On August 22, we received the following update in an email from Pawalla:
"It is with sincere regret that Pawalla is no longer operating as a subscription service."
We will let you know if/when we learn more.
--- End edit ---
Welcome to our first review here on Bringing up Bella.
Pawalla is a new monthly service that promises to bring "monthly deliveries of new tastes, treats, toys and joy!" for your dog or cat right to your door for about $26 (or less).
Given Bella's 'issues', and the fact that she takes medication to help care for those issues, I've been pretty fussy about what I agree to regarding review offers that find their way into our mailbox.
But Bella's even fussier than I am when it comes to treats and food.
That's right, the dog who eats slugs, compost and even more unsightly unmentionables has the nerve to turn her nose up at such banal treats as Milk Bone dog biscuits. I kid you not.
So when the nice people at Pawalla offered us a trial package of their new service to review, I felt obligated to explain to them that Bella might not like their offerings. My assumption was that the products they would provide for that $26/month would be somewhere in the neighborhood of grocery store quality.
Luckily they didn't let the little princess' attitude (nor my ignorance) dissuade them from their offer and, after asking a few questions about Bella (mainly age and weight), they put a package together for her and sent it out.
Delivery was quick - just a few days from order to receipt. And the packaging was excellent - a sturdy box with several compartments holding the various items safely in place. There was even a personalized note inside hoping Bella enjoyed her box of goodies.
So what's in the box?
Pawalla's website notes that every month they will send (for dogs):
- 2 to 3 types of wet food
- 2 to 3 premium dog treats
- 1 to 2 quality supplements
- 1 to 3 nifty essentials or accessories and
- 1 specially selected toy or other surprise
What we received:
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| Click to see larger image. |
- Mulligan Stew beef recipe canned food 13 oz
- Precise Holistic Complete canned food 5.5 oz (x2)
- Weruva Amazon Liver canned food 5.5 oz (x2)
- Medium 4.5" Kong Traxx Black Rubber Tire Dog Toy
- Kong chewy treats (x2 sample size)
- Nutrisca Raw Freeze Dried Chiecken Dinner Bites 5 oz
- Sam's Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz 5 oz
- Wapiti Labs Mobility with Elk Velvet Antler supplements (sample size)
- Tropiclean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth get 2 fl oz
- Wapiti Labs 4 inch Whole Elk Anter
They also include a write up about the different products included in the package.
I wasn't familiar with the dog foods so I did my research and found each brand to be rated 4 stars or higher on DogFoodAdvisor.com. (Note: I couldn't actually find a review of the Precise Holistic Complete canned formula but their dry formula received 4 stars.)
I also went out and priced each item to see what the package would cost were I to purchase it separately at retail. The retail item total came to about $60. Pawalla offers their service for $26 for a month to month subscription and discounts that price further if you sign up for an annual subscription.
Final thoughts
I was impressed with the service, delivery, packaging and quality of the products provided. Bella was impressed with the goodies, and she's a much tougher reviewer than I am. (Although I do find myself in the unfortunate position of figuring out what to do with the awesome Elk Antler that Bella wants no part of. Silly dog. Any suggestions?)
I am curious as to how they will maintain the quality of the products they provide as well as how many people will really take advantage of it. It's a great deal if they can maintain such quality. Although I'm not sure Bella needs a new toy every month, it might make for a nice local shelter donation here and there.
Overall, if you find yourself in a position to treat your dog to a box full of high quality treats and food, I would definitely recommend taking a look at Pawalla. Bella and I give them two thumbs and four paws way up.
Gift subscriptions are also available.
This just in: Use coupon code 'Bella' and save 20% on your first box! Thanks, Pawalla!
Cool! Sure glad Bella approved - we're reviewing Pawalla as well, and were very happily impressed with what they sent! I think it's an awesome idea!
ReplyDeleteThat's really neat!
ReplyDeleteNola
Terrific review! We're always considering trying a monthly box of "surprise" treats &/or toys. We'll check Pawalla out. Thanks! (& we're glad Bella liked the box, Prudie's a lot like Bella. Kitty poo is a treat but she'll turn her nose up at a bacon-flavored treat.)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great deal, and so happy Bella enjoyed the goodies too. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh neat! I keep hearing about various sample box services (health and beauty things, for one) and have thought that a dog one could be fun and interesting.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, Elka will also turn down Milkbones. At Tractor Supply, she took the one that the cashier offered, and then put it down on the bagging carousel and looked at the cashier, as if to say "Yes, what else?" The crossing guard that had them, though, she straight up refused.
Nice review! We received our box last week too and Cali really enjoyed the sweet potato chews (I really need to write my review!). Maybe we should do a deer antler give away (Cali can't have it since she broke a tooth on one!). I'm glad Bella enjoyed the goodies!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I had never heard of them before, what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteAs for the antler, I would suggest that you hold onto it for a week or two. I don't know what it is about those antlers, but my dogs weren't really interested in them either, but since I had bought them I held on to them, and then, lo and behold, a few days/a week later they were obsessed.
If that doesn't work, it would make a great gift to a doggy friend/neighbor! ;)
That seems very good value... and an Elk Antler! How exotic; I'd love one of those! Deccy x
ReplyDeleteCool. Glad Bella enjoyed it! As far as the antler goes, Thor would probably eat it. He's like Mikey- he'll eat anything. :)
ReplyDeleteWow! that sure sounds like pretty good value for your money. Great review. I'm glad Bella approved! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great deal of things compared to the monthly cost :)
ReplyDeleteI like how they included some breath freshener, you can use that after you've been eating the unmentionables!! :)
Have fun,
Your pal Snoopy :)
Sounds great to us!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't quite fit our austerity budget right now but it does sound like fun to get a surprise in the mail. And I'm glad to hear they're offering high quality items. Glad Bella enjoyed it (antler notwithstanding).
ReplyDeleteHey Bella, Jet here.
ReplyDeletePackages? How special... enjoy, and stay well. :)