Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Training is a huge part of your dog’s development, and it should come with some form of reinforcement. Animal organizations worldwide say that positive reinforcement, or the addition of something good or enticing to increase good behavior, is a great way to teach commands and reinforce desirable behavior. Can you guess what the most popular form of positive reinforcement is? Treats! Since most dogs are food motivated, treats are an easy way to influence your dog to complete commands and perform good behavior. However, pet parents can make some mistakes that can reduce their effectiveness, turning them into an undesirable or not-so-good form of reinforcement that could hinder your dog’s learning abilities. So, I know you must be asking, what are some mistakes I may be making when it comes to rewarding my dog with treats? Read on to find out. Treats should be an exciting reward that your pups are getting for completing a task they’re trying to learn. Therefore, you should be using nice, high-quality treats to deliver this reward. Those sad, bland little biscuit treats aren’t going to cut it! Your pup is guaranteed to get bored of their bland taste, leading to them failing to provide the reinforcement needed. However, natural treats made from vegetables and meat or ingredients such as cheese, fresh liver, bacon, etc., work perfectly as high-quality treats for training. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, or Wellness WellBites, with flavors such as Chicken & Venison, can

With his iconic dinner bell experiment, Pavlov and his dogs taught us that dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement teaches dogs to continue and to repeat behaviors that are rewarded; it teaches them that those behaviors are good. Positive reinforcement is the method experts encourage when training your dog. We wanted to share how to reward your dog for good behavior, so you can more easily train them. Before we delve into what to reward your dog with, it’s worth noting that when, how, and where you reward your dog is essential. For example, say your dog obeyed your command to sit and stay during a walk where other dogs were present. You want to reward your dog right away. Give them a treat (the reward) as soon as the good behavior transpires, so they make a clear association between the behavior and the reward. If you waited to get home from your walk, your dog wouldn’t know if you were rewarding him for a successful walk or just because. The moment to reward that good dog behavior would be lost. Likewise, you want to reward your dog in the area where the event occurred, such as at the spot where your dog sat and stayed. The reward teaches your dog that “you did well right here in this spot / moment.” Note, though, just as you can shape good behaviors with rewards, you can shape bad behaviors.

Do you love reading articles about your favorite dog breeds online? They can be chock-full of fun facts about their personalities, behaviors, physical traits, and yes—their health. This includes susceptibility to dog dental disease. While you might be perusing the internet to learn more about a dog breed before taking them home as a pet or, you want to learn about your dog’s breed and how you can care for them, having an understanding of their health needs and possible issues is important as a responsible pet owner. Every dog breed needs its owner to help care for its teeth, but some dog breeds are more prone to dog dental disease than others. In fact, smaller dog breeds in particular are at a higher risk of canine periodontal disease. Here, we’ll share the dog breeds that tend to need more TLC when it comes to their dental health. Keep these types of dogs in mind when it comes to minding your dog’s teeth or when buying or adopting a dog. It’s said that the smaller the dog, the higher their risk of periodontal disease. Those little dogs might be more likely to have stinky breath, too, due to the dental disease. Chihuahuas in particular have small mouths and 42 teeth that are fighting for space in there. These gentle sprinters are more likely than some other dogs to have problems with their teeth due to the shape of their mouths. When a dog’s

In the past 20 years, small breed dogs have grown in popularity to now represent the majority of dogs in the US.  While potentially chosen for their cute appearance or perfect size to match our ever-urbanizing lifestyle, many pet parents may not realize that when it comes to how we feed these little guys, it is important to select tailored nutrition that promotes their optimal wellbeing. With a higher energy need per pound than that of the larger breeds like a Great Dane or Labrador, these little fellas are known for also living the longest of all the dog breeds. From a nutritional perspective, their size can also make them more predisposed to common health issues such as dental disease and obesity, both of which are a direct result of what we feed them. Making sure you select nutrition that is tailored to their unique needs is one of the best ways to ensure that every small breed dog not only looks and feels their very best, but that they can enjoy a lifetime of wellbeing together with their pet parent. Look For A Small Breed Specific Range Of Premium Natural Ingredients These customized diets are designed to perfectly match their unique small needs.  At Wellness, every small breed recipe is scientifically crafted with a smaller sized kibble to suit their small mouths. The tailored recipe is also packed with higher meat protein and fats to deliver not only a

The holidays are a wonderful time to show those who you love best how much you care by giving them a little something extra…by treating them with gifts they normally wouldn’t give themselves. Since your pets can never give themselves something extra, the holidays are a great time to load up their stockings with bonus toys and treats that show them how much you love and value their unconditional love and companionship. Here are a few holiday stocking stuffer ideas for your cat or dog! While some pet parents may be wary to give their pets treats all year as they do add calories to an animal’s diet, the holidays are the perfect time to relax and to spoil your pet (and to stocking-stuffer up on treats to share with your pet throughout the coming year!). Treating your pet in moderation is always a good idea! Pet parents can feel good that their pets are enjoying something nutritious. It’s key to find treats that are tasty and made with healthy ingredients; and if they provide a major benefit to your pet (such as a delicious daily dental chew) then that’s an added bonus. These are some of the most delightful seasonal treats to fill your pet’s stocking with: WHIMZEES® Daily Dental Chews for dogs in seasonal shapes. These festive treats are shaped like holiday trees and snowmen, which make them super fun for your dog’s stocking. Meanwhile, they help clean

