Journal

Stan’s Story
Stan’s Story
Just before Mum and Dad met, Mum picked up two, fluffy bundles - cats. Dad was ok about them when he moved in, but really, he wanted someone to go... Read more...
Will
After introducing Stan in our first blog post, in hindsight we might have thought about starting with our first furry babies - and Stan was not actually first to join our family…so it’s only fitting that we rectify that oversight, but be grateful that none of our furries whilst cute, fun and cuddly, are any good at reading. Will, our 11 year old - “elder” in the family - began his story in the UK, where he was born alongside his brother. My princes, Will and Harry, and they were... Read more...
Little Furry Paws and Hot Weather Walks…
Before we introduce the next member of our inspirational gallery, I wanted to address a rather big concern…Yesterday as I was driving through the city, I was in a bit of disbelief watching two dog owners walking their dogs at 1.30pm on a 33+ degree day. Quite literally the hottest part of the day and there were two fluffy babies being walked. On pavement. Not a blade of grass in sight. As dog owners, we love spending quality time with our furry companions and of course, walking them is something... Read more...
Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring - Why We Love The Seasons
Seasonal Treats: Fresh, Sustainable, and Delicious for Your Pets At My Pet Life, one of our core values is sustainability and doing our bit for the environment. A huge part of that is plastic reduction - we believe in creating wholesome, delicious treats for your furry companions while being mindful of the planet - and another way we can do that is if we use seasonal produce in our treats. We want to raise awareness on little things that everyone can do - by focusing on fruits and vegetables that... Read more...
#EatYourOwnDogFood…Treats You and Your Dog Will Love
At the core of My Pet Life, we believe in crafting treats that are as good for your pets as they are for you. That’s why our motto is “Good for Pets, People and the Planet”.   With our #EatYourOwnDogFood philosophy, we’re redefining what it means to share moments with your furry best friend. All our doggy granolas are made from human-grade, human-edible ingredients - BUT they are made for pets only, it's just that by knowing the ingredients and the quality, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your... Read more...
Harry
Harry
Next in our series of introductions in our gallery of inspiration, Harry. In case you hadn’t worked it out, Will and Harry are brothers, possibly named after two famous brothers... Read more...
Fur Babies are our Babies - Pets Are Family: The Growing Trend of Pet Humanization
Fur Babies are our Babies - Pets Are Family: The Growing Trend of Pet Humanization
Recently, I introduced you to Harry whom we lost last year after he had an argument with a car. I’m not meaning to make light of it for any other... Read more...
I prefer “Luxury” not “Lux”
Treat Your Pet Like Royalty: The Rise of Luxury Pet Products I’m Aussie, I love a nickname as much as the next person, but if there’s one word I loathe, it’s “lux”. Is it really so hard to say the full word?? And surely saying “lux” is a complete oxymoron?? Anyway, enough of my ramblings on an innocuous word - from gourmet treats to designer collars, pampering pets is no longer a novelty—it’s becoming the norm. As pet owners, we want to show our furry companions just how much they... Read more...
Oats vs. Wheat: Why Oats Are a Healthier Choice for Dogs - and not the same as Wheat!!
When choosing the best treats and food for your dog, understanding the difference between grains like oats and wheat is important. While both are commonly found in pet foods, they affect digestion, allergies, and overall health in different ways. At My Pet Life, we only use oats instead of wheat because they are easier on a dogs stomach, packed with nutrients, and much less likely to cause allergies. So, what makes oats a better option? and what is the difference between oats, wheat and flour? Although oats and wheat are... Read more...
Nutrition isn’t just a human topic…
In recent years, pet owners have been shifting away from one-size-fits-all pet food options and embracing personalized nutrition plans tailored to their pets’ unique needs. More recently, humans have realised that just like themselves, every pet has specific dietary requirements influenced by factors such as breed, age, activity level, and health conditions. This growing trend reflects a broader movement toward holistic pet care, ensuring that our furry friends receive optimal nutrition to thrive. Why Personalized Nutrition Matters Every pet is different, and their nutritional needs should be addressed accordingly. Personalized... Read more...
DIY-ing the DIY
DIY-ing the DIY
At My Pet Life, we believe that pets deserve treats made from the best ingredients – just like the food we eat ourselves. That’s why we take a hands-on, small-batch... Read more...
