Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

This year, go one step beyond telling your dog thank you around the Thanksgiving table—show them with a gratitude walk, or a walking meditation, before and/or after the big meal. Easy, just walk like your dog. When a dog’s on a walk, they’re on a walk. Mind, body—nose, especially! It’s admirable, really. They don’t have their doggy phones out. They aren’t distracted by anything other than everything currently around them. The sights, sounds, smells (oh, the smells!), the ground beneath their paws. We could all stand to take our dog’s lead when it comes to how we walk. And there’s no better time to start than with our dogs and gratitude on Thanksgiving! 1. Be fully present with your dog. They may not look like the portrait of a peaceful meditating dog with their wildly panting tongue flapping about, but you can be sure your dog is in the moment and experiencing what’s around them in every possible sense. Do the same (with or without your tongue out). 2. Share 3 things you’re grateful for—silently or out loud to your pup. The 3 things can be about your dog, the meditating walk, life in general, or this year’s doggy Thanksgiving day in particular. Mix it up every walk. 3. Tell your dog thank you when you get home. You’ve just shared a pretty special time together, improving the health and happiness of your hearts, bodies, and minds. Not to mention,

Finally! The post your pup has been waiting for all year. Let’s talk about how to safely and satisfyingly include one of the hungriest members of the family in one of the most delicious days of the year: Thanksgiving with pets! When Thanksgiving rolls around, two of the main attractions we think of on the table are ham and turkey. So it comes as no surprise that some of the main questions pet parents have when cooking Thanksgiving with dogs are…can dogs eat ham? Or can dogs eat turkey bones? Your dog, of course, would say, “Meat and bones? Um, yes and yes.” But unfortunately for Fido, that salty ham and splintering cooked turkey bone are off the menu when it comes to recommended Thanksgiving pet safety tips. Fortunately for your furry friend, there are plenty of ways they can safely participate in the family meal. We’ll help make sure of it—with these dog friendly Thanksgiving recipes. Ground turkey 93/7, raw, unseasoned: ¼ cup White potatoes, raw, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Carrots, raw and cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Brussels sprouts, raw, quartered: ¼ cup Pork tenderloin, raw, cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Sweet potatoes, raw, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Green beans, raw, cut into 1-2 inch long segments: ¼ cup Butternut squash, raw, cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup Peel the white/sweet potatoes, and

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

Using plain canned pumpkin as part of DIY dog treats and Christmas cookies for dogs is a good way to work a little extra fiber into your dog’s diet. These pumpkin dog cookies are a special treat to give out once in a while when your pup has been a very good girl or boy. 2 Cups of flour (white or whole wheat) + 2 tablespoons for rolling out cookies 1 Teaspoon baking soda 1 Egg 2/3 Cup canned pumpkin pureed, unsweetened 2 Tablespoon water (as needed) 3 Tablespoons low-fat softened cream cheese 20 Pick of the Patch Old Mother Hubbard mini dog biscuits (or one for each cookie) 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. Combine egg and pumpkin in a bowl. Mix well. 4. Separately, mix the flour and baking powder in a small bowl. 5. Gently fold the dry mixture into the other bowl and mix ingredients well until a stiff dough forms. 5. Place the cookies on the cookie sheet. 6. Add water as needed so the pumpkin cookies batter doesn’t have cracks. Overall, it should be a dry dough. 7. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin on a surface that’s been sprinkled with the extra flour. Use dog-shaped cookie cutters or your favorite shapes or cut out squares or rectangles. 8. Bake for

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