Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

For many years, dry dog food was the most common option for pet parents. Besides being convenient to feed and easy to store, dogs generally seem to enjoy it and can live happily and healthily on the diet. However, wet and raw dog food diets have become more popular recently, leading some people to wonder which option is the healthiest dog food for their beloved pets. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of wet vs dry. Dry dog food comes with many benefits for dogs and dog parents alike. However, there can be some drawbacks to dry food depending on what you choose. Some pros include: Easy to store and keep fresh Easy to serve the correct portions by following the instructions given on the package Encourages healthy chewing habits, massages the gums, and cleans teeth Balanced and nutritious (check the ingredients to ensure you give your pet the best dry dog food!) Relatively mild smell The mild smell of it could be a pro or a con. Most people don’t enjoy the smell of dog food, but dogs rely on their noses first and foremost to decide if they like the food in front of them. While dogs generally have stronger senses of smell than humans, the stronger smell of wet or raw dog foods can make them more appetizing if you have a picky eater. When it comes to a balanced diet, the healthiest recipes will

Dogs have feelings just like people do, and it’s suggested that their feelings are more complex that many people give them credit for. We at least know that dogs can suffer from depression. If your dog has been out of sorts lately, it may not be the usual causes, and you may have even wondered “is my dog depressed”? If so, these are 5 signs to look for to know if your dog is depressed. Depression in humans and dogs is often signaled by changes in behavior such as lethargy and poor appetite; however, physical illness can also be marked by lethargy and poor appetite. How can you tell the difference? Ask if your dog has experienced a recent trigger for depression. Dog depression triggers include: Major environmental changes, such as moving to a new home or city A change to the family dynamic like a new baby, romantic partner, or pet A tragic loss such as the death of a human in the home or a fellow pet in the home Owner grief, trauma, or depression (animals often mirror our emotions) If there has been a triggering event, then it’s very possible that your dog’s behavioral changes are the result of depression rather than illness. Triggers are an important sign to look for when asking if your dog is depressed. Another sign your dog is depressed is in the form of regressed behaviors. Did your dog suddenly start to

Wet food is a great choice for kittens and adult cats with all types of dietary needs. It comes with many nutritional benefits, and it can even help keep your feline friend hydrated! Learn more about healthy wet foods for kittens, including their benefits, the different types and flavors, the best wet cat food recipes for your kitten, and much more. Cats are carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to fulfill their protein needs. Sufficient calories, protein, and other wholesome nutrients are always important for your cat, but they are especially crucial for growing kittens during the weaning stage. Let’s compare dry and wet foods for kittens to understand what makes wet foods so beneficial for your cat. While dry kitten kibble is a convenient and low-cost option for cat owners, they typically aren’t made with real meat and don’t contain enough protein for your kitten’s needs. In addition, dry food for cats and kittens often contains a lot of carbohydrates, calories, and sugars. These are all bad for your kitten’s health – similar to junk food for humans! Although dry cat food comes in many flavors and styles, it often also contains artificial flavors and harmful ingredients that are not the best for your feline friend. If you choose to feed your kitten dry food, ensure you choose a recipe that contains wholesome, natural ingredients to support your cat’s health. If your kitten is experiencing tummy troubles,

Dental health is an essential part of your pet’s overall wellbeing. Dogs use their mouths to eat, drink, play, and more, so keeping your dog’s gums healthy is crucial! Learn more about the three core ways to support healthy dog gums, what healthy dog gums vs. unhealthy gums look like, and how to recognize signs of dental problems in your pet. Just like humans, dogs need consistent oral care routines to prevent discomfort, pain, stinky breath, and other problems with their teeth and gums. Support healthy dog gums with professional dental cleanings, regular toothbrushing, and approved dental treats and toys. Frequency: once or twice a year Professional dental cleanings can help prevent oral health concerns or catch smaller issues before they escalate into more painful (and expensive!) problems. Your pet may be able to receive professional cleanings at their regular veterinarian, or you may need to schedule a separate appointment with a dedicated pet dental hygienist. Here are a few things your pet might get checked for during their professional dental cleaning: Inflamed gums Plaque and tartar buildup Plaque below the gum line, where toothbrushes can’t reach Lumps, cuts, and raised spots Damage to the teeth Jawline and tooth-root health (using X-rays) If your dog’s breed is known to be more likely to develop oral problems, you may need to schedule professional cleanings twice a year or more. Otherwise, unless your pet needs any teeth filled or extracted, veterinarian dental

