Skip to main content

Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Welcome to your guide for all things pet. At Live Well, we’re giving our pet parents everything they need to show their pets the love and care they deserve—from articles on pet health, behavior and nutrition, to special offers on our Wellness products—we’ve got you covered.

Filter By

FILTER

filter icon

Cat

Diet

Health & nutrition

Why Wet Cat Food Is Essential For Your Cat’s Wellbeing

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

Cat

Dog

Health & nutrition

Pet safety

Pet Hydration and Water Safety

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

Cat

Diet

Dog

Health & nutrition

Veterinarian Recommended

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

Diet

Dog

Health & nutrition

When To Use A Skin And Coat Supplement

The health and appearance of a dog’s skin and coat are important indicators of their overall wellbeing. However, factors such as dryness, itching, dullness, or excessive shedding can often impact a dog’s skin and coat condition. In such cases, the use of a skin and coat supplement can be a beneficial addition to their routine! These pet supplements are specifically formulated to provide essential nutrients, such as omega fatty acids and vitamins, that promote a healthy coat, nourish the skin, and address various skin issues. By incorporating a high-quality skin and coat supplement like Wellness Shine Skin & Coat Support Chews into their daily routine, pet parents can help their furry companions achieve a lustrous, healthy coat and maintain optimal skin health. Here are some instances when using a skin and coat supplement may be recommended: 1. Dry or dull coat: If your dog has a dry or dull coat, first ensure you’re feeding a diet that provides high-quality protein like Wellness® dry dog foods offer. Then for added support, a skin and coat supplement can help improve their coat’s overall health and appearance. These dog and cat supplements often contain essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Wellness Shine skin and coat supplements contain fatty acids supplied through the use of fish oil and flaxseed. 2. Itchy or irritated skin: Pets that experience itching, redness, or irritation on

Diet

Dog

Health & nutrition

The Benefits of Lamb Dog Food For Your Dog

Nutrition is a key element of your dog’s healthy lifestyle, and knowing your dog is enjoying its meals is the best way to ensure it’s well-fed and nourished. With so many options on the pet food market today, how do you know when you’re making the right choice? Which type of protein can positively affect your dog’s health most significantly? Lamb is a food choice that’s often overlooked for more mainstream choices like beef or chicken, however, lamb offers a wide range of benefits for your furry friend’s well-being. Lamb is a high protein meat source, which is important when your dog’s body uses that protein for a number of applications. Protein helps build and support muscle and other tissue, repair cells, strengthen immunity, and aid in the healthy production of hormones. Lamb is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of “good fats.” These fats are excellent for your dog’s brain, as well as its nervous and cardiovascular systems. Omega-3 fats promote a healthy skin and coat, both in function and appearance. Lamb dog food is also an excellent choice for pups with food allergies, as it is an alternative that is not found in many conventional brands. When choosing a dog food with lamb, you’ll want to look for the same requirements you would use when choosing any other type of pet food. Be sure to get any new selections approved by your veterinarian. The food should

Dog

General care

Pet safety

How Long Does Dry Dog Food Typically Last?

Dry dog food is a great option for many pets. It is easy to transport, does not have an offensive smell, and is not as messy as some other meal choices. It can come in a variety of sizes and is often cheaper if bought in bulk. However, if you want to buy your dog’s food in a larger-sized bag, you may be wondering, how long does dry dog food last once opened? You love to treat your dog like a member of the family, and if their food is anything like ours, it is bound to go stale at some point, right? While keeping your pet’s health and safety as well as your budget in mind, let’s figure out the shelf life of the typical dry dog food. Most dry dog food is sold in bags. As long as the bag is sealed with no holes and not wet, this is the best place to keep the food. Once you open the bag, it is likely best to remove the food to a container that can be sealed tightly to protect the food from air and any pathogens that may be in the environment. This can also keep your nosy pet from helping themselves to a snack when they are not supposed to! A container can be as simple as a plastic tote, or you may choose to explore vacuum-sealed containers designed specifically for pet foods. Another option is

Cat

Health issues / sickness

Life stage

5 Reasons Your Kitten Might Not Be Eating and What To Do About It

Having a new kitten in your home can be a world of excitement, play, and fun, but it can also be a lot of stress too! Finding the right kitty bed, toys, feeding area, climbing and scratching posts, can be a fun task to make your new kitten family member feel right at home. But what if your little furry friend isn’t eating well? What are some reasons your kitten might not be eating and what can you do to address the problem? Below are 5 reasons your new kitten might not be eating well and what steps you can take to help get them on the right track. This is the most important step. A change, poor, or complete loss of appetite can be a sign of an underlying health issue or issues. Reasons you kitten won’t eat can be numerous such as dental problems, gastrointestinal problems, upper respiratory infections, or parasites to name a few. Have your veterinarian check your kitten’s health first to rule out a medical issue before troubleshooting concerns, that will ensure your kitten has the best chance to thrive in the future. Depending on how old your kitten is they may be eating an appropriate amount or not enough food. Remember that small kittens have a very small stomach, so they may need a high quality, nutrient dense food in a smaller amount to meet their needs. New kittens grow gradually, although at times

Dog

Seasonal tips

Taking the Stress Out of the Fourth of July for Your Dog: The Benefits of Calmatives

