Discovering new toys and treats for your canine companion can be an exciting part of pet ownership. However, if your dog’s favorites are quickly destroyed or they simply seem bored, dog subscription boxes offer a fantastic solution. These curated collections are designed to cater to your dog’s specific preferences and needs, with options available for every size and chewing style, from tiny pups to aggressive chewers.
To help you find the perfect box, we consulted a professional dog trainer and a veterinarian for their expert advice on selecting toys and treats. Following their guidance, we researched numerous popular subscription services and tested seven with Lyla, a 50-pound pit mix known for her toy-destroying tendencies. Our findings highlight PupJoy as the top choice, offering the highest quality toys among those tested, durable enough to withstand even the most enthusiastic chewers. PupJoy provides both customizable and pre-built boxes filled with engaging toys and delicious treats.
Our Top Picks for the Best Dog Subscription Boxes
- Best Overall: PupJoy
- Best Themed: BarkBox
- Best Value: PupBox
- Best for a Good Cause: Rescue Box
- Best for Chewers: Bullymake
- Best for Food Sensitivities: Pooch Perks
Best Overall: PupJoy
PupJoy stands out for its exceptional quality and variety. Offering both pre-built and customizable boxes, this service provides durable toys and tasty treats suitable for all dogs, including those with a penchant for destruction.
A dog playing with a durable toy from PupJoy.
What we like:
- Durable toys that withstand aggressive chewing.
- A wide variety of options for customization.
- High-quality treats with clear nutritional information.
- Free shipping on all orders.
What we don’t like:
- Themed boxes are not available.
- Nutritional details for bully sticks are not provided.
PupJoy earned our top spot due to its impressive selection of high-quality plush toys, chew toys, and treats. You can opt for pre-built boxes or customize your own for small, medium, or large dogs. PupJoy also offers specialized boxes for heavy chewers, featuring a range of toys such as stuffed animals, tug toys, rubber chews, balls, and puzzle toys. Our test box included a large duck tug toy and a bouncy ball, which Lyla thoroughly enjoyed and found remarkably durable against her strong chewing. The included treats were also a hit, disappearing quickly with every serving.
The packaged treats provided clear nutritional information, though the bully sticks lacked this detail, which is a desirable feature for any dog treat. While themed boxes would be a welcome addition, PupJoy’s existing lineup is already excellent.
Best Themed: BarkBox
BarkBox is renowned for its creative and engaging themes, making each monthly delivery an exciting event for both dogs and their owners.
What we like:
- Unique and imaginative pop culture and seasonal themes.
- Interactive toys designed for engaging play.
- Delicious and appealing treats.
- Themed boxes for holidays and seasons add extra fun.
What we don’t like:
- Toys may not be sufficiently durable for aggressive chewers.
- Treat variety can be limited across monthly boxes.
As one of the pioneers in dog subscription boxes, BarkBox has built a strong reputation for its inventive toy and treat selections. Each month features toys based on specific themes, drawing inspiration from popular movies, TV shows, holidays, and seasons. Many of the toys offered dual purposes, such as combining tug and puzzle features, maximizing their use even if they weren’t the most durable. Lyla particularly enjoyed the oatmeal and cheesy soft-baked biscuits, which always received enthusiastic tail wags.
The “Maws and Paws Farm” theme was a favorite, with plush farm animals that perfectly matched the theme and were well-loved by Lyla. While BarkBox excels in toy variety, the treats can be repetitive. For dogs that are powerful chewers, BarkBox’s standard toys might not suffice, though they do offer a Super Chewer Box for more robust needs.
Best Value: PupBox
PupBox offers an excellent balance of quality and affordability, especially with its longer subscription plans. Each box is packed with a variety of toys, treats, and helpful accessories.
What we like:
- Exceptional value, particularly for 12-month subscriptions.
- A diverse selection of engaging toys.
- Boxes are tailored to a dog’s age, promoting appropriate development.
- Includes accessories and training guides for added value.
What we don’t like:
- The treat selection is not as varied as some other options.
When considering the cost of dog subscription boxes, PupBox presents a compelling value proposition. While slightly more expensive than BarkBox monthly, PupBox delivers five to seven items per box, including toys, treats, and accessories like bandanas or leashes, along with valuable training guides. The toy selection is age-appropriate, with teething toys for puppies and more robust options for adult dogs.
The Halloween-themed box provided well-designed toys, including a sturdy ball chew toy and a cloth mummy that endured vigorous tug sessions. The accompanying skeleton-print bandana fit the theme perfectly. PupBox also includes a training card in every box, offering useful tips for strengthening the bond with your dog. The treat selection was adequate, though some, like the Full Moon Munchers, were noted as being dry.
Best for a Good Cause: Rescue Box
Choosing Rescue Box means treating your dog while simultaneously supporting shelter animals in need.
What we like:
- A good selection of durable and engaging toys.
- A portion of proceeds supports animal shelters.
- Free shipping is included.
What we don’t like:
- Some treats lack detailed nutritional information.
Rescue Box provides an opportunity to spoil your dog and contribute to a worthy cause. Available through The Animal Rescue Site by GreaterGood, a nonprofit organization, a portion of the sales from Rescue Box directly benefits animal shelters, helping to provide food and care for animals awaiting adoption. Lyla particularly enjoyed the durable stuffed toys, including a moose and a soda plush toy, which surprisingly withstood her rough play. The minimal stuffing made for easy cleanup after she eventually managed to tear them apart.
