Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Most kids are picky eaters. Parents search long and hard for alternative food options to satisfy their stubborn child, but what happens when we are having the same issues with our dogs? They can’t verbally communicate with us, so the only message we receive is a refusal to eat. There are a lot of reasons dogs start to forgo their usual meals. Just like humans, if a dog had an upset stomach after eating, it may pair the association to the food refusing to eat it as a safety measure. Anxiety or inconsistent feeding times can also cause refusal to eat. However, the lack of excitement towards their daily meals could also be food boredom or a need for more flavor. Because we can’t get in their heads and know for sure, these behaviors in our pups set off a chain of events leading to a hunt for dog-approved food. Where do we turn to find good dog food for picky eaters? Some dogs simply don’t like kibble, and evolutionarily, it makes sense. Wild animals never eat processed food, so why are we expecting our picky pets to follow suit? A good starting point towards change could be incorporating a different type of dry food into your dog’s diet. A great option is Wellness’ CORE RawRev. Made from high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw bites of meats like turkey and lamb mixed in, this recipe contains no fillers or artificial ingredients.

Nearly all pet parents agree when it comes to feeding their dog, protein is one of the most important ingredients they need to look for when selecting the best food for their dog. But are all proteins the same? Should you feed a high protein dog food? What is considered high protein? Should you only look at the amounts of raw meat ingredients or is the guaranteed analysis amount of Crude Protein that is more important? And what does protein in a dog’s body get used for? Let’s cut through the confusion: Technically, only 18%. According to the Association of American Feed Controls (AAFCO) who determine the minimum requirements for nutritional adequacy when it comes to formulating canine nutrition, the adult maintenance minimum that dogs need to survive is just 18% Crude Protein and 22.5% Crude Protein for dogs that are growing or reproducing. But providing a diet that exceeds these minimum amounts of Crude Protein is one way of ensuring that dogs don’t just survive, but that they are eating nutrition that truly can make them thrive. There is no hard and fast number when it comes to classifying products as being high protein nutrition but there are a couple points to consider. Firstly, always compare diets by the guaranteed analysis, this is the chart on the back of the pack that tells you what levels are in the finished product. This chart is the best way to compare apples

Give your puppy the best possible start in life by feeding a specially formulated puppy food to meet their growing needs. The best dog food for puppies are formulas that contain essential growth nutrients such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid that is crucial for brain health, the development of the nervous system as well as key for good eye sight. Puppies actually get DHA from their mother’s milk that is why it’s so important in a puppy recipe as they transition over to real food. DHA in puppy foods can be sourced from fish or fish oil, liver protein or from algae meal. A puppy diet also contains optimum amounts of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bones, muscles and teeth in terms of the AAFCO nutrient profile that supports growth. The best foods for puppies are higher in calories than adult diets to ensure overall healthy growth. That’s why there are different types of puppy diets because, for example, larger breeds grow over a longer period of time and have nutritional requirements related to their growth pattern versus small breeds. Whether your puppy is going to grow up to be a small adult dog or a larger dog, it’s important to always follow the feeding guidelines in order not to overfeed. It’s worth having a nutrition conversation with your veterinarian. At Wellness, we offer a full-time hotline and can offer knowledgeable advice with regard to specific

You are what you eat – and the same goes for your cat! Here’s what you need to look for in your cat’s dry food. When you start your search for a quality dry cat food, you need to first do your research. After all, a quality dry cat food is only as good as its ingredients. Before you start shopping, you should know how important the ingredients are – and that’s why we’re going to talk about the top five healthy cat food ingredients you need to see on the label to know that the recipe you are feeding your cat delivers on the 5 signs of Wellbeing. Cats are obligate carnivores, and as such, a quality dry cat food needs to list a protein as its first ingredient – no exceptions! Not only that, but the protein needs to be named – it shouldn’t just list “meat.” Look for chicken, turkey, lamb, or salmon. When you look at any of Wellness’ cat food recipes, you’ll notice that a high-quality protein is listed right at the top of the ingredient list. This combined with healthy fats and wholesome carbohydrates for a complete and balanced meal helps ensure every cat receives the optimal energy they need to thrive. Essential in supporting your cat’s skin and coat health and other important biological functions, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can be found in fish oil, eggs, and flaxseed. A quality dry cat

