The 3 Best Dog Subscription Boxes

I’m not going to say we are experts when it comes to dog subscription boxes but… well, we kind of are.

Almost two years ago we tried and reviewed 7 of the subscription boxes on the market. Since then, we’ve tried boxes from another 6 or 7 companies. We’ve tried a lot of these boxes more than once. Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen about 50 subscription boxes from 14 different companies and I’ve written two comprehensive comparison posts. If that doesn’t make us experts on dog subscription boxes, I don’t know what does.

Of course, all of the boxes have been scrutinized through our eyes. While I don’t claim that everyone will agree with our assessment, we do have some pretty high standards. Chester and Gretel are strong chewers so toys have to be quality, or have some kind of special sauce, to last around this house; we live in Seattle – the land of high-end, boutique pet stores; and I’ve seen some of the highest-quality, cutting edge products available at pet industry trade shows. We are not easy sells so I feel like when we say a subscription box is good, it really is.

After my comparison posts, I get a lot of people asking which subscription box is our favorite. After my last comparison post, I promised to reveal our top 3 subscription boxes. I’m going to cheat a little though. I am not ranking them in order because they are all great in their own ways. No matter which one of our tip 3 boxes you pick, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Each of these boxes contain above average quality products, consider the size of dog when selecting products, offer shipping under $5, and include only treats made in the US (and Canada in the case of one – which has similarly high standards). For those that offer a small dog option, all of the products were, in fact, appropriate for small dogs.

The Top 3 Dog Subscription Goody Boxes

BarkBox

I’m super impressed with how far BarkBox has come since our first time trying it in 2012, They were founded in 2011 (they were the first subscription box I ever heard of) and have the longest time, out of all of the boxes available, to perfect their box just for your dog. And that they did. As they put it, “Having shipped over 50 million toys and treats so far, we’ve learned a ton about what engages dogs.”

The box is extra fun because it has a new surprise theme to keep things fresh each month. If they can’t find something your dog will love that fits the theme, they make it themselves! One of the coolest things is that they have an online store – called BarkShop – where you can order more of what your dog loved in their box. (their product descriptions are hilarious by the way and will keep you entertained for hours).

Many of the products in the box are unique to BarkBox. You won’t find them on store shelves… even in upscale pet stores!

Check out our recent review here – BarkBox Subscription: Fun, Unique Dog Goodies in the Mail

PupJoy

A few things really stood out about PupJoy.

First, they don’t see themselves as just another subscription box service.  They see themselves as a modern concierge service that combines the best of convenience, control, and value. They offer a lot of ways to customize your box including choices for grain-free gourmet treats, options for toys-only or treats-only boxes, the ability to choose toys tailored to your dog’s chewing style, and offer a multi-dog option for larger households.

PupJoy also earned big points with us because their mission is to do good and make a significant difference. They support the little guy by sourcing from small suppliers who are focused on creating quality, responsible products, they give a lot more to charity programs – almost 50% – than other subscription box companies, and they have also fostered a community of dog lovers like you, who together are capable of doing some good and making an impactful change.

Get 10% off your own PupJoy box subscription of any length with the coupon code is “YOUDIDWHAT”

PawPals with Annie! Gift Box

Products in the PawPals with Annie! box get texted by a real dog before they make it in the box to ensure quality control and doggie satisfaction.

The paw-picked goodies inside the box are customized specifically for your dogs size, breed, and preferences. I don’t just mean “customized” by writing  your dog’s name on the box either.  PawPals with Annie! asks you more details about your dog and puts extra effort into including the toys and treats most appropriate for your dog and breed.

The treats are all natural and nutritious and the dog toys are well made, super strong, and long-lasting. PawPals with Annie! also prides themselves on providing consistent quality products in every monthly gift box.

Honorable Mention – Pooch Perks

Dog subscription box companies are coming and going all of the time. Right after I published comparison post, we learned of yet another new subscription box service – Pooch Perks.

I was very, very impressed with what was inside. I’ll admit that their prices look a tad more expensive than other boxes but shipping is included, there were a healthy number of products in the box, the products inside were definitely in the high-average category, and every one of the products in the box – both treats AND toys – are made in the USA.

Even though these are my favorite dog subscription boxes, I’m always on the lookout for new ones and am interested to learn what other people think of the boxes.

Have you tried any of our favorite boxes for your pup? What did you think? If you loved one that isn’t on our list, which one and why?

Note: This post is an updated version of an old one. Previously I recommended Paws & Play (who had changed their name to FURKID by Paws & Play) as one of my top recommended boxes. As of 4/30/17 it appears that  they went out of business so I replaced them with another of our top choices.