Snacks in a box get the wag

Marley of Mt Wellington is delighted with his Bow Wow Box of treats delivered to his kennel. Photo / Getty Images

Tails are wagging across the country as New Zealand's first treat delivery service for dogs is unleashed.

Pampered pooches are enjoying Bow Wow Boxes being despatched straight to the kennel door.

A bit like the popular My Food Bag home delivery service for humans, the boxes for pets include all-natural treats, such as possum sticks, sheep hocks and toys.

Bow Wow Box is the brainchild of Auckland-based Andy Evans, who also runs a dog-minding business. He said the delivery service was proving popular with city and country dog owners.

"This isn't just a fad for wealthy pet lovers. It is practical, inexpensive and appeals to people from all walks of life," Evans said.

"There is a limited range of treats and toys available from supermarkets and regular pet stores so we are bringing something different straight to people's doors."

Bow Wow Boxes range in price from $28.95 to $38.95 and are shipped to customers on the 20th of each month. Themed boxes are also in the pipeline.

"We tried out a Halloween box that went down well and it included doggy treats called 'dead man's fingers'," Evans said.

"We will be doing special Christmas boxes for dogs and in the future we are looking at making up birthday and Easter versions as well."

An estimated 29 per cent of Kiwi households own dogs. Annually, dog owners spend $54 million on treats for their four-legged friends.

Bow Wow Box treats and toys are tested by chief quality controller Stig - an English Pointer - and delivery boxes can even be tailored for dogs with allergies.

"Dogs are no longer seen as something to be tied up in the backyard or stuck in an outdoors kennel," Evans said.

"These days, most dogs are in the home and are regarded as being part of the family. People want the best for them."

Christmas gifts for dogs are proving so popular that top Kiwi designer Karen Walker has sold out of most products from her stores already.

Items on offer from Walker's range include leather and coloured metal Critter Charm Dog Collars, costing $45-$55, and a matching leash at $60.