The 4th of July is a celebratory time of year when many people across the country celebrate with fireworks. While this can be an exciting and enjoyable experience for us humans, it can be a very stressful and frightening experience for dogs. Dogs have a heightened sense of hearing, so the loud noises from fireworks can be particularly distressing for them. Common signs of stress and anxiety in dogs include excessive barking, destructive chewing or digging, panting, trembling or shaking, pacing or restlessness, avoidance of eye contact, and repetitive behaviors like licking or biting. It is always good to talk to your pet’s veterinarian if your pup is demonstrating any of these behaviors as they will be able to advise you best as to if this is anxieties or potentially something more serious. In mild cases, these anxieties may be addressed with a natural calmative supplementation in conjunction with behavior modification. In cases of severe symptoms or dogs exhibiting harmful behaviors or aggression, additional treatments by a veterinarian or certified canine behavioralist may be in order. One way to help dogs cope with the anxiety of fireworks or other stressful situations is by using calmative supplements and behavioral modification. Calmative supplements like Wellness Calm Support Chews  help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs.. These supplements are made from natural and scientifically proven ingredients and are often less potent than prescription or over-the-counter medications but can still be helpful

Dog

Health & nutrition

What is the VOHC Seal? What It Means To Be the Best Dog Dental Chew

Like any member of the family, our dog’s teeth don’t require just any dental care—they deserve the best possible doggie dental care to keep them happy and healthy. The kind that comes with an official seal of approval from a trusted and knowledgeable group of experts with pet health and safety top of mind. So, who is that group and what does their approval look like? VOHC stands for the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Yes, a whole council just for our dog’s teeth! This non-profit consists of an international group of board-certified veterinary dentists. It was founded in 1997 as an objective way to recognize effective products in the reduction of plaque and tartar in dogs and cats. Because, sure, a lot of products can claim to improve your pet’s dental health, but we pet parents want to know the ones that actually make a difference and have the credentials to show for it. First established in the US and now recognized around the world, the VOHC Seal is a way to cut through the clutter of product claims and see right on the package that a product has been tested to do what it says it’ll do—improve our pet’s dental health. In order to get this seal of approval, a company must perform a series of tests designed by the VOHC to demonstrate their product delivers on its oral health benefits and is worthy of being a VOHC-approved product.

Dog

Health & nutrition

Should I Let My Dog Eat Grass?

Many theories have been suggested and conversations been had as to why dogs eat grass, but while the question is a simple one, the answer is often far more complex leaving pet parents frequently confused. Topping the list for reasons to be munching on that grass include the suggestion that dogs like to eat grass to help them vomit, especially if they have eaten something that didn’t agree with them. Other reasons include helping eliminate intestinal parasites, a mineral or dietary deficiency, good old boredom, an inherent behavior trait, a reaction to anxiety or simply… because they enjoy the taste of it. A study conducted in 20081 of over 1500 dog parents reported that 68% said their dog was eating grass or some plant material on a daily or weekly basis.  With such a high frequency the study then looked closer at the dog’s behavior before and after consuming that plant material to help understand if there were common behaviors or reasons.  Interestingly, only 8% of pet parents reported that their dog appeared ill before eating the plants, 22% reported their dog regularly vomited afterwards and the diet that the dog was eating (raw food, kibble, wet food or homecooked) appeared to play no role whatsoever as to if a dog was more or less likely to eat plants. Most veterinarians would consider a dog eating grass as a normal canine behavior, but does that mean you should be let them

Cat

Health & nutrition

Health issues / sickness

How To Keep Your Cat Cool In The Summer: 12 Tips

Here are some tips on how to keep your cat cool in the hot summer weather… Make sure your cat always has access to cool, fresh water. For indoor cats, place several bowls around the house to encourage more drinking and to make it convenient for less mobile cats to easily get to a water bowl. If your cat goes outdoors, place bowls in several shady locations and replace the water several times a day to keep it fresh. For outdoor cats, make sure there are shady locations available. If you have an outdoor enclosure or “catio”, there should be shade available as well as the ability for the cat to easily return back into the house should they get too hot. Even indoor cats need shade. If your cat loves their cat tree or window perch and it sits in a sunny window, close the curtains or provide an alternate elevated location in a spot that doesn’t have sun streaming in. If you keep your cat indoors you are more easily able to control temperature in the environment. If you don’t have A/C , run the ceiling fans or place several standing/box fans around that are safely away from the cat. Just having air circulation can make a difference in temperature and in the comfort of the interior. You may not realize this but cats can easily get sunburned, especially on their ear tips. On very sunny days, the best way

Dog

General care

Life stage

5 Signs Your Dog Can be Considered A Senior Dog

Whether human or dog, getting older is a part of life. Along with cruises and Bingo, a person’s golden years are often marked by achy joints, more doctor’s appointments, and changes in dietary needs. It’s not so different for your canine pal; as dogs enter their senior years, owners must accommodate their pets’ evolving dietary and medical needs. But when is a dog considered a senior? After all, dogs age differently, and your ten-year-old black Labrador might still be as spunky as ever. Just because your dog is aging doesn’t mean it is nearing the end of its lifespan, but making certain changes will certainly help elongate it. Review the following five signs to determine whether it’s time to make some changes. Ask yourself — “When is my dog considered a senior?” The first factor you’ll undoubtedly contemplate is age. A dog’s life is measured in three stages: puppy, adult, and senior. When an adult canine transitions into the senior phase varies depending on its breed. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs and aren’t seniors until around nine years, while medium-sized breeds become seniors at seven years of age. Larger breeds, such as Bernese mountain dogs and Great Danes, qualify as senior citizens as early as five to six years old. As dogs age, their appetite decreases. It can be alarming if Fido suddenly isn’t finishing his kibble bowl, as decreased appetite often foretells illness, but it’s

Get exclusive savings, pet care tips and more!

Let’s send your inbox a little Wellness. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with all things Wellness. Every edition will feature product news, special offers, and exclusive savings. Sign up today and Live Wellness.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY