Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Periodontal disease in dogs has now become the number one health issue affecting 80% of adult canines. So what is it, what are the common signs to look for and, most importantly, how can we help keep our dog’s teeth healthy?   Commonly known as dental and gum disease, periodontal disease in dogs is an inflammatory condition that affects the soft and hard structures that support your dog’s teeth. In the early stages of development, periodontal disease is a buildup of plaque and tartar both on the surface of your dog’s tooth as well as underneath their gums. With the disease, you would likely notice your dog’s gums becoming swollen and red. In the more serious and chronic form of periodontal disease, the gums start to pull away from the tooth leading to the tooth loosening or eventually falling out. Without knowing what to look for, most pet owners often mistakenly consider common signs of periodontal disease as normal, which results in missing the early indicators of dental problems. When looking at your dog, here are some top signs to consider if determining the health of their dental hygiene: Bad breath: Smelly breath is a key indicator that your dog may be suffering some form of periodontal disease. Bad breath, also known clinically as halitosis, is the result of increased bacteria being present in your dog’s mouth due to the buildup of plaque and tartar which, in tern, causes decay that creates smelly sulfur

Happy Active Dog Month! Spring has finally sprung, and your dog is likely leaping out the door to enjoy as many dog friendly activities in the sunshine as possible. Let them—and go with them! When it comes to dogs and spring, the warmer weather, fresh air and exercise is not only fun for pets and necessary for their wellbeing—it’s fun and necessary for our wellbeing as pet owners, too. So get out there and enjoy the springtime and its longer, sun-soaked days! Whether you’re ready to exercise, socialize or mix it up with a bit of both after one long winter, we’ve got a list of 10 fun activities to do with your dog that will put a smile on you and your pooch’s face. 1. Take a Daily Walk – Get in the rhythm of a springtime dog walk (or two!) every day. Better yet, make it a daily gratitude walk. Dogs in spring will want to take time to stop and smell the roses, tulips and all those fresh flowers springing up. You will, too! 2. Hit the Hiking Trail – Go off-road to take in the great outdoors on a springtime hike with your dog. In the woods, around a lake, wherever the dog-friendly trails near you lead. Your pup will enjoy all the new smells of the trail and you can both bathe in the natural sights, sounds and sunshine. 3. Have a Ball at the

Notice that your dog has a little extra “pep” in their steps these days as the weather gets warmer and days get longer? If he or she is anything like some of our dogs, they’ve been running in circles in the yard more often, digging up holes in the dirt, and eating some new spring grass. Just like you might seem to have a little more energy in the spring, it could seem like your dog has followed suit lately as well. “The warmer weather shouldn’t impact itself on a dog’s energy levels but the warmer temps definitely mean we can head out and do a whole lot more with our dogs outside and for them this is most definitely exciting and something they love so they may come across as a little more excitable,” says Dr. Danielle Bernal, BVSc, MRCVS, Global Vet Nutrition Director at Wellness Pet Company. Luckily, there are some ways to deal with your dog’s more excitable behavior during the warm weather months. Take your dog on a longer walk—or two walks—and reap the benefits of the longer, lighter days. Exercise is one of the best options—ensuring the dog has no health issues, such as osteoarthritis, that may be aggravated as a result—as it not only supports their physical fitness but also provides great mental and social experiences. Seeing and smelling different things benefits their wellbeing, as does crossing paths with other dogs when out on

Ah, spring! That wonderful time of year when the sun starts to warm our faces, and the world seems to wake up again. If you’ve got a dog, you know they’re just as excited as you are to shake off the winter blues and get back to exploring. So, take advantage of the nice spring weather by taking part in a few of these activities with your dog. This might be part of your weekly quality time routine with your pup but if you haven’t taken your four-legged friend to a dog park recently, this will be a fun outing for both of you. Visit a new dog park you’ve researched online, pack some water for your dog and a beverage for you, and get ready to make new friends. Make sure you reward your dog for their excellent behavior with a Wellness Old Mother Hubbard treating moment when you get home. Have a friend or family member who’d love to socialize with their dog? Plan a dog playdate at one of your homes, a dog park, or a safe, gated area where the dogs can run around together. If you don’t have a dog owner in mind to socialize with, check out a local group on social media to meet up with or search for your city or town + dog owners online to find local activities. (Yes, there are dog owner dating apps to check out, too!) You could even do

