Issue 163
Did you know?
We’re throwing a weeklong party to celebrate 10 years of feeding real—and you’re invited to all the good stuff!
✨ Everyone gets into the Secret Shop this week—just claim your free month of Wellness Membership to unlock it! (Already a member? Message us and we’ll hook you up.)
🦴 Everything is $10 in the Secret Shop—yes, even the rare proteins, exotic chews, and bulk bundles!
🎁Limited Edition 10-Year Anniversary Box in the Secret Shop—Treat and Chew box 100, meatballs, Ground Organ Mix, and exclusive merch inside!
💳 And for a limited time, grab $10 extra for any gift card purchase—perfect for stocking up or gifting to a fellow dog lover!
This week only. Once it’s gone, it’s really gone. Let’s celebrate 10 amazing years!
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!
Duke the Dachshund Just Made Legal History
After a Brooklyn pup named Duke was hit and killed by a car, a judge ruled he wasn’t just “property”—he was family. Because Duke was leashed and walking with his human grandma at the time, the court said she can seek emotional damages, something usually reserved for human relatives . This landmark decision marks a major shift in how courts may treat dogs in legal cases. For now, it only applies to leashed dogs—but it's a big win for pets everywhere.
Shelters Overflow as Families Forced to Leave Pets Behind
Following a wave of ICE raids in California, animal shelters are overwhelmed with surrendered pets—many left behind by families facing deportation . At some shelters, intake numbers have doubled since June. Rescuers say they’re seeing not just dogs and cats, but farm animals too, like goats and chickens. One dog, Ginger, was found alone with no ID and no one coming for her—a heartbreaking example of what’s happening. Behind every surrender is a family torn apart, and shelters are struggling to keep up.
Dog Owners Walk a Million Steps More Every Year
Dog owners clock 2,760 more steps a day than non-owners—that’s over a million extra steps a year. A new study tracked adults 65+ and found that most of those extra steps came at a moderate pace, which helps meet weekly exercise goals. Dog parents also sat less and walked longer—averaging 23 more minutes a day. The result? 87% of dog owners hit recommended activity levels vs. just 47% of non-dog folks. While researchers say it’s unclear if dogs cause more activity or just attract active people, one thing’s clear: our pups keep us moving—and that’s good for everyone’s health!
Man Sells Ferrari to Fund Shelter for “Hard-to-Handle” Dogs
After a life-saving moment with his dog stopped him from suicide, a Japanese man named Hirotaka Saito sold his Ferrari and closed his business to open a shelter for difficult dogs—those often abandoned for biting or aggressive behavior. His Wansfree rescue cares for 40 dogs and eight cats, giving them freedom and love instead of chains. Despite bites and challenges, Saito says he’s never felt better and plans to expand the shelter to hold 300 dogs by 2028
Colorado Rescue Saves 165 Schnauzers from Puppy Mill
In one of the worst puppy mill cases seen, National Mill Dog Rescue saved 165 schnauzers from a property in southwest Colorado. The dogs were taken to the rescue’s Peyton facility for veterinary care and de-matting as they adjust to their new, safer environment. On Tuesday, 57 schnauzers were flown to a Michigan rescue group called Race for Life Rescue. The rest will be ready for adoption in the coming weeks. It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against puppy mills and the hope that comes with every dog saved.
New UK Renters’ Rights Bill Gives Tenants More Say to Keep Pets
A new UK law is changing the game for renters who want pets. The Renters’ Rights Bill adds a rule that tenants can request permission to keep a pet in their home—something only 7% of rentals currently allow. Tenants must apply in writing, and landlords have 28 days to say yes or no, but refusals must be for good reasons like property size, pet type, or welfare concerns. The bill also removes landlords’ ability to require pet insurance, though a pet deposit might still be allowed.
New Law Expands Chiropractic Care for Dogs in New Hampshire
A new law in New Hampshire is opening doors for animal chiropractic care, especially for dogs. As of July 15, licensed human chiropractors can now treat animals—primarily dogs and horses—without needing a separate veterinary license. The change comes amid a vet shortage in the state and growing interest in alternative therapies. Supporters say chiropractic care can offer fast, drug-free relief for musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. One legislator even credits it with saving her dog’s life after a traumatic accident.
🎥 Ruby went LIVE with Smallbatch!
On July 3rd, Ruby sat down with Nicole and Caitlin from Smallbatch to dig into the world of lightly cooked food—what it really is, who it’s great for, and how sourcing and rotation play a major role in your dog’s health.
Feeding raw, cooked, or somewhere in between? This convo is a must-watch if you're serious about keeping your pup’s bowl real!
👉 Catch the replay here!
✨ PS: Smallbatch is a proud sponsor of the 2025 Feed Real Summit!
🎟️ Only 40 VIP tickets available—grab yours here before they’re gone!