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Wellness TruFood Transition Guide

Posted on by Above1 Support
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We believe TruFood® was an amazing product line, but unfortunately, there were not enough pet parents who thought the same. As a result, we are discontinuing the TruFood line. If you currently feed Wellness TruFood dry or wet recipes we recommend that you try Wellness® CORE®. CORE offers grain-free, protein-rich, balanced recipes to help your dog thrive, and has many of the benefits you loved about TruFood. If you currently feed Wellness TruFood Make it Fresh, we recommend that you try Sojos® complete or Wellness® CORE® RawRev™. 

Below are our specific recipe recommendations based on the TruFood product that you are feeding today. 

If you have any questions on these recommendations or need more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Consumer Affairs team. You can email info@wellpet.com or call 800.225.0904, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm ET.

Recipe Recommendations:

If you’re currently feeding TruFood Dry Recipes, we recommend trying Wellness® CORE® Dry Dog recipes. CORE Dry Dog Recipes are grain-free, protein-rich diets made in the USA with non-GMO ingredients. 

To help your dog adapt to the new nutrient levels of CORE and minimize risk of digestive upset, gradually mix in the new food over a 5-7 day period  so that you are feeding 100% Wellness CORE by Day 7. 

TruFood Adult Lamb & Lamb Liver Recipe

If you’re currently feeding TruFood Adult Lamb & Lamb Liver Recipe, try the Wellness CORE Lamb Recipe. Both recipes are grain-free, potato-free and poultry-free with Lamb as the #1 ingredient. 

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TruFood Adult Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe

If you’re currently feeding TruFood Adult Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe, try Wellness CORE Original Recipe. Both recipes are grain-free with poultry listed as the #1 ingredient.

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TruFood Adult Salmon & Turkey Liver Recipe

If you’re currently feeding TruFood Adult Salmon & Turkey Liver Recipe, try CORE Ocean Recipe. Both recipes are grain-free with fresh fish listed as the #1 ingredient. CORE Ocean recipe is also poultry free.

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TruFood Small Breed Recipe

If you’re currently feeding TruFood Small Breed Recipe, try CORE Small Breed (available in Original, Puppy and Healthy Weight recipes). 

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Wet Recipe Recommendations:

If you’re currently feeding any of the TruFood Tasty Pairings recipes, try Wellness Petite Entrées Shredded Medleys. Like TruFood Tasty Pairings, Petite Entrées Shredded Medleys are made with shredded proteins and superfoods, served in an easy-open tray. These grain-free recipes can be served as a complete & balanced meal or mixer. While Petite Entrées are created with small breed dogs in mind, dogs of all sizes love these recipes!  

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Snacks/Topper Recipes:

If you’re currently feeding TruFood Complements, try CORE Simply Shreds, available in the exact same recipes as TruFood Complements. Simply find the same recipe name in the CORE Simply Shreds line-up!

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Make It Fresh Recipes:

If you’re currently feeding TruFood Make It Fresh, try Sojos Complete Recipes or Wellness CORE RawRev. Sojos Complete is grain-free raw food with freeze-dried meat and nutrient-rich fruits & veggies–just add water for a fresh meal in minutes! CORE RawRev combines high-protein, grain-free kibble with pieces of 100% raw meat to deliver the benefits of raw with the convenience of kibble. 

TruFood Make It Fresh Beef Recipe

If you’re feeding TruFood Make It Fresh Beef Recipe, try Sojos Complete Beef recipe for Adults or CORE RawRev Wild Game recipe. 

trufood beef

TruFood Make It Fresh Lamb Recipe

If you’re feeding TruFood Make It Fresh Lamb Recipe, try Sojos Complete Lamb recipe for Adults or CORE RawRev Wild Game recipe.

trufood lamb

TruFood Make It Fresh Turkey Recipe

If you’re feeding TruFood Make It Fresh Turkey Recipe, try Sojos Complete Turkey recipe for Adults or CORE RawRev Original recipe. 

trufood turkey

If you have any questions about these recommendations or need more information, please reach out to our Consumer Affairs team (available Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm ET):
(p) 800.225.0904 (toll free)
(f) 866.730.9436
info@wellpet.com

