• Our Choice: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl

Golden retrievers love to eat, so you’ll want to provide them with suitable dishes for their food and water. The best options are durable bowls that are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Look for non-skid or non-tip bowls to help prevent any messes from your enthusiastic new dog. Because many Goldens tend to eat quickly, you may want to consider buying a food bowl designed to slow them down. Like many deep-chested dogs, Golden retrievers are at risk of bloat¹, a life-threatening emergency. Eating too fast is one of several situations that can lead to bloat.

When it comes to dog bowls, we recommend the Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl from Outward Hound. We like the complicated design that makes dogs slow down to eat and that it’s dishwasher-safe.

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2. Food

• Our Choice: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Large Breed Dry Puppy Food

As a general rule, Golden Retrievers are not picky when it comes to food. Some of them have health issues that require a special diet, however, so ask your veterinarian for advice when picking food. If your dog has no dietary restrictions, choose a food that’s formulated for their current life stage: puppy, adult, or senior. All commercial dog diets in the United States are required to meet the same basic nutritional standards, so paying extra for a “premium” or “all-natural” diet doesn’t guarantee that it’s any healthier. Choose a diet your dog will eat and that works for you both.

If your vet has no specific dietary recommendations for your dog, we recommend Purina ProPlan Large Breed foods, which are available in canned and dry formulations. We like that these diets are formulated to help your golden retriever grow at the correct rate and contain added supplements to support joint health.

Treats and Toys

3. Chew Toys

• Our Choice: KONG Extreme Dog Toy

All dogs chew when they are teething, but as a breed developed to serve as hunting retrievers, goldens are particularly fond of keeping something in their mouths at all ages. Many Goldens are dedicated, powerful chewers, and if you don’t want your possessions to fall victim to their teeth, you better buy some chew toys! Pick toys that can withstand your dog’s chewing power without breaking into dangerous chunks. You want a toy that’s hard enough to withstand strong chewers but not so tough that it could lead to a broken tooth.

For chew toys, we recommend the Extreme Dog Toy from Kong. We like this multi-purpose chew that also functions as an interactive plaything or a fetch object.

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4. Play Toys

• Our Choice: West Paw Skamp Fetch Dog Toy

Golden retrievers, especially young ones, are energetic, playful dogs that are always up for a good time. To help them burn energy, avoid boredom, and not lapse into destructive behaviors, daily exercise and playtime are a must. Help your golden stay entertained by providing a variety of toys to play with. You can choose between puzzle toys, stuffed toys, tug ropes, or balls. No matter what toy you pick, chances are your golden will love it! Just remember that many toys should not be used without supervision, especially by destructive chewers.

When it comes to toys, we recommend the Skamp Fetch by Westpaw. We like that this toy indulges your Golden retriever’s natural-born desire to fetch as simple and slobber-free as possible!

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5. Training Supplies

• Our Choice: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Training Dog Treats

Enthusiastic and eager to please, golden retrievers generally take very well to training, especially when offered plenty of taste rewards along the way! Puppies are especially keen to learn. Socialization and training at an early age help a golden retriever grow into a well-mannered, balanced adult. Training treats can be helpful during teaching sessions, providing a yummy incentive to learn new commands. If you choose to use clicker training techniques, you’ll need to purchase a clicker as well.

When it comes to training treats, we recommend the Mini Naturals Chicken Training Treats from Zuke’s. We like the portable size of these treats, as well as the low-calorie count.

Walking Supplies

6. Collar And Leash

• Our Choice: Soft Touch Collars Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar

For safety, your golden retriever should always be kept on a collar and leash unless they are playing in a fenced-in location. Their friendliness and energy level can be a deadly combination if a golden spots a potential new acquaintance on the other side of a busy road. Obedience training will help, but you’ll still need a sturdy collar and leash for your dog. For most walks and training sessions, you’ll want a 4 or 6-foot leash to maintain control of your pup. A longer lead or can be used in certain situations to give your pup some more freedom to run.

When it comes to a collar and leash for your Golden Retriever, we recommend this leather collar and leash from Soft Touch Collars. We like that these products are durable, comfortable, and lovely to look at.

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7. Car Harness

• Our Choice: Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Smart Car Dog Harness

Because your social golden retriever will want to tag along every time you pick up the car keys, keep them safe by adding a seatbelt harness to your shopping list. For maximum protection, look for a harness that’s been crash-tested. Not only does a car harness keep your dog safe in case of an accident, but it can also help prevent one by keeping your dog in one place while you drive, minimizing distractions.

For car safety, we recommend the Tru-fit Enhanced Strength Crash Tested Harness from Kurgo. We like that this product is safety-tested and can also double as a walking harness for road trip potty breaks.

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8. ID Tags

• Our Choice: GoTags Anodized Aluminum Personalized ID Tag

Your golden retriever is unlikely ever to meet a stranger,which can be a problem if they get themselves lost in the pursuit of a new friend. To help ensure your pup finds their way back to you, make sure your golden retriever always wears a collar with ID tags attached. Because collars can get lost or broken, however, it’s still a good idea to have your dog microchipped as well. Just don’t forget to register the chip and keep your contact information up to date.

When it comes to keeping your golden retriever safe, we recommend the Personalized ID Tag from GoTags. We like that this tag is available in multiple colors and can fit up to 8 lines of information.

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9. Life Jacket

• Our Choice: Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket

 

True to their history as water retrievers, Goldens tend to love swimming and spending time around lakes or rivers. Water safety matters for dogs as much as it does for humans, so keep your pup protected by investing in a life jacket. Even dogs that are strong swimmers should wear a life jacket in case of emergency, especially if riding in a boat. Pick a life jacket that fits properly and has handles you can grab to rescue your pup if necessary.