Biodegradable, Degradable, and Compostable: What’s the Difference?
Biodegradable, Degradable, and Compostable: What’s the Difference?
There’s a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding where sustainability is concerned. We often see the terms biodegradable, degradable, and compostable used interchangeably - and let’s not forget about the term... Read more...
Sustainable Pet Treats: Why This Matters
As pet owners become more conscious of the food they feed their furry companions, sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in pet nutrition. From responsibly sourced ingredients to eco-friendly packaging, making sustainable choices benefits not only our pets but also the planet. Why Sustainable Pet Treats Matter Many commercial pet treats contain low-quality ingredients, fillers, and artificial preservatives, often sourced through unsustainable agricultural practices. These contribute to deforestation, excessive carbon emissions, and environmental degradation. By choosing sustainable pet treats, you can: Support ethical sourcing of ingredients that are free... Read more...
#Eatyourowndogfood
#Eatyourowndogfood
Hear me out. You care about what your kids eat - you probably read labels, check ingredients and ask questions. So why wouldn’t you do the same for your animals?... Read more...
Personalised Pet Nutrition
In recent years, pet owners have been shifting away from one-size-fits-all pet food options and embracing personalised nutrition plans tailored to their pets’ unique needs. Just like humans, every pet has specific dietary requirements influenced by factors such as breed, age, activity level, and health conditions. This growing trend reflects a broader movement toward holistic pet care, ensuring that our furry friends receive optimal nutrition to thrive. Why Personalised Nutrition Matters Every pet is different, and their nutritional needs should be addressed accordingly. Personalised nutrition considers individual factors such as:... Read more...
Rosie
Rosie
It’s time to introduce another furbaby in our family – Rosie Bear.(Note: it might seem otherwise, but “Bear” isn’t an official name for any of our animals—or our child—but it... Read more...
Wellness in Every Bite
At My Pet Life, we’ve always believed that food is more than fuel—it’s care.That’s why we create treats that support your pet’s health from the inside out, using clean, natural, human-grade ingredients that do more than just make tails wag. So, what do we mean when we say Wellness in Every Bite? 1. We use functional ingredients. Every ingredient in our treats is chosen for a reason—from calming chamomile and soothing mint to antioxidant-rich carob and vitamin-packed peach. These aren’t just tasty—they actively support things like digestion, immune function, and... Read more...
From Snack to Supplement: Why Pet Treats Are Evolving
From Snack to Supplement: Why Pet Treats Are Evolving
There was a time when dog treats were just that—treats. Fun, tasty, and sometimes… full of junk. But just as we’ve started to rethink what we put in our own... Read more...
Pet Wellness: the Sustainable Way
Wellness isn’t just about what’s in the treat—it’s about how that treat is made, sourced, and packaged. That’s why My Pet Life is built around one promise: to be good for pets, people, and the planet. Here’s how we keep our treats low-waste and high-value: 1. Compostable packaging We pack all our treats in compostable bags and glass jars, so you’re never left tossing single-use plastic. Even our labels are compostable and printed with care using minimal inks. 2. Wonky fruit = less waste We use locally sourced, seasonal, and... Read more...
Welcome Home, Little One: Your Puppy Essentials Guide
Welcome Home, Little One: Your Puppy Essentials Guide
There is nothing quite like a new baby in the house - whether it has two legs, four paws, hooves, claws or slithers - seeing the tiny face look up... Read more...
Everything in Moderation…
Everything in Moderation…
We’ve talked about this a bit before but we think it’s such an important topic that we are revisiting :) After all, my diet is a daily topic and features... Read more...
Next-Level Raw
Next-Level Raw
The Clean, Easy Way to Feed FresH - because dogs deserve the good stuff — without the mess. For you. In preparing it. We aren’t going to guarantee there won’t... Read more...
Why Should You Care…?
Someone made a comment to me recently that stuck: “I don’t think people really care about making eco-friendly or even ethical choices when they shop.” If that’s true, we’re in trouble. Big trouble. Every choice we make has a consequence — and no one is immune from the impacts of choices we make now, and in the case of sustainability, on our planet later. I’m usually a glass-half-full kind of person. An empath. Someone who truly believes that, at their core, most people do care — they just need the... Read more...
