The Wellness Ingredient Philosophy

The Wellness Difference

At Wellness, we believe that animals' nutritional needs always come first, even over cost. Wellness diets represent the most nutritious ingredients used in the correct proportions for optimum health benefits. We seek ingredients that provide naturally occurring minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, in order to minimize the need for additional supplements. And, we do not use artificial colors in our foods, with natural preservatives used in all of our treats and in limited portions.

Wellness believes that food is the first step to a long, happy and healthy life and a proper diet can be a preventative step to combat future ill-health. We constantly innovate, in order to provide the most healthy, delicious nutrition for the animals that depend on us, using the latest in research and advice from our team of Animal Nutritionists, Veterinarians and Food Scientists.

Thoughtful Nutrition for the Different Needs of Cats and Dogs

We believe that cats and dogs have different nutritional needs - because cats are carnivores and dogs are omnivores. For cats, we create diets from animal food sources, berries, and other highly digestible ingredients with low magnesium and ash levels. This ensures overall well being, vitality, and urinary tract health. For dogs, we create balanced diets with a healthy blend of meats, vegetables, and grains.

For special diets, such as weight management diets for dogs, or indoor health diets for cats, we add carefully selected ingredients such as nutrient-rich fibers. We never use "fillers" and always look for additional ingredient benefits such as higher levels of vitamins and minerals that are available in some fiber sources.

The Wellness Way: What Goes In

Quality Protein Sources for Muscular Health

• We use real meat as our first ingredient and primary source of protein in most of our diets.
• We also use a delicious digestible combination of other protein sources that offer all the essential amino acids – the building blocks of muscle.

Wholesome Grains for Healthy Fiber and Energy

• We use high quality grains such as oatmeal and barley that provide essential vitamins and nutrients, such as oatmeal and barley.
• For some recipes we also use grains like rice which are highly digestible and are low in magnesium (which is particularly important for cats).

Full Rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables for Cell Health

• We provide a full rainbow of all-natural antioxidant protection.

Carefully Chosen Fats and Oils for Skin & Coat Health

• We use wholesome vegetable fats such as canola oil, flaxseed, chicken fat and olive oil, which are high in the essential fatty acids such as Linoleic and Alpha Linoleic acids.
• For cats, we also use animal fats such as chicken fat, to provide Arachadonic acid, which cats do not produce for themselves.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Joint Health

• We add these nutrients for preventative joint maintenance.

Taurine for Heart Health

• We add taurine for heart health to provide an essential nutrient for cats.

Botanical Extracts for Antioxidant Protection

• We add selected botanical extracts such as green tea and lycopene, to provide valuable antioxidants that help fight cell-damaging free radicals.

The Wellness Way: What Stays Out

No Corn

• Corn and corn by-products are often used as a protein source in pet food, listing corn as the first ingredient. When corn is used as a protein source in this way, it provides empty calories that are low in vitamins and minerals.

No Wheat

• Wheat is an allergen for many dogs and some cats.

No Soy

• Soybean is an inexpensive way to get protein and bulk in pet foods. However, it is difficult to digest as it contains chemicals that block protein digestion. Soy is also a common allergen for cats and dogs.

No Artificial Colors and Flavors

• We believe that natural sources are the best for animals' safety and well-being.

No Excessive Sweeteners

• Sucrose and corn syrup are widely used. However, if they are used in excess they may put stress on the pancreas and adrenals, and could lead to diabetes.

No Excessive Salt

• Salt is used by some manufacturers to increase palatability. We believe it should be used only at the low levels that are needed for cellular health and to meet AAFCO nutrient requirements. Excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension, kidney stress, colon irritation and many other ailments.