Dogs and Cats Resolve to Lose Those Extra Pounds with Wellness® This New Year
Eating Wellness essential part of the “eat right and exercise” equation

CHELMSFORD, MA (January 24, 2007) - You’re probably not the only one in your household who should resolve to lose pounds for the New Year. Your dog or cat may also be feeling sluggish and out of shape after stealing treats and eating rich food snuck to them under the table. Now is a great time to up their activity level and start them on the path to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle with Wellness® natural food and treats for pets.

Why is optimal weight so important for your pet? An unhealthy weight can lead to disease, arthritis, skin and ear infections, a weakened immune system, and heart failure, among other maladies. An overweight pet’s deficiencies are carried down to their puppies or kittens, which can jeopardize their health as well. According to the 2005/2006 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey, more pets than ever before are reported to be overweight. In fact, 16% of dogs and 14% of cats are considered to be obese, and weight control pet food has become the fastest growing segment in the pet food industry.

“Just as for people, eating well and exercising are what’s right for pets,” said Dr. Edward Moser, VMD, consulting veterinary nutritionist for Wellness. “Minding the ingredients and amount of food that goes into your pet, along with encouraging increased activity levels, will help the pounds come off.”

Wellness carefully selected exceptional real-food ingredients that help naturally solve some of the most challenging health problems for cats, including urinary tract health and weight management, as the foundation for its special, all-new Wellness Feline Dietary Solutions recipes. Wellness Healthy Weight is just the remedy for overweight cats. Along with increasing activity levels and instituting a controlled eating plan, this special lower calorie recipe is formulated to help cats achieve their weight loss goals. A healthy blend of fiber satisfies hunger to help change eating behaviors. And the WellFlex System™, with the power of glucosamine and chondroitin, helps maintain healthy hips and joints.

For the health striving canine, Wellness SuperMix5 Weight Management formula is specially formulated with a satisfying, low-calorie blend of ingredients to help inactive dogs maintain a healthy body weight and help overweight dogs lose weight. This unique recipe provides complete nutrition and satisfies dogs’ appetites with increased fiber, reduced fat and a lower calorie count.

And what pet doesn’t deserve a treat? Finally dog lovers can feel good about giving their pet a tasty treat that is healthy. WellBites™, Pure Rewards™ and WellBars® are packed with nutritious ingredients such as pure meat, fresh fruits, healthy grains and beneficial supplements. Perfectly balanced to complement their regular diet, Wellness treats feature the tastes dogs crave most. Health conscious, responsible and loving consumers know that rewarding their dogs with Wellness treats will ensure health, happiness and well-being to the animals who depend upon them.
 
Wellness pet foods and treats are available nationwide in independent pet specialty shops and natural food stores in a variety of sizes and flavors. To find an authorized Wellness retailer, please visit www.wellnesspetfood.com.

About Wellness® – Live Well. Eat Well. Be Well.™

The Wellness brand of Natural Food and Treats for Pets was founded on the belief that, “You are what you eat!” – and that incorporating a holistic approach to a healthy, nutritious diet is the foundation of wellbeing. With this mission, a committed team of vets, nutritionists and animal lovers has spent over a decade creating the very best in all-natural nutrition for both dogs and cats. All Wellness food and treat varieties feature recipes using human-quality, real-food ingredients without the use of meat by-products, fillers, potential allergens, artificial colors, flavors or artificial preservatives. Wellness is proud to be a part of the Old Mother Hubbard pet food family, celebrating 80 years of innovation in 2006. Wellness is sold exclusively through knowledgeable independent pet stores and natural food stores in North America. For more information, please visit www.wellnesspetfood.com.