From Trolleys to Tap-to-Buy: How Our Shopping Habits Have Evolved
Remember the days when shopping meant planning a trip, wandering through aisles, chatting to the local butcher or grocer, and coming home with far more than you intended (honestly, this is still me every week, but call me old-fashioned, I like to shop and choose my own products. Oh and use the checkout, not the self-checkout…)? Fast-forward to today, and many of us are doing our weekly shop in our pyjamas—while bingeing a series and half-listening to a podcast. By that I mean, they’re at home, shopping online. Although I... Read more...
No Flour, No Fuss: We Make Safe Treats So You Don’t Have to Google Every Ingredient
Not All Treats Are Created Equal… Very often when I meet someone or someone asks me about My Pet Life, I’m told “Oh yes, I’ve always made my own pet treats” - which is great that there are many others out there who are thinking about what goes into their pets’ food. The part I find hard is the next bit, which is getting predictable…“I just use a bit of flour and...” And that’s usually where I get heartburn. It’s funny as well because some people think I have wheat... Read more...
Living the Values We Preach – Why Sustainability is More Than a Brand Promise
When I started My Pet Life, I wanted it to be good for pets, people, and the planet — but for me, that promise has to actually mean something. The truth is, I’ve always been an animal lover, and sustainability is something I’ve been passionate about for years - particularly since I watched David Attenborough’s series from several years ago - Planet Earth. It opened my eyes. It scared me. It changed the way I live my life and decisions I make every single day. For example, I don’t chase... Read more...
Why Sustainability Isn’t About Perfection
I was chatting recently about some small choices I’d made — like ordering recycled sellotape and manila folders. The reaction I got?“That’s nice, but when are you going to buy an electric car? When will you stop flying altogether?” And I should add, this was said in a hugely sarcastic tone. It made me think about how easy it is for sustainability to turn into a competition. As if you have to tick every box, all the time, or else you’re not really “doing it.” It also made me think... Read more...
The True Cost of Plastic-Free: What I’ve Learned as a Small Business
When I first decided to build My Pet Life, I knew one thing for certain: I didn’t want to contribute more plastic to the world. Our pets deserve better, and so does the planet and it was a key reason I started in the first place. Having multiple animals in the family, who all enjoy treats, I would have a mini heart attack buying packaging that is either straight to landfill when empty or allegedly recyclable, but only if disposed of correctly or to the correct place. It quite literally... Read more...
Ribbons, Labels & Pouches: Tiny Details That Add Up to a Greener Business
Ribbons, Labels & Pouches: Tiny Details That Add Up to a Greener Business
When people see our products on shelves, the first thing they notice isn’t always the compostable pouch or reusable jar. They might not even notice our product at all to... Read more...
A Partnership with the Planet in Mind: Woodlane Pantry + My Pet Life
A Partnership with the Planet in Mind: Woodlane Pantry + My Pet Life
At Woodlane Orchard, every decision we make — from sourcing produce to packaging — is driven by one simple belief: what’s good for the planet is good for all of... Read more...
Keep Your Pets Safe This Halloween
🎃 Halloween might be all about tricks, treats, and fun for some us humans — but for our pets, it can be a little less than magical. Between the strange costumes, doorbells ringing nonstop, and tempting sweets lying around, it’s one of the most stressful and potentially dangerous nights of the year for animals. At My Pet Life, we believe every celebration can still be good for pets, people, and the planet — it just takes a little preparation and a lot of love. 1. Treats Are for Humans —... Read more...
How to Be a Horse Girl, a Mum, a Wife — and Still Show Up for Work
How to Be a Horse Girl, a Mum, a Wife — and Still Show Up for Work
There’s no manual for balancing all the roles we hold. Some mornings start with the smell of hay and the sound of hooves; others begin with a school bag search,... Read more...
Local Business Partnerships
My Pet Life Has Arrived at Rose Park Vet! I’m excited to share that My Pet Life is now officially stocked at Rose Park Vet, one of Adelaide’s most trusted local clinics. This step isn’t just about expanding our physical presence — it represents a shared belief in thoughtful, responsible pet care. Rose Park Vet has always stood out for its sincerity and genuine care. Their team truly understands animals and the people who love them. Whenever I’ve visited, I’ve noticed the same thing: calm guidance, practical solutions, and an... Read more...
