Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Fall is in the air, and so is the irresistible aroma of all things pumpkin (pupkin!) spice and apples galore—even when it comes to doggie treats. Whether your pup goes for dog treats made with pumpkin or ones just shaped like pumpkins, there’s nothing basic about these festive treats. In fact, they’re not only wickedly cute, but also happen to be quite good for the gut and your furry friend’s overall health and happiness. These three ingredients, whether together or on their own, can make for a cozy fall recipe no matter who is digging in. They’re also each packed with a surprising number of nutritional benefits that make them an especially appealing option in baked treats for dogs. Pumpkin – Full of fiber, can ease digestion, contains several important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, E, and C, and potassium and iron. (We’re talkin’ fresh or canned pumpkin, although canned actually has more fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin—just be sure it’s 100% pureed pumpkin for dogs with no added salt, spices, sugar, pumpkin pie mix, or other irritating additives.) Peanut Butter – A great source of protein, B and E vitamins, and healthy fats that support healthy eyes, muscles, and skin. (Natural, unsalted peanut butter with peanuts listed as the only ingredient is best.) Apples – Packed full of fiber to aid in digestion and nutrients like vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants to boost immune

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

What we put into our body is the fuel that feeds us for the entire day. It is the foundation to a healthy life, and this is true for dogs too. When you consider all the activities dogs fit into their busy days, whether chasing balls, following us around the house, running through fields to play, or simply cuddling on the couch after a busy day, it is important to consider proper nutrition for dogs to support their health. High quality food that provides essential nutrients in appropriate amounts can provide the 5 Signs of Wellbeing: optimal energy, a healthy coat, a healthy digestive system, healthy teeth and bones, and immune health. When they are on a high-quality food, you will notice the difference. Your dog will have that extra pep in their step on their daily walk (probably wanting to make them longer!), and a shiny coat will turn the heads of everyone you walk by. They will be excited to eat their food, and you’ll be happy even when you clean up the aftermath. These are the 5 Signs of Wellbeing we want a diet to support. Healthy skin & coat – As the largest organ, the skin provides protection from the world while constantly renewing itself, the coat too provides protection and warmth. A healthy skin and coat with a proper shine requires proper nutrition for our dogs. Hair is 95% protein, and the skin and coat combined require

Preparing and serving your cat their favorite food is a great bonding experience. We get satisfaction when we see them chowing down. However, you can greatly improve your feline’s mealtime catisfaction with a few simple lifestyle changes. Here’s how: Cats like privacy when they eat. The feline equivalent of a tranquil candlelit dinner is a quiet location in the home where they can eat comfortably at their own pace. Consequently, keep food bowls away from passageways and high traffic areas. This will ensure they are not disturbed by other family members and that includes the family dog who may come sniffing around. Obviously, the kitchen is the most appropriate place so, hopefully, there is a little nook that can be turned into a dinner station. Food bowls can be alongside water bowls or a water fountain, but make sure they are not located alongside the litterbox. Keeping them a good distance away from one another will greatly improve your feline’s mealtime catisfaction. Most cats are noisy in the litter box which is a distraction and, of course, from time to time, there are smelly odors that overpower food aromas. This is particularly important because cats rely on their sense of smell before they engage their taste buds at mealtimes. If they are comfortable with the location of their food bowls, it will also stop them taking food out of the bowl and taking it somewhere else to eat – possibly

