Recommended Supplies for Your American Akita
What I Use On My Own Dogs
These are the exact supplies I use on my own champion American Akitas. After twenty years of breeding, whelping, raising, and placing American Akitas from Sussex County, New Jersey, this page documents what I actually keep in my kennel, feed my dogs, and recommend to every family bringing home an Apexx puppy. Every product marked with the gold "What I Use" badge is in my current daily routine, not a generic recommendation. Everything else has been personally vetted as a category-strong option for large breed dogs, particularly the American Akita.
Over twenty years of breeding champion American Akitas has taught me which products actually deliver results and which ones are not worth the shelf space.
This page is exactly what I use on my own dogs, what I recommend to every Apexx puppy buyer, and the trusted alternatives I have vetted along the way. Every product here is something I would, and do, buy with my own money for my own dogs.
Look for the gold "What I Use" badge next to products that are part of my own kennel routine. Everything else is a category-strong recommendation I have personally vetted for quality and value.
New Puppy Essentials: The First 30 Days
Bringing home a new Akita puppy is exciting and a little overwhelming. The right setup makes the transition easier on both of you.
Here is what I recommend every new Apexx family have ready before puppy comes home. Each product in this section is one I have personally vetted or use in my own kennel routine. The "What I Use" badge marks the products I rely on every day.
Crate and Containment
A properly sized crate is one of the most important purchases you will make. American Akitas grow fast, so buy for the adult dog, not the puppy. A 48-inch wire crate with a divider lets you adjust the space as your puppy grows.
MidWest iCrate (48 inch with divider)
The industry-standard wire crate. The divider panel is essential for housebreaking because you can shrink the space when puppy is small and expand it as they grow. This is the size your Akita will need as an adult.
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MidWest Exercise Pen (with Walk-Thru Door)
An exercise pen creates a safe puppy zone for times when you cannot give full attention. The walk-thru door makes daily use easier. Pair it with the crate for a complete containment setup.
Shop on RevivalPuppy Food
I feed my dogs Acana. It is a premium, biologically appropriate food that supports the growth needs of large-breed puppies without the fillers found in many commercial brands. Every Apexx puppy goes home with a starter supply of Acana so the transition to your home does not include a sudden food change.
Acana Puppy Large Breed
Premium Canadian-made food with high-quality animal proteins and biologically appropriate ratios. The large-breed formula supports controlled growth, which is critical for Akita joint development.
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Doc Roy's Healthy Bones
I give Doc Roy's Healthy Bones to my growing puppies and my adults. Calcium and phosphorus supplementation supports proper bone development during the critical first year of growth, and helps my breeding dogs maintain skeletal strength throughout their working lives. Especially important for large breeds like the American Akita where controlled bone growth matters as much as speed of growth.
Shop on RevivalFeeding Bowls and Mats
Plastic bowls trap bacteria and cause chin acne in some dogs. Stainless steel is the right call for an Akita.
Heavy Premium Pet Dishes (Stainless Steel)
Heavy enough to resist tipping, easy to clean, and they will last the life of your dog. Buy the larger adult size now.
Shop on RevivalCollar, Leash, and ID
Buy an adjustable puppy collar to start. You will replace it as your puppy grows. The first walks happen in the yard, so a standard leash is all you need at the beginning. The Breeder's Edge collar I recommend has a built-in ID slot, which means no extra tag needed in the early weeks.
Breeder's Edge ID Me Perfect Fit Collar
An adjustable puppy collar with a built-in ID slot. Designed by breeders for breeders, this collar fits new puppies and grows with them through the early months.
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Breeder's Edge Take Me Home Collar and Leash Set
A practical set designed for new puppy go-home day. Skip retractable leashes for an Akita. They reinforce pulling and offer poor control on a large, strong breed.
Shop on RevivalInitial Health Essentials
Your puppy will need basic health supplies in the first weeks. Here is exactly what I keep on hand and recommend to every buyer.