Taking Care of a Senior Pet

Posted on by Above1 Support
senior pet month

When people think of “seniors’, they think of slowing down and of twilight years, which is why many are surprised to learn that pets are considered seniors starting at age seven; however, pets that age still have lots of life, love, and energy to share with you, and by living every day well with your senior pet, you can help ensure their years with you are long, happy healthy ones.

senior pet chart

 

Make Time for Play Time


Playing is a great way to keep senior pet’s cognitively sharp. Pets learn and exercise their mental muscles during play. While senior pets may not seem as quick to dive into play as they did when they were kittens or puppies, they still enjoy playing with you. Look for toys that will stimulate their minds and interests without exhausting them physically. 

Senior Pet 1


Make Time for Fitness


Exercise for pets is just as important as it is for humans. Ideally, you and your pet will have a well-established fitness regimen by the time they reach their senior years, but if you don’t, that is okay. Make it a point to engage in some kind of exercise at least once per day with your pet. It can be a walk, a jog, or a few laps up and down the stairs. This keeps your pet’s muscles, bones, and joints healthy while also helping your pet maintain a safe weight.

Senior Pet 2


Make Time to Eat Well

 

Good nutrition will also help your senior pet maintain a healthy weight. Not only that, but eating a clean, natural diet comprised of proteins and essential nutrients will help you pet stay will from the inside out. Organs and systems are healthier when senior pets eat special, all-natural diets formulated for their age and any other underlying health issues. Pets that eat well have more energy. Their skin, coat, and hair is also healthier, so take the time to look for a healthy pet food that suits your senior pet’s needs.

Senior Pet 4


Make Time for Grooming


Well-groomed pets are happier and healthier; however, as animals age, their natural ability to groom themselves diminishes. None the less, pets still enjoy being clean just as much as they did in their youth. Senior pets need help with groomingthat is, cleaning their eyes, ears, teeth, gums, nails, fur, etc., on a regular basis. 

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Make Time to Visit the Vet


A critical part of lifelong wellness is staying on top of well-vet visits. When pets get into their senior years is usually when vets can spot potential future health issues. When vets are able to spot problems before they start, they can usually take preventative action, which helps keep your pet healthier longer. 

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November is ASPCA’s Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Live every day well with your senior pet by being active together and by eating well together. Wellness Pet Food wants you and your senior pet to have long years of quality time to enjoy, which is why all of our pet foods are all-natural and specially formulated for your cat or dog’s age and other health needs .

5 Easy Upcycling Projects for Pet Parents

Posted on by Above1 Support
diy dog

TerraCycle® is an innovative recycling company that has become a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste. Wellness Natural Pet Food is the first U.S.-based pet food brand to make its packaging nationally recyclable through a partnership with TerraCycle. So far, the partnership has resulted in over 100,000 pet food bags diverted from landfills.

Getting crafty with empty Wellness pet food packaging and common items found around the house takes a nod from our past to support the environment and reduce waste.

1. Tennis Ball & T-shirt Toss Toy

diy dog toy
Materials:

  • old t-shirts
  • tennis ball

Tools:

  • scissors

Instructions:

  1. Cut t-shirt into 2 thick strips (use two t-shirts if needed).
  2. Put in “X” formation.
  3. Place tennis ball in the middle.
  4. Fold t-shirt strips around tennis ball.
  5. Tie with thin piece of t-shirt.
  6. Take the tails and cut into strips – still attached to the top of the t-shirt.
  7. Braid strips.
  8. Knot ends or secure with t-shirt tie.
  9. Toss and play with pup.

