The 5 Essentials Every Healthy Dog Needs
As a dog parent, the “pet aisle” can feel like a maze. Between fancy marketing and confusing labels, it’s hard to know what actually keeps your dog healthy and what is just a waste of money.
At Paw Nation Finds, we’ve done the digging for you. We looked at ingredient safety, durability, and thousands of real-owner reviews to narrow down the top 5 essentials your dog needs this year.
1. The “Gold Standard” Kibble: Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free
If you aren’t ready for a fresh-food subscription, Wellness CORE is the best “bagged” alternative. It’s packed with high-quality protein and doesn’t use the “meat by-products” or fillers found in cheaper brands.
- Why it’s a winner: It includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which are vital for keeping your dog’s joints healthy as they age.
- Best for: Active dogs and those with grain sensitivities.
- Check Price on Amazon: Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free
- GRAIN-FREE LARGE BREED ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Premium protein from responsibly sourced chicken is expertly balanced with nu…
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly comprise…
- SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH & STRONG JOINTS: Guaranteed levels of omega fatty to support healthy skin and coat, glucosamin…
2. The Indestructible Fetch Toy: Chuckit! Ultra Ball
Standard tennis balls are actually abrasive to a dog’s teeth and can be easily chewed into choking hazards. The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is made of high-quality rubber that bounces higher and lasts ten times longer.
- Why it’s a winner: It’s easy to clean, floats in water, and the bright orange color means you won’t lose it in the tall grass.
- Best for: Power chewers and fetch-obsessed pups.
- Check Price on Amazon: Chuckit!
- SUPER HIGH BOUNCE: Take fetch to new heights with the Ultra Ball, compatible with medium Chuckit! launchers. Made from d…
- NO MORE SLOBBERY BALLS: Keep your hands clean with the ball thrower for dogs; featuring a design that extends your reach…
- FOR MEDIUM DOGS: Specifically crafted for dogs weighing 20-60 lbs, this tennis ball thrower for dogs fits 2.5″ diameter …
3. The Ultimate Anxiety-Reducer: Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed
Does your dog pace during thunderstorms or when you leave the house? The raised rim of this “donut” bed creates a sense of security and provides head and neck support, while the ultra-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief.
- Why it’s a winner: It’s completely machine washable and dryer safe—a rarity for high-quality pet beds.
- Best for: Anxious dogs or senior dogs who need extra comfort.
- Check Price on Amazon: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Dog Bed
- DONUT PET BED for pets up to 25lbs; CALMING COMFORT DESIGN round shape and 7in tall bolster provide sense of security (D…
- Filled and finished in the USA with premium high loft and high density polyfill for comfort and support (Dog Bed)
- Machine washable on gentle cycle and tumble dry low; follow label instructions for care (Dog Bed and Blanket)
4. Professional Grooming at Home: The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Grooming bills add up fast. This slicker brush is the #1 rated tool for removing loose hair and eliminating tangles, knots, and trapped dirt.
- Why it’s a winner: The best part? You click a button and the bristles retract, making it incredibly easy to wipe the hair away in one second.
- Best for: All coat types, especially long-haired breeds.
- Check Price on Amazon: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
- Self-Cleaning Design: Easily remove trapped fur with the push-button retractable bristle mechanism; perfect self cleanin…
- Gentle Yet Effective: Soft angled bristles detangle and remove loose hair without scratching your pet’s skin; great for …
- Comfort Grip Handle: Ergonomic design reduces hand strain during extended use; a pet hair brush built for everyday groom…
5. Smart Health Tracking: The Whistle Health & GPS Tracker
If your dog ever gets out, every second counts. The Whistle tracker clips to their collar and gives you GPS location updates and health insights (like how much they are scratching or licking) sent straight to your phone.
- Why it’s a winner: It acts like a “Fitbit” for your dog, catching health issues before they become expensive vet bills.
- Best for: Escape artists and health-conscious owners.
- Check Price on Amazon: The Whistle Health & GPS Tracker
- REAL-TIME GPS TRACKING WITH UNLIMITED RANGE: Track your dog with live location updates every 2–3 seconds. Unlike others …
- VITAL SIGNS MONITORING: The Tractive smart tracker monitors changes in your dog’s heart and respiratory rates, helping d…
- HEALTH & BARKING ALERTS: The tracker learns your dog’s normal behavior and detects changes. If it notices unusual sleep,…
How to Choose the Right Products for Your Dog
When shopping for your pup, always keep the “Big Three” in mind:
- Durability: Is it made of non-toxic, long-lasting materials?
- Specific Needs: Does this match your dog’s life stage (Puppy vs. Senior)?
- Safety: Avoid small parts that can be swallowed or ingredients like “corn gluten meal.”
Investing in high-quality gear today saves you money on vet visits and replacements tomorrow
