The Ultimate Puppy & Dog Essentials Guide: Safe, Natural & Must-Have Products for Your Pup

Looking after a dog goes beyond food and playtime. Over the years, we’ve discovered some products that truly make a difference in Tofu’s health, comfort, and happiness. Here are ten essentials we recommend for every dog parent.

1. WaterWipes 

Why it matters

Gentle, fragrance-free wipes are essential for keeping your dog clean on the go. Many wipes contain alcohol or harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin, especially around the face, paws, and bum.

Our Story

When we brought Tofu home, we were determined to find a wipe we could use on her without worrying about irritation. We discovered WaterWipes, originally designed for babies. They are plastic-free, made with 99.9 percent water and a drop of fruit extract. We use them daily for gentle cleaning, and they have never caused irritation.

Tips

Keep a pack in your bag for walks, in the car, or keep them by the door. They are perfect after muddy walks or quick freshen-ups.

Check it out: Waterwipes

2. Mind Up KENKO CARE Cylinder Toothbrush

Why is matters

Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most important parts of long-term health care, but many brushes are either too big, too hard, or just awkward to use.

Our story

It took a couple of years after bringing Tofu home, and plenty of research, before we discovered the Mind Up KENKO toothbrush. By that time, we had tried everything to tackle her persistent bad breath, and finally found a solution that made a real difference.

We had tried:

• Dog toothbrushes, which were too bulky for her small mouth

• Human toothbrushes, which were too rough

• Dental wipes, which made no difference to her breath or had any impact on plaque buildup

The KENKO Cylinder Toothbrush is uniquely shaped to gently reach all the way into tight areas, and from the first use, it made a difference.

Tips

Pair the brush with a gentle toothpaste gel and brush consistently each day.

Check it out: Kenko Mind Up Toothbrush

3. Bugalugs Fresh Mint Toothpaste Gel

Why it matters

Toothpaste formulated for dogs helps reduce plaque, prevent gum disease, and keep breath fresh.

Our story

We came across Bugalugs toothpaste by chance when our usual brand was out of stock. Being longtime fans of their papaya and coconut shampoo and oatmeal conditioner, we decided to try their mint toothpaste and never looked back.

Tips

Use a pea-sized amount with a soft toothbrush. When introducing something new, always let your pup sniff and lick it first before brushing, and keep in mind that not all dogs enjoy minty flavours.

Check it out: Bugalugs Mint Toothpaste

4. Bugalugs Shampoo and Conditioner

Why it matters

A good dog shampoo and conditioner can make a big difference in coat condition and skin health. 

Our story

We love Bugalugs’ papaya and coconut shampoo paired with the oatmeal conditioner. The scent is pleasant and long-lasting, and it leaves Tofu’s coat unbelievably soft. We also noticed Tofu’s skin was far less dry, her coat was shinier, and overall much healthier. She’s even had a few compliments from other owners.

Tips

Some people use baby shampoo on their dogs, but it’s best to stick to shampoos specially formulated for dogs. Dog shampoos are made to match a dog’s skin pH, which is different from humans. Using baby shampoo could cause skin irritation, dryness, or allergies because of the chemicals it contains that aren’t suited for dogs' skin.

Check it out: Bugalug Papaya Shampoo

5. PlaqueOff - A Vet-Approved Supplement for Long-Term Oral Health

Why it matters

Dental disease is common in dogs, especially small breeds. PlaqueOff is made from natural seaweed and helps reduce plaque and tartar over time.

our story

This powder came highly recommended in the dog community. We started adding a small scoop to Tofu’s food every morning, and it quickly became part of her daily routine.

Tips

While PlaqueOff helps, brushing is still the gold standard for oral health.
Not recommended for pets with thyroid issues due to its iodine content from seaweed.

Check it out: ProDen Plaque Off Powder

6. Dog Mist Sunscreen - Protect Your Pup's Skin

Why it matters

Dogs, especially those with short or light-coloured coats, are prone to sunburn. A safe sunscreen helps protect vulnerable areas like the nose, ears, and belly.

Our story

Tofu has Colour Dilution Alopecia (CDA), which causes thinning fur and leaves her delicate skin more exposed to the sun. We needed a safe, non-greasy option to protect her from sunburn without irritating her skin. The mist sunscreen was the perfect solution, it's easy to apply, quick to absorb, and ideal for park days or relaxing in pub gardens.

Tips

Always apply before sun exposure, and reapply if your dog swims.
It might be tempting to use human sunscreen on your dog, but it’s important to use pet-specific sunscreen products only. Dog skin is different from human skin, and some ingredients in human sunscreens can be toxic or irritating to pets. Pet sunscreens are specially formulated to be safe and effective for your dog’s skin.

Check it out: Petkin Dog Mist Sunscreen

7. LÈ PUP Dog Travel/ Settle Mat and Dog Snuggle Bed

Why it matters

Dogs need a designated safe and comfortable space when away from home. Whether you’re visiting friends or heading to a pub, a familiar bed makes a huge difference.

Our story

When creating the LÈ SAC, our Dog Snuggle Sack, we wanted to make something truly comfortable, the happy feeling you get when you slide into your own bed. We thought: quilted and snuggly, like a duvet. The result was quilted, padded, and lined with fleece for ultimate cosiness.

We designed LÈ MAT, our Dog Travel Mat to imitate key elements of LÈ SAC. The quilted padding gives it a comfortable, soft texture that’s incredibly inviting. It doubles as a blanket and folds up neatly for travel.

Tips

Bring your dog’s bed with you when visiting family, pubs, or taking car rides. It provides comfort and can help dogs settle faster in unfamiliar places.

Check it out: LÈ PUP - LÈ SAC snuggle Sack & LÈ MAT Settle Dog Mat

8. W’ZIS Dog Treats - Plant-based, Hypoallergenic, and Delicious

Why it matters

Treats are a powerful tool for training, recall, and bonding, but many contain additives or allergens that can upset your dog’s stomach.

Our story

A friend introduced us to W’ZIS after finding them at Broadway Market. We and Tofu instantly fell in love. The smoky bacon aroma, bold colourful packaging, and plant-based ingredients all won us over. They’re grain-free, only 1 calorie per treat, and perfect for training, general rewarding, or anytime we need her full attention.

Tips

You can use these as high-value treats during recall training or just as everyday treats, since they are only 1 calorie each.

Check it out: W'zis Dog Treats

9. ACME Dog Whistle - Consistent Recall, Anywhere

Why it matters

Recall is one of the most important commands your dog should master. A whistle delivers a consistent sound that cuts through distractions and helps build reliability.

Our story

We came across the ACME Dog Whistle when Tofu was a puppy and we were working on her recall. Other whistles we tried either sounded flat or too sharp, but after some research, we decided to try the ACME whistle. The tone was just right, and Tofu responded immediately. Very quickly, her recall became faster, more consistent, and much more reliable.

Tips

Always pair the whistle with praise or treats during training. Start in quiet areas and gradually introduce more distractions.

Check it out: Acme Dog Whistle

Do you have a favourite dog care product we should know about? Share it with us, we love discovering new favourites!