Winter months mean colder weather and sometimes freezing and icy sidewalks. Of course, unless your dog is toilet trained, you still have to take your dog out to use nature’s facilities. Taking your dog out during winter can potentially expose them to frostbite. Thus, it’s important to know how to recognize signs of frostbite in dogs and to know the ways to prevent frostbite in dogs. Frostbite occurs when the skin and the tissue under that skin freezes. It’s important for frostbite to be treated immediately. Frostbite can cause stinging, numbness, burning, pain, throbbing, and other neurological discomforts as the affected area gets rewarmed and as blood starts to recirculate. Dogs get frostbite when they’re exposed to the cold for a prolonged period of time. Of course, depending on the circumstances, frostbite can start in as little as 30 seconds of exposure to extreme cold, so never assume that your dog doesn’t have frostbite just because you were only outside for a minute or so. Dogs are at risk of frostbite when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing temperatures can cause the ground, water on the ground, dew, etc. to freeze and become icy. Dog’s paws are generally where they’re the most vulnerable; though, their noses and other body parts exposed to the cold are susceptible. Thus, it doesn’t take long for frostbite to occur. You may only be out for a minute or so with your dog. It

If you’ve ever been to an animal shelter, then you know why you should adopt a shelter pet. The pets in shelters are all alone except for one another and their dedicated caretakers. Like any of us, all they want is to be picked in life. They want a warm place to belong, and they want someone to love them who won’t abandon them. If you’ve ever heard stories about shelter pets, then you know that they are grateful, protective, loving, and sometimes…famous. In a recently-compiled list of the 10 best cats on social media, nearly all of them were rescues. Of course…potential celebrity isn’t a reason shelter pets are the best…the real reasons they’re the best are as follows. Imagine you’ve been abandoned or if you never knew what love is…you’d spent your whole life alone. This is the case for some of these shelter pets. Now, imagine that someone finally picks you. You are finally given a soft place to sleep and a warm bed and a space to feel safe in…and hugs! You’ve never had hugs before. They’re nice. How to express gratitude to this wonderful savior who adopted you? Shelter pets are notoriously grateful, and they express it with loyalty, obedience, and snuggles. Unlike a brand-new baby puppy or kitten from someone’s litter that you have to train, shelter pets often know how to use a litter box or indicate their need to go outside and

If you missed National Black Cat Day on October 27, you may have missed black cat lovers extolling the virtues of the most common type of cat, the sleek, elegant black cat. While all cats are savvy, quirky, and intuitive, these are exceptional. They are highly-evolved and are the subject of much history, mystery, and intrigue. All of these factors combined are why black cats are the best. They are black because of evolution. Their darker coat makes it easier for them to hide and to blend in with their surroundings thus helping them evade capture and predators more efficiently. Another facet of their evolution is that they are more resistant to diseases than other cats. In fact, the majority of cats are black or have black genes and thus reap those benefits. Another outcome of the black fur gene beyond melanism (black or darkening fur) and improved immunity is yellowed eyes. They typically have beautiful amber or gold-hued eyes that give them an ethereal and imperious aura. In ancient Egypt, they were associated with protection. The Egyptian goddess Bastet was a woman with the face of a cat and was charged with protecting women, crops, and the home. They were presumed to have the same responsibility in offering protection and oversight and were thus regarded like royalty. In similar fashion, many cultures consider them to be good omens (a Greek myth purportedly initiated association with bad luck or evil).

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

More of us are working from home than ever before. As of January 2021, over half of American workers were “always” or “sometimes” working from home. While the convenience of working remotely may have seemed enjoyable at first—if you’re working from home with a dog, you probably noticed some challenges cropping up. If you’re on work calls for a chunk of the day or you need quiet in order to concentrate at work, dog barking throughout the day has likely become an annoyance in your household. They always seem to bark at the most inopportune times—like when you’re speaking on a group video call, or when something important comes up during a chat that you need to hear. And while you may have an understanding dog owner on the call with you, these loud dog barking interruptions can be annoying and stressful to deal with. While we can’t guarantee that these tips on how to get a dog to stop barking while you’re working from home will work every time—we are dealing with animals, here!—it’s worth a shot to apply these tactics. Try these dog behavior tips in order for your dog to behave better and end dog barking while on work calls. 1. Get them moving. If it’s possible, take your pooch on a morning walk before the workday begins. Tiring them out will help them be more likely to sleep during the day (yay!) and the mental and

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

A demonstration of the company’s firm commitment to best-in-class food safety and quality, this is WellPet’s third manufacturing facility to achieve high marks from the rigorous audit by the British Retail Consortium’s Global Standard for Food Safety WellPet, LLC, the largest North America-based independent branded premium natural pet food company, today announced that its Mishawaka, Indiana-based manufacturing facility has earned the high honor of a grade “AA” certification by the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety. This world-renowned certification is evidence of the company’s dedication to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, remarkable leadership from WellPet’s food safety and quality group, and continued, strategic investments in quality and safety. WellPet’s Minnesota-based Farm Fresh Kitchens manufacturing facility and its WHIMZEES® manufacturing facility in the Netherlands also earned high ratings in previous BRC audits. A demonstration of the company’s firm commitment to best-in-class food safety and quality, this is WellPet’s third manufacturing facility to achieve high marks from the rigorous audit by the British Retail Consortium’s Global Standard for Food Safety. WellPet prides itself on its carefully crafted, high-quality natural pet food and treat innovations from the Wellness®, WHIMZEES®, Old Mother Hubbard®, Holistic Select®, Eagle Pack®, and Sojos® brands, which serve as the foundation of pet wellbeing and a long, happy life shared between pets and pet parents. As the BRC’s globally recognized standards set the bar for extraordinary manufacturing practices, this accreditation further certifies that WellPet’s products are safe,