2. Pet Treat Holder

diy pet treat holder
Materials:

Tools:

  • scissors
  • tape

Instructions:

  1. Start with a clean, empty dog food bag. Cut a square that is 7 ½ inches on each side. Centered inside the square, draw a smaller square that is three inches on each side. This smaller square will be 2 ¼ inches from all edges.
  2. On the top edge of the smaller square, draw a semicircle that hits the top of the large square and starts and ends at opposite corners of the small square. Repeat for the other 3 sides. Cut around these lines.
  3. Pro tip: To give your treat pouch dimension, make an extra ¼ inch fold at the base of each semicircle.
  4. Along the lines of the small square, fold all 4 semicircles towards the center. Your piece should fold up to the size of the small square. Tape the bottom flap and two side flaps in place.
  5. Attach one side of the self-adhesive Velcro® fastener on the inside of the top flap. Then, fold down the flap so the other side of the self-adhesive Velcro® fastener attaches to the outside of the bottom flap. Let the Velcro® fastener stick where it naturally landed after you folded the top flap down.
  6. Fill your new treat pouch with your favorite treats for your pet.

3. Wellness Dog Cape

TerraCycle DIY Pet Cape
What You’ll Need

Tools:

  • ruler
  • scissors
  • pen

Instructions:

  1. Start with a clean pet food bag, and cut the edges off.
  2. Use your ruler to draw a trapezoid that is 6 inches wide at the bottom, 4 inches wide at the top, and 7 ½ inches tall.
  3. Fold over the narrow end, about ¾ inch.
  4. Use a length of tape to keep the fold closed.
  5. Cut a 17 ½ inch strip of elastic.
  6. Loop it through the fold on the cape.
  7. Tie and adjust accordingly so it fits your pet.

Design Tip: Cut the bottom in a funky pattern. Try a zig-zag or wavy shape!

4. Toilet Paper Roll Cat Toy

cat toy
What You’ll Need

  • an empty cardboard toilet paper roll
  • Wellness Kittles (optional, but highly recommended)

Tools:

  • ruler
  • scissors
  • pen

Instructions:

  1. Mark 4 finger-width (about ¼ inch) marks on the side of the cardboard roll.
  2. Use the scissors to cut each ring.
  3. Insert the first ring into the second ring, then continue with the third and fourth, until you’ve formed a ball.
  4. Fill the toy with some delicious Wellness Kittles and your cat will spend some fun time trying to get to them!

cat with cat toy

5. Collapsible Pet Water Bowl

pet water bowl diy
Materials:

Tools:

  • ruler
  • pen or marker
  • scissor

Instructions:

  1. Start with a clean pet food bag.
  2. Flatten out the package and measure the width.
  3. Measure and mark lines on both ends to make the length of the wrapper the same size as the width. A 10-inch square or smaller will probably work best.
  4. Cut along your marked lines.
  5. Mark a border 2 inches from the edge along each side of the square.
  6. Fold and crease firmly along this line. Unfold and flatten it.
  7. Fold up two sides at one corner of the square. Make a diagonal crease from the corner to the folded border creating an upright triangle. Repeat this for all corners, then unfold them.
  8. Take the Velcro® tabs, unfasten them, and stick each one on either side of the corner of the square, one per triangle. Make sure that they will line up when fastened. 
  9. Fold up the bowl at the corners and press the hook and loop fasteners together. You are ready to dish up your pet’s favorite snack in your new bowl.

Have you tried any of these DIY projects? We want to see your results! On Instagram, tag @wellnesspetfood and #WellnessTerraCycleDIY for a chance to be featured on our social communities or website!

Thanksgiving Safety from A Dog’s Perspective

Posted on by Above1 Support

November is a time for giving thanks. As a dog, I’ve got lots to be thankful for. I’m thankful you come home every day. It’s my favorite time of day. I literally jump for joy when I see your shoes come through the door. I’m thankful for our cuddle time, the treats, the naps, the great food you feed me. Speaking of food, something smells delicious. To the kitchen!

Pets in the Kitchen

What have you done to the kitchen? There’re cans and wrappers everywhere. The trash can is so full, the lid won’t close. Every burner on the oven is crackling with fire. It all smells so good; I don’t know what to lick first.

 

dog begging

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Oh, hi, Mom. You’re standing in front of me. And now we’re going to my food dish. You assure me that what you’re about to feed me will taste much better than what you’re cooking. You say a well-fed dog on Thanksgiving is one who is less likely to beg for table scraps. As I eat, you take out the trash and tidy the counters. You explain that dogs like to get into the trash when it smells so tasty. You read my mind.

