Best Friend Boxes: Monthly Pet Subscription Boxes Giveaway and Review~ 7/20

I don't have kids, yet; but if the way I treat my pets is any indication, I'm a spoiler.

Yes, I'm one of those annoying fur mommies who has to pull out her phone to show off the latest pictures of her 'princess'. The one who draws concerned looks at family gatherings when an account of a niece's first tooth is followed by a tale of her cat fetching a bean-filled moose. It's not that I'm cat, or animal crazy. I don't walk around in 'Hang In There' sweaters, or eat with my cats at the table. No, I treat them just like I would children; caring for them when they are sick, bathing them when they get a little too 'wild', playing with them every afternoon, and bringing home gifts when I decide to go shopping and treat myself.

Ahh.....the 'gifts'.

Yes, we enjoy shopping for our pets, almost a little too much. Sometimes I worry that I enjoy the toys more than them! Sure, it's impossible for me to walk past a pet store and not pop my head in to buy a trinket or to, but with such a wide variety of pet products, how can you not begin to theme your four-legged friend's belongings? I mean, pet products have come a long way- even Martha Stewart has her own line of modern, design friendly baubles for pet lovers! Yup, the other half and I stroll hand-in-hand down the mega-pet-store's aisles, and share 'awwws' at handmade toys on Etsy. We rush home excitedly to rip the toys out of the bag and proudly present them to our unsuspecting felines. (Sometimes I think they get even more amusement out of watching us figure out how to operate these darn contraptions)

Of the two cats, Truffles is always the most hesitant.

Unless food is involved, of course.

Then all bets are off, and Frankie's shoved to the side so the 'Princess' can enjoy her new treat. It's impressive her waistline isn't yet competing with Garfield, the way this cat loves to eat!

Of course, much like human kids, I'm concerned about what I let near Truffles and Frankie. As far as I can see, Organic is the way to go- and we jump at the chance to support and frequent any organic pet brands of high integrity. This is how I came to find a service that combines fine natural sourced pet treats and products with the joy of spoiling one's pet; Best friend Boxes. Created by a pet loving duo from Texas, Best Friend Boxes is a monthly subscription service dedicated to hand picking the finest treats for your feline (or canine) friends, and delivering them directly to your door, once a month.

We received a Feline and Canine Best Friends Box, in May, for review here on Time Out Truffles. Things have been so hectic with our move, I'm finally getting around to posting the Feline box today!

Our Best Friends Box was delivered in a clearly marked parcel (to arrive during the last week of each month), with 5-7 hand-picked natural treats and toys. I was pleased to find some well trusted Natural brands I was already familiar with, and some new-to-me brands we've quickly grown to love. We received Natural Grooming Wipes, Sojos 100% Organic Catnip, Zuke's Natural Purrz Treats, and a Tap And Squeak Mouse.

Of course, when I first opened the box, Truffles had already sniffed out the residue of Chicken Cat Treats from Zukes. Her little nose was going a mile a minute, and I dared nto delay in tearing open that easy re-seal pouch. These wheat, corn, and soy free USA made soft chews resembled little pellets. For (6lb) Truffles, I found she could chew them best when broken in half, through Frankie had n issue devouring them whole. I love that they offer no offensive odor, but a taste that Truffles literally begs for! I was shocked, because she is usually picky about soft cat treats, but these passed the test with flying colors!

We could hear the toy, in this Best Friend's Box, making noise before we'd even opened the package! This 4" little mouse has a touch/bump sensitive squeaker hidden deep inside it. It was perfect for playing 'fetch', as it squeaked when it hit the floors, or slid into the walls. I also loved how it would make noise whenever a cat got frisky enough to accidentally knock it off a shelf or play with it. This unexpected touch was a new-to-me electronic feature that, unfortunately, died about a week after use. I was sad to discover that the battery could not be replaced, but this made it safe for pets (and little mouths). The toy, however, still functions as a classic mouse, and is played with often around here!

Finding Natural Cat wipes in the box was a nice surprise, and not something I would think a company would traditionally think to include; but a wise choice! Most cats hate being bathed by their humans, and (especially) house bound cats can track all sorts of dust and grime from their litter boxes. I like to wipe Truffles and Frankie down several times a week. These fragrance free, natural, wipes were a safe alternative to other bathing methods and the perfect size to wipe down kitty with no fuss!

Last in our Feline Best Friends Box was Sojo's 100% Organic Catnip tin. Admittedly, Truffles has NEVER responded to catnip I've purchased- but I've heard organic can make a big difference in strength and impact. Before I could even crack the tin, to reveal the bagged bundle of 'nip' inside, Truffles was rubbing up on this! I opened the bag and set it on her PetFusion Cat Scratcher, and watched as she inhaled with a few humorous expressions. Within seconds it was 1-2-Floor! Truffles hit the ground and began rolling and twisting as though she were a kitten again. The overall effects lasted about 15 minutes, and (per the instructions) we've since duplicated the effect weekly since. Because Sojos is a highly concentrated, organic, catnip, the makers suggest not to overexposure your cat, or they can become desensitized. The generous sized tin will last as quite a while, and the small flaksed are perfect to sprinkle on cat furniture or even 'soak' small toys in. I've found many of the smaller, mouse size, toys will effectively soak up the catnip fragrance overnight.

In all, we've loved our Best friends Box experience, though I find myself questioning the $45/box monthly subscription for felines. Having already 'peeked' at the canine version, I can wholeheartedly support the cost for dogs, but feel this collection would have been better priced at $35. Mind you, delivery IS included in your subscription price, and you can stop or start a subscription at any time. I simply cannot see many cat owners investing $45 a month- though the commitment to Natural based products (from many small, hidden gem companies) does make a solid argument for the cost. My suggestion? I'd like to see a larger box offered for a quarterly subscription- perhaps at $49 a month, and breed (size) specific option for the canines. Best Friend Boxes also donates 10% of proceeds towards animals in need, so you can really feel good about paying a little extra for the hand-picked, to your door, luxury service.

In all, I'm very excited about eh prospects for this new Pet Subscription Service and look forward to seeing the company grow, and featuring the canine box, here, next month!

One Time Out For Truffles follower will win a 3 Month Subscription to Best Friend Boxes, for their Canine or Feline friend!

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