Our pets are part of our families, and we want to give them the best. Having worked with hundreds of dogs as we prepare them to become professionally trained service dogs for our American Heroes, the Northwest Battle Buddies team has extensive experience with pet products⸺and a few opinions about what are some of the best products you can give your best friend. We’re happy to share a few of our favorites with you, so you can give your pup the best, too.
Beds & Crates
A portable, durable crate is an absolute must for any dog owner. If you have a medium to large dog, the Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel is an excellent option. This crate is sturdy, easy to assemble, and comfortable for your dog, with plenty of room and airflow. Every surface is washable and tough to chew, making it good for puppies and developing dogs. Add a nice foam pad in the bottom and this super-strong crate will keep your pup cozy and safe for many years, whether you’re traveling or just at home.
The Happy Hounds Scout Deluxe Round Pillow Style Sherpa Dog Bed is sturdy, cozy, and maybe most importantly, comes with an easy-to-remove cover that you can throw right in the washing machine. Made of stain and water-resistant microfiber, this bed has a generous fill and a soft, sherpa lining that dogs can’t resist. Comes in multiple colors and sizes.
Bones & Chew Toys
The KONG Red Classic Chew Toy is a tried-and-true option, providing mental stimulation and relief from boredom in a safe, natural rubber toy. Pick the Kong that’s right for your dog’s age and size, fill it with a little peanut butter or your dog’s favorite treats, and let them go to town. We also like KONG’s Extreme Chew Toy options, which are made of the toughest natural rubber for bigger breeds.
Got a chewer on your hands? Benebone Chews are durable, safe, long-lasting, and infused with real meat flavors that your pup will love. We love them because they can keep even the most aggressive chewer busy for hours. Offered in multiple shapes and sizes, you’ll be able to choose a Benebone that is best for your dog (the wishbone is a popular choice because they’re easier for dogs to hold and chew at the same time). As an added bonus, they are Made in the USA.
For a special treat, these Premium Deer Antler Dog Chews are created with minimal processing from naturally shed, grade-A deer antlers found in the wild. Packed with nutrients, long-lasting, and free from hormones and preservatives, you can feel good about giving these premium chew toys to your furry best friend⸺and they’ll probably feel pretty good about them, too.
And if your best friend is in the puppy phase, try these gentle Nylabones, perfect for puppies in multiple stages of chewing and teething.
Accessories
You don’t need anything fancy when it comes to your dog’s water bowl, and this cheap, hardwearing option by Van Ness has been our choice for many years.
For a leash that will stand up to plenty of training, try the Flexi New Classic Retractable Dog Leash. This super high-quality retractable leash works smoothly and easily once you get the hang of it. Note that this leash should not be used for training your dog, but it is good for a dog to feel free yet still contained and safe. It is available in cord or tape style as well as multiple colors and lengths.
If you love a dog with an unruly mane or an undercoat, this tool is for you. The FURminator Dog/Cat Grooming Rake easily removes tangles and loose fur and doesn’t require hacking away at your dog’s coat to do it. It also helps to reduce shedding and will keep your pup’s fur clean and shiny between expensive grooming appointments. This Hertzko Dog & Cat Brush is also a great option, and it has a neat feature that allows you to retract the bristles so you can easily remove the hair from the brush.
We hope you enjoy these products as much as we do, and if you’d like to donate any of them to our Northwest Battle Buddies teams, you can do so at our Amazon Wish List. Add the item to your cart (along with other items, if you choose), and when you make the purchase, it will be sent directly to us. Looking for more ways to support Northwest Battle Buddies and our American Heroes? Check out this article on 10 Easy Ways to Support Northwest Battle Buddies on our website.
