Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

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

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,