If you have been reading here for a while, you probably already know I am that dog mom — the one who is completely obsessed with her pups. Winston, our German Shepherd/Chow mix, and Gizmo, our German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix, also known as The Grant Boys, both joined our family through the SPCA of Wake County, and we are huge advocates for the organization years later.
Those two brought so much joy into our home, and we took every opportunity spoil them constantly, Both of The Grant Boys have since crossed the rainbow bridge, so we have continued using key products that made being their dog parents so much easier for our 3-year-old Chocolate Lab/Boykin Spaniel mix, Ruthie B. Below are the 8 dog essentials we swear by in 2026 — updated with what is working for us, plus a couple of things we have learned along the way.
Disclaimer: These recommendations are based purely on our personal experience raising our pups. Every dog is different, so always check with your veterinarian before changing food, gear, or routines.
This article was originally published in February 2017 and has since been updated and recirculated for September 2026.
8 Essential Items Every Dog Owner Needs in 2026 (Tried & Tested)
High-Quality Dog Food
Starting out as puppies, we use Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula and slowly move them over to The Farmer’s Dog. We have found a lot of success for our pups to give them a little Purina Pro Plan shredded chicken in addition to their Farmer’s Dog meal. Our dogs eat breakfast and dinner and are not grazers, so they get this twice a day. We love using Chewy auto-ship for the Purina Pro Plan food and we get the 24-meal delivery of The Farmer’s Dog. Try The Farmer’s Dog for free here. Be sure to follow the instructions on how to introduce your pup to new food included in the box.
A Reliable Leash
Photo by Glory Roze Photography
Retractable leashes have never been our thing — they offer too little control in unpredictable moments. A traditional, sturdy leash still gives us the best handling on walks, especially with strong dogs pulling in different directions. We love these walking sets from The Foggy Dog.
A Gentle Leader (Head Collar)
One of the Grant Boys really struggled with leash pulling early on. A gentle leader head collar was a total game-changer and dramatically reduced the pulling within days. If you are dealing with a puller, this is still one of the first things we recommend trying.
Ruthie gets easily distracted on walks, so we have found that giving her a “job” during her walks is more beneficial. She carries this duck on her walks and it helps keep her focused, prevents her from pulling, and she only gets it for walks, so she knows the routine when she sees us get it down from her cubby in the mudroom.
Kongs for Mental Stimulation
Kongs remain one of the best tools for rewarding, calming, or just mentally stimulating a bored dog. Our go-to combo: peanut butter, a few Charlee Bear treats, topped with more peanut butter, then frozen for a few minutes. It is a lifesaver during thunderstorms, fireworks, or busy work-from-home days.
Properly Fitted Collars, ID Tags, & Flea/Tick Prevention
A well-fitted collar that is strong enough to handle leash pressure is non-negotiable. We keep ID tags with current names and phone numbers on our dogs at all times, and we used Seresto collars on The Grant Boys for long-lasting flea and tick prevention — something that matters even more as tick season windows keep expanding. The Seresto collars worked great on the boys with their long fur. Ruthie B does not wear a Seresto collar; instead, she gets an annual flea and tick prevention shot at the vet.
Durable Chew Toys
Every dog has a different play style. One of The Grant Boys was destructive and loved ripping apart stuffed toys, while the other treated his favorite toys more like a security blanket and carried them everywhere (his favorite was this one). We also keep dental chews with toothpaste on hand to ease anxiety, and puppy teething keys were essential when they were young. Another pro-tip for when puppies are teeth: smear peanut butter on a damp hand towel, freeze it, and hand it over during teething for instant relief. See more of our dogs’ favorite toys here.
Low-Calorie Training Treats
Charlee Bears are our go-to for training, walking, and everyday rewards. At just 3 calories per treat, we can reward good behavior often without worrying about weight gain — something that matters a lot with dogs that beg for treats all day.
A Crate and a Cozy Bed
Crate training our dogs was one of the best decisions we made. In our first home, The Grant Boys’ kennels lived in our bedroom and both dogs did not appreciate when we tried to move them. In our current home, we kept their kennels in our primary bedroom. We love that they know that their kennels are their space, and that they can retreat there any time they are overwhelmed or tired. We also keep a dog bed in our bedroom for the nights Ruthie B s not busy hogging ours. She also likes to have one by the backdoor to watch the happenings in our backyard. Giving dogs a designated “their” spot really does help with anxiety and settling on command.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important supplies for a new dog owner? The essentials are quality food, a sturdy leash, a properly fitted collar with ID tags, a crate or bed, mental-stimulation toys like Kongs, chew toys, and low-calorie training treats.
Do gentle leaders actually stop leash pulling? For many dogs, yes. A gentle leader redirects the dog’s head rather than relying on neck pressure, which can significantly reduce pulling with consistent use. Always talk to your vet to get the best advice for your scenario.
Is crate training recommended for all dogs? Most trainers and vets recommend crate training because it gives dogs a secure, dedicated space and can ease separation anxiety when done positively and gradually. Always talk to your vet to get the best advice for your scenario.
There you have it — our 8 tried-and-true essentials for raising happy, healthy dogs in 2026. Every dog is different, so take what works for your household and leave the rest. See our tips for traveling with our pups here and our favorite dog-friendly North Carolina getaways here.
What are your must-have items for your pets? Let me know in the comments!
I bought a crate when I got Windsor, but he cried when I put him in there and of course I took him out and that was the end of it. I’m such a softie! He’s always had free reign wherever I’ve lived and he’s never destroyed anything #knockonwood He does love to chew though and he lives for fetch time so toys are definitely a must. I wanted to get him a gentle leader, but I don’t think it would stay on his face. This is a great post and you know I love seeing pics of your babies!
OMG Winston looks just like my boy, Conner! Conner is a collie/shephard mix, though, so he’s a little furrier, but their faces…they could be brothers! Your boys are so cute!