Dog dental chews are a great way of helping keep your dog’s teeth clean. With so many products available the following are 6 quick points to consider when next in the dog treat aisle choosing a chew for your dog. Following these tips will ensure you choose a chew that is tasty and safe but one that is the most effective at removing plaque and tartar whilst keeping their breath fresh: Ensure that an edible dental chew contains high-quality natural ingredients to promote the health and wellbeing for your dog as well as keep their teeth clean. The back of a dental chews pack will often highlight if a brand contains non-GMO ingredients as well as show the ingredient list in order of most abundant to the smallest ingredient inclusions. Look for ingredients you recognize like potatoes or chicken Avoid non-specific ingredients like ‘meat meal’ or generic ‘cereals.’ These open ingredient descriptors don’t give you visibility as to the source of that ingredient, meaning they are inferior ingredients. Knowing where your dog’s dental treats are made gives assurance on the level quality and safety involved in making a chew that your dog will eat. At North American and European manufacturing sites, companies must meet very strict industry standards that ensure the highest quality chews are available to your pet. In other markets such as China, these industry controls may be missing and create a chew with lower quality standards. Less

Whether you’ve just adopted a new puppy, or you’ve had your furry tail-wagging friend for years, it can be very upsetting when your four-legged family member stops eating, especially if she usually has a healthy appetite! If your doggo or puppy just isn’t chowing down like she used to, it could be due to a variety of factors, ranging from health conditions to behavioral issues. While most healthy dogs can go a day or two without food, it’s important to monitor your dog’s health and behavior to see if there’s an underlying issue why he won’t eat. If your dog goes more than 48 hours without any food, it’s important to take them to see a vet immediately. 1. Your Dog Could Be Sick or Have Serious Health Issues A lack of appetite could indicate cancer, infections, liver problems or kidney failure, so talk to your vet if you think your dog might be sick. Vaccinations are vital to keeping your dog healthy, but they may cause your dog to temporarily lose her appetite. Did you take your dog somewhere new? If your pup was eating just fine until you went on a trip, her loss in appetite could be due to the stress of traveling and new surroundings. Some dogs may also get motion sickness in cars. Check your dog’s mouth – something might be causing her pain. As your vet to check your pup for broken or loose

There is a good reason that dogs are called man’s (and woman’s) best friend. From the moment you bring your new dog home, he will spend his lifetime striving to be your biggest fan, most ferocious protector, snuggliest couch cuddle partner, and honorary child in your family portraits. And whether it’s a wriggling new puppy that joins your pack or a senior dog celebrating his third act by leaving the animal shelter to become part of your family, your new dog will ultimately end up being your best friend. But bringing a dog into your life isn’t a matter to be taken lightly; you are making a commitment for that dog’s whole life! If it’s your first time looking to adopt a dog, you might need a few pointers on where to start! “Owning a dog is a big responsibility.” We’re sure you’ve heard those words before when you were a kid trying to convince your parents that you were ready for one of the squirmy pups in the box marked “Free Puppies.” But even as an adult, it’s true. A dog takes time and money, and you need to make sure you have enough of both before committing to a new pet. Consider your lifestyle; do you have time to take a dog for a walk a few times a day (or pay someone else to do it for you while you’re at work)? Do you have time to visit

Kittens grow up very fast especially during the first few weeks of their lives. Here’s a timeline of those captivating milestones so you can chart their development as they discover the wonderful world around them—and you. Kittens are born blind and deaf. Eyes are closed and ears are folded at birth. No teeth yet. Around five days, eyes start opening and initially are blue in color. Around five days, ears start to unfold and they can begin to hear sounds. During the newborn kitten stage, kittens are totally reliant on their mother. Keep in mind that if there is no mother cat, kittens require special 24/7 care including being fed a special kitten formula every two hours which is designed to strengthen their immune systems and build healthy bones. Never give a kitten dairy or other milk products that humans consume. Wobbly movements. Kittens start to make wobbly attempts to stand up but remain very close to Mom and each other. First squeaky mewing sounds. The first of 26 baby teeth start to come in. No claw movement. They are still too young to be able to retract their tiny claws. Eyes and ears are properly developed (although eyesight will still be a bit blurry). Kittens begin to move around more. It’s time to begin socializing with them, by introducing kitten toys. Introduce human touch. A mother cat will groom her kittens with her tongue. To get them used to