Safe-Guard Liquid Suspension
This is the dewormer I use on my own dogs and puppies. The liquid format makes weight-based dosing simple and accurate. Same active ingredient (fenbendazole) as the dog-specific versions at a better price per dose.
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Doc Roy's Daily Care Canine
I give Doc Roy's Daily Care to my dogs every day. It is a complete multivitamin formulated to support immune function, joint health, skin and coat condition, and overall vitality. Revival's house brand at a fair price.
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Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil Formula
Omega-3 supplementation supports coat health, joint function, and brain development. I give Alaska Naturals salmon oil to my dogs daily. Wild-caught salmon oil is higher quality than generic fish oil and worth the modest difference in cost.
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Ashley Craig Bathe Shampoo
The shampoo I use on my own dogs. Gentle enough for puppies, effective enough for show preparation. Ashley Craig has been a trusted name in the show world for decades.
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American Akita puppies are powerful chewers from day one. Choose toys built for large-breed strength.
KONG Puppy
The classic. Stuff with peanut butter or wet food to keep your puppy occupied. KONG products are some of the most durable toys you can buy.
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Nylabone Puppy Chews
Safe for teething puppies. Replace when worn down. Choose the size labeled for puppies up to 25 pounds initially, then size up as your Akita grows.
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Rope Toys (with supervision)
Good for interactive play. Always supervise to prevent your puppy from swallowing fibers.
Shop on RevivalSave $20 on Your Apexx Akitas Supply Order
Stocking up on the essentials from this section? Use my exclusive code APEXX20 at checkout for $20 off any Revival Animal Health order of $150 or more. Ideal for new puppy families ordering their first 30 days of supplies together, or breeders restocking multiple items at once.
Code: APEXX20
$20 off orders of $150 or more
Health and Preventive Care
The right preventive care extends your Akita's healthy years. The supplements and routine care items in this section are what I provide my own dogs to support immune function, joint health, skin and coat condition, and digestive health. None of this replaces your veterinarian's guidance. It supports it.
Daily Multivitamin and Immune Support
Even a high-quality food can leave nutritional gaps. A daily multivitamin fills them.
Doc Roy's Daily Care Canine
I give Doc Roy's Daily Care to my dogs every single day. It supports immune function, joint health, coat quality, and overall vitality. Revival's house brand delivers professional-grade nutrition at a fair price.
Shop on RevivalJoint and Mobility Support
American Akitas are a large breed prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. My breeding program prioritizes OFA-certified parents to reduce risk, but supplementation supports joint health throughout life. I recommend starting joint supplementation when dogs reach middle age, around year five for most Akitas, or earlier if your veterinarian sees signs of stiffness or wear.
Doc Roy's Aches Away Plus
A complete joint and mobility formula combining glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and additional comfort ingredients. Designed for dogs with active lifestyles and supporting healthy aging. Most dogs accept it readily.
Shop on RevivalSkin and Coat Supplements
American Akitas have a thick double coat that benefits from internal support. Healthy skin and a vibrant coat start with what your dog eats.
Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil Formula
Wild-caught salmon oil delivers omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, support coat condition, and protect skin barrier health. I have given this to my own dogs for years.
Shop on RevivalProbiotics and Digestive Health
A healthy gut affects everything from immune function to coat quality. Probiotics can be valuable during stress, antibiotic use, or transitions like moving to a new home.
Bene-Bac Plus
A probiotic gel that supports digestive health during stress and dietary transitions. Easy to administer and well-tolerated. A practical tool to have in your supply kit, especially for breeders or anyone bringing home a new puppy.
Shop on RevivalDewormer and Parasite Prevention
A regular deworming schedule protects your dog from internal parasites that affect health, coat, and overall condition.
Safe-Guard Liquid Suspension
This is what I use on my own dogs and puppies. I use the goat and cattle version because it is the same fenbendazole active ingredient at a more cost-effective price per dose. Dose by weight using the standard fenbendazole protocol for dogs.