Just like humans, dogs need oral care. But unlike humans, dogs can’t learn to brush their teeth. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is essential to taking care of their oral health, but it can be challenging and unpleasant for both of you. Adding the right dog dental chews to their oral care routine is a great way to help prevent diseases, plaque, tartar, and bad breath. How do you know which dog dental chew is right for your pet? Check out our three steps to choosing the best dental chews for dogs of all types and sizes. There are many different textures, shapes, and other qualities to choose from when picking a dog dental chew. Some dog dental chews are long and stick-like; others are flat or bone-shaped. Some are more leathery; others are softer or more rubbery. Consider your pet’s age, chewing behaviors, and the health of their teeth as you make your dental chew decision. For example, puppies or dogs with sensitive gums may need treats with softer textures, while dogs who enjoy gnawing may prefer a tougher chew. The dental chew you pick should keep your pet happy, clean their teeth, and satisfy their need to chew. Not sure what type of treat to choose? Wellness WHIMZEES offers a variety of dog dental chews. Browse our selection or contact us for help with your decision. Ensure you understand all the information available about the chews you’re considering. Here are some specific things you

How to stop cat from scratching couch Cats love to scratch couches. There are many reasons why they do this (some of which may surprise you). The good news is that regardless of why cats scratch the couch, it’s possible to learn how to stop your cat from scratching the couch with resources and behavior modification practices. First, it’s worth knowing why your cat scratches the couch. Cats scratch the couch because it’s instinctive. They are not only grooming, honing their claws, but they’re also expressing their emotions. Cats scratch to show excitement or stress. Cats also have scent glands in their paws; when they scratch, they leave traces of their scent, essentially “marking their territory”. While it’s not entirely clear why the couch is prized among all other scratchable objects in your home, it’s typical for cats to prefer to scratch the couch. This could have to do with the texture of the furniture or the fact that your scent is also on the couch and the cat is bonding with you. Regardless of why, it’s important to stop the behavior. Provide your cat with a scratching alternative to the couch; get your cat a scratching post with multiple textures and surfaces. Different cats like different things. Some like carpet and upholstery while others like cardboard or wood. Lots of options will give your cat a place to find what strikes their fancy. Entice your cat to scratch a

Kittens are fun bundles of energy that bring light-hearted joy into your home. Even though full-grown cats are largely independent and wise about staying out of trouble, kittens are infinitely more curious and require a bit more care and guidance. It’s your job to teach your kitten how and where to use the litter box, what to and not to eat, where to sleep, and more. Kittens are curious creatures. They experience their environment through their senses, which means that they’re inclined to lick, chew, and eat things they come across. Many of these things you won’t want your kitten exposed to. Get anything that your kitten might chew, eat, or choke on out of the way. This could include things like pencil erasers, toilet paper and paper towels, writing paper, children’s toys and component parts, ponytail holders, etc. Basically, get things that could be swallowed or chewed off and swallowed away from where your kitten will begin their life in your home. Another aspect of how to take care of a kitten pertains to food. While people find and adopt kittens at all ages, kittens are typically adopted at 10-12 weeks old. Some may be adopted earlier or even found before they’re supposed to be weaned. Thus, what you feed your kitten depends on age. If your kitten should still be nursing, you can get a kitten bottle and kitten formula from your vet or pet food supplier and

You’ve probably heard that coconut oil is healthy for humans in a plethora of ways, but did you know that there are benefits of coconut oil for dogs, too? Coconut oil can be anti-inflammatory and antifungal. Coconut oil is also healthy for dogs to consume mixed in with their food. Read on to learn three amazing benefits of coconut oil for dogs! Coconut oil is procured through the pressing of coconut meat. The unrefined oil or virgin oil that comes from coconuts is beneficial to your dog in multiple ways. One of those ways is that coconut oil nourishes and moisturizes your dog’s skin and hair. If oil is applied to your dog’s skin, it can make the hair glossier. Coconut oil can penetrate hair fibers, so it’s not just layered on top of the hair; it’s actually in the hair, enriching it and nourishing it. To apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin and fur, rub a small amount onto your hands. Pat your oiled hands onto your dog’s hair. Lightly massage the oil into your dog’s skin and run your fingers through your dog’s coat. Bear in mind that a little goes a long way. Another huge benefit to external use of coconut oil is that it may fight off new parasites like ticks, fleas, and mange mites. Evidence also shows that coconut oil can get rid of existing pests and help heal wounds caused by pest bites.

