10 Must-Have Puppy Essentials for Under $190
Build Trust from Day One — Without Breaking the Bank
Getting a puppy shouldn't cost a fortune — but it should open your heart.
After years of training therapy dogs, hunting dogs, and companions like Charlie, I’ve learned this: the love matters most. But the right tools? They make all the difference — in trust, in training, and in those unforgettable first weeks.
This is the guide I wish I had when I brought home my first pup. Whether you're stretching every dollar or ready to invest, these essentials will help you start strong — with confidence and connection.
Let’s dive in — one paw, one heart at a time
🛏️ 1. Puppy Crate
🏆 MidWest Homes iCrate 2-Door
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (107,000+ reviews)
💰 $35–$85
📝 Why we recommend it:
Divider panel grows with your pup. Trusted by trainers. Easy to clean, secure, and great for crate training.
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🥈 Budget Pick: Best Pet Folding Crate
💰 $45–$65
📝 Reliable entry-level crate with a divider. Might need replacing as your pup grows.
👉 Shop Budget Pick
🍽️ 2. Food & Water Bowls
🥇 Loving Pets Bella Stainless Bowls
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (29,000+ reviews)
💰 $5.45–$11.27
📝 Why we recommend it:
Affordable, durable, and easy to clean. Perfect for home or travel, and won’t hold bacteria like plastic.
🐾 3. Collar with ID Tag
🥇 TagME Reflective Nylon Collar
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (22,000+ reviews)
💰 $3.99–$7.99
📝 Why we recommend it:
Reflective, adjustable, and budget-friendly. Just remember to add a separate ID tag.
🦮 4. Leash
Tug Retractable Leash — ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (109,000+ reviews)
💲$14–$34
Why: Freedom + safety in one durable design.
🛒 Amazon Link
🥈 PetSafe Nylon Leash — $3–$4
🛒 Amazon Link
🩺 5. Pet Insurance
Top Providers: Pets Best, MetLife, Healthy Paws - Per Nerd Wallet
Why: Vet bills are no joke. Insurance protects your pup and your wallet.
📖 Compare Plans (Link to internal blog or comparison)
🧻 6. Puppy Pee Pads
Amazon Basics Puppy Pads — ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (233,000+ reviews)
💲$19 for 100 ct
Why: Clean, absorbent, reliable.
🛒 Amazon Link
🧸 7. Teething Toy
KONG Puppy Rubber Toy — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (49,000+ reviews)
💲$8
Why: Freezer-safe and soothing.
🛒 Amazon Link
🥈 Nylabone Puppy Rings — $7
🛒 Amazon Link
🍖 8. Training Treats
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Treats — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (17,000+ reviews)
💲$16
Why: High-value and irresistible.
🛒 Amazon Link
🥈 Pupford Freeze-Dried Treats — $10
🛒 Amazon Link
🛌 9. Puppy Bed
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (48,000+ reviews)
💲$39
Why: Comfy, washable, crate-friendly.
🛒 Amazon Link
🥈 KSIIA Plush Bed — $21
🛒 Amazon Link
🧽 10. Puppy Brush
Kong Zoom Groom Brush — ⭐⭐⭐⭐
💲$9
Why: Gentle and great for bonding.
🛒 Amazon Link
Every link supports our mission to offer affordable, heart-centered dog training.
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting K9 Hearts.
Coming Soon:
🧩 Crate Training 101
🪪 Choosing the Right Collar
💡 What is Pet Insurance?
➡️ Subscribe for updates or follow along as we build trust one paw at a time.
🦴 Featured Puppy Essentials:
Mabel models two of our top picks for new dog parents — the Nylabone Puppy Teething Bone, perfect for easing sore gums, and the Amazon Basics Nylon Dog Leash in classic red, durable and budget-friendly for early training.
🐶 Featured Essentials:
Nova finds her safe haven in this cozy training setup featuring the BestPet Folding Dog Crate and a plush MidWest dog bed. A puppy pad outside the crate encourages good habits without stress. This peaceful setup builds comfort, trust, and restful sleep from day one.