Why Jute Bags Are the Everyday Essential for Sustainable Pet Parents
Why Jute Bags Are the Everyday Essential for Sustainable Pet Parents
Living sustainably rarely requires grand gestures. Most of the time, it starts with simple choices that flow naturally into your daily routine. Carrying a reusable jute bag is one of... Read more...
Who Decides the Value of A Life?
The question of value is usually framed around people — how we measure ourselves, how others judge us, and how easily our worth becomes entangled in opinion. Yet the issue becomes even clearer when we look beyond our own species. The situation unfolding for the brumbies in NSW is a stark reflection of this. These wild horses, iconic to many and controversial to others, have been caught in debates that often overlook something fundamental: they are living beings with histories, family structures, instincts, and a presence that has shaped Australian... Read more...
Love, Made Practical: Why Care Shows Up in the Small Things
Valentine’s Day often brings to mind big gestures and carefully chosen words, but love — real love — tends to show up in much quieter ways. In routines. In consistency. In the small, thoughtful choices we repeat every day. As we move through the change of seasons, it’s a good reminder that care doesn’t need to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s practical. Sometimes, it’s imperfect - and often, it’s made by hand. When food becomes a language of care For many of us, food is one of the... Read more...
The Quiet Work That Moves Us Forward
There’s a certain kind of work that rarely gets celebrated. It doesn’t arrive with a neat delivery date or a clear milestone. It doesn’t always look productive from the outside. Sometimes, it even feels like going in circles. But without it, nothing meaningful ever moves forward. When progress doesn’t look like progress In business, we’re often taught to value outcomes above all else. Finished projects. Ticked-off to-do lists. Clear wins that can be measured, shared, and applauded. Yet so much of the work that actually makes those outcomes possible happens... Read more...
Steady by Nature: What Horses Teach Us About Care
There’s a reason people often describe horses as grounding. They don’t rush (unless there’s a leaf falling in front of their face unexpectedly). They don’t respond well to force. And they don’t thrive on quick fixes. Working with horses teaches you, often very quickly, that steadiness matters more than speed. That presence matters more than performance and that trust is built through consistency, not intensity. As we move into the Year of the Horse, those lessons feel especially relevant — not just in the paddock, but in the way we... Read more...
When a tourist dies, why do the animals pay the price?
A young woman is dead. People are grieving. Everyone wants an explanation that feels solid enough to hold onto. And then—almost on autopilot—the “solution” becomes: kill the animals that were nearby. That’s what’s ignited fresh anger around K’gari’s wongari (dingoes) after the death of Canadian backpacker Piper James. Reporting indicates the initial findings pointed to drowning as the most likely cause of death, with dingo bites occurring before and/or after death—details that are emotionally charged, and easy to weaponise in a headline. Soon after, Queensland authorities euthanised multiple dingoes linked... Read more...
The ocean isn’t ours — what we get wrong about “culling” sharks
There’s a story humans tell ourselves that goes like this: A person is bitten. A person dies.Therefore the ocean has become “unsafe”.Therefore we must “remove the threat”. It sounds logical. It’s also deeply… human. As in: centred on us to the point of absurdity. Sharks aren’t “in our space”. We are visitors in theirs—every single time we step into the surf. And don’t get me wrong, sharks scare me and attacks are awful - but I simply don’t get in the ocean. It’s quite easy to avoid becoming part of... Read more...
Brumbies aren’t the problem. Our need to dominate everything is.
Every few years we do this dance again: We decide a landscape is “under threat”, pick an animal to blame, then reach for the most final, violent solution available — and call it management. This time it’s brumbies in Kosciuszko, and I’m going to be blunt: I’m against the culling (this isn’t surprising!). I don’t believe a helicopter and a rifle is a thoughtful answer to a complex problem, and I don’t believe the moral high ground belongs to the people who treat living beings like an inconvenience to be... Read more...
