New Puppy Shopping Guide 

New puppy shopping is such fun! Here are my favorite "tried and true" puppy products.  No need to run around and wonder if you are getting the BEST puppy supplies.  You can pick and choose as you wish. I have included both low and high budget items.  Remember that it is much better to be prepared BEFORE your puppy arrives home.

Puppy Food

We feed our puppies (and parents the adult formula) Acana Puppy Sea and Farm recipe kibble. It is a high quality dry kibble that has easy access to our families via Amazon and Chewy as well as possibly your local pet store. We have used Life Abundance for years and while I like their kibble, it is important to change your dogs’ food occasionally.

For our older dogs, if you are sticking with kibble, I recommend supplementing with organ and muscle raw meat when possible from local high quality sources. We have developed relationships with our local grass fed, organic regenerative farms to purchase our meat, dairy and even vegetables when possible. Freeze dried or Raw is my first choice for grown dogs when possible.

Acana received a 5 star rating from DOG FOOD ADVISOR.

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Carnivore Crunch- Hands down the best treats we have ever used. A trainer who shared it with me was oh so right! The absolute easiest to break into tiny pieces for training and crate time as well as nutritious. Puppies and dogs alike LOVE these! Our puppies and dogs certainly do. :)

Pupford is also a favorite in our home! The sizes are just right for a quick treat to get the positive reinforcement across.

Nuvet Plus

I use and recommend Nuvet Powder as it will help our puppies’ bodies and immune systems properly function during the normal stress of going home. Every puppy is currently taking this mixed into his/her kibble. I have used this for many years and continue to do so as I have seen the benefits for even our older dogs.
It can be ordered direct from the website: https://www.nuvetlabs.com/12246 or you can call them at 1-800-474-7044 to order by phone.

If you use this order code 12246, not only will it give you a 15% discount for auto-ship, the easiest way to be sure you’ll always have it on hand.

Dog Grooming

Shampoo and Conditioner. We need both for our pups! Isle of Dogs is my favorite brand but seems to not be in stock consistently. Here is a link to the shampoo. If you go with this brand, find a conditioner in the same brand to include during bathing. I generally search the internet for it and buy both the shampoo and conditioner in gallon quantity. Dandylion has a great shampoo and spray conditioner as well. If you want a simpler two in one option, the Oatmeal Pet Wash is a great option.

Sleeping Comforts - As your puppy is growing and maturing, I recommend using easy to wash blankets and towels. The beds are nice to have, but make sure they do not make potty training harder. Begin with them when they leash them near you during the day, but take away if they have accidents on the beds. As your puppy matures, be sure to give comfy beds around the house.

The crate- We use 19” hard crates to sleep train our puppies. As they grow, they will be ready for the 24” size. I recommend staying with a hard crate for night time. If you want to have a wire crate, have a cover or use a light cotton sheet to make it feel like a den. I have included Kindtail as well as it is beautiful in the home. The Ritchell brand on wheels is nice to have to wheel your puppy around with you from room to room. It is getting harder to find Richell crates for sale. The Amazon link may or may not work because of that.

An airline carrier is only needed if you plan on air traveling with your puppy.

White noise- We play white noise as at night for our puppies. During the day crate times, we play classical music.

Pens- You will need an indoor and possibly outdoor pen. We use Clearly Loved Pet pens inside. You can choose to invest in that product or use a less pricy option from Amazon. 27” tall is the shortest I would go. I recommend 34”- 36” as puppies as they grow can learn to jump over. The wire pens are wonderful for outside potty time. You can place your puppy inside and designate it for a potty spot, no distracting leash needed.

Each Bluebell puppy comes with a harness and leash. When shopping for a collar, I do like the Blueberry brand. Below are some examples. Start with xs and know that they will grow out of it.

If you are continuing the litter box for your puppy as some families do, here is the one that we use. We also use a grate and pee pad system as well. Your puppy will be familiar with both. The grass pad delivered to your door is also a wonderful option for our apartment families.

Here is a list of bowls, and toys that you will find helpful for your puppy.

The snuggle puppy is a must as all first time puppy owners will tell you. It is such a comfort to puppies. Puppies enjoy crinkle toys. I have included an example. Feel free to get creative. TJMaxx is a favorite toy shopping spot of mine.

For those who want a nature alternative to flea and tick medicine, I recommend Wondercide. This choice does require one to be very observant and check their puppy often. If you prefer an easy and almost foolproof way, talk to your vet about which flea medication is right for your puppy. And do give your puppy vitamins and a superb diet to combat the ingredients in the traditional flea and tick medicine.