Tried and Tested Essentials

We’ve put together a list of essential puppy supplies to help you get started with confidence. The linked listings here are no more expensive than the product is normally advertised for but by buying these recommended products through the provided links, we will make a tiny commission -which is a great help to us, particularly Skye, Skittles, Scarlet, Sasha, and Rio! So Much Mahalo!

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. And so 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 is simply here to make your life easier as you welcome your new best friend home.

Click on the item’s title or picture to be taken to the Amazon listing

X PEN
The eXercise pen (X-pen) is handy to have, particularly when your golden is a young puppy. Make sure to get the large 48-inch high one, as you’ll find it's size useful in preventing your growing golden pup from climbing up and out of the pen. Goldens are smart — they’ll eventually discover their climbing skills. The X-pen should be secured 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.

Amazon Basics Dog Bed
The Amazon Basics dog bed is way better than ANY of the others (we've tried most all of them) because it uses a simple metal (not plastic) frame design and just 4 bolts. It doesn't fall apart, it's 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.

Whelping Pads Double as Furniture/Bed/Car Seat Covers
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 the other items on this list, Amazon offers competitive pricing for these whelping pads.

Stainless Steel Food and Water Bowls
Stainless steel (SS) food and water bowls are essential to keeping down bacteria and making cleaning easier. These particular SS dog bowls have anti-skid rubber covered bottoms to prevent the bowl from moving while your pup is chowing down. There's nothing wrong with getting the large size, as your Golden will quickly grow into it. 

Deluxe, Mess Proof, Elevated Neater Feeder w/SS Dog Bowls
Exceptionally well-built, this product will serve you for years—well beyond your Golden pup’s habit of flipping the water bowl to make a cool puddle to lay in. Its smart design helps minimize spills, whether accidental or… enthusiastically intentional. Perfect for water-loving goldens.

PetSafe Water Dispenser
It's very important that your pup always has access to clean drinking water. This PetSafe dispenser is the best we’ve used. The stainless steel bowl resists bacteria, and the translucent bottle makes water level easy to monitor. We strongly recommend adding the charcoal filter, which the company sells separately. It helps prevent algae and bacteria buildup in both the reservoir container and bowl. If your golden pup enjoys splashing the water out of the drinking bowl to lay in the puddle they created, you should probably consider the 320 oz size dispenser. Use inexpensive, absorbent, bathroom floor mats or dish rack mats under and around dispenser to catch the spills.

PetSafe Charcoal Filter 
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 last a bit longer than the manufacturer's suggested expiration Quick tip: when refilling the container, first inspect the inside visually and give it a sniff— if there's any odor, its time to clean it with soap. Always give the SS bowl and quick clean when tasked with refilling the bottle. The point here is to make sure your pet dog always has access to clean drinking water. 

Outside Pet Water Fountain
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.  

Pet Water Fountain
Here is a larger version of the above mentioned fountain.

Natural Rubber Balls for Fetch / Retrieve
Did you know felt-covered tennis balls will wear down your dog's tooth enamel? If your pup is anything like their Magnificent 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 that won't prematurely wear away at their teeth.

Nulo Freestyle Canned Food
We've found that Nulo brand dog food products, like their Freestyle canned version, are trustworthy. We feed all our dogs this when we run out of more nutritional home-prepared dog food.

Beef Gelatin Powder
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 chicken bone 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.

Chicken Bone Broth
This low sodium chicken bone broth provides collagen, glucosamine, and gelatin for joint, tendon, and ligament support, and has a higher collagen to fat ratio when compared to beef bone broth. Whisking this together with the aforementioned beef gelatin powder makes for a life force gravy topper that helps your pup develop into the strong, Magnificent golden their genetics are programmed for.

Canned Mackerel or Sardines
Adding a piece of chub mackerel or sardines to each meal provides natural omega-3 fatty acids, essential for healthy brain development, strong joints, heart health, and a shiny coat. Mackerel and sardines 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.