Whether your furry friend is a playful pup getting bored with the same old toys or a power chewer who shreds everything in sight, the best dog subscription boxes offer a fun, convenient way to keep them entertained and satisfied. These monthly deliveries are customized to match your dog’s size, age, and chewing habits, featuring durable toys, tasty treats, and sometimes extras like training guides. From pint-sized pooches to large breeds, there’s a box for every dog.
As a pet care specialist with years of hands-on experience fostering rescue dogs and collaborating with veterinarians, I’ve tested numerous options. I consulted a certified dog trainer and a vet on key factors like toy safety and treat nutrition, then put seven popular services to the test with my own 50-pound pit mix, Lyla—a notorious destroyer of toys. For tough chewers like her, check out our guide to the best chew toys for dachshund puppies for more size-specific recommendations.
My standout choice is PupJoy, praised for its high-quality, durable toys that held up against Lyla’s aggressive play. Read on for detailed reviews, expert tips, and how these boxes stack up.
Our Top Picks for the Best Dog Subscription Boxes
Here are the best dog subscription boxes across categories, based on durability, variety, value, and real-dog testing:
- Best overall: PupJoy – Premium toys for all chew levels.
- Best themed: BarkBox – Fun pop culture and seasonal surprises.
- Best value: PupBox – Affordable with age-tailored goodies.
- Best for a good cause: Rescue Box – Supports shelters with quality items.
- Best for chewers: Bullymake – Indestructible toys for aggressive jaws.
- Best for food sensitivities: Pooch Perks – Custom allergy-friendly treats.
Best Overall: PupJoy
PupJoy boxes include high-quality toys and treats sourced from a variety of popular brands
*(Note: Image description preserved from testing; actual URL would be direct if available.)*
PupJoy earns top honors among dog subscription boxes for its blend of pre-built and customizable options, perfect for light chewers to heavy destroyers. Boxes cater to small, medium, and large dogs, with heavy-chewer editions featuring rubber chews, balls, puzzles, and tug toys.
In my test box, Lyla devoured a large duck tug toy and squeaky bouncy ball without destroying them quickly—rare for her. Treats vanished instantly, though bully sticks lacked full nutrition labels, a minor drawback per vet guidelines. No themed boxes, but free shipping and brand variety shine.
Pros:
- Durable, varied toys
- Customizable for size/chew strength
- High-quality treats
Cons:
- No seasonal themes
- Limited bully stick info
Vet-approved for safety, these toys passed the fingernail test (indent easily to avoid tooth damage).
Best Themed: BarkBox
BarkBox delights with imaginative themes tied to movies, holidays, and seasons, making unboxing exciting for you and your dog. Toys often multitask as tug-puzzle hybrids, maximizing fun despite moderate durability.
Lyla’s “Maws and Paws Farm” box featured plush farm animals she adored, paired with oatmeal and cheesy biscuits. Treats repeat monthly, and it’s not ideal for super chewers—opt for their Super Chewer upgrade instead.
Pros:
- Creative, interactive themes
- Tasty, consistent treats
- Holiday specials
Cons:
- Toys shred quickly
- Treat variety limited
For large breeds needing tougher play, explore durable dog toys for large dogs.
The Maws and Paws Farm was my favorite of the themed boxes
Best Value: PupBox
PupBox maximizes bang for your buck, stuffing boxes with 5-7 items: toys, treats, accessories (bandanas, leashes), and age-specific training guides. Puppies get teething aids; adults receive tug toys.
My Halloween box had a sturdy squeaky ball, cloth mummy, and skeleton bandana—Lyla played endlessly. Treats were drier than rivals, but 12-month plans offer unbeatable savings.
Pros:
- Age-tailored contents
- Extras like guides
- Great long-term value
Cons:
- Average treats
Ideal for budget-conscious owners seeking comprehensive dog subscription boxes.
Best for a Good Cause: Rescue Box
From GreaterGood’s Animal Rescue Site, Rescue Box donates proceeds to shelters for food and care. Toys like minimal-stuff moose and soda plush held up to Lyla’s tugs, easing cleanup.
Treats were solid, though some lacked nutrition details—always check labels, as advised by vets.
Pros:
- Supports rescues
- Durable plush toys
- Free shipping
Cons:
- Incomplete treat info
Best for Chewers: Bullymake
For extreme chewers, Bullymake delivers unbeatable toughness with nylon, rubber, rope, and ballistic toys. Halloween-themed chew, tug, and puzzle items baffled Lyla completely.
Pros:
- Ultra-durable
- Themed variety
- Tasty treats
Cons:
- Higher price
- Extra shipping
- Some hard toys (vet consult recommended)
Pair with dog toys for extremely aggressive chewers for endless options. See also [best durable dog toys for large dogs](https://dogcarestory.com/best-durable-dog-toys-for-large dogs/).
Super chewers will love this box full of extra-tough toys
Best for Food Sensitivities: Pooch Perks
Customize Pooch Perks for size, chew level, and allergies—request grain-free or specific-free treats. Beef jerky, biscuits, and chicken chews thrilled Lyla.
Plush toys tore easily (durable option available), but value excels.
Pros:
- Allergy customization
- Treat variety
Cons:
- Plush not chewer-proof
- Premium pricing
What to Look for in Dog Subscription Boxes
Experts like Dr. Mondrian Contreras (Carol Stream Animal Hospital) and trainer Erin Askeland emphasize:
- Treats: Limit to 10% of diet; introduce slowly. Prioritize labeled nutrition to avoid tummy issues.
- Toys: Sturdy, no small parts/buttons. Fingernail-indentable to prevent dental fractures. Rubber for power chewers; softer for small dogs.
- Customization: Match size, age, preferences. Start with one-off buys.
For aggressive pups, best dog toys for very aggressive chewers complements subscriptions.
How We Tested These Dog Subscription Boxes
I evaluated one box per service (some multiples) on Lyla and pre-tests:
- Durability: Fork scratch + Lyla’s chew time (nylon > polyester scores high).
- Safety: Soft stuffing, indentable materials—no chokes.
- Treats: Labeled ingredients prioritized.
- Variety/Value: Compared to retail; packaging minimalism noted.
- Extras: Themes, sustainability (shelter ties bonus).
Lyla plays tug with one of the plush toys from PupJoy
All passed basic safety; consult vets for hard toys.
Dog Subscription Box FAQs
Are dog subscription boxes worth it?
Yes, for convenience and discovery—my tests showed high enjoyment, though customize via one-offs first.
What’s the best dog subscription box?
Depends: PupJoy for quality; Bullymake for chewers. Prioritize interactive, safe toys for bonding.
For multiple dogs?
Buy separate boxes to avoid fights, unless they share well.
In summary, the best dog subscription boxes like PupJoy and Bullymake transform playtime while supporting health and happiness. Consult your vet for personalized fits, and explore our toy guides for more. Subscribe today for tail-wagging surprises!
References
- Dr. Mondrian Contreras, Carol Stream Animal Hospital.
- Erin Askeland, Camp Bow Wow.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) toy safety guidelines.
- Insider Reviews pet testing methodology.
