Essential for New Puppy | Must-Have Puppy Checklist

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Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, emotional, and—let’s be honest—a little overwhelming. If you’re wondering what’s essential for a new puppy, you’re not alone.

At Peaks Family Pets in Squamish, we’ve helped Squamish families prepare for their new adventure pups. Whether this is your first dog or an addition to your pack, having the right new puppy essentials in place before day one makes all the difference.  And so we decided to write this guide to cover exactly what you need for a new puppy during the first week home—no fluff, just the true must-haves.

1.  Puppy Food: The Most Important Essential for a New Puppy

First off, nutrition is the foundation of healthy development. Puppies grow rapidly—especially in the first six months—and need significantly more calories than adult dogs.

Why Puppy Food Is Essential

Puppy-specific food:

  • Contains higher calories per serving
  • Has smaller kibble for tiny mouths
  • Supports bone and joint development
  • Is easier on sensitive puppy stomachs

Most puppies reach adulthood around 12 months (large breeds may take up to 18 months). Feeding appropriate puppy food during this time is critical.

Large-Breed Puppy Food

If your dog will grow to over 65 lbs (30 kg), a large-breed puppy formula is essential.

These formulas support:

  • Controlled growth rates
  • Balanced calcium and phosphorus
  • Lean body condition to reduce hip dysplasia risk

Raw Feeding for Puppies

Raw diets can be an excellent option—if balanced and complete. Look for commercially prepared puppy-specific blends rather than homemade diets during the first year.

Feeding guideline:

  • 10% of current body weight
    OR
  • 2–3% of estimated adult weight

A kitchen scale is one of the most overlooked but essential tools for new puppy owners feeding raw.

Luckily there are plenty of Raw brands that make puppy specific diets.  Two recommended Puppy Blends are Iron Will Pupplicious Blend and Healthy Paws Puppy.

2.  Food & Water Bowls: Practical Puppy Supplies You’ll Actually Use Daily

When building your puppy supplies list, bowls matter more than you think.

Best Bowl Option

✔ Heavy stainless steel
✔ Dishwasher safe
✔ Rubber bottom to prevent sliding

Puppies eat with enthusiasm. A lightweight bowl will quickly turn into a daily clean-up routine.

Slow Feeder Bowls

If your puppy eats too quickly, a slow feeder can help prevent:

  • Vomiting
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Digestive discomfort

Look for BPA-free silicone or plastic options.

  1. Leash and Collar: First Week Puppy Essentials

You don’t need designer gear yet. Puppies grow fast and chew everything.

What you need for a new puppy:

  • Simple nylon collar
  • Lightweight nylon leash

Recommended sizes:

  • Small puppies: ¾” width, 4–5 ft length
  • Medium puppies: 1” width, 6 ft length

Keep it simple in the first few months.

  1. Harness: A Safer Walking Essential for New Puppy Training

A harness is one of the smartest investments for early training.

Why it’s essential:

  • Reduces pressure on neck and trachea
  • Prevents slipping out of collar
  • Safer for puppies that pull
  • Gives better control during training

You’ll still need a collar for ID tags, but a harness supports safe leash training from the start.

  1. Teething Toys & Chews: Survival Tools for the Puppy Stage

Teething starts early—and if you’re not prepared, your shoes will pay the price.

Essential Chews for New Puppies

  • Soft to medium natural chews
  • Veal pizzles (softer alternative to bully sticks)
  • Rope toys or long tug toys

Long toys help keep distance between sharp puppy teeth and your hands.

Avoid Rawhide

Rawhide:

  • Is a byproduct of leather production
  • Can be chemically processed
  • Is difficult to digest
  • Presents choking risks

Stick to 100% natural, digestible chews instead.

Always supervise when introducing new chews.

  1. Training Treats: Must-Have for First Week with a Puppy

Training begins immediately—even on day one.

Everyday Training Treats

Look for:

  • 2–3 calories per treat
  • Small size
  • Soft texture

You’ll use dozens daily for reinforcing good behaviour.  We recommend Cloud Star Tricky Trainers for everyday training.

High-Value Treats

Use sparingly for:

  • Recall
  • Emergency recall
  • Potty training

Great BC made options

  1. Housebreaking Essentials for New Puppies

Potty training accidents are normal. Preparation reduces stress—for both of you.

Exercise Pen (Ex-Pen)

Essential for:

  • Blocking off stairs
  • Protecting carpeted areas
  • Managing baby zones
  • Separating from cat litter

Collapsible Crate

Crates provide:

  • A safe resting space
  • Structured training support
  • A calm zone for overstimulation

Enzymatic Cleaner

Regular cleaners don’t eliminate odor markers. An enzymatic cleaner breaks down biological residue and helps prevent repeat accidents.

This is absolutely essential for successful house training.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple in the First Week

There are hundreds of puppy products available—but the truth is, you don’t need most of them right away. But if you focus on these essential items for a new puppy, you’ll:

  • Reduce stress
  • Support healthy development
  • Prevent common training setbacks
  • Protect your home (and shoes)

The first week with a puppy is about structure, nutrition, safety, and consistency.

Everything else can come later.