Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Autumn is here and the feeling of fall is in the air. Pumpkin spice is on every menu, the air is cool, the leaves are extraordinary colors, and Thanksgiving planning has begun! I don’t know about you, but Thanksgiving is one of my all-time favorite holidays. And as much as we all love the amazing Thanksgiving food and festivities, so do our pets. My dog Dory sits patiently in the kitchen all day while I prepare Thanksgiving dinner for our family waiting for me to drop a piece of turkey or offer some mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, as a small animal veterinarian, this is a common time of year when I see many emergencies from pets eating “human” food that can cause illness. So today, I would like to take a moment to discuss the typical autumn foods that dogs shouldn’t eat on Thanksgiving, what clinical signs that you may see, and what you need to do if your pet eats any of these foods. I know…who knew? These food items are commonly used in preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Cats are actually more susceptible to the toxic effects of onions, garlic, and chives; however, dogs are also at risk. The toxicity causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by the bursting of red blood cells circulating through your pet’s body. Ingestion can also cause less critical side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs

Using plain canned pumpkin as part of DIY dog treats and Christmas cookies for dogs is a good way to work a little extra fiber into your dog’s diet. These pumpkin dog cookies are a special treat to give out once in a while when your pup has been a very good girl or boy. 2 Cups of flour (white or whole wheat) + 2 tablespoons for rolling out cookies 1 Teaspoon baking soda 1 Egg 2/3 Cup canned pumpkin pureed, unsweetened 2 Tablespoon water (as needed) 3 Tablespoons low-fat softened cream cheese 20 Pick of the Patch Old Mother Hubbard mini dog biscuits (or one for each cookie) 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking or spray the baking pan with a nonstick cooking spray. 3. Combine egg and pumpkin in a bowl. Mix well. 4. Separately, mix the flour and baking powder in a small bowl. 5. Gently fold the dry mixture into the other bowl and mix ingredients well until a stiff dough forms. 5. Place the cookies on the cookie sheet. 6. Add water as needed so the pumpkin cookies batter doesn’t have cracks. Overall, it should be a dry dough. 7. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin on a surface that’s been sprinkled with the extra flour. Use dog-shaped cookie cutters or your favorite shapes or cut out squares or rectangles. 8. Bake for

November isn’t just for turkey dinners and Black Friday deals. The eleventh month of the year can also offer the perfect weather for outdoor adventures with your dog. Whether you’re ready to trek a trail, enjoy some scenic drives, or just want to squeeze in a few gratitude walks with your pup (because who doesn’t love a good “Thanksgiving” stroll?), this is the perfect time to bond with your furry friend before winter hits. Forget the treadmill or chasing after squirrels in your backyard (although, no judgment if that’s your thing). Let’s talk about some fun things to do with your dog that are sure to leave you and your pup feeling grateful (and maybe a little worn out) in the best way possible. There’s something magical about a simple walk, especially when you’re focusing on the little things that make life better—like the extra bounce in your dog’s step when they spot a squirrel or the wind blowing through your hair (and their fur) as you stroll through the neighborhood. Best of all, they offer outdoor dog adventures with your best friend. Why it’s a must: November is all about giving thanks, so why not make your walks celebrate that? As you wander, take a moment to reflect on everything you’re grateful for, including that loyal, four-legged bundle of joy by your side. Pro Tip: Get in the holiday spirit by adding a little “Thanksgiving twist.” Try a “pawsitivity”

Crisp leaves, corn mazes, and everything pumpkin spice—fall is in the air. From lattes to baked goods, we embrace autumn flavors with open mouths—and our pets? They deserve to join in on the fun too. Enter pumpkin and sweet potato: two of the season’s superstar ingredients that have found a home in pet food and treats. But why have these humble veggies become the go-to fall flavors for our furry friends? Let’s dig into the juicy details and uncover the tasty reasons. Let’s start with the basics: why are pumpkin and sweet potato so beloved in pet food and treats? These fall-friendly favorites are delicious and packed with more health benefits than your pet can wag its tail at. While we’re all indulging in pumpkin pie or sweet potato casserole, it’s nice to know our pets can find ways to enjoy these seasonal ingredients too. Pumpkins and sweet potatoes may look strange at first glance, but below the surface, these superfoods are super awesome: Pumpkin: This grand gourd is fiber-rich, making it a powerhouse option for cat and dog gut health. If your furry friend has a sensitive stomach, a spoonful of pumpkin can help firm up stool and alleviate digestive issues like diarrhea. Plus, pumpkin is low in calories, so it’s a guilt-free treat for pets watching their waistline. Pumpkin is also packed with antioxidants, like beta-carotene, which can support overall health, including a shiny coat and healthy skin.

