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    1. Food

    Are you feeding your puppy the right food?

    Not all dog food is equal

    As a devoted puppy parent, we know you want to do the best for your newest fur family addition, but navigating the world of dog food can be tricky. With every pack on the shelf promising you a shiny, happy, healthy puppy, how can you decide which food is truly best for your pup?

    The vast majority of puppy food sold in Australia will meet your pup's minimal nutritional requirements as set out by industry bodies like AAFCO or FEDIAF; but just like a passing score could range from a C- to an A.

    White Dog Running

    So what makes an A+ food?

    • Be tailored to your pet's life stage and size (Because what suits a 6kg Chihuahua might not suit a 60kg Great Dane).
    • Have undergone digestibility testing so you know that the nutrients in the food are actually digested and absorbed by the body.
    • Offer proven benefits, like optimal bone development, improved immunity, healthy skin and a shiny coat.
    White Dog Running

    Invest in long term health

    Premium quality foods are backed by decades of nutritional research and development which means their formulas are tailored to reduce the risk of some common health problems in adult dogs.

    Premium puppy foods can offer:

    • Optimal bone growth for healthier, stronger bones and joints for life.
    • Improved brain function to support learning for reduced behavioural problems.
    • A healthy body with plenty of lean muscle mass for reduced risk of obesity in later life.
    • Nutrients to support and strengthen the immune system to help fight infectious illness.

    Feeding a high quality food is one simple thing you can do every day to invest in your dog's long term health. See our table below for a cost/day comparison - you might be surprised at how affordable a premium food can be!

    Product Comparison
    Based on 4 mth old 6kg pup (predicted adult weight 10kg)
    • NB bag size was capped at what would last for no more than 90 days as food becomes stale and unusable at this time.
    • Nutrients compared on a dry matter basis
    Product Ingredient Consistency Between Batches Nutritional Analysis Are feeding trials performed to prove nutritional adequacy? Added ingredients for digestive health Ingredients for skin health Total Omega Fatty Acids* Price Days Per Bag Cost Per Day
    Brand on Supermarket Shelf, 3kg Vary depending on cost and availability Minimum levels only Beet Pulp Fish Oil 1.45% $19.00 14 days $1.35
    Royal Canin, Mini Puppy 8kg Detailed nutritional analysis provided
    • Beet Pulp
    • Prebiotics
    • Yeast Extract
    • Yucca Extract
    Fish oil 4.7% $79.99 44 days $1.81
    Advance, Small Puppy 8kg Detailed nutritional analysis provided
    • Beet Pulp
    • Colostrum
    • Antioxidants
    Fish oil 4.1% $63.74 46 days $1.38
    Pro Plan, Small and Toy Puppy 7kg Detailed nutritional analysis provided
    • Beet Pulp
    • Colostrum
    • Dried Bacillus coagulans
    Fish oil > 2.1% $74.88 56 days $1.33

    Benefits you can see (and smell!)

    • Less Upset Tummies - Consistent ingredients plus added nutrients to support digestions.
    • Less Mess - A quality ball or fetch toy is a basic Smaller, firmer stools mean easier clean ups.
    • Reduced Risk of Obesity - Better nutrition to grow a healthy body with plenty of lean muscle mass.
    • Less Smells - Less smelly, room clearing gas emissions.
    • Tailored formulas - For healthy bone and joint development in different sized breeds.
    • Added beneficial nutrients - Such as omega fatty acids in higher levels, from higher quality sources for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

    See Other Recommended Puppy Food

  • 2. Flea and Worming

    Flea and worming

    Fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms can cause very serious illnesses for your puppy; yet thankfully they are completely preventable.

    Flea and worming highlights here:

    • Fleas
    • Ticks (in tick paralysis areas)
    • Heartworm
    • Intestinal worms
    • Tapeworms (including hydatids)
    Small Brown Puppy
    Product Comparison
    *Based on largest available pack size and prices as of 16/02/22
    Product Minimum Age Ticks Fleas Intestinal worms Heartworm Tapeworm Price Treatment frequency Cost Per Month
    Simparica Trio Chewable 1.25-2.5kg 8 weeks $75.61 Monthly $12.60
    Bravecto Chewable, 2-4.5kg 8 weeks $151.30 3 Monthly $12.60
    Advocate Spot On, up to 4kg 7 weeks $47.94 Monthly $15.98
    Revolution Spot On, up to 2.5kg 6 weeks $178.67 Monthly $11.91
  • 3. Treats & Toys

    What kind of treat is best for my puppy?

    Treats will be an essential tool in teaching your puppy basic obedience and manners, so make sure you always have some on hand.

    A good puppy training treat should be:

    • Delicious! Make sure it's something extra special that your pup doesn't normally eat.
    • Soft and easy to chew; baby teeth are not as strong as adult teeth, plus teething can make crunchy treats uncomfortable for some pups.
    • Able to be broken into small pieces so that a little goes a long way.
    Doggy Pink
    Recommended Puppy Treats
    Doggy Bone

    It's playtime!

    Play is essential for your pup's physical and mental wellbeing, so stock your puppy's toy box with a variety of different toy types.

    Types of toys for your puppy:

    • Soft toys - Perfect for cuddling up to during quiet time and sleep, soft toys can comfort your pup while they adjust to their new home.
    • Fetch toys - A quality ball or fetch toy is a basic essential for pups of all sizes.
    • Chew toys - Save your shoes and prevent destructive chewing by ensuring your pup has plenty of safe chew toy choices.
    • Interactive toys - Treat dispensing, puzzle and interactive toys will keep your pup occupied and out of mischief!

    Feeding a high quality food is one simple thing you can do every day to invest in your dog's long term health. See our table below for a cost/day comparison - you might be surprised at how affordable a premium food can be!

    Recommended Puppy Toys
  • 4. Grooming

    What do I need to groom my puppy?

    Your puppy's grooming needs will vary depending on their breed and coat type.

    But as a minimum your kit should include:


    • A gentle puppy shampoo Give your pup a full bath every 1 to 2 weeks at the most; frequent bathing or harsh shampoos can strip the coat of natural oils.
    • Pet wipes for spot clean ups These specially designed wipes are perfect for cleaning up muddy paws or messy faces between baths.
    • Nail trimmers Get your pup used to having their nails trimmed regularly right from the start, ask your vet or groomer to show you how to trim them safely.
    • Deshedding brush Dogs of all coat lengths can shed heavily at times, a deshedding brush means less of it ends up on your carpet and couch!
    Doggy Pink
    Recommended Puppy Items

    See other Grooming section

Puppy Essentials Checklist

1. Food

2. Flea and Worming

3. Treats and Toys

4. Grooming

Content Summary                

Written by:

Dr. Teagan Lever

When Teagan's not busy sharing her knowledge of all things pets as one of Pet Circle's resident vet, she is the human companion of two intense English staffies and a three-legged cat named Steve.