Your first weeks with a new puppy
Bringing a puppy home is exciting, and it is easy to fill a basket in one go. Most of what a young dog needs in the first few weeks is simple: food that suits their age and size, a few treats for training, and somewhere comfortable to sleep and rest. Start with what you will use every day rather than what looks appealing on a shop shelf.
Pay attention first to the feeding routine, because sudden changes to food can upset a puppy's stomach. Ask the breeder or rescue which food the puppy has been eating and buy a small bag of that before you consider switching. Your vet can advise on the right food and daily amounts for your puppy's breed and weight. Keep the list short, check sizes and materials, and leave room to adjust once you have seen how your puppy copes with walks, visitors and sleep.
How to choose puppy food, treats and essentials
Look first at the life stage label on puppy food. Choose a complete and balanced recipe designed for growth, and check the pack for the size range it suits, since small and large breed puppies have different needs. Treats should be small and kept to a modest share of daily calories, so they do not crowd out the main meals. For chews, check the size and whether they suit a puppy with sharp teeth who will be chewing without supervision.
Feeding options each come with trade-offs. Complete dry or wet puppy food is convenient, widely available and easy to measure. Raw food can suit some owners, but it needs careful handling, freezer space, a reliable hygiene routine and a recipe that is complete and balanced for growing dogs. Many owners discuss any raw or specialist diet with their vet before switching, particularly if their puppy has a known sensitivity or health condition. Recipes for dietary needs, such as hypoallergenic foods, should only be used on veterinary advice.
Buy the food your puppy already eats first, then add essentials once you know their size and habits.
From the editors
Common mistakes include buying a large sack before the puppy has settled, changing food abruptly, and stocking up on novelty toys and outfits that are soon outgrown. Accessories matter too: a bed or crate should leave room to grow, and a harness should be adjustable and fitted properly rather than bought in a guessed size. Keep receipts for anything you are unsure about, as puppy sizes change quickly.
What your puppy really needs
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Complete puppy food
Choose a recipe labelled for puppies and matched to the size range you expect as an adult. Start with the food the puppy has been eating before making any change.
Search termspuppy food · complete and balanced · puppy dry food
Our recommendationburnspet.co.ukBest for everyday foodSmall training treats
Soft, small treats work well for recall and reward training. Keep them to a small share of daily food so meals stay balanced.
Search termspuppy treats · training treats · small dog treats
Our recommendationburnspet.co.ukBest for everyday foodRaw food starter pack
Only worth considering with proper storage, a hygiene routine and veterinary advice. Look for a complete recipe designed for growing dogs.
Search termsraw dog food · raw puppy food · frozen raw dog food
Our recommendationpaleoridge.co.ukRaw feeding optionAdjustable puppy harness
A well-fitting harness suits early walks better than a collar that can slip. Measure the chest girth and choose an adjustable design.
Search termspuppy harness · adjustable dog harness · puppy walking harness
Our recommendationbarclondon.comComfortable essentialsWashable puppy bed
A bed with a removable, washable cover is practical for accidents and naps. Choose one with room to grow, or a smaller size for now.
Search termspuppy bed · washable dog bed · dog bed UK
Our recommendationbarclondon.comComfortable essentials
Where to start shopping
Begin with a short list based on what your puppy already eats and what you can store at home. Food comes first: order a small bag of the current recipe from burnspet.co.uk, which stocks pet food, nutrition products and treats, so you can introduce any change gradually over a week or two. If you are considering raw feeding, look at paleoridge.co.uk for raw dog food and feeding products, and take the decision with your vet before ordering a subscription. For bedding, a lead and a well-fitting harness, barclondon.com offers pet accessories designed with comfort in mind. Add a bed and bowls once you know your puppy's size and sleeping habits, and review the list after the first month.
Before you order
- Ask the breeder or rescue which food the puppy currently eats and how much.
- Check the life stage and size range on any puppy food label.
- Measure the puppy's chest girth and neck before buying a harness or collar.
- Choose a bed with a washable cover and room to grow.
- Pick small, suitable treats for training and count them in daily food.
- Speak to your vet before starting raw food or any specialist diet.
The stores at a glance
burnspet.co.uk
Best for everyday foodSuits buying a starter bag of your puppy's current food, plus training treats and nutrition products.
Recommended for Complete puppy food and Small training treats
barclondon.com
Comfortable essentialsUseful for beds, leads and harnesses designed with comfort in mind.
Recommended for Adjustable puppy harness and Washable puppy bed
paleoridge.co.uk
Raw feeding optionRelevant if you are considering raw food, ideally after a check with your vet.
Recommended for Raw food starter pack
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Frequently asked questions
Should I keep feeding the same food the puppy already eats?
Yes, at least for the first few weeks. Sudden changes can upset digestion, so if you want to switch, do it gradually over one to two weeks, mixing a little more of the new food each day.
How many treats are appropriate for a puppy?
Treats should make up only a small part of daily calories. Use small pieces for training and count them as part of the day's food, so the main meals remain complete.
Is raw food a good choice for a first puppy?
It can suit some households, but it requires safe handling, freezer storage and a complete recipe for growing dogs. Speak to your vet before changing diet, especially if your puppy has any health concerns.
What essentials can wait until later?
Expensive outfits, multiple beds and large quantities of toys can usually wait. Start with a bed, bowls, a harness, a lead and a small selection of chews and toys, then add more once you know what your puppy uses.
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