Tried and Tested Essentials

We’ve put together a list of essential puppy supplies to help you get started with confidence. These are products we’ve personally used and trust — from eXercise pens and toys to grooming tools and feeding/water essentials. We’ve learned a lot and wasted money on products that didn’t last long or were gimmicks but this list includes only items that turned out to be as advertised and high in quality. This Amazon hosted list we created is for your convenience, and through an Amazon associates  we do not receive any commission. It’s simply here to make your life easier as you welcome your new best friend home.

The eXercise pen is handy to have. Make sure to get the large 48-inch high one, as you’ll find it useful into the future to contain your growing Golden. Goldens are smart — they’ll eventually figure out how to climb out if the walls are too short. The X-pen should be secured to the floor in one way or another so that the pup cannot move the enclosure by leaning or standing up against the sides. If used outdoors, make sure it’s always in the shade.

The Amazon Basics dog bed is way better than ANY of the others (we’ve tried most all of them) because it doesn’t fall apart, is easy to assemble, and it’s inexpensive. Should your pup chew a hole in the fabric, replacement fabrics are also inexpensive and easy to install.

These washable and reusable pads are essential to keeping your home cleaner during house training. You can use them under the X-pen, as couch or bed covers, or even as a seat protector in your car — the uses are many. Like many of these items, Amazon offers competitive pricing, but even lower prices can sometimes be found on Temu.

Stainless steel food and water bowls are essential to keeping down bacteria and making cleaning easier. These particular dog bowls have anti-skid bottoms to prevent them from moving while your pup is chowing down. There’s nothing wrong with getting the large size, as your Golden will grow into it.

This is the best water dispenser we’ve used. The stainless steel bowl resists bacteria, and the translucent bottle makes it easy to monitor water levels. We strongly recommend adding the optional charcoal filter — it helps prevent algae and bacteria buildup in both the reservoir and bowl.

This filter is essential for the PetSafe water dispenser (above) to keep bacteria and algae from building up inside the bottle. Without it, cleaning the bottle is a frequent necessity. I’ve found that these filters have been effective in providing clean drinking water while also preventing bacteria and algae growth in the bottle for significantly longer than the manufacturer’s suggestion. Quick tip: when refilling the container, give the inside a sniff— if there’s any odor, its time to clean it. 

These pet fountains are very useful to have in the yard where your golden plays. The stainless steel bowl inhibits the growth of bacteria and algae while fresh water keeps it filled.  

Here is a larger version of the above mentioned fountain.

Did you know felt-covered tennis balls will wear down your dog’s tooth enamel? If your pup is anything like their mothers, they’ll go bonkers over any opportunity to show you their innate retrieving skill. Satisfy them with these very durable, colorful, and lightweight balls made from safe, natural rubber.

We’ve found that Nulo brand dog food products, like this Freestyle re trustworthy and We feed all our dogs this when we run out of more nutritional home-prepared or cooked dog food.

Beef gelatin powder is a natural source of collagen and essential amino acids that help support strong joints, cartilage, and bones during a Golden Retriever’s critical growth stages. To use, simply sprinkle a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight) into your puppy’s food once daily. It mixes easily with broth or warm water if you want to enhance absorption. Regular supplementation helps promote flexibility, strengthen connective tissues, and reduce the risk of future joint issues.

Adding a small piece of chub mackerel or sardines (~1/10lbs) to each meal provides natural omega-3 fatty acids, essential for healthy brain development, strong joints, heart health, and a shiny coat. These fish are also rich in calcium, phosphorus, and high-quality protein, which support proper bone growth and muscle strength in growing Golden Retrievers. Always choose fish packed in water without added salt, and feed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.