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!)
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
1 of 3
The October 2021 'Mischief Mutts' box included three toys, two 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.
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.
This is Murray's first Barkbox in a few years, and he, of course, was ecstatic. I could barely get it open before he started taking off with the toys, one by one. Spoiler alert: there are a lot of "teef" shots coming up; stay tuned!
What's Inside The Box
Bark Eats BAA BAA Jerky Bites, 4 oz.
1 of 3
It was almost like Murray could smell these treats even before I opened the packaging. He was acting like a lunatic when I finally opened the bag. These biscuits are the perfect size for a midday snack. They are made with grass-fed lamb, oatmeal, and real cheddar cheese and do not contain any added wheat, soy, or corn. I love that this snack is made in the USA with wholesome ingredients and without any unnecessary fillers.
Don't let him fool you! He is playing it cool in this photo, but he is actually working really hard not to snatch this deliciously soft biscuit from his mom's hand.
Gobble Jerky Sticks, 3 oz.
1 of 3
Here is another treat that absolutely drove my pup berserk. Contrary to what his vet may think, Murray is actually pretty picky when it comes to food and treats. He snubs hard crunchy biscuits, but when it comes to soft, meaty, chewy snacks, he will do any trick necessary to get his paws on another and another! These jerky snacks were right up his alley! The main ingredients are turkey, barley, and sweet potato, and also formulated without any ingredients I can't pronounce.
He is obsessed! I couldn't get a clear shot of him because it was like a feeding frenzy.
Pur Luv Duck Stick, 2 oz.
1 of 4
I am surprised I am not missing a finger after handing one of these over to Murray, risking it all. Haha, he really can't resist any treats in this month's box! He is actually very gentle when it comes to taking treats, thankfully, otherwise, I might have been in trouble after introducing this month's chewy Duck Stick from Pur Luv. These sticks are made with real duck and chickpeas, along with a few other ingredients. It isn't something I'd give him often, since it is a larger treat, but I just think of it as junk food for dogs. You have to treat them once in a while!
SMH, just look at those snappers.
Ding Dong Dump Toy
1 of 4
Now on to the toys! Since Murray is older (he just turned 10 in June), we usually really have to rile him up to play with toys for any extended period. He is somewhat of a lazy pup, especially since my son came along, but this toy lit (you get it?) him up and he was doing zoomies all afternoon. Maybe it is the big squeaker or just the bright colors that got him moving, but I love seeing this side of him.
I can't get over this shot of my little man. He is hilarious.
Smashing Pumpkins Toy
1 of 4
This toy has all of Murray's boxes checked. Extremely crinkly, big ball to fetch, and a loud obnoxious squeaker... it has it all! This toy is big for Murray, but he thoroughly enjoyed throwing it around and violently shaking it from side to side. I caught him using it as a pillow later on in the evening as well; don't you just love a multi-tasking toy?
1 of 3
I warned you about the "teef" shots to come!
Misbeshaving Cream Toy
1 of 2
Here it is, the loudest toy of the bunch! It came equipped with two squeakers, one in the foam and one huge one filling the entire can. This is definitely the toy of an ornery pup, with a grimacing foam emoji and a "Bark: In Yo Face" tagline on the can. I love this month's Halloween theme, and this toy fits perfectly into the "Mischief Mutts" category.
I heard this toy all through my house, and it made me laugh every time. There is no hiding with this one!
Toilet Pupper
1 of 5
I didn't actually receive this toy, but our photo studio got this one instead of the Misbeshaving toy. I had to share the photos because it is so cute and on theme. I don't know that Murray could have fit this one in his mouth, but it wouldn't have stopped him from trying.
Verdict
This month's BarkBox was a scream! Murray is obsessed with every single thing this month had to offer. He loves the toys and can't stop begging for the treats. This month had so many amazing and funny toys to offer, perfectly portraying its "Mischief Mutts" theme. Barkbox makes quality toys that last a really long time; you can absolutely feel and see the difference in quality in their products, and it makes me less likely to mind having Murray's toys strewn around the house when they are this cute. I think you get a lot for your money in terms of quantity and quality with this subscription, and I can't wait to see what next month will bring!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add BarkBox to your subscription list or wishlist!
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 six products this month, which averages out to about $5.83 for the $35 a month cost, which is a steal for the quality of each item. You would absolutely pay more for subpar products in a pet shop, making this subscription well worth its cost.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! You can choose to start with October's "Mischief Mutt" theme, "Peace & Fluff", or a mystery box.
What did you think of the October 2021 BarkBox? Be sure to click below to write a review!
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.