This month, we’re heading to the woods with tails wagging and paws padding beside us. Ember and Bond is our coziest curation yet, inspired by the grounding joy of camping: starlit skies, glowing embers, and the unspoken connection between dog and human.
But this isn’t just another themed box; it’s a toolkit for bonding. At the center of it all is the hand-held Lick Stick by SodaPup. We tested this tool with our own pups, Miley and Charlie, using this month’s turmeric-rich peanut butter on walks, in the backyard, and even inside the house during training and play sessions. Whether used as a calming ritual or a targeted enrichment exercise, it transformed snack time into something far more meaningful. Every lick became a moment of connection, guided by hand, reinforced by trust.
Of course, no campfire experience is complete without toys that squeak, crinkle, and surprise. Hidden treats, bonus plushes, and foraging adventures await in every box, designed to engage your dog’s senses while giving you countless ways to play together.
This Month’s Treats
Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs by Poochie Butter
This turmeric-infused peanut butter comes in a squeeze pack, making it perfect for pairing with lick mats, enrichment toys, or handheld Lick Sticks. It’s made with dry roasted peanuts, flaxseed, ginger, parsley, and turmeric, offering anti-inflammatory benefits and digestive support.
12 oz.
Ingredients: Dry roasted peanuts, turmeric, parsley, ginger, and flax seed.
Why We Love This Brand: Poochie Butter is all about functional treats without junk—no added sugar, salt, or preservatives. It’s a go-to for crate training, enrichment play, and stress reduction.
Sweet Potato and Venison Crisps by Winnie Lou
Light, breakable, and crisp, these jerky-like slices are a perfect everyday reward. Made with organic sweet potato, chia seeds, and pasture-raised venison, they’re gentle on digestion and packed with nutrients.
4.5 oz
Ingredients: Organic sweet potato, venison, and organic chia seed
Why We Love This Brand: Founded in Colorado by a woman-owned team, Winnie Lou crafts small-batch, clean-ingredient treats with a focus on transparency and sustainability. Their products are as nourishing as they are craveable.
Enrichment Toy of the Month
Lick Stick by SodaPup
An evolution of the classic lick mat, this hand-held enrichment tool encourages presence and participation. Designed for use with pastes like peanut butter, it turns training into a bonding activity. And our chief testers couldn’t agree more: Miley loved it for post-walk wind-downs, while Charlie stayed laser-focused during walks, ignoring squirrels and neighborhood dogs.
Whether you’re working on focus, recall, or simply looking to redirect energy during moments of excitement, the Lick Stick becomes more than a toy; it’s a bridge to better communication and bonding. Note that this is not a chew toy.
This toy is featured in all our boxes this month.
Pro tip: Keep it by your front door to incorporate into your daily walks.
Toys and Treats Box for Large Dogs
Snuffle Campsite Mat by Hugsmart
A plush foraging adventure featuring a squeaky campfire surrounded by crinkly “stones” where you can hide treats. A sensory playground that encourages natural foraging and mental stimulation.
Why We Love This Brand: HugSmart blends decades of toy-making expertise with a deep love for pets, creating safe, stylish, and delightfully clever toys. As a family-run business with roots in children’s toys, they bring the same care and high standards to every pet product—making them a perfect match for our mission to support thoughtful, quality-driven makers.
Extra Toy: Gimme S’more by P.L.A.Y.
A squeaky, crinkly, plush s’more that pulls apart for interactive fun. Machine washable and dryer-friendly for easy cleaning, this eco-friendly toy is stuffed with PlanetFill® made from recycled plastic bottles.
Why We Love This Brand: P.L.A.Y. manufactures toys using the same quality standards used for children’s products.
Toys and Treats Box for Medium Dogs
Campfire with Surprise Toy Inside by Hugsmart
This cozy campfire crackles and squeaks—but the real surprise is hidden inside: a bonus plush sausage! Watch your dog discover and destroy in the best way possible.
Extra Toy: Trailblazing Tent by P.L.A.Y.
Two squeaky sleeping bags hide inside a plush tent. Whether your dog is a digger, a snuggler, or a hunter, this toy delivers multiple levels of engagement, and you can hide treats for added fun.
Toys and Treats Box for Small Dogs
Camp Hound Trio
A three-pack of small plush toys: a marshmallow, a campfire, and a tent. Perfectly sized for smaller jaws, each one has its own squeaker for maximum engagement.
Extra Toy: S’more Plush Toy
A super crinkly, squeaky toy that your dog can “tear apart” thanks to its fuzzy fasteners. Fetch, chew, snuggle with, or scavenge for treats inside. It’s sure to be a fireside favorite.
Why This Box Matters
Enrichment should extend beyond play; it should foster connection and bonding with us and our pups. That’s why we hand-tested the Lick Stick, curated functional treats, and chose toys that activate your dog’s brain and body.
From bonding rituals to campfire chaos, Ember and Bond is more than a box. It’s an invitation to slow down, engage fully, and rediscover the quiet power of presence—with your pup by your side.
Don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram @pupper.crust—we love seeing your pups have fun, be cute, and thrive.
Important Safety Reminder
Every dog is different. Supervise your pup while playing with new toys, especially those with detachable parts or hidden surprises, to prevent any potential hazards. Remove any damaged toys to prevent accidental ingestion. Product selection may vary based on your dog’s size, preferences, and allergies listed during sign-up as well as product availability.