It’s a new year and a new decade, and January starts the year off on the right paw as National Train Your Dog Month. Maybe there was a new puppy under your tree this year, eager to learn, or maybe you have an older dog and know that you really can teach an old dog new tricks with enough patience and diligence. Whatever your pooch’s age, breed, temperament, or place within your pack, there are three tricks that every dog should know, and it’s not just about being able to impress your friends. Perhaps the ‘oldest trick in the book’ and the absolute most useful to your dog is the time-honored command ‘Sit.’ Teaching a dog to sit is about much more than asking him to stay in one place (which is important) but it’s about teaching your dog to recognize his place in ranking. Many dog breeds are stubborn or headstrong, and bringing your dog to a seated position reminds him that not only does he need to do what you ask of him, but he needs to stay in that position until you give him further instruction. He should know his place in the routine, and sometimes that means parking it exactly where he is. Sitting allows him to properly greet people or other animals in an unintimidating way, but what’s more, it can even save his life. Live in a big city? A simple ‘sit’ command given

As a pet parent, you know that clean, fresh water is vital to your pet’s health and happiness. Water is essential to all living things, and your pup and feline are no exception! Like most mammals, your pet is made up of 2/3 water. Without adequate water, your pet can become dehydrated or even experience severe health issues, including urinary and kidney problems, or even death. Since you know the importance of water to your pet, you probably already make sure that your furry friend always has something to drink. But are you changing their water enough? Pets need adequate water to ensure proper organ function, joint lubrication and food digestion. Water carries important nutrients to cells of the body. It helps your pet digest his food and absorb the nutrients from his kibble. Water helps your pets move easier by keeping their joints nice and lubricated. Internal tissues and the spinal cord are also cushioned by moisture. Water also helps your pet eliminate wastes through urination and bowel movements. Every important body function requires water. Without enough water, your pet can become ill and dehydrated. Some warning signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, pale and dry gums, and dry skin. Your pet may also seem lethargic or depressed if have no appetite if he isn’t getting enough water. So how much water should your pets drink? A variety of factors, including your animal’s diet, age, environment and health conditions,

Dogs – like people – can have a harder time getting around and doing things dogs do if they are overweight. Studies show that more than half of the dogs in the United States are overweight and at risk of developing debilitating health problems. Maybe it’s time to start your dog on a weight loss plan if they are starting to look a little pudgy or move a little slower. Dogs who maintain a healthy weight live longer, so keep your pup around as long as possible by learning how you can help your dog lose weight below! If you can’t easily feel your pup’s ribs or shoulder blades, he might be overweight. If you can’t see your dog’s waist or there’s a roll of fat at the base of your dog’s tail, it’s time to shed some pounds. As always, consult your vet if you have any questions about your puppy’s health. How can your help your favorite tail-wagging friend drop some pounds? The answers are surprisingly simple. Try the below 6 tips to help keep your puppy trim. Calculate how many calories your dog needs Weight your dog regularly Switch up their treats Give your dog daily exercise Provide the right supplements Feed your dog less carbs and more protein To help your dog lose weight, you need to make sure he’s burning more calories than he’s eating or simply, the calories in need to be less than calories out. If you don’t know

Doggy breath is something no pet parent wants to face, especially when your dog tries to cover you in kisses. Many pet parents may consider stinky dog breath just a normal reality of having a dog, but that’s not the case. In fact, bad dog breath can be a key sign that your dog may be suffering from a more serious health concern such as dental disease, diabetes or kidney and liver disease. Here are 5 quick tips on how to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and their breath fresh: The most common cause of bad dog breath is poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease. Your veterinarian is also your dog’s dentist, so ensuring your dog has their annual checkup is key to keeping them healthy. Should there be signs of dental disease, your vet can perform a professional cleaning. During this procedure, your vet will remove plaque and tartar, evaluate and resolve mouth infection and extract any loose or compromised teeth. This will not only have your dog feeling a whole lot better, but it helps reduce the overall bacterial presence that were key contributors to your dog’s bad breath. It takes as little as 24 hours after a professional cleaning for bacteria to start accumulating on teeth as plaque. To help keep this in check, the gold standard technique is to brush your dog’s teeth every day with special doggie toothpaste (never use human toothpaste). Brushing mechanically removes