Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Cats are known for their independence, agility, and adorable whiskers, but their tendency for dental challenges is often overlooked. Cats tend to hide pain and discomfort, and they are not as likely to lick your face like dogs may, exposing foul-smelling breath that can tip you off to dental disease. Since cats often mask the signs of dental disease, it is important for pet parents to be diligent in knowing what to look for in potential problems and how to prevent them. Dental problems are very common in cats, with some studies reporting more than 70% of adult cats experience dental disease. The most common forms of these diseases are largely preventable or treatable with appropriate preventive dental care and monitoring, but unfortunately, less than 20% of pet parents regularly clean their cat’s teeth.1 Dental diseases can lead to pain, infection, and even affect their overall health. Bacteria from dental disease can spread systemically to the kidneys, heart, and liver. In addition to preventing systemic problems, good dental health is also essential to ensure that cats can comfortably obtain the necessary nutrition to support them throughout life. Recognizing the signs of dental problems in your cat is the first step in providing proper care. One of the first signs may be bad breath. Bad breath, also called “halitosis,” can be caused by a variety of factors other than dental disease, but by far, the most common reason is poor dental

As devoted pet owners, we all share the same goal: providing the best for our canine companions. When it comes to choosing the perfect diet for your four-legged friend, we want to offer the most nutritious diet possible. However, it’s not just about the nutritional content either—we also want to see them excited about their meals. There are few joys as genuine as when dogs spin in circles and drool in anticipation while you get their dinner ready. We have good news! Wellness has combined innovative nutrition science with the classic great taste of beef in the new Wellness CORE + Beef & Barley and Wellness Complete Health Beef & Barley Kibble with beef as the #1 ingredient. Beef provides the rich, savory goodness that stands the test of time and science. According to a palatability study to see what type of meat dogs like best, beef emerged as the winner against lamb, chicken, and other meats. Nutritional Benefits of Wellness Beef Kibble Varieties Beyond its alluring taste, beef boasts a myriad of nutritional benefits. As a rich source of highly digestible essential amino acids (the building block of proteins), beef provides the ingredients needed for the growth and repair of lean muscles, organs, and enzymes in dogs. The benefit of protein isn’t limited to muscles either. Protein plays a major role in healthy skin & coat since hair is composed of mainly protein. Protein also supports immune health by

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, once famously declared, “all disease begins in the gut.” “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” Over two thousand years later, it seems that modern science is beginning to catch up with him, as increasing evidence is emerging of the vital role that the gut, and more specifically, the microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other organisms living within it – can have on the mental and physical wellbeing of not only humans but also our dogs and cats. When it comes to maintaining good health, there is nothing more important than a healthy gut. Once considered a relatively “simple” body system, comprising essentially of one long tube through which food would pass, be absorbed, and then excreted, the digestive system today is recognized for doing so much more than just digesting and eliminating food. Inside it’s winding tubes lives a whole ecosystem of organisms that work together to keep an individual healthy. Just like any other living organism, you need to create the right conditions and provide a supply of good food to keep them going and the microbiome is no different. Optimizing the balance of the trillions of organisms living in the digestive system is key to true gut health and the secret to helping all pets achieve a lifetime of wellbeing. The term “gut microbiome” refers specifically to the trillions of microorganisms living in the intestinal tract. While some microorganisms are harmful to our pet’s health, many are incredibly beneficial and even necessary to a healthy body. At birth, a pet’s microbiome is the result of genetics, but external factors come into play as soon as the puppy or kitten begins interacting with the outside world. As

Creating a pet friendly home for the holidays is important to ensure your furry friends can enjoy the festivities while staying safe and comfortable. All the sights, sounds, food, and guests visiting may be fun and exciting for us, but this is a huge change in routine for our furry friends. Here are some tips for a pet friendly holiday season: Pet Friendly Tree: Ensure the tree is securely anchored to prevent tipping. Place fragile ornaments higher up on the tree where pets can’t reach them and avoid using glass ornaments altogether. Keeping a pet from drinking Christmas tree water is important because the water may contain chemicals, preservatives, or bacteria from the tree, which can be harmful to your pet’s health. Consider placing a barrier around the tree with a pet gate or create a physical barrier around the base of the tree to keep your pet away from the tree stand and its water. If you use additives in the tree water to prolong its freshness, ensure that they are safe for pets. Pet Safe Plants: Introducing pet safe plants into your home during the holidays can add a festive touch while ensuring the safety of your furry friends. Some popular and non-toxic options include Christmas cacti, spider plants, and Boston ferns. These plants not only bring a touch of greenery to your décor but also offer a safe holiday environment for pets. However, it’s crucial to remain