Fish oil for dogs is important for several reasons which we’ll cover in this article. Fish oil is a nutrient-rich natural fat that is often described as a functional ingredient or a superfood because of the important omega-3 fatty acid health benefits that it offers. Extracted as an oil from the tissues of oily fish such as herring, tuna, anchovies, salmon and mackerel, this ingredient is also rich in two important omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fats in general are known as lipids and can be found in both animal and plant-based ingredients. Fats have multiple functions in the body that contribute to your dog’s overall health: Storing energy Providing structural support for membranes Support function of skin and coat health Support function of brain and nerve development Help reduce susceptibility to inflammation Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish oil is rich in Omega fatty acids. Ensuring your dog’s diet has nutrient-rich omega fatty acids ingredients like fish oil has been shown to balance the amount of omega-6 fatty acids and improve the appearance and feel of skin and coat in dogs. DHA and EPA present in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oils are also important for young puppies and kittens with studies showing dietary inclusion can support brain, nerve, and eye development to give them the best start in life. Omega 6 fatty acids: Found in animal tissues such as chicken fat or vegetable

Your dog is constipated. Now what? Here we’ll cover constipation in dogs, and share tips on what you can give a dog that is constipated in order to help relieve their discomfort. Constipation is something no pet parent wants to see their dog suffering with. Presenting as a difficulty to pass a stool, the infrequent passage of stools or a total absence of any stool, constipation is the result of feces being retained in the last section of the intestinal tract for one reason or another. While in many cases some simple adjustments can help alleviate a pet’s discomfort and ensure the return of healthy digestion, in some cases, constipation can progress to obstruction where the feces become excessively hard and impacted within the intestinal tract which. Obstruction is a serious condition and can lead to permanent damage of the intestinal tract if left untreated. Constipation can occur with any condition that impairs the movement of feces through the colon. When feces are retained within the colon for an extended period, water continues to be absorbed, resulting in progressively harder and drier feces. Constipation can occur secondary to an obstruction (such as an enlarged prostate, a pelvic fracture or ingested foreign body), painful defecation (from anal wounds or orthopedic upset such as hip problems), environmental factors (such as confinement/boarding or inactivity), medications, nerve dysfunction, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, or inadequate water intake. Because of the potential for these underlying conditions,

If you’re thinking about making an appointment to take your pup for a dog dental cleaning, you should know there are some similarities—and important differences—to when you go for a dental cleaning. Most importantly, it’s common for a dog to go under anesthesia for a routine dental cleaning to remove tartar and address their dental health. This is done for your dog’s benefit so they aren’t as stressed out during the dog dental cleaning. Think about how those noisy, scary-looking tools coming at your mouth could cause some anxiety. Undergoing this type of cleaning also makes it easier for the veterinary dentist to do his or her job to the best of their ability. So, you’re getting your money’s worth out of the appointment. Here are important factors to think about before you book your dog’s dental cleaning: Talk to the vet doing the dental cleaning about their protocol, how the anesthesia is administered, and the drugs being used. Let the vet know about any pre-existing conditions and medications your pet is on. It might be helpful to have your pet’s bloodwork information before the appointment so everyone is aware of any potential red flags with his or her health. Having more information about your dog’s medical history can help the vet be better informed about what to expect and precautions to take before the procedure.Oftentimes a vet tech will monitor your dog’s vitals throughout the procedure and adjust the anesthesia as necessary. Your

In case you didn’t already know, dog biscuits are hard, crunchy treats for dogs that come in a variety of flavors. They serve as dietary supplements for dogs and serve the same function to dogs as snacks do to humans. Just as with human snacks, not all are created equally. It’s important for dog parents to know what the best ingredients are for dog biscuits for your dog’s pleasure and overall health, how best to store them for freshness, and what some of the most popular flavors are. Since we’ve established what they are and what function they serve to your dog, the question then becomes what makes a great dog biscuit? Just like with your snacks, your dog wants a biscuit that is a treat, a reward…super delicious! But like you, your dog needs a biscuit that’s not chock full of artificial ingredients or unhealthy additives that will cause weight gain or negatively impact his overall health. Thus, great dog biscuits are the healthiest that you can find that are also full of delicious flavor (more on that in a minute). According to the American Kennel Club, a leading authority on all things canine, the healthiest are those made with the same natural ingredients as your regular dog food recipes. Look for dog biscuit ingredient lists that are free of: Artificial sweeteners (such as xylitol) Rendered fats Corn or wheat gluten Propylene glycol (PG) BHA BHT Ethoxyquin Food dyes Meat and grain