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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.

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Cat

Health & nutrition

Wet cat food

Purr-fectly Lean: Unveiling the Benefits of Lean Body Mass and Wet Cat Food on Feline Heath

As devoted cat enthusiasts, we understand the importance of ensuring our feline companions not only enjoy their meals but also maintain optimal cat health. In this insightful exploration, we delve into lean body mass (LBM) and how wet cat food can help promote and sustain LBM in our beloved cats. From maintaining LBM to healthy weight loss for cats, read on to discover how wet cat food can be a key player in keeping your furry friends purr-fectly lean and thriving. In cat breeds, LBM refers to the weight of the body, excluding fat. It includes muscles, organs, bones, and other non-fat tissues. Since most of the LBM (weight of bones, connective tissue, organs) will not change significantly, it is sometimes used to describe the amount of muscle a cat has. Just like in humans, understanding a cat’s LBM can be important for assessing overall health, monitoring weight changes, and evaluating nutritional status. Cats can experience muscle loss or gain due to various factors such as age, activity level, health conditions, and nutrition. Maintaining optimal cat health can help limit trips to the veterinarian.  We all want our pets to live as long as possible. LBM in cats is significant because it plays a role in their mobility, agility, and overall longevity. Research has demonstrated that for aging cats (over the age of 12), every 10 g increase in LBM resulted in a 2% increased survival rate.1-3 As animals age,

Diet

Dog

Health & nutrition

Savor the Flavor: Unleashing the Irresistible Taste of Beef Dog Food for Your Pooch

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

Dog

Dog dental

General care

Unleashing the Secrets to Pearly Whites: A Comprehensive Guide to Dog Teeth Cleaning

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

Dog

Dry dog food

Wet dog food

A Guide to Changing Your Dog’s Food: How to Transition to New Wet or Dry Foods

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

Cat

Diet

How to Transition Your Cat to Natural1 Wellness® Kibble

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

Cat

Cat dental

Dental care

General care

The Basics of Cat Dental Care: Keep Your Feline Friend’s Smile Bright

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

Diet

Dog

Health & nutrition

Protein Packed and Wholesome: Unveiling the Benefits of Beef Based Dog Food

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

Cat

Digestive health

Dog

Health & nutrition

The Importance of Gut Health for Dogs and Cats

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

Dog

Pet safety

Seasonal tips

Winter Dog Safety Tips

Winter is here! With it, comes several winter pet safety tips. Because as much as your dog may love the cold and snow, a cold dog isn’t always a happy dog for long. So let’s keep those snow pups safe, happy, and healthy as the days get shorter and the temperatures keep dropping with a few important winter tips for dogs. With all that hair, it’s natural to wonder, “Do dogs get cold?!” But, yes, just like humans, dogs in winter and especially dogs in snow can get chilly. It’s best to avoid shaving your dog’s winter coat (of hair, that is!) for the best possible cold weather pet care. Breeds with shorter coats, no undercoat, and smaller dogs may be even more susceptible to the cold and wind. Because of that, you may want to consider investing in a dog winter coat (the jacket kind) that blocks the wind and helps your dog conserve heat if you plan to spend long periods of time outside. Make sure your pup’s jacket covers their entire back and fits snugly without obstructing their movement for the ultimate winter dog safety. Loose jackets or low-hanging straps can get tangled around your dog’s legs while running or snagged on objects, such as branches, during your walks or winter sports with your dog—so finding the right fit for your pet is important. Another winter dog walking tip: Shorter days can also mean walks might sometimes

Cat

Dog

Environment

Seasonal tips

Pet Holiday Wishlist: Top Gifts for Dogs and Cats

Deck the halls with Santa Claws holiday decorations, hang the personalized dog stockings with care, and bring out all the cute cat and dog holiday wrapping paper—because it’s time for the whole family to get in the holiday spirit. And while your favorite four-legged friend would be just as happy to celebrate with the usual love and hugs…and maybe an extra treat or two…why not treat your BFF to something extra with a special holiday present under the tree? From interactive toys to nutritious treats, and all sorts of cat and dog accessories in between, we’ve worked with our team of pet experts to put together a nice list of holiday gifts for dogs and cats that is sure to make every day that much happier. First things first, let’s start with one of the most important times of day: meal time! When it comes to cat or dog holiday presents that can make one of the best times of day even better, we’re all about increasing the enrichment and happiness of your pet so they can join in on the holiday excitement with one of the gift ideas below. Top Dog Gift STARMARK Treat Dispensing Bob-A-Lot™ Dog Toy This safe and adjustable treat or food dispensing toy will keep your pup happily hunting for more all meal time long. It’s big enough to fit their whole meal inside and durable enough to withstand even the most enthusiastic of eaters.

Dog

Environment

Seasonal tips

Yuletide Tails: Capturing the Perfect Dog Christmas Card Photo

Behind every great dog Christmas card photo is often a memorable (hopefully a good one!) story of how that holiday photo came to be. Whether Bingo was feeling naughty or nice that day, odds are it took a lot more than one photo to get THE one. But there are a few tips and tricks you can try the next time you’re trying to get that perfect festive dog image in a few less shots—along with a couple of dog Christmas card photo ideas to get you in the spirit. Consider it our gift to you and yours! 1. Practice Makes Perfect – It’s not a marathon (although it might feel like it…), but it’s helpful to train for the big day. Work on “sit” and “stay” commands, get them used to any festive apparel they’ll be sporting, and even start taking more pictures than usual (if that’s even possible!). And, of course, give treats as rewards to start creating warm and fuzzy associations with the whole idea of Christmas card poses with your dog. When it’s time to snap the actual photo, get them ready, give the command, take the photo, then reward them with a special treat like Old Mother Hubbard® Winter Fun P-Nuttier® Oven-Baked Dog Biscuits. 2. Natural Light Is Your Furry Friend’s Friend – No matter your chosen location, great natural lighting will make for a great outdoor or indoor Christmas portrait with pets. If outdoors,

Cat

Dog

General care

Pet safety

How to maintain a pet-friendly home for the holidays

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

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