Functional Treats 101: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
Functional treats have become a popular way to support everyday pet wellbeing — from calmer car rides to fresher breath and happier tummies. The challenge is that not all “functional” claims are created equal…Some treats genuinely deliver thoughtful nutrition whilst others are mostly marketing, with fillers and vague promises. If you’re choosing treats for your dog, cat, horse, bird, fish…no matter what form your beloved pet takes - they all deserve the same quality we as humans would look for. This guide will help you spot the difference — and... Read more...
Stop Polishing Away the Magic
Some of the best outcomes I’ve seen started out “wrong”. Not because the plan was brilliant — but because the people involved stopped trying to make it perfect, trusted their instincts, and let it unfold. A demo that’s rough around the edges… but sparks something new.A product that’s a bit odd… but fulfils a real need.A leader who doesn’t sound like everyone else… but earns attention.An idea you’re quietly passionate about… and suddenly others are too. I’ve been thinking about this a lot while building My Pet Life. When you’re... Read more...
Behaviour Isn’t the Problem. It’s the Clue.
Most “behaviour problems” aren’t behaviour problems. They’re communication problems. And if you live with animals — really live with them, not just “own” them — you start to see how obvious that is. A dog that won’t come back in from the garden.A cat that suddenly stops using the litter tray.A horse that steps away when you lift the saddle. It’s rarely “naughty”. It’s information. Not a moral failing. Not a personal vendetta. A message — delivered in the only language they’ve got. The moment we start labelling, we stop... Read more...
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Plastic in Pet Treat Packaging
Plastic didn’t used to be everywhere. That simple reflection has been echoing lately, especially with more people talking about “plastic detox” — the idea of noticing how much plastic enters our homes, and reducing it where we can. At My Pet Life, this isn’t a trend. It’s part of our purpose: Wellness in Every Bite, and Good for Pets, People & the Planet. Plastic’s long tail Conventional plastic packaging is cheap, light, and convenient. It also tends to stick around. Even when it breaks down, it doesn’t simply disappear —... Read more...
Pet Poison Prevention Month: 10 Common Toxins in Aussie Homes (and What to Do)
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, which makes it the perfect time for a quick home safety reset. Pets explore with their mouths, their paws, and their noses… and that curiosity can turn risky fast. This guide covers 10 common toxins found in many Australian homes, the symptoms to watch for, when to call for help, and a few easy prevention habits that keep everyone safer. Important note: This article is general education, not a substitute for veterinary care. If you think your pet has ingested something toxic, call your... Read more...
When “Not Yet” Is Actually Progress
There’s an idea I’ve come to respect more and more over time — timing. Not the motivational poster version of timing. The real version. The messy, frustrating, often confusing version where you feel as though you’re doing everything right and yet nothing seems to be moving. You show up.You do the work.You try to stay patient. Still, the opportunities you expected don’t arrive when you thought they would. Plans stall. Conversations don’t materialise. Doors you felt certain would open remain closed. A lot of what I’ve learned with My Pet... Read more...
Why the Basics Matter More Than Ever
In an age of extraordinary progress, are we overlooking the fundamentals? Humanity has never been more technologically capable. We are exploring space, developing artificial intelligence that can perform complex tasks, and building systems that connect people across continents in seconds. From the outside, it looks like extraordinary progress. Yet alongside these advancements, something quieter is happening. Many people are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their most basic needs. Food insecurity is rising in places where abundance once seemed guaranteed. Housing stability has become uncertain for many families. Mental wellbeing... Read more...
How Redundancy Made Me Reassess Work, Purpose and My Pet Life
I’ve noticed more people starting to speak openly about redundancy lately — and that feels overdue. It is one of those experiences many people go through, but far fewer talk about honestly. For a long time, it seemed to carry a quiet stigma, as though it was something to move past quickly and privately rather than acknowledge for what it really is: a life event that can shake more than your income. Redundancy in your 40s does not just disrupt your career. It can unsettle your sense of self. You... Read more...
Building My Pet Life While Rebuilding My Career
One of the unexpected things redundancy forced me to do was stop waiting for the perfect next answer and start putting real energy into building something of my own. That “something” is My Pet Life. From the outside, that can sound exciting. Reinvention often does. Starting something for yourself, creating something meaningful, building around your interests and values — all of that sounds brave, positive and full of possibility. And sometimes it is. But the reality is more complicated than that. Because trying to build something of your own while... Read more...