 

dog eating Wellness CORE dog food

Photo via @jabba.da.pup

Pets with Crowds

I’m taking a nap when that bell starts ringing. “Don’t worry mom, I’ll protect you,” I shout charging to the door.  You ask me to stop barking and open the door. You seem happy to see these people. Okay, I’ll let them live for now.
The bell keeps ringing. How many people do you know? And how many little people are coming? Is that another dog? I’m not happy. You can tell because I’m not acting like myself, so you take me to your bedroom for a while to calm down. Sometimes too much stimulation can be stressful for pets. I’m thankful you know me so well.

Pets at the Dinner Table

When it’s quiet, I come back out. Everyone is still here, but there at the table. I sit by your chair. Eh-hem. You give me a small plate of boneless, well-cooked turkey and a couple of bites of sweet potato. My compliments to the chef. Anything else from the table you tell me isn’t any good for me.

Traveling with Pets

People are still eating, and I hear you talk about the other dog. Pets that travel shouldn’t be left alone in the car for any period of time. I noticed the other dog came in on a leash, so she wouldn’t run away. Her dad also sets up her own food and water dish next to mine. I gnaw a bone and think this through. How long is she staying?

When Thanksgiving Winds Down

Everyone seems to be getting tired. A few people leave. You keep me near you when the door opens and closes, so I don’t run out. You say that even though I’m microchipped, it’s best if I don’t get lost at all. After all, if I run away, how else are we going to take a nap on the couch together? I like the sound of that. We cuddle up, and I feel warm and happy, thankful you know how to take care of me.

Thanksgiving is a happy time of year full of good times and reminiscences on reasons for giving thanks. Your pets are as thankful for you as you are for them. Show them how grateful you are by keeping them safe, well-fed with their favorite pet food, and comfortable during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Do-It-Yourself Pumpkin Dog Treats Featuring CORE Marrow Roasts

Posted on by Above1 Support
cookie header

With the holidays are around the corner, seasonal treats are everywhere around us. We know that you’re often baking for your human family, so why not bake a special treat for four-legged friends? Check out our fun pumpkin recipe that uses our popular CORE Marrow Roasts. Guaranteed to make your pup lick her lips!

First things first, ingredients:

Biscuits:

1 1/4 cups oat flour*
1 1/4 cups brown rice flour**
1 egg
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 8 oz bag Wellness CORE Marrow Roasts, any recipe

Frosting:

6 oz (about 3/4 cup) plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp natural smooth peanut butter

Equipment needed:

Food processor or blender
Hand or stand mixer
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters

*Oat flour can be made easily by grinding dry oats in a food processor or blender.
**Other flours can be substituted, such as garbanzo bean (chickpea) flour or potato flour.

Directions for Biscuits:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Add 1/2 bag Marrow Roasts (about 20 treats) into food processor. Grind on high for 2 minutes or until a powder forms (can be grainy).

marrow roasts

3. Mix Marrow Roasts powder and other dry ingredients in a large bowl to ensure even distribution.

4. Add egg and pumpkin puree and use a hand or stand mixer on low to incorporate ingredients, gradually increasing the speed until a dough forms. The dough needs to be the correct consistency to be rolled out, so add some flour if the dough is too wet and some warm water if it is too dry.

dough marrow roasts

5. Form a flattened disc, then roll out to ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface.

6. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes then place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or a baking mat.

cookie cutter

7. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until biscuits are hard and dry to the touch.

8. Allow biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

dakota cookies

Directions for Frosting:

1. Mix peanut butter to ensure that any oils that have separated in the jar are incorporated. Mix yogurt and peanut butter in a small bowl until uniform. 

2. Use a knife or a piping bag to frost cookies.

cookie frosted

3. Place biscuits in aenjoy dakota single layer in the fridge, uncovered, for 45 minutes to allow the frosting to harden.

4. Transfer biscuits to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week. Biscuits can also be stored in the freezer for longer shelf life.

Last but not least: ENJOY! 

