
This bed’s cover repels most liquids, so it should stay drier longer and is removable for simpler cleaning. Plus, it’s an orthopedic bed, which means it will help keep your dog’s joints healthy while they’re growing.
Cleaning Supplies
18. Training Pads
- Our Choice: Frisco Premium Giant Dog Training & Potty Pads
A great investment while you’re house training your puppy is training pads; accidents happen during training, and potty pads can be invaluable. But you need to ensure you have pads that fit the size of your dog, especially as they grow.
These Frisco giant training and potty pads are large enough to keep up with your German Shepherd puppy as they get older and fit inside most crates and kennels. They feature an attractant to help your little one know where to go when they need the bathroom, so hopefully, fewer accidents occur.
19. Enzyme Cleaner
Even with potty pads, accidents are bound to happen, and when they do, you’ll need a cleaner to eliminate any stains and odors. Enzymatic cleaners are designed to break down odors and stains from urine and feces so your floors receive a deeper clean.
Hepper Bio-enzymatic Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray also removes drool and vomit stains and is fragrance free, so you know that it is actually eliminating the smells and not just masking them. It can be used on a number of surfaces, including carpets, sofas, hard floors, fabrics, and furniture.
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!
Grooming Supplies
20. Slicker Brush
- Our Choice: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush
For most of the year, grooming your German Shepherd won’t be too much work; you’ll only need to brush them once a week. But in the fall and spring, you can expect heavy shedding that requires brushing your pet daily. In both instances, you’ll need a slicker brush, like this one by Hertzko.
The best thing about this slicker brush is that it’s self-cleaning, so removing all the fur from it is a simple matter of pressing a button. The next best thing is how it detangles your dog’s hair to prevent knots and matting. And with the anti-slip grip and comfy handle, you can brush your German Shepherd for longer without it getting uncomfortable for you.
21. Deshedding Tool
- Our Choice: FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool
When the heavier shedding seasons come around, it will be good to have a deshedding tool on hand to really get at your pup’s undercoat and remove loose hair. This will help keep shedding to a minimum and keep you from having to sweep or vacuum daily.
This deshedding tool by FURminator has a stainless-steel edge that gets deep into the undercoat to get loose fur; that edge is also curved, so it conforms to your dog’s body shape as you work it through their hair. Plus, the FURminator has an ergonomic handle that makes it easier for you to hold for longer amounts of time.
22. Dog Shampoo
Though you don’t need to bathe your dog often (as doing so will irritate and dry out skin), you will need to give them the occasional bath. For puppies, you’ll need an extra gentle shampoo that will get them super clean and a gentle conditioner that will help keep their coat and skin feeling great.
That’s why we created our own shampoo; it’s gentle enough for dogs of all ages and breeds, but gets the job done when it comes to cleaning dirt and smells off your pup. It’s made from high-quality, natural ingredients and the smell of cool aloe vera and fresh cucumbers leaves both you and your dog feeling refreshed after every bath – maybe even wanting more!
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!
23. Nail Clippers
- Our Choice: Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is essential, so you’ll need a good pair of nail clippers that work on large breed dogs. Nail clippers with a spring are one of the better options for larger breeds, which is why these clippers from Safari work so well.
These nail clippers are made from stainless steel, so they’ll hold up for a long time and are double-bladed to make trimming nails fast and easy. Plus, they’re usable for both right and left-handed grips!
24. Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Brushing your dog’s teeth is a difficult but necessary job. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean helps prevent dental disease, which keeps them healthier and saves you money on vet bills in the future. And it’s best to begin brushing your pet’s teeth while they’re a puppy so they can get used to it.
This dental kit is wonderful because it gives you three ways to brush your dog’s teeth; the toothbrush has two different-sized heads (small and large), and a finger brush comes with the kit. This way, you can easily figure out which sort of brushing your German Shepherd will tolerate better. Toothpaste also comes with the kit in poultry flavor, which your pup should find delicious!
25. Wipes
- Our Pick: Hepper Wash Wipes
German Shepherds love to be outdoors, and they enjoy running around. It provides enrichment, tires them out, and can help reduce anxiety and stress. But it can cause them to get dirty and smelly.
Wash wipes are a quick and convenient cleaning aid. They make it easy to spot-clean your dog without having to go through the rigmarole of a shower or bath. They can be great to throw in your bag when traveling, pop them in in the car, or stow them in your dog-walking backpack.
Hepper Wash Wipes use a hypoallergenic formula that prevents scratching caused by dry skin and avoids an allergic reaction from your dog. The ingredients are natural, and the wipes have a natural aloe and cucumber scent that isn’t overpowering but does a good job of getting rid of most mild to moderate odors. A tub contains 30 wipes, which are generously sized so suitable for use on German Shepherds, and the tub makes it easy to store and pull the wipes when required.
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
Getting a dog involves getting a lot of new items for your home so they are comfortable and healthy! This list of essential German Shepherd supplies should have you and your new pet covered, though. Once you have these things, you can concentrate on bonding with your dog, training them, and enjoying plenty of fun!
See also:
- Essential Pomeranian Supplies to Get You Started: Guide
- Essential Poodle Supplies to Get You Started: Vet-Reviewed Guide
Featured Image Credit: Njegos K, Unsplash