We love coconut as an ingredient in spring treats and DIY dog treats because it makes us think of new grass, budding plants, and all the wonderful new life that shows up in the spring. You may have used coconut oil on your dog already by topically applying coconut oil to inflamed areas of the skin if your dog frequently scratches in a particular spot to help soothe the itch or aid with the discomfort of a bee sting. If you plan to give your dog coconut oil orally to help with digestion, brain health and, fight off viruses, consult with your veterinarian first and inquire about your dog’s health as well as dosing. We think your dog will love to celebrate the flavors of spring with these coconut dog treat recipes. 1 Cup of oatmeal 1 Egg ½ Cup of applesauce 2 Tablespoons of Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil 12 Wellness Old Mother Hubbard Chick’n’Apples Dog Treats Optional: Egg-Shaped Cookie Cutters 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. In a medium bowl, combine oatmeal and applesauce. Mix well. 4 Then add the egg and mix. 5. Spoon the dog treat mixture into an egg-shaped cookie cutter on the baking tray. You could also just use a spoon and drop the cookies on the baking sheet at

Dogs bring so much joy into our lives, and it’s important to keep them happy and stimulated. Just like humans, dog activities, especially with their humans, can help keep pets’ weight and joints healthy. Daily walks and fetch sessions are a great way to keep your dog active, yet beyond that there’s a whole world of organized dog events waiting for you and your furry friend to explore. These activities cater to a variety of canine personalities and energy levels, offering a chance to strengthen your bond with your furry friend, challenge their minds and bodies, and socialize them in a safe and fun environment. So get ready to unleash the fun with these exciting organized dog activities! Channel your inner athlete: • Agility Training: Dog agility training is a fun and challenging activity that combines physical exercise with mental stimulation for your dog. It involves navigating an obstacle course filled with jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and other challenges. You, as the handler, will guide your dog through the course using voice commands, body language, and cues. It’s a fantastic way to bond with your furry friend while working on obedience, focus, and overall fitness. Navigate obstacle courses filled with jumps, tunnels, and weave poles – it’s a workout for both of you! • Flyball: Calling all ball-obsessed pups! Dog flyball is a relay race bursting with energy and enthusiasm, perfect for high-drive dogs that love to fetch. Imagine a

As devoted cat enthusiasts, we understand the importance of ensuring our feline companions not only enjoy their meals but also maintain optimal cat health. In this insightful exploration, we delve into lean body mass (LBM) and how wet cat food can help promote and sustain LBM in our beloved cats. From maintaining LBM to healthy weight loss for cats, read on to discover how wet cat food can be a key player in keeping your furry friends purr-fectly lean and thriving. In cat breeds, LBM refers to the weight of the body, excluding fat. It includes muscles, organs, bones, and other non-fat tissues. Since most of the LBM (weight of bones, connective tissue, organs) will not change significantly, it is sometimes used to describe the amount of muscle a cat has. Just like in humans, understanding a cat’s LBM can be important for assessing overall health, monitoring weight changes, and evaluating nutritional status. Cats can experience muscle loss or gain due to various factors such as age, activity level, health conditions, and nutrition. Maintaining optimal cat health can help limit trips to the veterinarian.  We all want our pets to live as long as possible. LBM in cats is significant because it plays a role in their mobility, agility, and overall longevity. Research has demonstrated that for aging cats (over the age of 12), every 10 g increase in LBM resulted in a 2% increased survival rate.1-3 As animals age,

As Easter approaches, our minds often drift to baskets filled with chocolates and colorful candies. However, this is a great time for us to show our dogs we love them with an Easter dog treat of their own! This year, extend the Easter cheer to your beloved dog with a homemade treat that’s both nutritious and tail-waggingly delicious. Our simple recipe transforms pantry staples into delightful Easter-themed goodies that are sure to make your dog’s day extra special. Makes: 12 – 15 Easter Treats Time to Cook: 20 Minutes 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter 1 Egg 1.5 Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil) 1.5 Cups Whole Wheat Flour (or all-purpose flour if they have a sensitivity) 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Optional) 1/2 of a ripe banana, mashed Wellness Old Mother Hubbard Treats 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. In a bowl, mix the egg, applesauce and half the peanut butter with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. If you’re including banana, add it now. 3. Slowly add in the whole wheat flour, baking soda and cinnamon and continue mixing dough until it is firm enough to work with and roll out. Sometimes it’s helpful to chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes if it’s too warm and sticking to your rolling  pin. 4. Roll out the Easter dog treats dough onto a cutting board or clean counter top (you can use a can

