BarkBox is a reader-favorite monthly subscription box for dogs.
BarkBox customizes your box to your dog’s size. For reference, this review is for the small size (my smaller dog weighs 12 lbs and our pug is closer to 28).
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
About BarkBox
The Subscription Box: BarkBox
The Cost: $29 a month, $25 a month with a 6-month subscription, $23 a month with a 6-month subscription ($138 billed today), or $21 a month with a 12-month subscription.
The Products: Toys, treats, and grooming products perfect for your dog based on their size.
Ships to: US and Canada
April 2019 Barkbox Review
It arrives with an information card with details about the items in the box. The April box included a costume item, 2 toys, 2 bags of treats, and a chew - this is close to what you can expect with your monthly subscription, though it does vary for everyone once in a while.
My pups are both seniors but though I think they get crazier every day, they are still pretty playful and enjoy most toys and treats. Piper can't have hard or chewy snacks anymore, but she can manage soft treats.
A lot of these items are marked as 'Sold Out' on the BarkBox app - but they have a little 'As Seen In BarkBox' section of the BarkShop where you can grab items featured in monthly themes.
All's Well that Ends Bacon Treats
These were too hard for Piper to enjoy (sorry girl!) but Charlie devoured his while I baited Piper with cheese. These have both bacon and spinach in them and are wheat, soy, corn, and grain free. Charlie and Piper both eat grain free food because their vet suggested it, so I am pleased that this treat follows suit. Though we aren't super strict dog parents, I like knowing we have a grain-free option for Charles in close reach.
Much 'Ado About Stuffing Treats
The name of these cracked me up! Though they were much softer than the other treats, I was still worried they were too hard for Piper. She got cheese again, but don't be sad because there are much worse things in life than cheese. Again, these are wheat, soy, corn, and grain free, meaning doggos with more sensitive stomachs or dietary concerns can still enjoy. The little star shapes were way cute and the perfect size.
Treats always get full attention. Piper ALMOST sat still for this photo.
Scroll and Skull Squeak and Crinkle Toy
Charlie is a sucker for anything that crinkles, so he immediately pulled the scroll out of the skull slot and went to town. This is a dog that is obsessed with both paper and plastic bags, so this is a much safer alternative! He probably would have enjoyed the squeaky skull too, but was too distracted by the scroll. I ended up sliding his paw into it to see if he would notice, but he only has eyes for literature.
"Give it back, please!"
Cauldron Toy
If there is one thing my dogs love (other than crinkles), it is faux fur on their toys. This toy is really fun and has a long string of squeaky toys that can be pulled out of the crinkly cauldron. Piper especially loved this toy because she could run around tempting Charlie with it then quickly running off with it trailing behind if he dared get close. Piper is also a digger, so I liked stuffing the creatures back in and letting her dig them out.
Toy overload. How did such a little dog get so lucky?
Plato's Pet Treats Chicken Chew
Charlie loves chews, but since he is a pug and doesn't chew things well enough for his small pug mouth I don't always love giving things like this to him. Piper also tends to feel left out since she has no teeth and it doesn't feel fair. I tend to pass treats like this along to a neighbor who has a dog who can't get enough of them, or save them for special times when Piper puts herself to bed early (she is old!) and I can very attentively watch Charlie enjoy them.
Ruff Collar
I loved this so much because I enjoy dressing the pups in embarrassing clothing and putting them on Instagram, as any proud parent would. Charlie's neck was WAY too thick for this (we have to buy him large collars) but Piper really worked it! Birdie was also a victim of this item, which was very delightful to everyone but Birdie.
She looks very historical.
Verdict: This was my first Barkbox and I think we all really enjoyed it! Well, not Birdie.. OH WELL. I was hesitant about reviewing this because both of my dogs are ancient and have specific issues when it comes to treat textures and toy preferences. It was actually so fun to see their inner puppies come back out! I have to admit that I don't even really bother buying fancy treats or toys because I didn't think they would still care since they are very lazy seniors. Boy was I wrong! In addition to being hilariously curated and oh-so-clever, this box also delivered a youthful playtime session that I haven't had in a very long time with my Piper & Charlie. I am very excited for next month's box.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will get the May box. Customer care let us know that your first box will now always be either their Welcome Box or the current month’s box, followed by the normal schedule the following month.
Check out all my reviews of Barkbox and our other favorite pet subscription boxes.
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What did you think of the April 2019 BarkBox?
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