Apollo, Cooper and Brooklyn in a bluebonnet field.
Dog-Friendly,  Lifestyle

36 Must-Have Dog Products

Woof!

Today we wanted to share with y’all our favorite must-have products for dog owners anywhere! Whether you’re a new dog owner or are seasoned (with dog hair), this is the list I wish people would’ve given me before we got our first dog.

No, we are not getting paid to share these brands. Yes, we have used/still use all of these products. Plus, who doesn’t love spoiling their pups a little bit … er, a lot. So without further ado…

Here are our most-have dog products:

  • A Great Veterinarian
    • If you only take one thing from this list is this. A great veterinarian that shares what you believe in is the most important thing you can find as a dog owner. Each vet is different, so don’t be afraid to shop around until you find someone you’re more than happy with. 
    • If you’re in Austin, I can’t recommend Dr. Adam Lassin enough. He’s an integrative veterinarian, so he practices both Eastern and Western medicine. As someone who worked with veterinarians for 5+ years, this recommendation does not come lightly. 
  • The Honest Kitchen: Perfect Form
    • Use it as a digestive supplement or simply when you’ve your dog has a bad case of the poops. We don’t call it “magic poopy powder” for no reason.
  • BarkBox
    • A monthly subscription of toys, treats and other goodies. What else do you need?
  • Traffic leash
    • Helps keep your pup close to you during many situations. This is our favorite, especially for Apollo!
  • Poop bags
    • Don’t spend a fortune on flimsy, thin bags โ€” get these and save yourself some green, and some poopy fingers. 
  • Kirkland Dog Bed
    • Our all-time favorite dog beds, they are even Apollo sized. Get yourself a Costco membership or find a friend with one, they are worth it.
  • K9 SportSack
    • Perfect for small-medium dogs who are looking for an adventure, without the “walking” part.
  • Hand Picked by Hadlie Bandanas
    • The best bandanas in the industry, we’ll fight you on it. Use code “GREATGOLDENWEENIE” for 10% off!
  • The French and I Bandanas
    • Another of our favorite bandana companies, because they not only care about their customers but about supporting local businesses and the quality of all of their materials.
  • Kong
    • Perfect for puppies, adults and seniors alike. Smother it in peanut butter and enjoy some peace and quiet.
  • Slo-Bowl/Fun Feeder Bowl
    • This is perfect for fast-eating pups, who either choke on their food or swallow too much gas (which inevitably comes out the other end).
  • Pet Cube
    • For helicopter parents like myself, this is the best way to keep track of your pups while you’re not home. Plus, you can shoot them treats from work! It’s a win-win.
  • Baby Gate
    • It’s nice being able to confine your pup in an area without having to lock them in a room or kennel, trust us. 
  • First Aid Kit
    • You never know what will happen, but having one of these will have you prepared for minor injuries. You can either buy it or make it, it just depends on how extra you want to be.
  • EasyWalk Harness
    • Perfect for pups who get a little too excited during W-A-L-K-S, it keeps them from pulling without being painful/uncomfortable.
  • ThunderShirt
    • If you have an anxious doggo, this shirt provides a safe calming tool to get them through the worst.
  • Freeze Dried Liver Treats
    • Seriously the best training treats on the market, especially because you can generally find them anywhere you go. 
  • Treat Pouch
    • Speaking of training treats, get yourself an easy-access pouch for those training sessions. This one clips to your belt/pants (and doesn’t fall off) plus it has a poop bag holder and more!
  • Pop Your Pup 
    • T-shirts, canvases, blankets, pillows โ€” all with your dogs face on them. Need I say more?
  • NylaBone
    • A great chewing alternative to bones/antlers, without the mess or risk for broken teeth.
  • Travel Bowl
    • Whether you travel or not, having a collapsible bowl will make staying hydrated an easy task.
  • Travel Crate
    • You never know when you will need to travel last minute, or you simply want to bring your pup along on an adventure. Having a light, foldable crate is essential for when you need to give your dog a safe place anywhere you are.
  • Car Hammock
    • I promise you, having one of these bad boys will make de-hairing your car a much, much simpler task.
  • Lily Brush
    • Speaking of de-hairing, might as well de-hair your entire life (at least for a day) with these amazing brushes. They work on carpets, dog beds, the car, your clothes … need I say more?
  • Long Leash
    • These are perfect for working on recall, especially if your dog still doesn’t understand the “coming back” part.
  • Nail Trimmers
    • Trimming your dogs’ nails from an early age is essential to them not despising manicures as they grow older. These are, in my opinion, the easiest to use and safest nail trimmers in the market.
  • Tooth Brush and Tooth Paste
    • Just like trimming their nails, brushing their teeth from an early age will prevent headaches when they are older. We recommend just using the finger brush, as it’s easier and less intrusive than sticking a stick in their mouth. Pro tip: focus on the outside of the teeth, not the inside.
  • Nature’s Miracle 
    • Even if you don’t have a puppy, shit happens. Literally. Be prepared to get rid of all smells with this natural, enzymatic cleaner. 
  • Green Lipped Mussles
    • A great, natural joint supplement for dogs of all ages. Being proactive is the best way to prevent your pup from having joint issues as they reach their silver years.
  • Fish/Salmon Oil
    • All of the benefits listed above, plus a healthy, dandruff-free coat to boast. 
  • Dremel
    • Back on the nail trimming train, using a dremel will help alleviate your dog (and your legs) from the sharp edges left behind from regular trimmers. 
  • Food Storage Container
    • Having an airtight food container will not only keep their food fresh, but it will also keep any pest-attracting scents out of the house. 
  • AquaPaw
    • Make bath-time a breeze by keeping your dog busy as you scrub. Just slather some peanut butter and get to rinsing.
  • Food Ball
    • No, not football. The food ball is a great treat/food puzzle to keep your doggo entertained for a few minutes. It works especially well for fast eaters, as it forces them to eat their kibble in small amounts. 
  • Goat Milk
    • A great source of probiotics while making their kibble taste even better.
  • Canned Pumpkin
    • Give a tablespoon (meant for medium-large dogs) as a source of fiber for loose stools. Don’t worry about buying a dog brand for this, your standard grocery store should have some. Make sure you buy unsweetened canned pumpkin, not pumpkin filling or anything with pumpkin spice.
  • Pet Insurance
    • You never know what will happen, so if something does happen, you want to be prepared. The last thing you want to worry about during an emergency is how you’re going to pay for things. So, we always recommend pet insurance. There are various companies and plans in the market, so I recommend finding one that fits all of your and your pup’s needs. 

What NOT to Get:

  • Retractable Leash
    • Seriously, just don’t.

Disclaimer: all dogs are not created equal. Each dog breed is subjected to their own needs, so this list is an overall suggestion as to things that we believe most breeds, dogs, dog owners and more will enjoy having.