Issue #86
Did you know: Bone broth is a healthy treat for you and your pup! It’s super easy to make and is the perfect addition to your dog’s meals! Warm bone broth is an excellent way to add nutrients and moisture to a kibble as well!
Available until March 20th ONLY, here’s the current lineup:
🐷 Pork heart
🐄 Beef liver
🐟 Anchovies
🦆 Duck feet
🐖 Pig Skin
Bison backstrap
🐖 Pig trotter (super chew)
🦃 Turkey Meatballs made with turkey breast and gizzard, chicken feet, wild caught sardines, grass-fed beef green tripe, grass-fed beef liver and lamb spleen.
Real Dog Box has a new membership program that offers FREE shipping on all boxes, including secret shop orders, early access to secret shop, and free monthly dog nutrition consultations. Text us to learn more or add a membership to your account! 858-348-5954.
Pro tip: Is your dog experiencing allergies or just not loving a certain item? Customize your box with help from our member services team! Text 858.348.5954.
Bird flu may create a problem for humans and pets. A recent bird flu outbreak in Indiana has resulted in the loss of more than 29,000 turkeys in an effort to prevent the spread. The 2015 bird flu outbreak resulted in turkey breast increasing in price by 75%. With the already high, Covid related costs of meat, another outbreak could be catastrophic to humans and their pets. Farmers and officials are working hard to ensure containment.
Potential tax savings for Michigan pet parents. Two pending bills in the mitten state would remove tax on pet food as well as commercial feed. Supporters claim it would create everyday savings for pet owners, service animal handlers, and shelters (who currently have to reapply for tax exemption annually). Opponents argue a cut in income tax would better help people care for their furry friends.
New study suggests dogs grieve the loss of a loved one. Results of a recent study show 86% of dogs exhibited some signs of grief after another family pet died. Symptoms include loss of appetite, less desire to play, and increased demand for affection from humans. While we can’t know if dogs truly experience grief like humans, it’s a great example of how emotionally intelligent they are and that owners should look for signs they need comfort.
Massachusetts dog treats linked to salmonella outbreak. 3 cases of salmonella have been linked to Dog Gone dog treats and multiple bags have tested positive. The treats are sold locally in the state and customers are encouraged to throw out any bags they may have. Generally, a healthy dog will have no issue with salmonella or other bacteria because their bodies are designed to handle it. Practicing safe food handling, including handwashing, is still recommended with all human and dog food.
Erectile dysfunction drug may help dogs with rare disease. Megaesophagus, the enlargement of the esophagus that prevents food from emptying into the stomach, can lead to regurgitation as well as aspiration pneumonia. Sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra, temporarily relaxes the muscles of the lower esophagus allowing food to move to the stomach. More research is needed but so far mild gastrointestinal irritation is the only side effect while 9 out of 10 dogs experienced a reduction in regurgitation.
Dogs can recognize their owners just by their voice! 28 human/dog pairs participated in a game of hide and seek for Hungarian researchers with the owner and a stranger hiding. A recording from both humans (reciting a recipe in a neutral voice) played from their hiding spot and 82% of the time the dogs found their owner. When the owner’s voice was played from the stranger’s hiding spot the dogs followed their human’s voice indicating they aren’t just using smell.
Long-term pet ownership helps prevent cognitive decline in seniors. Researchers are discovering that keeping a pet longer than 5 years is connected to a slower decline in verbal memory in people over 50. The research team does not suggest getting a pet as a preventative measure but keeping owners and pets together may be beneficial to their health.