As the holiday season approaches, our furry companions deserve a special treat that not only tantalizes their taste buds but also keeps their tails wagging with joy. Say hello to a delightful and easy-to-make indulgence for your four-legged friends – our dog-friendly Frozen Yogurt Peanut Butter Bark! This no-bake recipe is not only a breeze to prepare but is also a fantastic way to show your pup some extra love during this festive time. ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter 10-12 Wellness Old Mother Hubbard P-Nuttier Winter Fun treats ⅓ cup mixed frozen berries Feel free to add any other dog-safe toppings that your dog enjoys, such as diced apples, shredded carrots, or sliced bananas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LEXNfxLP5g Frozen Yogurt Peanut Butter Bark Recipe 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. 2. In a small mixing bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and peanut butter until creamy and well combined. 3. Spread the yogurt and peanut butter mixture into a thin, even layer, about 1/8th inch thick, on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. 4. Gently press the Old Mother Hubbard treats and frozen berries into the yogurt mixture. 5. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until the yogurt is frozen solid. 6. Break up into large chunks with your hands. Make sure to tag us in your Wellness Old Mother Hubbard pup bakery treats on Instagram and TikTok!

Wellness Pet Company celebrated Halloween this year with our 2nd Annual #TrickorTreatThemWell Costume Contest. We put out a call for submissions of pictures of your furry friends in their best Halloween attire, and we got so many great entries! Thank you to all who submitted your pawesome photos! The results are in, and we’re pleased to announce the winners of each category that will receive a spooktacular prize! Congratulations to all the winners! Looking forward to seeing what you all have up your sleeve for next year! Dog Category: Dogs: Birdie & Bogey Costume: Peaky Barkers Cat Category: Cat: Bongo Costume: “Revenge on last year’s lobster costume” Pet & Pet Parent Category: Human: Lynn Guerrero Dogs: Dodger & Mochi Costume: In-N-Out Burger

When it comes to taking care of your kitty and making sure that they have everything they need to live a happy and healthy life, cat hydration is high on the list of factors to consider. Feeding them high moisture cat food, even if they primarily eat kibble, can offer numerous benefits to their overall health and wellbeing. Cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and have a low thirst drive, which means they naturally obtain a significant portion of their hydration from the food they consume. A high-moisture diet helps to maintain proper hydration levels, which is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions, including digestion, temperature regulation, and urinary tract health. Adding moisture to a cat’s diet, such as feeding them Wellness® wet cat food cans or pouches, it helps address their natural hydration needs more effectively compared to a strict dry kibble diet. Here are some potential benefits of wet cat food: Hydration: Adequate hydration is crucial for preventing dehydration. Have you ever noticed that your cat is not all that into drinking their water? Cats are not instinctively drawn to drink water like some other animals, which can lead to mild dehydration when consuming only dry kibble. Cats on a high- moisture diet consume more water through their food, helping compensate for their lower inclination to drink water directly from a bowl. A high-moisture diet helps to maintain proper hydration levels, which is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions,

A snow day seems like a fun opportunity to frolic with your dog in the snow and have a good time enjoying winter with your pet. But your dog might not be built for long periods playing in the snow and could experience frostbite or hypothermia. Read on to get pet winter safety tips and find out more about how long it’s safe for your dog to play in the snow. Short-haired breeds and small dogs shouldn’t play in the snow for a prolonged period without wearing gear to keep them warm. They’re losing body heat much faster than breeds that have their own built-in winter coats. If you’re wondering, ‘Does my dog need a coat in the snow?’ and you have a short-haired breed, small dog or older dog, chances are that you should putcold-weather gear like a coat or sweater on them before going on a walk or playing outside. If you need a heavy coat, gloves, hat and a scarf to go outside, chances are, your dog needs an extra layer. Overall, you should probably limit the time your dog plays in the snow to about 30 minutes but be on the lookout for signs of discomfort like shivering or staying by you and seem like they want to go home. Yes, if your dog is outside for a prolonged period in freezing temperatures—and particularly if they get wet—your dog can get frostbite, especially on an exposed

