10 Must-Have Puppy Essentials for Under $225
Meet Puppy Mabel - A Water-Loving Bestie!
Mabel was a playful silver Lab puppy and a loyal companion to both Charlie and Nova. She was one of those unforgettable puppy playmates—curious, social, and full of heart. Although Mabel now lives with her mom and dad, we’ll always remember her joyful spirit, sweet personality, and her endless love for splashing in the water!
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: love matters most. But the right gear? It builds trust, eases training, and sets the stage for those unforgettable first weeks.
It’s so tempting to splurge on every cute toy and piece of puppy gear—but if your pup is under six months old, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Puppies grow fast! With Nova, by the time she turned one, she had more collars than I had sandals. Choosing budget-friendly puppy essentials will save you money while still giving your pup everything they need.
Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or on your fourth furry sidekick, this essential puppy gear checklist will help you start strong — with confidence and connection.
Note: Crates vary widely in price and many puppy parents borrow or buy used. We’ve included crate options, but they’re not counted in this total.
Let’s dive in — one paw, one heart at a time.
🛏️ Essential #1: Puppy Crate (for Sleep + Potty Training)
Crate training is great for most dogs — but not all. My dog Charlie wasn’t crate trained due to severe orthopedic issues. He needed the freedom to move safely.
For the rest of my pups, crate training helped with potty training, calm behavior, and offering a lifelong “safe space.”
I’ve always bought crates sized for adulthood, using dividers to grow with the pup. Learn more in our Crate Training 101 blog →.
Top Pick: MidWest Homes iCrate 2-Door — $35–$85
Why: Divider grows with your pup. Trusted by trainers. Easy to clean and secure.
Budget Alternative:Best Pet Folding Crate — $45–$65
Good quality, value crate with divider. May need replacing over time.
🍽️ Essential #2: Food & Water Bowls (Easy to Clean)
Bowls seem simple, but the options vary. Puppies can get acne from plastic bowls, so we recommend stainless steel to start.
Charlie, one of my rescues, hated metal bowls and preferred puddles — so we compromised with a durable plastic bowl I washed daily.
Start basic. Adjust as you learn your puppy’s preferences.
Pick: Loving Pets Bella Stainless Bowls — $5.45–$11.27
Why: Durable, affordable, and easy to clean. Great for home or travel.
🐾 Essential #3: Collar with ID Tag (Safety First!)
Emergencies happen. A simple ID tag on a flat collar can help your pup get back to you quickly.
Plan to upgrade as your puppy grows. Here's an affordable starter:
Pick: TagME Reflective Nylon Collar — $3.99–$7.99
Why: Durable, reflective, and budget-friendly. Add your own ID tag.
🦮 Essential #4: Leash (Standard + Retractable Combo)
If you’ve never tried a retractable leash, you might love (or hate) it. I use both!
The Tug leash survived puppy teeth, drops, and daily use. But a standard leash is easier for training.
Top Pick: Tug Retractable Leash — $14–$34
Why: Great for recall and freedom with safety. Durable and comfortable.
Budget Alternative:PetSafe Nylon Leash — $3–$4
Simple, strong, ideal for training basics.
🩺 Essential #5: Pet Insurance & Microchip
Vet visits add up fast. Microchips help bring pups home. Insurance can save you thousands.
Top Providers: Pets Best, MetLife, Healthy Paws
Click here to read our full in-depth review on Pet Insurance and Microchips →
🧻 Essential #6: Puppy Pee Pads (Accidents Happen!)
Help transition your pup to outside potty time — and protect your floors.
Pick: Amazon Basics Puppy Pads (100 ct) — $19
Why: Reliable, absorbent, and budget-friendly.
Check out our blog on Potty Training Tips →
🧸 Essential #7: Teething Toy (Save Your Shoes)
Puppies explore with their mouths. The right toy protects your stuff — and eases teething pain.
Top Pick: KONG Puppy Rubber Toy — $8
Why: Soothes gums, encourages independence, freezer-safe.
Budget Alternative: Nylabone Puppy Rings — $7
Textured, safe, and long-lasting.
🍖 Essential #8: Training Treats (Build the Bond)
Food is powerful. Positive reinforcement makes training easier and faster.
Top Pick:Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Treats — $16
Budget Alternative:Pupford Freeze-Dried Treats — $10
Why: High-value, low-calorie, great for frequent rewards.
🛌 Essential #9: Puppy Bed (Sweet Dreams)
Just like us, dogs have sleep preferences. Try a soft bed now, upgrade later if needed.
Top Pick:Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed — $39
Budget Alternative:KSIIA Washable Dog Bed — $21
Why: Soft, cozy, and anti-slip. Fits most crates.
🧽 Essential #10: Puppy Brush (Grooming = Bonding)
Start early to make grooming feel like a massage, not a battle. Play with paws, check ears, and touch teeth — it helps with vet visits, too.
Pick:Kong Zoom Groom Brush — $9
Why: Gentle, easy to clean, helps build trust during grooming.