For water safety, we recommend the Ripstop Life Jacket from Frisco. We like that this product is fully adjustable and features reflective strips for added visibility.

Comfort Supplies

10. Crate

• Our Choice: MidWest iCrate Fold and Carry Dog Crate

For new puppy owners, housetraining can be the first intimidating task they’ll need to accomplish. Buying your new pup an appropriate-sized crate is one way to make your job a little easier. Even an older golden retriever will appreciate having a cozy crate den to call their own. And because golden retrievers are prone to chewing, destructive behavior, and swallowing things that they shouldn’t, having a crate to secure your dog in safety when they are alone can be a lifesaver! Because your golden will grow quickly, you’ll probably need to purchase more than one crate as they outgrow the smaller ones.

When it comes to crates, we recommend the ICrate Collapsible Wire Crate from the Midwest. We like the sturdy construction and that it’s available in multiple sizes, so you can stick with the same brand every time you need to size up for your growing dog.

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11. Bed

• Our Choice: K&H Pet Products Bolster Elevated Dog Bed

You might need to think twice about putting a bed in your new golden retriever’s crate, at least until they are housetrained and less likely to chew it! However, it’s still a good idea to provide your dog with a comfy bed to call their own. Goldens shed fairly heavily and getting them to sleep in their own bed can help keep the fur confined to one spot. Look for a bed that’s easily cleaned, not just to keep the hair under control but because goldens love to go outside, get dirty, and enjoy a nice long nap.

For your Golden retriever’s new nap spot, we recommend the Original Bolster Pet Cot from K&H Pet Products. We like that this elevated bed helps keep your Golden cool in the summer, while the bolsters provide a comfy pillow for them.

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12. Safety Gate

• Our Choice: MidWest Steel Pet Gate

If you’re worried about your Golden retriever puppy going up and down the stairs or if you need to keep a curious Golden away from your kitty litter boxes, you may want to purchase a safety gate. You can choose between portable or permanently fixed options, depending on your exact needs. If you’re planning to keep using a gate as your puppy grows, you may want to opt for a taller and sturdier version right from the start.

For safety gates, we recommend the Steel Pet Gate from Midwest. We like that this door is sturdy, swings in either direction and can be operated with one hand.

Cleaning Supplies

13. Enzymatic Cleaner

• Our Choice: Hepper Bioenzymatic Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator

 

Dog owners must resign themselves to a lifetime of cleaning up after their pups. Whether it’s blotting up pee during housetraining or scrubbing vomit from another instance of ingesting something they shouldn’t, your golden retriever will keep you busy cleaning up after them. To prepare for dog messes, keep your cabinets stocked with cleaning supplies designed to cut through tough pet messes. Enzymatic cleaners are a good choice because they fully break down both stains and odors.

When it comes to cleaners, we recommend the Hepper Bioenzymatic Stain Eliminator. We like that this cleaner is ready-to-use and relies on natural bacteria to attack and remove stains and odors.

Grooming Supplies

14. Shampoo

• Our Choice: Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo

Most golden retrievers love the outdoors, particularly the wet and muddy parts. Many are also blessed with a bit of a doggy odor and often suffer from skin conditions, including allergies. With all these factors in mind, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle of dog shampoo on hand. If your golden needs a medicated shampoo, your vet will be able to suggest one. Otherwise, look for a shampoo formulated for dogs, possibly a tear-free formula if you’re bathing a puppy.

When it comes to bathing your dog, we recommend the Oatmeal And Aloe Shampoo from Earthbath. We like that this shampoo is soap-free, moisturizing, and non-irritating.

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15. Brush

• Our Choice: Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs

Golden retrievers typically have medium-length coats, with longer fur on their tails, bellies, and leg feathers. They shed fairly heavily as well. Without regular brushing, they can become matted and tangled, especially if they spend a lot of time in the water. Matted fur can also lead to skin irritation or “hot spots.” Ideally, you should keep a brush at home and get your golden puppy used to a regular grooming routine. Slicker brushes work well on thick golden retriever coats.

For brushes, we recommend the Self-cleaning Slicker Brush from Safari. We like that it’s easily cleaned and gentle on your dog’s skin.

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16. Nail Trimmers

• Our Choice: Andis Pet Nail Clipper

Unless your Golden retriever spends a lot of time running on hard surfaces that naturally wear down their nails, you’ll need to trim them regularly. If not, you run the risk of overlong nails getting caught and ripped off while they play. You can choose to have your vet or a groomer trim your dog’s nails, but if you want to do it at home, you’ll need a sturdy pair of nail clippers. Teach your puppy to accept nail trims when they are young and small to make your life easier when they grow up.

For your golden retriever’s manicures, we recommend these nail clippers from Andis. We like the non-slip, comfortable grip and sharp steel blades.

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17. Dental Care Supplies

• Our Choice: Bundle: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Toothpaste + Toothbrush

Don’t neglect your Golden retriever’s teeth as part of your grooming routine. A toothbrush and doggy toothpaste are the simplest way to keep your pup’s pearly whites clean, but you have other options as well. Dental chews, dental diets, and water additives are all possible solutions for bad breath and dirty teeth. Your vet will examine your dog’s teeth every year during their checkup and make recommendations if further actions are needed.

When it comes to dental health, we recommend the Poultry-flavored Toothpaste and Toothbrush combo from C.E.T. We like the appealing (to dogs!) taste of the toothpaste and how the angled brush makes it easy to reach even the far corners of your pup’s mouth.

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18. Ear Cleaner

• Our Choice: Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner for Dogs