2023 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers
Our Boots & Paws program provides companion dogs to veterans and first responders for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship. Our companion dogs are awarded along with a comprehensive care package, with a 12 month timeline of financial & expert support. Our staff has a regular cadence of follow-ups with each guardian to ensure they and their dog are doing well.
Program Executive Director Rachel Hill and Operations Manager Cassie Hansen have pulled together some of their favorite products for taking care of their personal pups, as well as what we use with our dogs & recommend to guardians.
Affiliate Disclaimer: If you click through and shop via the following links, we may earn referral revenue — at no additional cost to you — which goes towards supporting our non-profit organization. We appreciate your generosity in enabling us to continue providing programs to benefit the mental health and well-being of our guardians.
Dog Food & Care
We like this Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula dog food because it best meets the nutritional demands for our dogs (the breeds we have in training for therapy dogs are Golden Retriever, Labradors, and Goldadors).
We use this food for our adult dogs — Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula.
Pumpkin Digestive Support for Dogs
Some dogs have sensitive stomachs, and this pumpkin digestive aid helps keep them healthy. (Also works for cats!)
Stainless Steel Dog and Cat Bowls
Stainless steel bowls are good for pet food & water because they’re durable and easily cleaned — dishwasher safe, don’t retain bacteria, and won't chip or break.
Dogs like to work for their food and can help them slow down their feeding & improve digestion. Just spread the food onto the mat (like peanut butter, yogurt, or cream cheese). These are silicone and can be put in the freezer and top-rack dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to clean!
Made of durable rubber and dishwasher safe, KONG toys can be used for fetch and play but are also great for providing dogs with a kind of “food puzzle” to stimulate them as they eat (and extend their mealtimes). One staff member’s family has a rescue pit bull that they feed using KONG toys — they fill a large KONG with dry kibble plus a bit of water, add in some wet food, squirt cheese, pumpkin, or peanut butter, and then freeze the whole thing. She preps them in batches so then they’re ready to pull out for easy meal times (and small ones for snacks).
Deshedding Brush for Dogs and Cats
It’s important to brush your pet (whether they’re short or long haired) because it keeps their coat nice. Brushing your dog (or cat) also provides an opportunity for bonding, so it’s a valuable practice for handlers as well as owners.
Around the House: Dog Beds
This elevated dog bed can support up to 250 lbs. Because they won't be able to rip and chew it as easily, they'll eventually lose interest — and (hopefully) opt for a chew toy to keep them occupied instead.
While you’re training a dog, it’s especially important to make their crate comfortable and welcoming. This crate pad helps the puppy or dog develop a positive association with their crate as their safe space. Putting a bed in the crate supports potty training and also helps them when it’s time to transition to sleeping outside their crate.
Out & About: Dog Carrier & Collars
Reflective dog collars pick up car headlights and other sources of light that can allow people to see your dog at night and in low light conditions.
Alternatively, you could use this tactical military dog collar, which includes a handle for dog training.
These vest harnesses discourage pulling by distributing the pressure around the dog’s chest. The front and back rings make it so you can choose where to clip on to your dog, making it great for training and other activities. They come in a range of sizes and colors so you can pick what works best for your pet (and aesthetic preferences!).
This is a heavy duty bungee dog leash that makes it more pleasant for both you and your dog to walk together, thanks to shock absorption. It also features handles, reflective tape, and can clip into your car to provide your dog with a seatbelt while you drive.
TSA Approved Pet Carrier for Small Dogs & Cats
These travel bags have five mesh windows and 3 entry points (top, side, and front) to make it easier to travel with your small dogs and cats. These are TSA approved and meet most airline boarding requirements to fit under a seat in the airplane cabin.
Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier for Dogs & Cats
Designed for up to 22 pounds, this carrier has mesh on all four sides and top & front zippered openings.
Learn & Play: Best Dog Toys
We didn’t forget the fun stuff! Here’s some toys that the dogs of our extended GR family & friends love to play with and use for training.
Cactus Surprise Treat Dispenser
Stimulate your dog’s brain by putting treats or kibble into this wobbly cactus — best for small to medium dogs.
These tough stick chew toys are great for puppies, large dogs, and aggressive chewers alike.
Tough Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Green alligator-shaped chew toys made with nylon and rubber are designed for aggressive chewers and medium to large dogs.
Tougher than real bones and designed to last for weeks, these use real bacon flavor to appeal to your pups. Their design makes it easy for dogs to grip but also for your hand to hold.
Best Dog Treats
Classic crunchy dog biscuits prepared with a meaty taste and a texture that helps freshen dogs’ breath & reduce tartar build-up.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones
These chewy treats are made with real meat and veggies to provide the yummy taste & benefits of a soup bone with a tender center.
Blue Buffalo Nudges Jerky Cuts
Chicken jerky treats with all natural protein are slowly dried and help support bone and joint health for your dog.
Milo's Kitchen Homestyle Dog Treats
These are made with beef sausage slices and rice — good for dogs of all sizes.
Did you find something you like? Or notice that we missed a great gift?
Let us know! Send a message or tag us on Instagram @bootsnpawsgr
Boots & Paws
Boots & Paws provides free companion dogs to veterans & first responders. Dog ownership provides therapeutic benefits, including reducing stress & anxiety, easing depression & loneliness, and encouraging regular exercise.
Companion dogs are more than just pets — they ultimately help both the guardian as well as the whole family. As companions, these dogs are intended to integrate with the whole household unit, helping everyone to establish better routines and experience the therapeutic benefits of dog ownership.
Our companion dogs are awarded along with a comprehensive care package, with a 12 month timeline of financial & expert support. Our staff has a regular cadence of follow-ups with each guardian to ensure they and their dog are doing well.