Dog Products I Personally Recommend
As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years — including more than 20 years helping owners with housebreaking and everyday care — I’m often asked what products I actually use and recommend. This page is my answer: the beds, foods, tools, and services I genuinely like, organized by what you need them for. I update this page as I find better options, so everything here is something I’m comfortable putting my name on.
Affiliate Note: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, Dog-Breeds.net may earn a small commission that helps us continue our message of dog owner education — at no extra cost to you.
Jump to:
Health & Wellness · Dog DNA Testing
Housebreaking
Puppy Starter Essentials
Beds & Comfort · Senior Dog Comfort
Food & Treats
Grooming
Toys & Enrichment
Walking Gear
Travel, Carriers & Crates
Portraits & Gifts
Big-Dog Extras
Health & Wellness
Need professional healthcare information fast? We recommend Dutch Vet (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link). They offer online veterinary consultations — a quick, affordable way to get professional guidance about your dog’s health issues, without the waiting room.
For everyday natural care — supplements, remedies, and supplies made with clean ingredients — I send readers to Only Natural Pet (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link). They’ve built their whole catalog around natural pet health, which matches how I care for my own dogs.
Dog DNA Testing
Wonder what breeds make up your dog, or which health risks run in his family? Start with my guide: Dog DNA Testing & Genetic Health. It explains how dog DNA tests work, what they can (and can’t) tell you, and how to choose the right one.
Beds & Comfort
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog, especially as they age. Orthopedic beds provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest. The brand I recommend is Bully Beds — heavy-duty orthopedic beds built for real support, not stuffed pillows that flatten in a month.
Big Ass Dog Company (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) builds gear sized and stitched for big dogs — bolster dog beds that last.
For everyday beds, replacement bedding, and puppy setups, Petmate (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) covers the basics well at fair prices.
🌟 My Tip — Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick): One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term — especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. For tiny dog beds, waterproof pillow covers work the same way. I use the same idea around the house, too: washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents.
Food & Treats
What goes in the bowl matters more than almost anything else. For everyday feeding, I recommend Brothers Dog Food (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) — a family-owned company whose food I’ve researched carefully for ingredient quality.
If you’re interested in raw feeding, Raw Wild (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) offers raw dog food and natural elk antler chews — a long-lasting, stronger chew option for dogs that go through ordinary chews in minutes.
For training, treats should be high-value and clean. Bonne et Filou treats (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) are the ones I reach for when I need a dog’s full attention. For jerky treats and everyday small treats, Only Natural Pet (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) has a wide, natural selection.
💡 My Tip — Check Ingredient Labels: Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset the stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for natural ingredient labels, and single-ingredient or few-ingredient treats where you can.
Grooming
The right basic tools, used regularly, prevent most coat problems. A gentle slicker brush or a metal comb generally keeps the coat neat. Regular brushing helps prevent mats, reduces shedding, and keeps the coat healthy. For the right grooming tools used for each specific breed, be sure to look in the grooming section on each breed page. Search for your favorite breed in our Alphabetical Dog Breeds Directory.
Toys & Enrichment
Smart dogs get bored, and bored dogs invent their own entertainment. A good enrichment toy (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) can help prevent boredom, reduce unwanted behaviors, and keep their mind engaged. When choosing, think about your dog’s personality: some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happiest with something they can chew or carry around. Petmate’s Chuckit! and JW lines cover both kinds.
Walking Gear
From my experience, choosing the right walking gear makes a big difference in both safety and control. For leashes, I recommend StitchLeash (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) — well-made, comfortable to hold, and built to last. For collars, I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while being gentler than traditional collars when used correctly.
Big Ass Dog Company (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) builds gear sized and stitched for big dogs — collars, leashes, and accessories.
Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.
💡 My Tip — Avoid Retractable Leashes: I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.
Housebreaking
Tired of cleaning up dog urine? You’re in the right place — housebreaking help is what started my business. Belly Bands and Dog Diapers can be a valuable help for dogs that mark indoors, experience incontinence, or need protection while in heat. Belly Bands are my own washable bands for male and female dogs — soft, adjustable wraps that contain urine from marking or incontinence, protect your floors and furniture, and make accidents easier to manage while housebreaking continues.
Travel, Carriers & Crates
When little legs can’t keep up — on hikes, long walks, or travel days — K9 Sport Sack — (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) carrier backpack lets your dog ride safely and comfortably while staying part of the adventure. They’re also a kind option for senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues who still love getting out.
For home and travel containment, Petmate kennels and crates (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) are the sturdy standard — the same style trusted for airline travel, and just as useful for house training and safe downtime at home.
Puppy Starter Essentials
Bringing home a puppy? Here’s the short list I give every new owner:
- Simple washable bedding — start with washable blankets and throws instead of an expensive bed while house training is underway: Petmate bedding (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link)
- Training treats — small, high-value, and clean-ingredient: Bonne et Filou (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link)
- Something safe to chew — an enrichment toy (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) saves your furniture and their boredom
- Housebreaking help — patience, consistency, and Belly Bands for little boys who mark
Senior Dog Comfort
Older dogs have earned every comfort we can give them. Support starts with sleep: an orthopedic Bully Bed — (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) eases pressure on aging joints. For joint and mobility support, Only Natural Pet (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) offers natural supplements, and Dutch Vet (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) makes it easy to ask a vet a question without a stressful trip. For carrying a senior who still loves outings, the K9 Sport Sack — (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) is a gentle solution. And read my full Senior Dog Care Guide for health, diet, and mobility advice.
Portraits & Gifts
Celebrate your beautiful dog with a quality portrait. Crown & Paw (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) turns your dog’s photo into a stunning custom portrait — the kind of gift that makes people tear up at birthdays.
Big-Dog Extras
Owners of large and giant breeds know the struggle: everything needs to be stronger. Big Ass Dog Company (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) builds gear sized and stitched for big dogs — collars, leashes, and accessories that don’t give up in a month. Pair their gear with a Bully Bed in the largest sizes and a big dog is properly set up.
Every purchase made through the links on this page helps keep Dog-Breeds.net running and free for the dog owners who learn here. Thank you for supporting the site — and for loving your dogs the way I love mine. — Lisa