When you don’t feel like turning on the oven but want to make your pup homemade dog treats, whip up a batch of these no-bake dog treats with peanut butter and oats. These DIY dog treats will make your pup think you’ve opened your own home barkery that they have the pleasure of visiting each day. Oatmeal is a good source of fiber for dogs and also contains omega-6 fatty acids which can help with your pup’s skin health. These no-bake dog treats are ridiculously easy and will satisfy your pup every time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDIotaQ7tng 2/3 Cup rolled oats, make sure they are whole grains 1/2 Cup natural peanut butter 1/4 Cup of water 20-25 Wellness Old Mother Hubbard Training Bitz treats 1. Mix the three ingredients together in a bowl with a spoon. 2. Using a teaspoon, scoop out a portion of the batter and roll it into a ball with your hands. 3. Add a Training Bitz treat, or any other Wellness Old Mother Hubbard treat, to each homemade peanut butter dog treat. 4. Place the balls in a plastic container in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving your dog one to eat. If you pile the balls on top of one another in the container, separate them using Parchment paper or wax paper. NOTE: You could make the no-bake peanut butter dog treat balls smaller or larger, depending on the size of your dog. Make sure to

When you’re looking for the healthiest cat food, it’s easy to first think of only one kind of food for your cat: dry food. Gravy or no gravy, wet food (also known as canned food) is often thought of as a special treat or for a specific diet. But we’ve got news for you and your cat’s daily menu (and, no, your cat didn’t ask us to write this!)—some of the best food for a cat can actually come out of a can or pouch. Yes, it’s true. That juicy canned food that really gets your cat’s motor going makes a lot more run smoothly inside your favorite feline than just a roaring purr. “At 75-80% moisture, wet food acts like a big drink supporting hydration,” explains Dr. Danielle Bernal, D.V.M. and Global Director of Vet Nutrition at Wellness®. All of that moisture in your cat’s meal is not only easy to lap up, but also boosts your cat’s water intake with every bite, adding up to one hydrated kitty no matter how much time they spend at the water bowl. Just like with us humans, hydration is an important part of your cat’s overall wellbeing and, specifically, their urinary tract health. Speaking of health, it’s healthy to crave a little something different at different meals, especially when we’re talking about varying nutritional benefits. Even if your cat’s dry food is complete and balanced, mixing in wet food can be

As temperatures rise during the summer, paying extra attention to your furry friend’s hydration needs is crucial. Dogs and cats, just like humans, require proper hydration to stay healthy and active. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of canine and feline hydration and tips on water safety. How much water do dogs need? In general, dogs need about 1/10 to 1⁄4 cup of water per pound per day. This means a 20-pound dog would need about 2-5 cups of water per day, including the moisture they obtain from their food. Cats need about 1/10 to 1/8 cup of water per pound per day, including the moisture they obtain from their food. This means a 10-pound cat would need about 1-1 & 1⁄4 cups of water per day. The exact amount of water needed by dogs and cats can depend on various factors such as their size, age, activity level, diet, and the climate they live in. Fortunately, healthy dogs and cats will regulate their water intake based on their bodies’ needs as long as water is available. Thus, it is important to ensure that pet water containers are easily accessible to your pets. As temperature rises, animals require increased water intake to stay adequately hydrated. Ample amounts of easily accessible fresh water should always be available at home. When pets are on the go, remember to bring water and containers for them. It is better to offer small, frequent

As pet parents, we want the best for our furry companions. Given our respect for the professional opinion of veterinarians, it is natural to be drawn to diets that carry the “veterinarian recommended” claim. But what does this claim actually mean? According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a brand can make this claim if they have conducted a statistically sound survey of at least 300 veterinarians, and a significant number of the veterinarians surveyed must recommend the product. At Wellness, our priorities include the best pet food ingredients that correspond with a vet recommended diet, as well as following guidelines set by the AAFCO. We diligently research and share experiences to determine the comfiest beds, the groomer that delivers the finest haircuts, and which toys are the most fun. Among these decisions, choosing the right pet food stands as one of the most important. However, the vast selection of pet food options available today often leaves us feeling overwhelmed. Labels and advertising only add to the confusion, as every brand claims to offer the ideal diet or a unique way of feeding our pets. With the abundance of puppy food and kitten food options available in the market today, it’s no wonder we often find ourselves feeling overwhelmed. Veterinarians, the experts in animal health, can help with our quest for clarity. They can help us cut through the noise and focus on the essentials when selecting