Dog subscription boxes have become one of the easiest ways to keep a dog mentally stimulated and stocked with fresh toys and treats without doing the research yourself every month. Here’s how the two leading options actually compare, and which one fits your dog.
Quick comparison
| BarkBox | BullyMake | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most dogs, general variety | Power chewers specifically |
| What’s inside | 2 toys, 2 bags of treats, 1 chew, monthly theme | 2–3 heavy-duty toys, 3 full-size treat bags |
| Durability focus | Standard play toys | Ultra-durable rubber/nylon, built for aggressive chewers |
| Guarantee | Standard satisfaction policy | 14-day durability guarantee — free replacement if destroyed |
| Also offers | Super Chewer tier, BARK Bright Dental line | Allergen-customizable treats (chicken, beef, turkey, grain exclusions) |
| Founded | 2011 | 2014, by bull terrier owners |
The two boxes, in detail
BarkBox
BarkBox is the box most people picture when they think “dog subscription box” — a themed monthly delivery of toys, treats, and a chew, designed for broad appeal across breeds and chewing styles. For dogs that are moderate, not aggressive, chewers, it’s a reliable way to keep a rotation of fresh toys coming without doing the shopping yourself. BARK (the parent company) also offers a Super Chewer tier for tougher dogs and a Bright Dental line if dental health is a priority, so there’s some flexibility within the BarkBox ecosystem itself before needing to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Broadest appeal — works well for most dogs and chewing styles
- Fun, varied monthly themes keep it interesting
- Super Chewer tier available if needed without switching brands
- Donates a portion of proceeds to shelters
Cons
- Standard toys may not hold up to genuinely aggressive chewers
- Shorter cookie/return window if you’re comparing as a shopper, not just an affiliate
BullyMake
BullyMake exists for exactly one problem: dogs that destroy toys within minutes. Every toy is built from heavy-duty rubber or nylon and tested specifically for powerful jaws — the kind of dog that turns a standard BarkBox toy into confetti on day one. The 14-day durability guarantee is the real differentiator: if your dog destroys a toy within that window, BullyMake sends a free replacement, which is a genuinely useful policy for owners who’ve been burned by “durable” toys before. Treats are also allergen-customizable, letting you exclude chicken, beef, turkey, or grain based on your dog’s sensitivities.
Pros
- Genuinely built for aggressive chewers, not just marketed that way
- 14-day destruction guarantee with free replacement
- Allergen-customizable treats
Cons
- Narrower focus — less variety if your dog is a gentle or moderate chewer
- Niche positioning means less brand recognition than BarkBox
How to choose
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch between BarkBox tiers if my dog’s chewing style changes?
Yes — BARK’s Super Chewer tier exists within the same BarkBox account system, so you can typically adjust your subscription rather than switching brands entirely if your dog turns out to be a tougher chewer than expected.
What happens if my dog destroys a BullyMake toy right away?
BullyMake’s 14-day durability guarantee covers this specifically — if a toy is destroyed within that window, they’ll send a free replacement, which is one of the more owner-friendly policies in the subscription box space.
Are these boxes customizable for my dog’s size?
Both BarkBox and BullyMake generally size toys and treats for the info you provide about your dog during signup, though exact customization options can vary — check each brand’s current signup flow for specifics.
Can I cancel a dog subscription box anytime?
Policies vary by brand and can change, so it’s worth checking each company’s current cancellation terms before subscribing rather than assuming cancel-anytime flexibility.
