Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Judging by the thousands of tantalizing food photographs posted to Instagram, visual presentation ranks high alongside taste when it comes to our food choices. But cats are just the opposite; they don’t care about the way their food looks. And further, flavor only plays a partial role in determining feline food preferences as cats only have 500 taste buds, compared to humans who have 9,000 taste buds! Instead, cats rely heavily on their sense of smell and on “mouth-feel” – the ease with which they are able to pick up the food and the way it feels in their mouths. This is the key to finding your cat’s favorite wet food texture. Equally important is the happy sensation they both express and feel after the meal, by washing their face and paws and then settling down to sleep in a favorite snooze zone to digest. A cat’s food preferences are heavily influenced by the types of food it was exposed to as kitten and by the eating experiences during kitten hood. For example, kittens born on the streets and having to fight for a meal, along with what they actually got to eat, will have very different food-related memories compared to kittens raised in a secure home environment where they were potentially offered kibble as their main nutritional source and a side wet offering of only pate. Consequently, to help promote a cat who is willing to eat a wide

Content originally published on BestLifeOnline.com. If there were such a thing as the Nap Olympics, there’s no doubt that a cat would emerge victorious. On average, felines sleep for 15 hours a day, and some can snooze for as much as 20 hours in a single 24-hour period. The only question is: Why do cats sleep so much? The answer lies in the domestic cat’s ancestry. According to the National Sleep Foundation, cats are crepuscular animals, meaning that they snooze during the day and become alert between dusk and dawn (just like lions and other large cats). “On average, cats sleep for 15 hours a day, a trait they inherited from their wild ancestors,” explains Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food. “While household cats are largely domesticated, they may still have a wild streak in them and may show primal instincts of hunting during these twilight hours.” So, why do cats sleep so much if they live indoors? Of course, most domesticated cats aren’t exactly being forced to go outside and hunt for their food, but that doesn’t mean that they know that. And since hunting inside the house is out of the question, cats will get this built-up energy out by prowling and playing around the house (typically around the time that everyone else is sleeping, to the dismay of their owners). Unlike humans, cats tend to remain alert even as they sleep, just in case potential prey (like a mouse) is nearby and they need

Wellness is launching grain-free kibble diets for cats that provide high-quality animal protein sources, balanced with grain-free carbohydrates, essential vitamins and minerals for whole-body health – catisfaction guaranteed!  Each grain-free recipe delivers the great nutrition expected from Wellness Complete Health®, but without the grains. During this transition we recommend that if you are currently feeding a grained food and will be switching to the Complete Health® Grain Free product line to choose the recipe or life-stage diet comparable to the grained portfolio. ·      Transition your cat to a new diet over a period of at least seven days. ·      Gradually decrease the amount of current food while increasing the amount of new food. The Complete Health Wet Cat portfolio offers natural, grain free nutrition in a wide variety of forms and flavors, so that it’s easy for every cat to find their favorite. All Wellness dry cat recipes provide natural, balanced nutrition with fresh meat as the first ingredient.  Therefore, selecting a CORE diet is a great alternative to the grained recipes – expect increased protein levels and the same high-quality, grain-free ingredients.  CORE is a very palatable diet and can be higher in calories due to the nutrient-dense nature of the formulas, so it is best to transition gradually and monitor eating behaviors immediately following transition to ensure your cat is not being overfed. CORE Feeding Guidelines: While the feeding recommendations are similar, due to the nutrient-dense nature of the formulas some CORE diets are higher in calories

Pets unfortunately can’t live alongside us forever, and although this is something we acknowledge when opening our hearts to our furry friends, losing a beloved pet can bring ultimate heartbreak and real grief. Friends and family often offer support because they too have once lost a pet, but it isn’t always easy to know what to feel or how to heal. But here’s what we do know: everyone is going to handle losing their pet differently so here are some things you can do to begin your grieving process and honor the memory of your pet. It seems so simple, but just letting yourself feel the hurt and loss with a good cry can be the first step in acknowledging the loss of your companion and starting to deal with the pain. People that aren’t pet owners might not understand it, but for those of us who truly love our dogs and cats, losing a pet can be the same as losing a treasured friend, and a member of the family. Allow yourself to break down, and also let yourself be comforted by those who love you and know how much your pet meant to you. Sometimes when we lose someone we love, we find ourselves faced with the words that went unsaid, and we wish that we could just have a few moments to tell our lost companion how much he or she truly meant. The same can be