 

Share your favorite DIY dog treat recipes by tagging @wellnesspetfood and #wellnesspetfood!

Top 10 Halloween Costumes for Dogs 2018

Posted on by Above1 Support
wellness halloween

It’s that time of year where everyone gets a pumpkin spice latte, takes a nice fall hike, and eats enough candy to make their dentist sick. Sure your pooch can’t indulge on the forbidden fruit, but they can still partake in the spirit of Halloween with some costume fun! Here are 10 spooktacular dog outfits that will make your floof the life of the party and the talk of the town!

10. Lion

I wouldn’t be lion if I said this costume is both hilarious and frightening. Your pooch will think he’s the king of the jungle! I’d sure hate to run into this creature in the wild! 

lion

9. Delivery Dog

You’ve got mail! Is your pup at war with the mailman? Help him or her bury the hatchet and get them this ironic costume!

delivery dog

8. Hawaiian Rockstar

Sure the cold is here, but let’s not forget summer was just two months ago and will be here again. Throw this on with some Jimmy Buffet in the background and you’ll feel some nice Hawaiian vibes fill the room! Your friends will thank you too!

hawaiian rockstar

7. Unicorn

Is your dog special? Is your dog rare? Can your pup fly around and fart rainbows? Well then folks, you got yourself a unicorn! Help your pup show its true colors and get them this “cloud” favorite!

umicorn

6. Spider

Wanna raise some heart rates and maybe spill a few drinks? We got just the thing! Throw this on and wait for the screams!

spider

5. Shark

Does your pooch self-identify as a fiesty great white? Look no further than this baby shark doot doo doo doot doot! Better warn the guests they’re treading in shark infested waters!

shark dog

4. Super Dog

If your pooch can scale the puppy gate, jump up on the top counter, or run the opposite direction at lightning speed when called upon, well then you got yourself a super-pooch! Harness your dog’s inner super power with a super suit! 

 

super dog

3. Business Pup

Does your dog do it’s business like no one’s business? Buy them this Wall Street wardrobe and everyone will know they mean business!

wall street dog

2. Jedi

If you’re a true Star Wars fan, you gotta show it! Join the bark side and flaunt your pup’s Jedi pride with a cloak and lightsaber! 

jedi

1. Ghost Barkers

Keep those pesky ghouls and night goblins away with your very own ghost guardian! Who ya gonna call?? Ghostbarkers! 

ghost barkers

Sure, your pooch may get more likes than you online, but let’s not forget who made them social media famous…YOU! Happy online shopping and Happy Halloween!

 

Share a photo of your dog in costume and include @wellnesspetfood and #wellnesspetfood. Then keep an eye out for your four-legged friend on our website, Facebook or Instagram!

The Top 4 Cat Related Internet Searches

Posted on by Above1 Support
national cat day cover photo

October 29 is National Cat Day, and as you surely know, cats are unique, mystical, wonderful creatures. To celebrate this year’s National Cat Day, we’re answering the “what is” of the Internet’s top cat related searches. The results are as interesting and amusing as felines themselves.

1. Best Cat Costumes of 2018

Cat costumes are generally excellent (we’re looking at you, Harry Pawter), but what makes shopping for them online even better than buying them (or realizing you may have wasted $17 when your cat refuses to wear the costume you selected) is seeing the expressions on the cats’ faces. The feline Princess Leia is pure Force while the cat with bunny ears is just daring you to make a joke about it laying an egg. 

cat in shark costume

Wellness Graphic Designer, Maria’s cat, Mogwaii sports a shark costume.

2. Cat Videos

We’re speculating, but it’s likely this is the most-searched term during the eight-hour workday. Compilations of cat videos populate the first page of Google for this search giving users several minutes of amusing and often-hilarious videos of cats being cats. cat standing up
So popular are cat videos that researchers have studied why cat videos are among the most popular use for the world’s most powerful and broadest informational resource. Research indicates that emotional regulation and procrastination are the primary motivators. So, if you have a predilection for watching cat videos because they make you happy, you’re not alone…not by a long stretch.

