Now Reading: BarkBox Review: What’s Really in Those Monthly Treats and Toys?
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BarkBox Review: What’s Really in Those Monthly Treats and Toys?
BarkBox Review: What’s Really in Those Monthly Treats and Toys?
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If you’ve ever scrolled through pet accounts on Instagram or TikTok, you’ve probably noticed the cute, colorful boxes that land on dog owners’ doorsteps every month—the BarkBox. Each package promises themed toys, treats, and tail-wagging excitement. But once the unboxing videos are over and the filters disappear, you might find yourself wondering: Is the BarkBox really worth it, or is it just cleverly marketed hype?
As an experienced pet product tester (with a very enthusiastic test subject—my Labrador, Milo), I set out to find out exactly what’s inside these boxes, how well they hold up, and whether the value lives up to the hype. This is the real review you need before you sign up.
🐶 What Is BarkBox?
BarkBox is a monthly subscription box for dogs, curated and delivered by the pet company Bark (also known as Super Chewer, Bark Eats, and Bright Dental). Each box contains:
- 2 original plush toys
- 2 full-sized bags of treats
- 1 chew item
- A monthly rotating theme
You can customize the box to your dog’s size, dietary needs, and even chewing habits. The themes are playful, fun, and surprisingly creative—think “Jurassic Bark,” “Home for the Holidays,” or “Barkbuster Movie Night.”
📦 Subscription Plans & Options
BarkBox simplifies use with three main options based on different terms:
- Monthly plan (cancel anytime)
- 6-month plan
- 12-month plan
You also choose your dog’s size:
- Small (under 9 kg)
- Medium (9–23 kg)
- Large (over 23 kg)
Need something more robust? Bark also offers the Super Chewer version for dogs who destroy everything in sight.
🎁 What’s in the Box: A Real Unboxing Experience
Over the course of 3 months we received boxes with the following themes:
🔹 Theme 1: “Bark to School”
- Toys: A squeaky lunchbox and a plush pencil with crinkle sounds
- Treats: Chicken jerky bars and apple cheddar bites
- Chews: A peanut butter stick
🔹 Theme 2: “Knights of the Hound Table”
- Toys: A plush dragon with a hidden squeaker and a crinkly knight’s helmet
- Treats: Turkey bites and duck training squares
- Chews: Pork sticks
🔹 Theme 3: “Slobber Party”
- Toys: Plush slippers and a fluffy popcorn bucket (which Milo loved)
- Treats: Banana and bacon chews + yogurt cookies
- Chews: Beef tendon chews
Observations:
- The toys are incredibly well-made—soft, detailed, and provide squeaking and crackling delight.
- The treats are high-quality, often grain-free, and made in the USA or Canada.
- The chews last longer than expected, even with vigorous chewing.
🧸 Toy Quality: Cute, Durable & Dog-Approved
Themed toys are the heart of the BarkBox. Each toy is:
- Designed by Bark itself
- Double-stitched for durability
- Tested by real dogs (yes, that’s work)
- Often equipped with multiple sound and texture layers
For medium chewers, they hold up well. For aggressive chewers, the Super Chewer upgrade is a smart move.
🦴 Treat Quality: Healthy and Pup-Safe
What surprised me most was the transparency of the ingredients. BarkBox treats are:
- All-natural
- Grain-free (most)
- Free of fillers, soy, wheat, and corn
- Made in the USA or Canada
Each box contains two full pouches, typically differing in flavor and texture (one crunchy, one chewy). Dogs with allergies or intolerances can easily choose customized treats—simply update your profile.
🛒 BarkBox Customization & Flexibility
You can customize the toy based on:
- Dog size
- Allergies (beef, chicken, turkey, etc.)
- Toy preference (plush or sturdy)
- Chew strength
If your dog doesn’t like something, BarkBox offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee – free replacement.
🚚 Shipping, Returns & Customer Experience
- Free shipping in the contiguous US.
- Packages are shipped once a month and typically arrive within 3–7 days.
- You can easily pause, cancel, or skip packages through your account.
- Customer service is very responsive and offers generous replacements.
💸 Is BarkBox Worth the Value?
You will receive:
- 2 toys (retail value $10-12 each)
- 2 treat bags ($6-8 each)
- 1 chew toy ($3-5)
This represents a $35–$45 value and is delivered directly to your door in attractive packaging with a surprise. Even without discounts, this is a great deal. If you sign up for 6–12 months, you’ll save even more—one of the most cost-effective ways to treat your puppy regularly.
🐾 Who Is BarkBox Best For?
- Dog owners who love to spoil their pets
- Busy people who forget to buy treats/toys
- Parents with children who want to unwrap presents with their dog
- Gift givers (a great birthday present for dogs!)
Final Verdict: What’s Really in the Box?
BarkBox is more than just a monthly delivery of pet supplies—it’s an experience. Every delivery is a blend of creative joy, careful selection, and genuine value. The toys are not only cute but also of high quality. The treats are not just filler, they’re healthy. And the service is not only convenient, but also a delight.
If you’re looking for a subscription that will bring true tail-wagging happiness to your pup, BarkBox definitely lives up to its reputation. While it won’t replace your regular vet visits or training sessions, it will become a much-anticipated event for you and your dog.
