episode 162
Did you know?
San Diego local dog lovers – our Real Dog Box Kitchen is now open! 🎉
Shop your pup’s favorite single-ingredient, air-dried treats right from the source – no subscription needed!
📍 Where: Real Dog Box Kitchen — 3625 Dalbergia St, San Diego
🗓️ When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
🕘 Time: 9am – 12pm PST
Whether you're restocking on favorites or discovering something new, we’d love to see you (and your pup!)
Follow along for local updates and pop-up events: 👉 @realdogsandiego
Box 127 - Watch the unboxing!
Available until August 4th ONLY, here’s the current lineup:
🐷 Pork Loin
🐑 Lamb Spleen
🐟 Salmon
🐑 Lamb Ear
🦆 Duck Wing
🐖 Pig Ear
🦬 Bison Scapula
🦃 Turkey Meatballs
🐮🐄 Beef Liver/Beef Spleen Food 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!
CBP Beagle Recovering After Being Kicked
Freddy, a 5-year-old CBP detection beagle, was injured at Dulles Airport after alerting officers to undeclared food in a traveler’s bag. The man, carrying over 100 pounds of prohibited agricultural items, kicked Freddy hard enough to lift him off the ground. Freddy sustained bruises but is recovering well with rest, veterinary care, and his favorite Pup Cup. The attacker pleaded guilty to harming a law enforcement animal and was deported.
New Pet Food Bills Could Impact Ingredient Transparency
Congress is considering two major bills – the PURR Act and the Innovative FEED Act – that would overhaul how dog food is regulated in the U.S. While these changes could speed up access to new ingredients, fresh feeding advocates should be cautious: the PURR Act may reduce state-level oversight and allow vague ingredient labels like “may contain.” This shift could make it harder for dog parents to know exactly what’s in processed pet foods. For those prioritizing transparency and whole-food nutrition, these bills are worth watching closely.
Dog Abuse Case in Spring Valley Leads to Charges
A Doberman named Ralph was tragically euthanized after being dragged behind a vehicle in Spring Valley, California, prompting public outrage and an ongoing animal cruelty case. The dog’s owner, who admitted to tying Ralph to his truck and forgetting him before driving off, has been identified and is expected to face charges. Witnesses reported the horrifying scene, helping authorities intervene and begin legal action. Despite the owner's remorse, this heartbreaking case is a stark reminder of the importance of public vigilance and reporting abuse.
Blue Buffalo Enters Fresh Food Market—But Is It Really Fresh?
Blue Buffalo, owned by General Mills, is launching a new line of fresh pet food called Love Made Fresh, following the lead of other big brands like Royal Canin. While this reflects growing demand for less processed dog food, it raises important questions: will these products be made with truly human-grade ingredients or simply marketed as fresh while using lower-quality feed-grade components? With the fresh pet food market expected to grow by over $3 billion in the next few years, many see this shift as more profit-driven than pet-driven.
Over 80 Dogs Rescued from Neglect in Brooklyn Home
More than 80 small dogs were rescued from a severely neglected Brooklyn home after police discovered a 73-year-old woman dead inside. Neighbors had long reported concerns about the home’s condition, including foul odors, barking, and sightings of dogs in distress, but authorities lacked probable cause to intervene until the woman’s death. The dogs were living in filthy, overheated conditions without electricity or air conditioning. Many appeared neglected and are now receiving care from Animal Care Centers of NYC and the ASPCA.
Who Needs Crosswords? Your Dog Might Be Keeping You Sharp
New research suggests that owning a dog (or a cat) may help slow cognitive decline as we age, with pups linked to better memory and cats to improved verbal fluency. The mental boost seems tied to the emotional connection and daily interaction these pets provide (something fish and birds didn’t replicate in the study). Experts believe this kind of companionship offers natural cognitive stimulation and social engagement. As dementia rates rise, your dog might just be the most fun brain trainer around!
Toxic Algae Suspected in Fresno River After Dog’s Sudden Death
A Fresno woman’s golden retriever, Norman, died after swimming in the San Joaquin River near Kerman, where a harmful algal bloom (HAB) is now suspected. State officials have launched testing and posted warnings advising people and pets to avoid contact with algal mats in the area . HABs can produce fast-acting toxins that cause severe neurological symptoms in dogs - even from brief exposure. As summer temperatures rise, dog owners should stay cautious around still or discolored water and seek immediate vet care if symptoms appear.
Big News: Feed Real Summit 2025 is RACE-Approved! 🎉
We’re proud to share that Feed Real Summit 2025 is officially RACE-approved for 10.5 interactive CE hours through AAVSB! That means vets and vet techs can earn continuing education credits—included with your ticket.
This is only our third-ever summit, powered by a small but passionate team making big strides in the pet food space. Securing RACE approval is a major milestone that helps us share fresh food education with more veterinary professionals who want to support their clients in a deeper, more informed way.
You won’t find a better value—10.5 CE hours + the #1 dog wellness event of the year, all in one ticket.
We can’t wait to see you there! 👉 Learn more & get tickets here!