In theory, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to come together with family and friends and pets to express gratitude for the love you all share; however, not every person’s holiday season looks the same. For some it means being alone; for others, it means being anxious about being surrounded by not-often seen family. For others, it means rallying the gang for a Friendsgiving, or gathering with a few friends or family members and showing gratitude in simple, meaningful, yet quiet ways. Regardless of how you spend your holidays this November, this guide will help you spend a magical and meaningful Thanksgiving with your dog. Thanksgiving time invariably means lots of food. Many of the fruits, grains, and vegetables that are seasonal in November are actually healthy for your dog…but they’re only healthy if they’re not mixed with other ingredients. So, for example, while sweet potatoes are a-okay for Bruno, candied yams are not. Let’s start with the good stuff. Foods your dog can enjoy alongside you are: Sweet potatoes / regular potatoes Apples Pumpkin (canned is fine as long as it’s not pre-spiced) Green beans Peas Yogurt Plain boneless, skinless turkey meat Again, the key is that the foods are plain and unseasoned. If you add seasoning, it could make your dog sick. Thus, foods to avoid are: Bones, skin, or gravy Onions or garlic (or their respective powders) Raisins or grapes Alcoholic beverages Sweets (pies, cookies, chocolate, etc.) Uncooked yeast dough Fatty foods

Cats are carnivores and dogs are omnivores, which means there are vital nutrients that come from meat that benefit both species. Turkey is among the healthiest meats for pets. Why is turkey so good for pets? It’s nutrient-packed and lean. There are multiple benefits to your pet from turkey meat as well as plenty of ways to serve it to them. Turkey is a lean protein that is great for helping your pet build strong, lean muscles. What’s more, the protein-packed turkey meat gives your pet lots of energy. The combination leads to a strong, healthy, active pet. Turkey not only has lots of protein, but it also has multiple vitamins and nutrients that your pet needs. These are the main vitamins and nutrients found in turkey as well as how they benefit your pet. Zinc supports your pet’s thyroid function and immune system. Zinc also helps your pet have and maintain healthy skin and fur. Iron is used by red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the remainder of the body. Pets need oxygenated blood for energy as well as for other bodily functions. Potassium is critical for energy and appetite; this mineral charges your pet’s heart, nerves, and muscles. Flagging energy and no appetite is a sign of low potassium stores. Phosphorus works with calcium to maintain your pet’s bones and teeth. Vitamin B6 is a heavy-hitter critical to help your pet synthesize niacin (explained below), to produce

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and with the arrival of this beloved holiday comes thankfulness for the year behind us, the arrival of relatives to join hands around the table, the football rivalry that makes us not want to join hands around the table, the Thanksgiving Day parade that never ceases to entertain, and the cornucopia of delicious Thanksgiving foods that seem to make their grand appearance only once a year. While you are enjoying your own Day of Thanks this year, don’t forget about the four-legged members of the party who have set up camp under the dining room table, just hoping that something wonderful makes its way from your plate to their tummies. While most table foods are not recommended for your pet’s health, there are several delectable Thanksgiving foods that are safe and healthy for dogs. Pumpkin is not only an appetizing treat for your pet, but also a very healthy one to offer. A great source of fiber, pumpkin is a natural promoter of healthy digestion, which lends itself to the overall energy and vitality of your pet. Proper digestion is also a powerful aid in weight management, which can help prevent a whole host of other health problems down the road. This colorful harvest symbol also helps with urinary health, as the natural oils in both the skin and seeds has been shown to increase urinary functionality. The seeds also promote healthy skin and

Finally! The post your pup has been waiting for all year. Let’s talk about how to safely and satisfyingly include one of the hungriest members of the family in one of the most delicious days of the year: Thanksgiving with pets! When Thanksgiving rolls around, two of the main attractions we think of on the table are ham and turkey. So it comes as no surprise that some of the main questions pet parents have when cooking Thanksgiving with dogs are…can dogs eat ham? Or can dogs eat turkey bones? Your dog, of course, would say, “Meat and bones? Um, yes and yes.” But unfortunately for Fido, that salty ham and splintering cooked turkey bone are off the menu when it comes to recommended Thanksgiving pet safety tips. Fortunately for your furry friend, there are plenty of ways they can safely participate in the family meal. We’ll help make sure of it—with these dog friendly Thanksgiving recipes. Ground turkey 93/7, raw, unseasoned: ¼ cup White potatoes, raw, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Carrots, raw and cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Brussels sprouts, raw, quartered: ¼ cup Pork tenderloin, raw, cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Sweet potatoes, raw, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Green beans, raw, cut into 1-2 inch long segments: ¼ cup Butternut squash, raw, cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Peel the white/sweet potatoes, and