Cats are known for finding the best sunbeams for napping, for keeping your feet warm at night and for having uncanny timing when glancing ironically at you. As cats age (indoor cats in particular), they exercise less and less, but all cats need exercise regardless of how old they are. According to PetMD, cats need to be engaged in “activity” for at least 15 minutes a day. Without daily exercise, not only do cats run the risk of becoming obese and of developing medical problems such as heart disease and muscle deterioration, but they also are at increased risk of developing feline depression and other psychological problems. Cat exercise is considered anything that gets cats moving outside of  their normal routine. The walk from the bed to the couch into the kitchen and back to the couch is not considered exercise . The kind of activity that merits exercise gets your cat’s heart rate up. So, when you play with your cat with their toys and they run, jump and scamper, they’re being active. Although 15 minutes a day doesn’t sound like a lot in theory, it can be tough to keep up with a cat’s fitness needs if you are someone who works and travels often. This means cats need a way to exercise on their own for those times their parents can’t be there to play and get them moving. But how? This is where the cat exercise wheel comes in

June is Adopt a Cat Month, which means that every day for the next thirty days is a Caturday. In case you didn’t know, it’s also kitten season according American Humane and is a time when millions of kittens will be born. Many of those kittens will end up in a shelter and will need to be adopted. If you’ve been thinking of getting a cat or if you’d like to help the millions of cats and kittens needing homes, now is the time to take action. Cats are smart, affectionate and loyal companions. They are also low-maintenance pets, which make them an excellent choice for busy families who want to be pet owners. Many cats are content to be solo pets, but if you’re a pet owner who travels or often not home, adopting two cats (siblings tend to do well together) not only gives two cats a home, but it also gives your furry friends someone to play with when you aren’t around. Other reasons to adopt cats include: Cats are entertaining—watching them play or do silly things often puts you in a happy mood. Cats can help reduce stress and anxiety. Cat purrs have proven healing powers, which include lowering blood pressure and healing muscles. If you’ve never owned or adopted a cat or kitten but are interested, as noted, cats are very low-maintenance. They need food, water, veterinary care and a litter box if they are

After receiving over 900 entries, we are excited to announce our 2019 Small Breed Photo Contest Winners! Thank you to the hundreds of Wellness fans who shared their pet photos with us – we smiled, laughed and enjoyed each one. Get to know the pups behind the winning photos below! Location of photo taken: Uptown Charlotte, NC Favorite Wellness Food/Treat: Grain free lamb and salmon soft treats Does your pet have a nickname? Chi or Blue boy What is the naughtiest / funniest thing your pet has ever done? I walked into the kitchen one day and he somehow opened the drawers perfectly and used them as stairs to get on the kitchen counter! He was standing up there looking at me so proud of himself. What is the best memory you have involving your pet?  The first day I met him! He was two years old and his family needed to find him a new home because of their work schedule. I met them at a park and as soon as I saw how confident he was and the happy dance he did for treats, I knew he was meant to be my boy! What is the best thing about being a small breed dog owner?  You’re getting a big dog personality in a fun sized, lovable, travel-friendly package which fits perfectly on your lap for cuddle time! Social handle: @sweetbabycharlie Location of photo taken: Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn, NY Favorite Wellness

Dog ownership rides the trend wave just like anything else, and today more people are choosing to own small breeds in lieu of breeds that mature into medium and large-size dogs. While all dogs are wonderful, loving and loyal, there are good things that come in small (dog) packaging! While our pets don’t live as long as we do, most live for well over a decade. On average, small dogs live upwards of 15 years and beyond. Your dog’s breed mix will play a role in their life expectancy, but it is nice to know that you have a few more precious years with your fun-sized baby. Small dogs are perfect fits for urban families living in apartments or condos or for families who have small yards. Of course, your small dog needs exercise; however, it is easier for small dogs to get that inside the home or in a small yard space. Just as small dog breeds have no problem living in small dwellings with little-to-no yard space, small dogs also travel easier whether it’s taking a stroll, a quick grocery run, going on a drive to up the coast or flying to see family far away. Small dogs fit comfortably in easy-to-carry kennels or bags that can usually be taken on a flight and fit perfectly in your car seat or shopping cart. If you’ve ever visited the park and watched the dogs, you’ve probably seen labs jogging with their

