I should start by saying that I have had pets in my household my entire life, and have tried SO many products. Because of that, I feel truly qualified to give informed recommendations about my favorite products that I use on a regular basis for my dogs. It should go without saying that the dog food products that you feed are the MOST important products that you will choose throughout the course of your dog’s life. Dog food and dog treats that are made with wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor will keep your dog happy and healthy – and you know where to find those. Below you can find my favorite products grouped by category for easy reference.

Dog Collars, Dog Harnesses, Dog Leashes & Dog Tags

My go-to for dog collars, dog harnesses, dog leashes, and dog poop bags is Wild One. They are not only heavy-duty and easy to clean, but they are stylish and so well designed. I promise you that these items are worth the price because you will find yourself buying/replacing your dog’s collar or harness and leash much less frequently.

I had the hardest time finding a dog tag that was durable and customizable. Most of the tags that I used for my dog were custom, so they not only included the dog’s name but also my contact information in the rare case that my dog was lost or stolen. These tags tarnished and wore out really fast, especially considering my dog’s were hiking, at the dog park, in and out of water, etc. Qalo was the first brand that I found that I have never had to replace through the entirety of my dog’s lives. They are made with silicone so they are jingle-free and quiet, plus they are great for active pups.

Dog Beds & Dog Blankets

Let’s be real, my dogs sleep in bed or on our furniture most of the time… but in the rare moments that they want to be on the floor because they overheat or get the boot from my partner human, I want them to be as comfortable as possible. I have searched high and low for a dog bed that was stylish and a comfort-match for the furniture that they usually preferred to the dog bed. I buy all of our dog beds and dog blankets from Unhide because they are beyond cute and they are machine washable. They wear really well over time and our pets (dogs and cats) are constantly gaming to see who gets the office dog bed first.

Dog Grooming Products

My dogs do not like the mobile groomer, or any grooming space for that matter, which is why I try to maintain their skin, coat, and nails in between grooming appointments – which I usually schedule every other month. IMO, there are too many grooming products to choose from and I have tried so many that I have used a handful of times before moving onto the next. An easy way to keep your pet from shedding and scratching is by brushing them at a weekly frequency. I find that the dog brushes from Furminator are the most effective at keeping my dog comfortable and removing any loose fur.

I know this is going to sound strange to most, but I prefer showering with my dogs vs taking them to the groomer. It makes them the most comfortable to be in a space that they know, and we can do a deep, thorough clean with a hard-working shampoo and conditioner. I use the Honest Paws 5-in-1 dog wash since it cleans, conditions, and most importantly, is free from toxins commonly found in dog grooming products. Another really good option for keeping your dog smelling fresh in between baths is the Kiehl’s spritzer that serves as a no-rinse spritz.

My least favorite grooming task is cutting my dog’s nails. Everyone would rather not, but the reality is that we need to keep our dog’s nails manicured so that they don’t split, get inflected, or cause discomfort. The best tool that I have found is the Dremel nail kit. It helps get the job done quickly (MVP!) and safely, without running into the issue of cutting the quick and causing pain for your pooch.

A dog in a bandana or a Halloween costume tops my most favorite things list, and really turns an average day into an occasion. I could create an entire closet of clothes for my dogs, even though they much prefer to run around completely naked. One of the best bandana brands is Foggy Dog since they have a wide selection and range of sizes for dogs that like to dress up. 

Dog Dental Care

Did you know that over 80% of dogs have some type of dental disease by the age of three?! We often neglect one of the most important aspects of our dog’s health. Don’t get me wrong, it is hard to brush your dog’s teeth but the long-term benefits are well worth it. The finger toothbrush from Tobie is the most effective way that I have found to address the teeth in the back and on the sides of my dog’s mouth. The brand’s natural toothpaste is a good option too. In between brushings, I give my dogs a daily dental chew to keep their teeth and gums healthy and clean. 

Dog Supplements

The only added thing that I give my dog on a daily basis is an Omega-3 packed oil from Welactin. It was recommended from our veterinarian when our older dog started experiencing itching at the turn of every season later in life. The oil makes a noticeable difference in keeping our dogs’ coats shiny and also allowing them to scratch less because their skin is properly protected and moisturized from the inside.