On the premise of importance of energy conditions for regular black holes, we propose a method to remedy those models which break the dominant energy condition, e.g., the Bardeen and Hayward black holes. That is, we modify the metrics, but ensure their regularity at the same time, so that the weak, null and dominant energy conditions are satisfied except the strong energy condition. Likewise, we prove a no-go theorem for conformally related regular black holes, which states that the four energy conditions can never be met in this class of black holes. In order to seek the evidences of distinguishing regular black holes from singular black holes, we resort an analogue gravity and regard it as a tool to mimic realistic regular black holes in a fluid. The equations of state for the fluid are carried out by an asymptotic analysis associated with a numerical method, which provides a modus operandi for experimental observations, in particular, the conditions under which one can simulate realistic regular black holes in the fluid.