Dogs and beef. It’s a tale as old as time. A match made from the instinctual start. For generations, dogs and their ancient wolf ancestors have craved red meat. And not only because it’s a part of their most basic instincts—but also because it’s darn delicious! Whether dry dog food, wet food, toppers, or treats, you can’t beat beef when it comes to flavor. Your dog will love the crave-worthy taste, and you can love knowing that you’re choosing a dog food with protein that tastes good—and is good for them. We’re kicking off the new year with two new top dry dog food recipes—both big on the beef. And we’re not just talking beef flavor. We’re talking real dog food with real meat. That’s real flavor! Wellness® CORE+ Beef Dry Dog Food This protein packed, nutrient dense kibble is combined with 100% freeze-dried beef pieces for a crave-worthy savory dog food with the essential protein levels, high fiber, and calorie content your dog needs to thrive. Wellness® Complete Health Beef Dry Dog Food This beef recipe for dogs features nutritionally dense crunchy kibble blended with beef and barley for whole-body nutritional support to promote complete health. These new and exciting dog food beef recipes will instinctively have your dog howling for more. As dog foods with real meat (and dog foods packed with protein!), they’ll make for a mealtime that’s full of excitement and nourishment, while also giving your

Dental health is a critical aspect of overall wellbeing for dogs, playing a pivotal role in their comfort, longevity, and quality of life. Much like humans, dogs are susceptible to dental issues such as plaque buildup, tartar formation, and gum disease. Studies show that 70-80% of dogs have some form of oral disease by the time they are two years old.1 Poor oral hygiene not only leads to discomfort but can also have broader health implications, affecting vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Neglecting a dog’s dental care can result in painful conditions, difficulty eating, and a decreased appetite. By prioritizing dental health through regular care and preventive measures, pet owners contribute significantly to their canine companions’ overall health, helping them to lead a happy and pain-free life. The key to good oral health in dogs is to control plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on teeth and forms in as little as six hours after your dog’s dental cleaning. If left uncontrolled, plaque can lead to tartar build up that is difficult to remove. So, a daily cleaning routine is essential to reduce this daily plaque build-up. A home dental care program, including regular daily teeth brushing, is ideal. Though the tooth brushing routine may seem daunting at first, with a little patience and persistence, most dogs will accept teeth brushing. Some tips to get started: Use Dog-Friendly Toothpaste: Never use

When it comes to our pups, we want to make them happy just like they do for us. One way to do this is to offer them a variety of foods to make meals exciting. Or sometimes, for health reasons, they need to be on a different formula of food. When these situations occur, it means a change in food. This can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have never switched diets before. Rest assured that, with a few simple steps, this process can be easy on you and your dog. While kittens often start on wet food, puppies typically start with a high-quality dry food kibble. However, sometimes your dog no longer likes the dry options you are providing, or you simply want to add some variety to your dog’s meal. As our dogs age, due to dental disease or other health concerns, they may also need the transition to a softer food option. No matter the reason, if you’re looking to switch up meal time offerings, wet dog food can be a great choice.  Wet food is a great way to keep your dog hydrated due to the moisture content. This can help aid your dog’s digestion and overall health. Most dogs also prefer wet food to dry because of the texture, aroma, and flavor, making this transition easier for most dogs. You do want to ensure you choose a high-quality, natural wet dog food option

So you have made the decision to provide your cat with natural Wellness® cat kibble! That is the first step, but now you need to get your cat to eat it, and sometimes that can be even more challenging than trying to find the best formula to feed. With cats, the best thing to keep in mind is “slow and steady wins the race”. Whenever you are introducing your cat to a new food, it’s a good idea to gradually transition to the new food recipe over a 7 – 10 day period. An extended transition time frame allows acceptance of the new flavor in the food bowl. And, it will also avoid potential stomach upsets that could cause diarrhea or vomiting as a slow changeover allows the digestive system to adjust to new ingredients. Add about 10% of the new kibble to the bowl every day. If after a few days, your cat notices the difference and there are signs of resistance, reduce the new food by 10%, and, if necessary, hold off on the transition for a couple days before trying again. There is no rush! In fact, cats differ from dogs during the transition of food, and some will refuse to eat to the point of making themselves ill, so make sure they are always eating a good portion of the food or take a step back in the transition for a few days. At the same