3. Cat Adoption

Maybe it’s the videos that inspire people, but cat adoption is one of the top searches related to cats as well, which is just “purr”fect. Adopting a cat from anywhere is great, but adopting a shelter cat is an especially kind move for feline-kind. While the precise number of cats in shelters is difficult to pinpoint at any given time, roughly 3.2 million cats are in U.S. shelters each year. The majority of cats are adopted into loving homes, with the number of adopted cats growing each year.

4. What are the Best Cat Names?

If this top search term is any indication, the adoption went (or will go) well. While there are plenty of creative cat parents coming up with great cat names, there’s even this handy name generator that lets you put in your cat’s colors, pattern, gender, personality, intelligence (ranging from “amateur” to “professor”, and space for a few suggested adjectives for the cat’s personality. (Incidentally, this is a great way to spend any remaining part of your day not spent watching cat videos.) If you need additional inspiration, you can also check out our tips on The Art of Naming Your Pet.

Clearly, cats make the world a better place. Celebrate National Cat Day with us by watching some great cat videos and sharing your newfound knowledge about cats with friends. Meanwhile, we at Wellness Pet Food will do our part by making natural cat foods that ensure our feline friends live long, happy, healthy lives. 

Share a photo of your cat and include @wellnesspetfood and #wellnesspetfood. Then keep an eye out for your four-legged friend on our website, Facebook or Instagram!

The 4 Most Common Halloween Dangers for Pets

Posted on by Above1 Support

Halloween marks the start of the holiday season! The children count down the days until they get to dress in their favorite characters and get spoiled with candy and treats. Parents decorate, pick out the perfect costumes for kids and pets and stock up on candy.

dog with Marrow Roasts

Treat your dog safely this Halloween with CORE Marrow Roasts

Although Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, it is typically one of the most dangerous holidays for pets. As a small animal veterinarian, it is a common time of year that I see pets for getting lost, emergencies and illness. So today, I would like to discuss the top pet emergencies and illnesses associated with Halloween and how we can prepare to keep our pets for a safe and fun holiday. Let’s get started:

1. Chocolate Toxicity:

Place the human treats out of reach of your pets. The most popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms, especially dark or baking chocolate can be very dangerous for cats and dogs. Sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause serious problems in pets. Keep the HUMAN treats away! I know firsthand it is difficult to watch your pets sad face as they look at everyone eating and enjoying, and just want to be a part of it. There is no need to let your pet feel left out and not let them indulge on the holiday that celebrates eating treats. I tell all my pet parents to have your favorite dog treats easily accessible during the holiday festivities. I absolutely love and trust Wellness CORE pet treats.  These treats have all the highest quality ingredients.

2. Decoration Emergencies:

Watch the decorations and keep wires away from pets. Pumpkins are popular decorations that can pose a dangerous hazard, especially when used as jack-o-lanterns. Kittens and puppies are especially at risk of getting burned by candle flame. Although pumpkins and decorative corn are nontoxic, they can cause stomach discomfort in pets that nibble on them.

3. Costume Mishaps:

Be careful with costumes. Nothing is cuter than seeing our pets in adorable Halloween costumes. However, unless your pet is used to getting dressed up, I do not recommend it. If you do dress up your pet for Halloween, check the costume for small, easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. Make sure the costume does not limit their movement, vision or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Costumes that do not fit properly can get twisted on your pet or caught on external objects leading to injury.

4. Lost Pets:

Keep Pets Calm and Easily Identifiable. With all the trick-or-treating, and visitors arriving at your door, Halloween can often be scary and stressful for pets. I recommend dogs and cats be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours unless you are certain they are very social. Also, the constant opening the door for trick-or-treaters can lead to escaping pets. Always make sure your pet is wearing proper identification. I always recommend microchipping your pet.

Trick or treating halloween

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope this helps all my pet parents out there be more aware and prepared for all the possible Halloween pet emergencies. I always tell all my pet parents, be conscientious of the possible dangers, but do not forget to enjoy and have fun with your pet during the holiday. Make sure to spoil them extra with some yummy HALLOWEEN TREATS just for them and take lots of cute pictures. My goal always is to keep our pets safe and healthy. As much as I love seeing them walk in through my doors, I prefer to help avoid “sick” trips to the veterinarian. Happy Halloween everyone!

