I found the magazines more up to date and even discussing cutting edge theories. I've had a subscription to Cat Fancy for years, ever since I got my first cat, and I must say I've benefited tremendously!

I had a subscription to Aquarium Fish! (put out by the same company that does Cat Fancy) for several years when I first started with fish tanks, and also found that helpful. If settled into a specific tank, with a set mix of fish and so let that subscription expire after about 6 years. As I have only fresh water, I skipped the marine articles until I was quite settled with my own tanks, then started skimming the marine ones just for general knowledge of what's out there.

I have looked at Dog Fancy at the library fairly often now that I have dogs. It's a bit harder as they try to do breed specific articles along with some general dog things. I borrowed a bunch of bichon books from the library when I first adopted Sugar and like you, found most were out of date and had old style methods.