For many cats, it’s as simple as cracking open the canned food—and they’ll happily come running! But whether you’ve got a perky or a picky eater on your hands, it’s important to take it slow when adding or transitioning to wet cat food. (Their tummies will thank you, even if their meow is saying, “More, more, more”!) Here are a few tips to help ensure a smooth change in diet and keep your cat happy and healthy when the canned food comes out. When you first offer it, try adding the wet food to your cat’s diet as a treat—and make it feel like a treat, too! Put a heaped teaspoon in a saucer or on a small plate, and let your cat enjoy (just make sure it isn’t left out all day). You can also try adding a teaspoon as a “topping” (the cherry on top!) to their usual dry food. Your best bet on temperature is to stick to room temperature. Not too hot, not too cold! Hopefully, just right. But if your kitty’s still turning their nose up at even the best wet cat food, and you need to get that cute little nose’s attention, you can try placing the unopened can in a bowl of warm water prior to serving to gently warm it and enhance its aroma. Just make sure it’s only lukewarm and not hot when serving. Last but certainly not least, it’s worth

Detecting dental disease in dogs early is important to prevent its progression and ensure your pet’s wellbeing. Less than one-half (44%) of Gen Z and Millennial pet parents say they could list the signs of periodontal disease in dogs to their veterinarian, which include discoloration, broken or loose teeth, super stinky breath, reduced appetite, and inflamed gums. Dog dental health can impact overall health and in turn, all you do together. By incorporating a daily dental chew for dogs like WHIMZEES by Wellness, pet parents can ensure they’re treating their dogs well by supporting their healthy smile and helping them live happier and healthier lives together. Want to learn more? Here are some common signs of dental disease in dogs: Bad Breath (Halitosis) – Persistent bad breath in dogs is one of the most noticeable and very common signs of dental issues in dogs. The foul odor is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which can be unpleasant for both the dog and the pet parent. While some dogs may have occasional bad breath, a consistently foul odor from the mouth could indicate more serious dental problems in dogs. Drooling – Excessive drooling or drooling that is different from your dog’s normal behavior may be a sign of oral discomfort. Difficulty Eating or Reluctance to Eat – Dogs with dental problems may have trouble chewing or may be reluctant to eat altogether due to pain while eating.

Now that you know how cleaning a dog’s teeth can improve their overall well-being, it’s time to explore how to keep a dog’s teeth healthy—both at home and with the help of your veterinarian. After a dog eats, a lot more is going on than just digestion, especially inside their mouth. Plaque—a sticky film full of bacteria that develops from a mixture of leftover food particles and saliva—builds up on teeth and under gums, which can eventually lead to tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar accumulation can lead to bad breath, discoloration of teeth, teeth sensitivity, gum recession, gum disease in dogs, dog tooth decay, and eventual loss of the tooth. So how can you remove plaque from a dog’s teeth? Plaque can be removed with brushing, while tartar needs dental cleaning to remove. This is why brushing a dog’s teeth daily is ideal for healthy dog gums and teeth. If you are unable to brush your dog’s teeth every day, just do the best you can! Even once or twice a week is better than not at all. While the mechanical action of brushing is the most beneficial for removing plaque and cleaning a dog’s teeth, dog-specific toothpaste with flavors that dogs enjoy, or with functional ingredients that help keep off plaque, may provide additional benefits—or at least help provide dogs with a more enjoyable experience. (Chicken toothpaste, anyone?) If your dog isn’t one to open wide when the toothbrush

Dental care for dogs is about so much more than an adorable smile (although have you ever seen anything cuter than a smiling pooch?!). It’s about maintaining healthy dog gums and teeth while minimizing plaque and tartar buildup so that dogs can maintain their physical health, comfort, and overall well-being. Oh, and don’t forget about fresh breath for all those doggy kisses! Your pup’s pearly whites and gums play a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. Here are a few ways that cleaning a dog’s teeth can help keep more than just their mouths healthy and happy. The digestive process starts in the mouth (and that’s not a joke about how fast a dog can eat!). Dental care for dogs is so important because healthy teeth allow dogs to chew their food properly, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces that a dog’s digestive enzymes can then more effectively act on. This efficient chewing and digestive process increases a dog’s nutrient absorption from the food, whereas inadequate chewing or digestion can lead to choking, digestive upset, malnutrition, or nutritional deficiencies. Your dog’s dental health also goes well beyond their mouth. Being able to properly chew and absorb all the necessary nutrients from a well-balanced diet helps support a dog’s immune system, keeping them active, happy, and less prone to illness. What goes in, plays a role inside and out! One of the first signs of nutritional deficiencies