Issue #123

Did you know?

Dogs don't produce salivary enzymes for carbohydrate breakdown and can't chew plant materials properly to digest plants properly. For proper digestion and nutrient absorption, try pureeing or steaming veggies to prepare them to ensure optimal enzymatic breakdown!

Learn more about the benefits of feeding vegetables here.

Box 107 - Watch the unboxing here!

Available until January 22nd ONLY, here’s the current lineup:

🐮 Green Tripe

🐏 Lamb Spleen

🐟 Smelt

🐮 Beef Aorta

🦆 Duck Wing

🦬 Bison Trachea

🦬 Bison Scapula

🦃 Turkey Meatballs

🐄 Beef Liver/Bison Spleen Kibble Topper

Exciting News! We've recently revamped our referral program, bringing you even more exciting perks when you refer a friend.

Introducing Real Dog Coin and FREE treats!

For every new referral, your friend will receive a free bag of treats with their first box, and you'll earn 10 RDC. If you’re a wellness member, you will receive 20 RDC!

Each RDC is valued at $1, and you can easily convert these coins into dollars! 🤑 These coins can be applied towards your next order, membership, add-on purchases, or even in our exclusive Secret Shop!

Every subscriber has a unique referral link and our referral program is open to everyone! Don’t know what your link is? Text member services 858-348-5954 or email us at help@real.dog

Learn more about Real Dog Coin here!

Biotech Startup Targets Pet Food Industry

Paleo, a biotechnology startup eyeing the pet food industry , is introducing a new method for plant-based pet food production. Using a proprietary precision fermentation process, Paleo develops myoglobin protein ingredients that mimic the taste, aroma, and nutritional attributes of traditional animal-based proteins without using animals. However, for pet owners who value holistic healing and prefer the bioavailability of whole, fresh foods, there may be concerns about the safety and nutritional aspects of these synthetic alternatives. After all, they are trying to make it encompass all aspects of fresh meat in a synthetic way. As Paleo makes its mark in the pet food landscape, questions arise about how well these innovations will impact pets' overall health.

UK's Move Against XL Bully Breeds

Thousands of XL bully dog owners in the UK are facing an upcoming ban on their pets due to concerns over attacks on humans. The UK government department Defra has already received over 4,000 exemption applications, with the majority approved. Starting December 31, XL bully dogs will be restricted in public , requiring muzzles and leashes. Breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, and allowing them to stray will become illegal. A complete ownership ban takes effect on February 1, 2024, unless owners apply for an exemption by the end of January. This news has stirred discussions around responsible ownership and the practicality of breed-specific regulations.

Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Pet Food.

Blue Ridge Beef recalls specific pet food products due to potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. While dogs can digest Salmonella, the greater concern lies in the risk posed to pet owners, especially those with predisposed conditions, handling the affected items. The recall, initiated after a positive test result on December 15, covers products distributed from November 14 to December 20, primarily sold in retail stores across several states. Packaged in clear plastic, the affected items have use-by dates between N24 1124 to N24 1224. No reported illnesses have been linked to the recalled items. Consumers are urged to contact Blue Ridge Beef for a full refund and safely dispose of the pet food.

Dog Successfully Sues Abusive Owner in Brazil.

In a groundbreaking case in Brazil, a dog named Tokinho successfully sued its abusive owner after a video capturing the owner beating the dog with a stick went viral. Following the exposure of the disturbing footage in June, the Fauna Group for the Protection of Animals rescued Tokinho and pressed charges against the owner. The court accepted the case, and the abuser opted for a plea bargain, agreeing to pay a $410 fine to avoid a potential one-year jail sentence. Tokinho, now adopted and renamed Floquinho (meaning snowflake), is in the care of two teachers, but the effects of the abuse still linger as he remains easily frightened by sudden movements.

Chewy Among Companies Warned by FDA on Animal Drugs.

The FDA issued nine warning letters to manufacturers and distributors of unapproved animal drugs containing antimicrobials on December 14. Concerns about potential antimicrobial resistance led to the warnings. These drugs, marketed for minor species like pet birds and aquarium fish, contain antimicrobials used in human medicine and are illegally sold over the counter. Lacking FDA review and approval, their safety and effectiveness cannot be verified. Companies receiving warnings include Chewy, American Aquarium Products, Aquanest Biotic, and others. The FDA emphasizes the public health risk of these unapproved drugs and encourages users to safely dispose of them.

Arterra, Austin-based startup, Unveils Pet Longevity Line.

Arterra, an Austin-based dog supplement brand, has launched a veterinarian-formulated product aiming to enhance dogs' longevity and well-being. The startup, backed by venture capital, emphasizes efficacy with its 63-ingredient formula including familiar compounds like berberine, collagen, quercetin, turmeric, taurine, CoQ10, and green tea extract. It targets healthy adult dogs and seniors, aiming to slow down aging and reverse signs of degeneration. Founder Jonathan Willbanks envisions an innovation wave in pet health, but as pet owners increasingly prioritize their animals' well-being, questions arise about industry motives and the need for scrutiny into the actual benefits and scientific validity of these products.

Resilient Pup Overcomes 17 Stabs, Awaits Loving Forever Home!

A two-year-old terrier mix named Cornell faced unimaginable cruelty when he was stabbed 17 times in Freeport, Long Island. Miraculously, Cornell's story takes a positive turn as a compassionate woman discovered him and brought him to an animal shelter. Despite enduring severe injuries, including punctured lungs, Cornell has made a remarkable recovery, showcasing his resilience. Now seeking a forever home, Cornell is not only housebroken but also a symbol of strength and hope. Authorities are actively pursuing justice, offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible.

Be an Early Bird and Don’t Miss Out!

This year we had an amazing turnout for our first annual Feed Real Summit with great speakers like Rodney Habib, Dr. Ruth Roberts, and our Feed Real Instructor, Kay Stewart!

You don’t want to miss out on next year’s second annual Feed Real Summit. Be an early bird and grab your ticket to get priority access to the VIP tickets once they’re released!

Learn more about the Feed Real Summit here!