episode #160

Did you know?

Real Dog Box has been nominated (again!) for USA Today's 10 Best Pet Subscription Boxes! 🎉

It means the world to us to be recognized, and we’d love your help getting to the top. Every vote brings more awareness to fresh feeding and helps us keep doing what we love: spoiling your pups with real, nutritious goodies.

👉 Click here to vote — it only takes a sec!

Thank you for being part of this wild, wonderful ride with us 🐶💚

Box 125 - Unpack the goodness!

Available until June 9th ONLY, here’s the current lineup:

🐮 Green Tripe

🐷 Pork Liver

🐟 Salmon

🦆 Duck Feet

🐗 Boar Ear

🐄 Beef Trachea

🦬 Bison Scapula

🐮 Beef Meatballs

🐄🦬 Beef Liver/Bison Spleen Kibble Topper

Your Referrals = Real Rewards!

For every friend you refer, they’ll get a free bag of treats with their first box, and you’ll earn 10 RDC—Wellness Members get 20 RDC!

Each RDC is worth $1 and can be used toward your next order, membership, add-ons, or even in our exclusive Secret Shop! 🤑

Every subscriber has a unique referral link, which you can find in your dashboard! Don’t know your link? Text member services at 858-348-5954 or email us at help@real.dog.

Learn more about Real Dog Coin here!

Study Finds Dog’s Favorite Color

A new study from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Kolkata found that free-ranging dogs strongly prefer the color yellow. In experiments, most dogs consistently chose yellow bowls over blue or gray ones, even when the yellow bowl was empty and another held food. This surprising behavior suggests dogs might be visually drawn to yellow more than they are motivated by food. The researchers ruled out smell as a factor, confirming it was the color alone influencing the dogs’ decisions.

Mini Dachshund Survives 529 Days Alone in the Wild.

Valerie, a 10-pound mini dachshund, survived 529 days alone in the Australian bush after running off during a camping trip. Despite an AirTag and microchip, her owners couldn’t track her on a remote Kangaroo Island. A year later, a farmer’s photo of a tiny dog sparked a months-long rescue effort. Volunteers finally caught her using a custom-built trap filled with her toys and favorite foods. Amazingly, she was healthy and even a bit stronger after her ordeal. Now back home, Valerie has settled in like she never left.

Research Shows Dogs May Use Blinking as a Hidden Language

New study findings suggest that dogs may use blinking as a subtle form of social communication. When shown videos of other dogs blinking, test dogs blinked about 16% more often, hinting at facial mimicry. This kind of behavior, also seen in humans and primates, may help build emotional connection. Unlike nose-licking, blinking didn’t trigger signs of stress or discomfort. Instead, it might reflect calmness or curiosity. Experts believe paying attention to blink patterns could deepen our understanding of dog behavior.

Military Dog Reunites with Handler

Attila, a 6-year-old German Shepherd who protected Presidents Biden and Trump during major security missions, was reunited with his former handler, Army Specialist Kameron Markert, after retiring early due to health issues including cancer and kidney disease. After nearly three and a half years together, they were separated when Markert moved bases. Thanks to the American Humane Society, Attila was safely flown 1,500 miles to Colorado to join Markert’s family, where he’s now enjoying a loving retirement filled with cuddles, playtime, and plenty of TLC.

Why Does My Dog Dine and Dash?

If your dog carries food away from their bowl to eat elsewhere, you're not alone — and there's a reason! Experts say this behavior is rooted in pack instincts; by moving food, dogs may be trying to protect it from others, just like their wild ancestors. Many also simply prefer to eat near their humans, wanting companionship during mealtime. Some dogs may even dislike the sound of metal bowls, prompting them to find a quieter spot. This quirky habit varies from dog to dog, but it’s usually harmless and can be pretty cute.

Forecast: 100% Chance of Cute Sled Dog Puppies

Denali National Park just introduced five fluffy new sled dog puppies (Squall, Storm, Graupel, Dew, and Fog), born May 3 and now viewable live via their Puppy Cam! These Alaskan huskies are part of Denali’s historic sled dog program, the only one in the U.S. federal government. Each year’s litter gets themed names and in 2025, it’s weather terms to honor a 100-year partnership with the National Weather Service. The pups are bred for stamina, snow skills, and social charm, all vital for winter patrol duties in the rugged Alaskan wilderness.

Organic Pet Food at Risk of Deregulation.

The USDA has proposed to repeal recently established rules for organic pet food due to a deregulation executive order. These regulations were designed to address inconsistencies in how organic pet food was certified and labeled, ensuring it wasn't treated the same as livestock feed. Without these rules, organic pet food would again fall under livestock feed standards, which could allow for substandard ingredients. The now-targeted rule had prohibited this and clarified that organic pet food must use only clean, inspected animal by-products. Pet owners are urged to comment by June 11, 2025, to help keep strong standards in place.

Missed our FB Live with Dr. Barbara Royal? Catch the Reply! 📽️

Ruby recently went live with Dr. Barbara Royal – holistic vet, author, and this year’s Feed Real Summit MC – to dig into what really helps itchy dogs.

They talked all about skin health from the inside out:

🦴 The surprising role of raw bones

🧫 How good bacteria can soothe inflammation

🛁 Why less bathing might be better

🥩 And the diet tweaks that can make a big difference

📺 Missed it? Watch the replay here and get a sneak peek at Dr. Royal’s upcoming workshop at the 2025 Feed Real Summit in San Diego!