6 Kmart puppy products I regret buying (and what I’d buy instead)

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting — and it’s easy to go overboard at places like Kmart, grabbing all the “essentials” you think you’ll need. But now that my pups Soda and Poppy are all grown up, I’ve realised there were quite a few products I shouldn’t have wasted my money on. If I were to do it all over again, here are six Kmart products I’d definitely leave on the shelf.

1. Kmart circle dog bed

At first glance, it looked like the perfect cozy spot. But Soda had other ideas. Within minutes, she was digging furiously, chewing holes, and eating the stuffing. Not ideal.

What I’d buy instead: A Kmart waterproof dog bed - perfect for the inevitable accidents that happen during toilet training, and much more durable when your pup is in a digging and chewing phase.

I wouldn’t buy: Kmart circle dog bed

I would buy: Kmart waterproof dog bed

2. Kmart metal dog bowls

They looked sleek, sure, but every meal turned into a sliding contest across the kitchen tiles. It was noisy, messy, and frustrating.

What I’d buy instead: A Kmart stainless steel dog bowl with a rubber base. It stays put, reduces mess, and makes mealtimes a lot less chaotic.

I wouldn’t buy: Kmart metal dog bowl

I would buy: Kmart stainless steel dog bowl with rubber base

3. Kmart puppy training pads

These lasted about two minutes before Soda chewed them up and proudly paraded them around the house. Instead of encouraging toilet training, they became her favourite toy.

What I’d use instead: Good old newspaper. Cheap, absorbent, and not nearly as fun to destroy. Soda ignored it entirely, and it worked far better for toilet training - plus, it's cheaper and more eco-friendly.

I wouldn’t buy: Kmart puppy training pads

I would use: Newspaper

4. Kmart dog poo bags

They were flimsy, thin, and worst of all — no handles. Picking up after your pup is already not the most glamorous job, so why make it harder?

What I’d buy instead: Kmart nappy bags! They’re thicker, they’re scented, they’re cheaper, and the handles make clean-up way easier. Total game changer.

I wouldn’t buy: Kmart poo bags

I would buy: Kmart nappy bags

5. Kmart dog harness

I got a tiny harness thinking it was a must-have, but it didn’t fit Soda properly at all. And later, I learned from trainers that a harness isn’t even necessary, they suggest starting lead training with a flat collar to teach loose-lead walking from day one.

What I’d buy instead: Kmart puppy collar and lead set. It’s enough while you’re training your pup to walk on a lead, and you can always upgrade to a harness later if needed.

I wouldn’t buy: Kmart puppy harness and lead set

I would buy: Kmart puppy collar and lead set

6. Kmart puppy blanket

Yes, they’re soft and adorable — and I did love the idea of wrapping Soda up like a newborn. But she had other plans. That blanket was shredded within days, with little bits of fabric turning up everywhere.

What I’d buy instead: A few puppy teething toys. These satisfy that chewing urge and help soothe sore gums during the teething phase — and they last way longer than a fluffy blanket.

I wouldn’t buy: Kmart pet blanket

I would buy: Puppy teething toys

It’s so easy to go overboard when you’re preparing for your new puppy, I’ve definitely been there. But some products just don’t make the cut once your pup starts testing everything with their teeth. If I could do it all again, I’d go for sturdier, chew-resistant basics and skip the fluff (literally).

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