What We Covered in August 2025: Real‑World Pet Advice

If you’re scrolling for straight‑forward pet help, you’re in the right spot. This month we tackled three big questions that keep pet owners up at night. First, we uncovered sneaky ingredients hiding in dry cat food and showed you how to spot them. Next, we answered the bedroom‑sharing debate for new puppy parents – is it helpful or a hassle? Finally, we broke down why a popular dog food brand raises eyebrows among vets.

Dry Cat Food: What to Watch For

Most cat owners assume any kibble is fine, but many formulas pack fillers like corn gluten meal, soy protein, and artificial colours. Those ingredients can trigger allergies, weight gain, and even digestive upset. Look for labels that list real meat as the first ingredient and avoid anything with "by‑product" or "meal" in the name. If a product lists grain‑free but still hides cheap starches, it’s not a win. Choosing a brand that publishes a full ingredient list and sources from reputable farms makes the difference between a happy cat and a constant vet visit.

Puppy Sleep: Bedroom or Not?

New puppy owners often wonder whether sharing a room helps with training. The short answer: it can, if you set clear boundaries. Sleeping in the same room lets you hear whines early, so you can calm anxiety before it spirals. However, you need a consistent bedtime routine – a quick potty break, a calm pet, and a comfy crate or bed. If you let the puppy jump into your bed every night, you might create a habit that’s tough to break later. Keep the crate near your bed for the first few weeks, then gradually move it farther away as the pup becomes more independent.

One New Zealand owner shared that after three weeks of a bedside crate, their puppy stopped whining at night and started sleeping through until sunrise. The key was a calm, predictable routine and never rewarding late‑night barking with attention.

Blue Buffalo: Vet Concerns Explained

Blue Buffalo has a strong brand image, but several vets point out trouble spots. First, some formulas use “meat and bone meal” – a low‑quality protein that can be hard for dogs to digest. Second, recalls over contaminated batches have shaken confidence in the brand’s quality control. Third, the presence of “by‑product” fats can mask unhealthy fats that don’t support joint health.

If you love the brand’s flavour options, read the specific ingredient list for the product you pick. Look for real meat, limited fillers, and clear sourcing statements. And always keep an eye on recall news – a quick search can tell you if a batch was pulled.

Bottom line: you don’t need to ditch the brand entirely, but choose the formulas that meet vet‑approved standards and fit your dog’s specific needs.

That’s the August roundup – practical tips you can apply today, whether you’re feeding a finicky cat, training a sleepy puppy, or picking the safest dog food. Keep checking back for more no‑fluff advice that helps you give your pets the best life possible.