When you’re planning out your Thanksgiving menu and writing down your shopping list with your favorite four-legged family member at your feet, you might be wondering, “Can dogs eat turkey?” Should you pick up special foods or treats for your pup this holiday or can you just give them a nice plate of Thanksgiving turkey to enjoy? They’ll be hovering around the kitchen all day inhaling all of the delicious smells and giving you those eyes that say, ‘Don’t forget about me!’ Sure, some of your dog’s food has turkey listed as an ingredient so it seems like it should be safe. But should you give your dog a few slices of the Thanksgiving turkey? The short answer is, it depends. It’s generally safe and healthy for dogs to eat plain, skinless turkey breast and it’s a good source of protein and phosphorus and riboflavin. That’s why you’ll find it as an ingredient in many dog foods and dog treats! If your Thanksgiving turkey isn’t seasoned at all or filled with stuffing or topped with fat, it might be safe to carve off a slice or two of a skinless portion. The problem with giving your dog a slice or two of the Thanksgiving turkey is that it’s probably seasoned from the inside out with delicious ingredients that add flavor – like garlic and onions—but that can be harmful to dogs. The holiday turkey may also be covered with a

Even though dogs look super cute in Halloween costumes, Halloween is a busy time full of unpredictable circumstances. Because of the flurry of activity and the atypical outfits, behaviors, and crowds that come on Halloween night, it’s important to know how to keep your dog safe whether you’re taking your pup with you to trick-or-treat or you’re leaving them home or you’re staying home with your dog. Your dog needs to feel safe on Halloween regardless of whether they’re coming with you or they’re staying at home with or without you. Crowds on the streets and the constant ringing and pounding on the door can send your dog into sensory overload. A few ways to keep your dog feeling safe are: Use a leash and only take your dog out if your dog is very comfortable with crowds. Make sure your dog has an ID even if they are chipped (chipping is very affordable and can help your dog be identified if lost). Keep your dog away from the door on Halloween; frightened dogs might make a break for it when trick-or-treaters come knocking. Give your dog anti-anxiety treats or medication before things get going especially if they are predisposed to getting upset when people come to the door. Turn your light off and do not invite trick-or-treaters to the house or to knock on the door or ring the bell if you’re not going to be home. Some people will

Halloween marks the start of the holiday season! The children count down the days until they get to dress in their favorite characters and get spoiled with candy and treats. Parents decorate, pick out the perfect costumes for kids and pets and stock up on candy. Although Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, it is typically one of the most dangerous holidays for pets. As a small animal veterinarian, it is a common time of year that I see pets for getting lost, emergencies and illness. So today, I would like to discuss the top pet emergencies and illnesses associated with Halloween and how we can prepare to keep our pets for a safe and fun holiday. Let’s get started: Place the human treats out of reach of your pets. The most popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms, especially dark or baking chocolate can be very dangerous for cats and dogs. Sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause serious problems in pets. Keep the HUMAN treats away! I know firsthand it is difficult to watch your pets sad face as they look at everyone eating and enjoying, and just want to be a part of it. There is no need to let your pet feel left out and not let them indulge on the holiday that celebrates eating treats. I tell all my pet parents to have your favorite dog treats

Fall is in the air, and so is the irresistible aroma of all things pumpkin (pupkin!) spice and apples galore—even when it comes to doggie treats. Whether your pup goes for dog treats made with pumpkin or ones just shaped like pumpkins, there’s nothing basic about these festive treats. In fact, they’re not only wickedly cute, but also happen to be quite good for the gut and your furry friend’s overall health and happiness. These three ingredients, whether together or on their own, can make for a cozy fall recipe no matter who is digging in. They’re also each packed with a surprising number of nutritional benefits that make them an especially appealing option in baked treats for dogs. Pumpkin – Full of fiber, can ease digestion, contains several important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, E, and C, and potassium and iron. (We’re talkin’ fresh or canned pumpkin, although canned actually has more fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin—just be sure it’s 100% pureed pumpkin for dogs with no added salt, spices, sugar, pumpkin pie mix, or other irritating additives.) Peanut Butter – A great source of protein, B and E vitamins, and healthy fats that support healthy eyes, muscles, and skin. (Natural, unsalted peanut butter with peanuts listed as the only ingredient is best.) Apples – Packed full of fiber to aid in digestion and nutrients like vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants to boost immune