Refinery29
Three new mothers of dogs have tested the best puppy products so you don’t have to
Being a dog parent is no joke. Yes, you have a furry companion that will light up even your darkest pandemic days, but you must also take care of this living, breathing divine furry creature. Not only does it require around the clock work (and attention), but it can also be incredibly expensive to buy the right (and, we admit, cute) supplies. With Puppy Day on March 23rd and pandemic pups on the rise, it’s the perfect time to share the best products that three of Refinery29’s new mothers-to-be have put to the test. From treats to leashes, toys, sweaters to CBD, we’ll update this story to tell you the best (and most surprising) basics for mother dog lives all year round. There are three very good guys we should thank before we check out our must-haves: Freddie, our blue-eyed rescue dog who loves to destroy soft things; Lucca, our lovely Lagotto Romagnolo who loves salmon and water; and Miso, our blueberry obsessed pomchi who loves watching reality TV. Read on to see the best of the best. At Refinery29, we are here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of things. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something that we link to on our website, Refinery29 can earn a commission. Shaya Taylor Collar “Shaya’s luxurious, Italian-made collars and leashes have been spotted on many of the pampered pups of many celebrities – and since my beloved Pomchi Miso has a thing for the beautiful things, I needed to see what the hype was about. He had eyes for the gorgeous royal blue Taylor collar and the X-Small goes wonderfully with him. “- Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer Shaya The Taylor Collar – Cobalt Leather, $, available at ShayaFable Active Set” I felt like I was with this set My dog Freddie is a strong boy and likes to pull me across the sidewalk. But the magical lanyard has become my goal: I can wear it over my body and run with him without pulling or tightening the leash around my hand He loved the game too (yes, it’s called the game) and I got it. It’s pretty fun to see a lanky puppy trying to figure out how to get the food out So it’s fun for both of us, but it’s also a really great slow feeder. Even Fables have become scarves. We live in Brooklyn and we walk a ton. Good cloths before jumping on the furniture are therefore essential. “—Leora Yashari, Senior News EditorFable Fable Active Set, $, available from FableKurgo Quantum 6-in-1 Dog Leash” I’m in the middle of leash training Lucca, which means walks can be very complicated. Sometimes I want him to stand close to my right and sometimes he can wander around in front of me. Kurgo’s Quantum leash allows you to use six different settings and even uses a reliable carabiner. It’s also available in a few fun colors. “- Morgan Baila, Supervising Editorchewy, kurgo Quantum 6-in-1 dog leash, $, available from Chewy, kurgoFrisco Planet Friendly Dog Poop Bags” I tried a few different poop bags before landing on Chewy’s own brand Frisco and trust me, when I say this: I will never buy another brand again. Finding eco-friendly bags – that is, biodegradable and with recycled or recyclable cores – was very important to me and these fit the bill. Best of all, I didn’t have a single bag break or tear on me. Parents of dogs who have found themselves in a code brow n situation know the fight. “- KarinaFrisco Refill Planet Friendly Dog Poop Bags, $, available from ChewyOutward Hound Fun Feeder” Like any fearful rescue puppy, my dog tends to hold up meal time for a race. I tried to explain that the feed is not going anywhere. But it can finish a serving of nibble in literally less than 2 minutes. Impressed? Don’t be It made him sick a couple of times so I got him this slow feeder from Amazon and it changed his life. It also distracts him long enough that I can prepare my own meals without him begging at my feet. The dream. “- LeoraOutward Hound Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl Slow Feeder Stop Bloat for Dogs, $, available from AmazonIcelandic + Cod Training Treats” Fair warning: These treats smell. They smell fishy and a little funky, but that just goes to show how fresh they are I found these goodies after looking for a simple, healthy fish taste after figuring out how Lucca loves salmon. This super clean company comes straight from Iceland and is 100% natural, with no additives, no preservatives, and no supplements. Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acids in the air-dried cod treats promote healthy fur and skin. “- MorganIcelandic Plus Cod Treats for Dogs, $, available from Hollywood Feed, Icelandic PlusPopulum Zen Pets Soothing Hemp Oil” How many lifeguard pups has Miso occasionally scared of other dogs or when I’m not around. I was reluctant to give Miso CBD at first, but this tincture checked all of my boxes: it was human safe, had detailed dosage instructions, and was made with all natural ingredients. After giving my fur baby a tiny amount, he looked completely calm and happy – not a zombie – like at all. “- Karina Populum Zen Pets Soothing Hemp Oil, $, available at PopulumWild One Toy Kit” I’ve always wanted Wild One products because – let’s face it – they’re so aesthetic and my dog in its monochrome blue really is on the streets of Brooklyn harness and leash looks cute. But I was also super impressed with the toy set. These toys are a big bite dog’s dream because they are so durable, ding-free, and easy to wipe clean. My dog especially loves everything he has to do with I love everything he can’t tear apart, so this set is our common favorite. “- LeoraWild One Toy Kit, $, available from Little Beast Silver Linings Sweater” As an Asian-American woman, I always love helping AAPI and women-owned businesses when possible. Really, the stars agreed when I found Little Beast, founded by Jisu Kim of NYC, on Instagram. The designs are really unlike anything else I’ve seen in the pet fashion world and the quality is amazing. Miso’s prediction for the spring style? Nothing but blue sky. “- KarinaLittle Beast Silver Linings Sweater, $, available at Little BeastMalispree Dog Water Bottle” Almost all of my friends ordered this water bottle on Amazon after pulling it out at outdoor restaurants, trails, and the beach – In a bowl and one The easy-to-secure water outlet makes this an indispensable item for anyone who takes their dog out for a long period of time. “- MorganAmazon, Malispree Portable Water Bottle for Dogs, $, Available from AmazonFinn Multivitamin” Like all mother dogs, I want to offer my puppy the best, longest, and happiest dog life ever. Key, I feel good too when I miso these good ones for you Give chewy candies with ingredients to support joints, a shiny coat, digestion and heart health. Plus, miso is so obsessed with taste that he immediately jumps after you open the can. “- KarinaFinn Multivitamin, $, available at FinnPaw CBD Peanut Butter Treats” I was quite hesitant about giving CBD to my new dog, but I love the amount of information this brand gives me about each and every product. Their website even has a certificate of analysis from a laboratory for every single product. They have CBD treats that are tailored to suit different dogs of different sizes, ages, and needs. These are easy to break into pieces and the peanut butter flavor is a Freddie favorite. “- Leora CBD Dog Treats 600 mg, $, Available at Alpha Paw Dog Car Safety Seat” My friend has a car. So when we go up I get into the habit of holding Miso on my lap. God forbid, however, we got into an accident and suddenly my precious child is a flying projectile. Enter, a car seat for your dog – I found Alpha Paws highly rated after hours of researching online and couldn’t recommend it highly enough. It was super easy to set up, is ridiculously comfortable, and clips securely to your dog’s collar to protect him – and, depending on its size, leaves some room to move around on the seat. “- KarinaAlpha Paw Dog Car Safety Seat, $, available from Alpha PawMonthly Barkbox Subscription” The first thing I did after bringing Lucca home was to log into Barkbox. I think I need new toys for a dog every month for the rest of his life? I think I’ll need new toys for a dog every month for the first 6 months in his new home? Absolutely. So far we’ve got four boxes and each has its own incredibly charming theme and nutritious treats. A bar box – Subscription is also a fun idea to give a gift to a new dog parent in your life. I mean, look how happy they are. ”- MorganBarkbox Barkbox Subscription Box, $, available at BarkBoxLike what do you see? How about something more R29 goodness right here? This balaclava sells out in a day (and for dogs). Rubber clogs are the ultimate walking shoe for dogs