Shop on RevivalFirst Aid Kit Essentials
Every Akita owner should keep a basic first aid kit in the house. Most kennels have one. Yours should too.
Clotisol
Stops bleeding quickly from minor cuts, nicked quicks during nail trims, and small wounds. A liquid solution that is gentler than traditional styptic powders and more effective in my experience.
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Banixx Skin Care
An effective antimicrobial solution for cleaning minor wounds, hot spots, ear issues, and skin irritations. Odorless and non-stinging, which makes application much easier on an Akita who would rather not cooperate.
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BetterWrap Neon Vet Wrap
For securing bandages on active dogs. The neon color makes it easy to spot and looks clean in a well-organized first aid kit. Keep a few rolls in your supply.
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TickCheck Premium Tick Remover
Essential if your dog spends any time outdoors in tick-prone areas. The stainless steel tools remove the entire tick including the head, which is critical to prevent infection.
Shop on AmazonWhy I Recommend Revival Autoship for Long-Term Care
The supplements in this section work best when given consistently. I recommend setting up Revival's Autoship for the supplements your dog takes daily, like Doc Roy's Daily Care and Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil. You save money on each order, and you never run out of the basics that matter most.
Set Up Revival Autoship
Phase 2 sections coming soon: Grooming and Coat Care, Whelping and Breeding, Long-Term and Senior Care, Training and Behavior, Travel and Show Prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Akita Supplies
The most common questions I get from puppy families, prospective buyers, and fellow breeders about supplies, supplements, and daily care for American Akitas.
What supplies do I need before bringing my American Akita puppy home?
Before your American Akita puppy arrives, you need a 48-inch wire crate with a divider panel, a foldable exercise pen, stainless steel food and water bowls, a puppy-appropriate collar and six-foot leash, a large-breed puppy food (I feed Acana Puppy Large Breed), Doc Roy's Healthy Bones calcium supplement, Doc Roy's Daily Care Canine multivitamin, Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil for coat and joint support, Safe-Guard liquid dewormer, an enzymatic cleaner for accidents, and durable puppy chew toys like KONG Puppy or Nylabone. This is the exact starter setup I recommend to every Apexx puppy family.
What food should I feed my American Akita puppy?
I feed my American Akitas Acana Puppy Large Breed. It is a premium, biologically appropriate food with high-quality animal proteins and no unnecessary fillers. The large-breed formula supports controlled growth, which is critical for Akita joint development. Every Apexx puppy goes home with a starter supply of Acana so the transition to your home does not involve a sudden food change. Slow, controlled growth from a food formulated for large breeds is more important than quick weight gain in the first year.
What supplements do you give your American Akitas daily?
I give my American Akitas three supplements every day: Doc Roy's Daily Care Canine as a complete multivitamin, Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil for omega-3 fatty acids supporting coat and joint health, and Doc Roy's Healthy Bones for calcium and phosphorus balance in growing puppies and breeding adults. All three are available through Revival Animal Health at fair pricing. Consistency matters more than brand-hopping. A dog on a steady daily regimen shows the benefits in coat, condition, and long-term health.
Can I use Safe-Guard formulated for goats and cattle on my dog?
Yes. Safe-Guard Liquid Suspension marketed for goats and cattle contains the same active ingredient (fenbendazole) as the dog-specific versions at a more cost-effective price per dose. This is the version I use on my own dogs and puppies. Dose by weight using the standard fenbendazole protocol for dogs. Consult your veterinarian if you are new to deworming or working with a puppy under six weeks old. Serious breeders across many kennel programs use this exact formulation for the same reason.
What size crate does an adult American Akita need?
