Trying durable chew toys doesn’t require a subscription. Here’s how a one-time order works with each brand.
BarkBox and BULLYMAKE both offer a single box without requiring you to sign up for a subscription first, but each works a little differently. Both brands are still built primarily around subscriptions with automatic renewal, and the one-time option is more of a secondary path than the default way to order.
If you’re not sure if your dog will even like the toys, or you just want to try one box before deciding on anything longer term, take a look at how each brand handles a one-time order. Plus, see practical tips for figuring out which option fits your dog’s personality and preferences (as well as your budget).
One-Time Purchases vs. The Subscription Model
BULLYMAKE and BarkBox handle single-box orders with two different approaches. One treats it as a standard product you can add to your cart. The other frames it more like a gift purchase. It helps to know which is which before you check out.
BULLYMAKE
This popular brand offers a true one-time purchase listed directly on its site, separate from any subscription. That box includes your choice of two to three toy materials plus three bags of treats. BULLYMAKE’s standard plans come in 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month terms and are subscriptions by default that renew automatically at the end of the initial term.
BULLYMAKE also says its toughest toys are built to handle pressure it describes as beyond the bite force of the strongest dog breeds. How that holds up in practice still depends on the dog doing the chewing.
BarkBox
This option is built around monthly subscriptions, but it also offers a one-month gift box that ships once and does not auto-renew. You can send it to yourself or to someone else’s dog, and it arrives with no ongoing charges attached.
Regular BarkBox subscriptions include options like Classic BarkBox and Super Chewer, with pricing that varies depending on how many months you choose at signup.
Dog Gift Ideas
While Barkbox leans on gifting for its single box, BULLYMAKE’s one-month box also makes an excellent gift option. Since BULLYMAKE’s boxes are highly customizable and treats are allergy-friendly, this dog gift idea gives you the flexibility to try out an amazing selection without the commitment.
Again, both brands offer a one-month option if you’re looking for a one-time gift or want to give the receiver the option of continuing the subscription.
Choosing the Right Fit for Your Dog and Budget
Knowing how the one-time options work is only half the picture. Next is figuring out which option actually fits your doggo’s unique needs and your price expectations. How well you know your dog’s personal chewing style helps find the best solution.
New Additions
If you have a new puppy or a recently adopted dog, a one-time box is a lower-commitment way to test toy durability and material preference first. There’s no need to guess which toy type will hold up before you’ve seen it in action.
Both brands also let you flag allergy preferences on an order, which helps when you’re not yet sure how a new dog handles certain ingredients. Get peace of mind knowing that BULLYMAKE is known for offering non-toxic and BPA-free options, and its treats, along with the company’s nylon and rubber toys, are made in the USA.
Pro tip: Smaller dogs tend to chew in faster, shorter bursts than larger breeds, so size alone won’t tell you how fast a toy will wear. A one-time box gives you a chance to see how your specific dog responds before deciding on anything bigger.
Aggressive Chewers
For dogs already known to be aggressive chewers, a subscription built around high-durability nylon and rubber toys can offer better long-term value than repeat one-time orders. These dogs simply tend to go through toys faster. However, toys built to withstand high PSI aren’t guaranteed to hold up against every dog.
Any durability guarantee comes with specific terms and conditions rather than a blanket promise, as outlined in BULLYMAKE’s current guarantee policy. No toy is indestructible, and going in with that expectation tends to lead to less frustration later. A subscription also means a new toy shows up before the old one is fully gone, which can be a benefit for power chewers.
Multi-Dog Households
In a household with more than one dog, a subscription plan is often more practical because each dog may go through toys at a different rate. Toy material and allergy preferences can typically be adjusted per box or per account, which helps when dogs in the same house have different needs.
A one-time purchase can also be useful here, letting you compare how different dogs respond to nylon versus rubber toys before settling on a longer plan. It’s a small step that can save you some trial-and-error once you move to a full subscription.
What to Consider Before Ordering
BULLYMAKE’s 3-, 6- and 12-month plans have a set commitment period, and canceling before that period ends may trigger a one-time early-cancellation fee. The 1-month plan can be canceled at any time with no fee.
BarkBox subscriptions also renew automatically unless you choose the one-time gift option at checkout instead. It’s worth checking the renewal date listed at signup so a charge doesn’t catch you off guard.
When it comes to cancellation, BULLYMAKE’s options include contacting customer care by email or live chat. Support can confirm the effective cancellation date once your request goes through. That same email and live chat line can also help with account, billing or guarantee-related questions. It’s also where you’d go to update box customization, such as dog toy selection, chew style or allergy preferences, if your dog’s needs change between shipments.
After You Place Your Order
Both BarkBox and BULLYMAKE offer one-time boxes, but the right choice between a single box and a subscription comes down to your dog’s chew habits, your household’s needs and how much commitment feels right for you.
If you’re not sure what your dog likes, a one-time box is a reasonable way to find out. If you already know what your dog needs, switching to a subscription tailored to their chew style is the more direct route. Either way, your dog probably won’t mind which one you pick, as long as something new shows up to chew on.