While the toys were a hit, the lack of complete nutritional information for all treats was a minor drawback. However, the overall mission and quality of the box make it a highly recommended option for conscientious pet owners.
Best for Chewers: Bullymake
For dogs that are particularly tough on their toys, Bullymake offers unparalleled durability.
What we like:
- Incredibly durable toys designed for aggressive chewers.
- Fun and engaging themes for each box.
- Includes high-quality, tasty treats.
What we don’t like:
- Can be on the pricier side.
- Some toys might be too hard for certain dogs.
- Shipping costs are additional.
Bullymake is the definitive choice for aggressive chewers. Each box contains a mix of tug toys, treat-dispensing toys, and chew toys crafted from robust materials such as ballistic nylon, rubber, and rope. Alongside exclusive Bullymake treats, you might also find selections from other reputable brands. The toys are both versatile and exceptionally durable; even Lyla, with her powerful jaws, couldn’t destroy them. The variety of toys, including chew, tug, and puzzle types, ensured engaging and prolonged play. The Halloween theme added an extra layer of enjoyment to the unboxing experience.
It’s important to note that Bullymake is more expensive than many other subscription services. Additionally, some boxes may include very hard nylon toys. Veterinarians generally advise against toys that are too hard to indent with a fingernail, as they can potentially damage a dog’s teeth. If considering such toys, consulting your veterinarian is recommended. For alternatives, explore our guide on the best dog toys for aggressive chewers.
Best for Food Sensitivities: Pooch Perks
Pooch Perks offers a high degree of customization, allowing you to tailor not only the type of toys but also the treats to accommodate your dog’s specific dietary needs and allergies.
What we like:
- Good value for the customization offered.
- A wide variety of treat flavors and types.
- Excellent for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
What we don’t like:
- Can be pricey.
- Plush toys may not withstand persistent chewing.
Finding a subscription box that caters to dogs with food sensitivities can be challenging, but Pooch Perks excels in this area. You can customize your box by choosing between durable or plush toys and requesting treats with or without specific ingredients. The boxes are also sized according to your dog’s needs, and various prepaid subscription options are available.
Lyla thoroughly enjoyed the treats in her box, which included a diverse selection such as beef jerky chews, biscuits, and specialty chicken jerky. While the plush toys were a hit, they were less durable than expected and showed signs of wear quickly. However, Pooch Perks does offer a durable toy box option for more aggressive chewers.
What to Look For in Dog Subscription Boxes
When selecting a dog subscription box, consider these key factors:
- Treats: Treats should constitute no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet, according to Dr. Mondrian Contreras, a veterinarian. Introduce new treats gradually to avoid adverse reactions. Opt for treats with clear ingredient and nutritional information.
- Toys: The best dog toys vary by individual dog, but generally, sturdier options are preferable. Certified professional dog trainer Erin Askeland advises against toys with small, easily swallowed parts like buttons. Toys that are too hard, which you cannot indent with your fingernail, can potentially damage teeth; durable rubber is often a good compromise for strong chewers. Ensure the box offers appropriate toys for your dog’s size and chewing strength.
- Individual Preferences: The ideal subscription box aligns with your dog’s specific needs and preferences. It’s often wise to start with a one-time purchase to gauge your dog’s reaction before committing to a subscription.
How We Tested the Best Dog Subscription Boxes
Our testing process involved evaluating seven popular subscription boxes that included both toys and treats. We focused on several criteria:
- Quality and Durability of Toys: We assessed how well toys withstood aggressive chewing, noting materials like nylon mesh for enhanced durability.
- Toy Safety: We prioritized toys that were safe, avoiding excessively hard materials or small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Toys that could be indented with a fingernail and those filled with soft stuffing scored higher.
- Quality and Safety of Treats: Treats with transparent nutritional and ingredient information were favored.
- Variety: Boxes offering a diverse range of toys and treats scored well.
- Price: We compared the value offered by each box against the cost of purchasing similar items separately.
- Packaging: Excessive or wasteful packaging resulted in deductions.
- Giving Back and Sustainability: Bonus points were awarded for verifiable support of shelters or sustainability initiatives.
- Theme: For themed boxes, we evaluated the cohesiveness of the theme across all items.
Dog Subscription Box FAQs
Are Dog Subscription Boxes Worth It?
The value of dog subscription boxes depends on your dog’s preferences and your shopping habits. If your dog has specific toy preferences, you might find better success choosing items yourself. However, the tested boxes offer solid options, and our dog enjoyed all the included treats and toys, making them a worthwhile consideration.
Which Dog Subscription is the Best?
The “best” box varies by individual dog, but top choices feature interactive, safe toys. These encourage playtime and bonding, whether through puzzle toys, durable tugs, or soft plushies. Crucially, toys should be free of small, swallowable parts and excessively hard plastic. Daily playtime, even just 5-10 minutes, is highly beneficial for a dog’s well-being.
Is There a Dog Subscription Box for Multiple Dogs?
For households with multiple dogs, purchasing separate boxes is recommended to prevent competition over toys and treats. If your dogs readily share, one box might suffice.