Chihuahuas are small, affordable, fun, loyal and easy to care for pets. Check out these 10 reasons why Chihuahuas make a great pet! With their small heads, big eyes and perky ears, Chihuahuas are one of the most recognizable dog breeds. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider a Chihuahua: For small dog lovers, chihuahuas are a dream. They typically weigh between two and six pounds and grow to be seven to nine inches in height. While different breed mixes might be a little larger or smaller, chihuahua parents enjoy all of the perks of having a fun-sized pet. While small dogs tend to live longer than larger dog breeds anyway, chihuahuas enjoy particularly long life spans averaging 13 – 15 years. Chihuahuas are known for many things and being loyal to their pet parents is one of them. Chihuahuas enjoy spending quality time with you whether it’s sitting on your lap during your leisure time or taking a ride around town with you. Though chihuahuas are loyal and affectionate with their owners, they are anything but dull and love to play! However, no two chihuahuas are the same, so if you have a friend with a chihuahua, your pet is likely to be quite different and unique. Most dog breeds are bright, but some are brighter and easier to train than others. Chihuahuas in particular are a bright breed and are, in turn, easy to train for obedience. One

Essentials oils, which are plant extracts that contain a large quantity of rapidly evaporating oil, have become increasingly popular as natural, organic solutions for a variety of mental, physical and emotional maladies. Research by the scientific community has validated the overall health benefits for humans using essential oils; however, many people presume that that what benefits people also benefits cats and that essential oils are safe for cats. This is a misconception. Essential oils are largely considered toxic to cats and using them around cats merits a great deal of education and good judgement. Essential Oils (EOs) have not been studied on a massive scale in felines because of the ethical concerns associated with studying a known toxin on a live animal. Existing knowledge and understanding is sufficient and for veterinarians, aromatherapists, and others with expertise in using and administering EOs in cats to concur that they are unsafe. This is true regardless of the type of oil and is especially true for oils boasting insect / pest repellant properties. Toxic effects of EOs in cats include but are not limited to: Triggering an existing condition such as asthma, upper respiratory disease, or skin allergies. Irritating eyes (watering) or noses due to aggravation. Developing dermatitis. Causing seizures. Liver failure, kidney failure, heart failure or other organ failure . In particular, EOs are most dangerous and are potentially fatal to cats if they are administered to a cat’s fur or skin, or if they

All dogs are delightful, but cleaning dog hair off your clothes, couch, car seat, etc. probably doesn’t bring you joy. For dog lovers who want the companionship without the hair and fur cleanup, we’ve compiled a list of the fifteen best-loved small dogs that don’t shed. Bichon Frise, a name that translates to “curly lap dog” in French, is a petite, easy-to-maintain breed characterized by a hypoallergenic coat that doesn’t shed and only has to be clipped every so often. Like the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese is a small, cuddly lap dog with a soft, fluffy coat. Like many small dogs that don’t shed, regular grooming is still important to keep this pup looking and feeling good. The Brussels Griffon is a companionable, loyal, and loving breed that can have a rough or a smooth coat. In either case, shedding hair isn’t an issue; though, regular grooming is needed. There are two varieties of Chinese Crested hairless and powder puff. Both are low-maintenance; however, Powderpuff Chinese Crested shed minimally. All varieties of this bright, focused dog are hypoallergenic. Considered the most popular small mixed breed dogs, Cockapoos, which are part Cocker Spaniel and part Poodle, are not only unlikely to shed, but they’re also family-friendly and are easily trained. Originally hailing from Cuba, Havanese are small, fun-loving, friendly dogs with curious eyes and lush coats that don’t shed. Thought to be related to Tibetan Terriers, another great small non-shedding breed,

Spring break is coming up and you want to take the whole family, but not every vacation destination celebrates pets; however, you want to bring your dog and have lots of fun. This top 10 list showcases the best-of-the-best of dog-friendly spring break vacation hot spots for pet lovers. You could say Key West is going to the dogs in the best of ways. This tropical destination not only features pristine turquoise ocean water, but it also has lots of doggie to-dos including the Higgs Beach Dog Park where dogs can frisk around unleashed, which means you and your dog can splash in the sun together. There are also dozens of restaurants and other venues (like the Key West Aquarium, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Gardens and the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum) that welcome your four-legged family members. If your spring break won’t be complete without beaches and sunshine, but you also want a quiet(er) getaway, then make plans to visit Amelia Island. There are plenty of beaches that welcome (leashed) pets. Enjoy a quiet week of R&R shopping the local weekend farmer’s market, strolling Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach and playing at the Nassau County Human Society dog park (considered one of the country’s best). Carmel-by-the-Sea has been rated the number one dog-loving town in America with good reason. Carmel beach not only have a seemingly endless expanse of sandy shore for unleashed pets to run around on, you