BarkBox is a reader-favorite monthly subscription box for dogs for $35 a month + free shipping. BarkBox customizes your box to your dog’s size. For reference, this review is for the medium size, which is recommended for dogs 20-50 lbs. Our beloved rescue dog, Rufus, is around 40 lbs. and is 12 years old. He can be a bit picky about toys but usually loves treats.
If you have a younger pup or just one who needs toys of the rough and tumble variety, I highly recommend trying the Super Chewer subscription (read our reviews to learn more!)
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
First Impressions
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The September 2021 'Peace & Fluff' box included 3 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. Unboxing is a family affair, as you can see!
Sometimes, 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.
What's Inside The Box
Bark Eats MOO MOO Pies, 4 oz.
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Rufus is sometimes weird about these soft-baked biscuits, but I am happy to report that he loved these little pies. The main ingredient in these biscuits is USA farm-raised beef plus oatmeal and molasses. Rufus does seem to love savory treats so that is probably why he gobbled these down so quickly. This bag is perfect to take with us on walks or in the backyard while we play to give him a quick boost of protein and a little sweetness.
Bark Eats BAA BAA Jerky Bites, 3 oz.
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This was another treat that I wasn't sure Rufus would be into, but he proved me wrong again! This chew jerky is made with 60% farm-raised lamb, a nice change of flavors from other treats in our pantry for him. The jerky is also grain-free which I love. I am so happy that Rufus loved both bags of treats this month, which means we can just add to our collection of yummy snacks for him in our pantry.
The Pet Gourmet Chew Stick Pumpkin & Honey Recipe, 1.4 oz.
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If you follow my reviews then you know that Rufus is not a fan of these chew sticks. I let him try them every month, but he always just smells them and moves on. He did the same this month so I quickly passed it on to my Mom's doggie. I thought Rufus would get jealous, but he didn't so that showed that he really is just not into them. This month we received the large chew pumpkin and honey recipe, which my Mom's dog seemed to really love!
Woofswaggin Bus
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This wouldn't be a proper peace and fluff box without a wagon like this! This toy is super sturdy, great for a big chewer. It isn't big enough to play catch or tug with too much, but it is great for tossing around and chewing. Rufus doesn't seem super interested in this one just yet, but I'm sure once he realizes he can chew and make it squeak he will be all in. I also had to post a photo of his enormous toy collection that we keep on his "play bed." Rufus wouldn't have this collection if it weren't for BarkBox so you can see why we love it so much!
Free Bird
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Omg, I love this free bird! I think I had a headband just like his, hahaha! Rufus is a sort of a bird dog because he has caught a few over the years in our yard. They drive him absolutely crazy, but now that he is not as fast as he used to be, he hasn't caught one in a few years. This toy is the perfect way for him to feel like his old self again, chasing and catching birds, much to my dismay of course. This little guy has a squeaker making it extra fun to play with!
Hairy Garcia
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Hairy Garcia did not make it to Rufus. My daughter saw a rainbow monkey and immediately took this toy. She has slept with it every night since we got it. I think Rufus would have loved it because it is perfect to play tug with and has a super loud squeaker in its belly. It is also super fuzzy and the perfect size to play catch with. I am happy that it is being loved so much by Philomena though!
Verdict
This BarkBox was the perfect end of the summer box! I was so happy that Rufus was into both treat bags this month. They were both a bit different from previous months so I was a bit nervous, but he gobbled both up instantly. These treats are in resealable bags so they are perfect to keep in our pantry to give Rufus as a quick treat or reward. The chew sticks are still a hard pass for him, but I love sharing them with my Mom's dogs. The toys this month were too perfect! The detail that goes into the designs of these toys to match the themes is so spot on and the quality is always top-notch. I loved that this month came with the free bird since Rufus used to be obsessed with hunting birds. This box really has become a family affair, and I love seeing how excited the kids get to show Rufus all of his new goodies! Rufus doesn't get a ton of attention these days, and he has become very old and tired quickly, so I am always so happy that we can treat our special guy month after month.
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Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $35.00 a month + free shipping
VALUE BREAKDOWN
Since these products are all made by BarkBox, I was not able to get a retail value for each item. I received a total of 6 products this month, which averages out to about $5.83 for the $35 a month cost. The value for me really is in the quality, curation, and joy that it brings to my whole family. The treats are all made with the health of our doggies in mind, which I really appreciate. So I know that I am giving Rufus healthy snacks and fun toys each month.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! You can choose to start with "Peace & Fluff", “Highway to Howl”, or a mystery box.
What did you think of the September 2021 BarkBox? Be sure to click below to write a review!
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