An adult American Akita needs a 48-inch wire crate. The MidWest iCrate 48-inch model with a divider panel is my recommendation because the divider lets you shrink the space when your puppy is small and expand it as they grow. Buy for the adult size from the beginning rather than replacing crates as your puppy grows. A properly sized crate is one of the most important purchases you will make for house training, safety, and giving your Akita a place of their own inside the home.
What is the best joint supplement for a large breed dog like the American Akita?
For joint and mobility support in American Akitas, I recommend Doc Roy's Aches Away Plus from Revival Animal Health. It is a complete joint formula combining glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and additional comfort ingredients. Because the American Akita is a large breed prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, I recommend starting joint supplementation around year five for most dogs, or earlier if your veterinarian sees signs of stiffness. Prevention matters more than treatment. My breeding program prioritizes OFA-certified parents to reduce hereditary risk, but supplementation supports joint health throughout the working life of the dog.
What is APEXX20 and how do I use it?
APEXX20 is my exclusive promo code for Revival Animal Health customers. It saves $20 on any Revival order of $150 or more. Enter the code APEXX20 at checkout on revivalanimal.com. The $150 threshold is easily reached when stocking up on the first 30 days of essentials together, or when restocking daily supplements like Doc Roy's Daily Care, Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil, and Safe-Guard in one order. The code was negotiated with Revival specifically for the Apexx Akitas community.
Are these products safe for American Akita puppies as young as eight weeks?
The health essentials I recommend for eight-week-old American Akita puppies going home from Apexx are: Acana Puppy Large Breed food, Doc Roy's Daily Care Canine multivitamin, Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil, Doc Roy's Healthy Bones calcium, Safe-Guard Liquid Suspension for deworming (dosed by weight), Bene-Bac Plus probiotic gel to support the transition to a new home, and a gentle puppy shampoo. Every product marked "What I Use" on this page is safe for young puppies at appropriate doses. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian, especially for products or dosages new to you.
Why do you recommend Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil over generic fish oil?
Wild-caught salmon oil is a higher-quality source of omega-3 fatty acids than generic fish oil. Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil Formula is what I give my own dogs daily. Omega-3 supplementation supports coat condition, joint function, brain development in puppies, and skin barrier health. The double coat on an American Akita benefits noticeably from consistent omega-3 supplementation over months and years. The cost difference from generic fish oil is modest and the quality difference is meaningful.
What should I keep in a first aid kit for my American Akita?
Every American Akita owner should keep a basic first aid kit containing Clotisol blood-stop solution (for minor cuts and nail-trim nicks), Banixx Skin Care antiseptic spray (for wound cleaning and hot spots), BetterWrap vet wrap for securing bandages, and a TickCheck tick removal tool if your area has tick pressure. This is a supplement to your veterinarian, not a replacement. For serious injuries, illness, or anything you are unsure about, contact your vet immediately. Having the basic kit on hand handles the small everyday incidents without a vet visit.
Do I need a specific brush for my American Akita's double coat?
Yes. An American Akita has a dense double coat that requires specific grooming tools for proper maintenance. I use Ashley Craig Greyhound combs and pin brushes for my dogs. Full grooming and coat care recommendations, including combs, brushes, dematting products, and drying tools specifically for double-coated breeds like the American Akita, are coming in Phase 2 of this page. For now, the Ashley Craig Bathe Shampoo featured in the New Puppy Essentials section is what I use for bathing.
How do I know these are actually the products you use?
Every product on this page with the gold "What I Use" badge is a product currently in my kennel routine. As of this launch: Acana Puppy Large Breed, Doc Roy's Healthy Bones, Doc Roy's Daily Care Canine, Alaska Naturals Salmon Oil Formula, Safe-Guard Liquid Suspension, and Ashley Craig Bathe Shampoo. Products without the badge are ones I have personally vetted as category-strong recommendations. The affiliate disclosure at the top and bottom of this page discloses my relationships with Revival Animal Health and Ashley Craig transparently, per FTC requirements. I will never recommend a product I would not give to my own dogs.