7 Things You Didn’t Know about Pit bulls

Posted on by Above1 Support

October is not only National Pit bull Awareness Month, but October 28 is also National Pit bull Awareness Day. To celebrate, we are sharing some lesser-known facts about pit bulls in the hopes everyone will see pit bulls for what they are—normal, loving, animals.

1. The Label “Pit bull” Usually Refers to a Cross Breed

pit bull dog smiling
Dogs recognized as pit bulls are actually a cross breed of bulldogs and terriers. There are five combinations of breeds that typically get labeled as pit bulls. Those are:

  • American bulldogs
  • American pit bull terrier
  • American Staffordshire terriers
  • Staffordshire bull terrier
  • English bull terrier

2. Pit bulls’ Lineage Traces Back to England in the 1600s

Pit bulls descend from bulldogs. Bulldogs were used as early as the 1600s for bull and bear baiting (their name descends from their use as bull baiters). In the mid-1800s, some very observant people determined such blood sports were very cruel and made bull baiting illegal. For those who this decision was less obviously a very good one replaced bull baiting with dog fighting. To make it more entertaining, they crossbred bulldogs with terriers. The result was the animal that we know and love today.

3. Pit bulls Held a Lot of Value to Early American Immigrants

Pit bulls made their way to America on ships alongside immigrants looking for a new lease on life. Of course, early America was a tad more rustic than it is now, and survival was often a daily struggle. Because of their protective attributes, pit bulls were considered very valuable. 

  • They helped their owners by protecting them. 
  • They also defended livestock from predators and intruders. 
  • They abetted hunts by acting as hog catchers. 
  • Lastly, they served as companions to young children, which is the start of how they evolved into family pets.

So, without pit bulls, some early American families and communities may have suffered for lack of food or protection.

4. Pit bulls Make Great Family Pets

pit bull dog

Photo by Mike Burke on Unsplash

Throughout the years, pit bulls continued to be great family pets. Despite the negative news that sometimes surrounds the typically muscular, square-headed dogs, pit bulls were ranked as the second most tolerant dogs in a test by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc., American Humane Association, ASPCA. The results were originally shared by The Huffington Post. 
The results also showed that in the overwhelming majority of cases where pit bulls were associated with attacks on people or other animals, the dog had been neglected or abused. Conditions where dogs are trained to be aggressive or are not trained to socialize are also circumstances that could cause a dog to behave negatively in certain situations. The point is, pit bulls are as good as their breeding. With love and training to be social, pit bulls are loving and loyal pets.

5. Pit bulls are Generally Healthy Dogs

pit bull in car
Faithful pit bulls have good lifespans and can live 13-15 years with few health complications (they’re hardy dogs). The health problems that afflict them most often are bone diseases, skins allergies, thyroid problems and congenital heart defects.

6. Pit bulls Need a Lot of Exercise

pit bull dog

Photo by Vance A. on Unsplash

Pit bulls are strong and energetic and therefore need daily exercise to keep them from getting bored. Walks are great for helping to socialize pit bulls. Of course, it is always recommended that pit bulls—like any dog, be walked on a leash.

7. Pit bulls Prefer Small Meals Several Times a Day

Some see a big, strong dog and think he has a big, strong appetite; however, pit bulls do better when they are fed 2-4 small meals during the day. Those meals should not be served within a half hour of exercise, either. For pit bulls, we’d recommend a high-protein, grain-free diet like Wellness CORE Original.

When fed, loved and trained well, pit bulls are some of the best dogs to have as pets. Help us at Wellness Pet Food celebrate National Pit bull Month this October by spreading the word to battle negative perceptions of these fabulous dogs.

Our Top Picks for Pets Who Love Seafood

Posted on by Above1 Support
cat looking at fish

Did you know that October is National Seafood Month? Just like their human counterparts, plenty of pets have a natural affinity for foods that come from the ocean. Not only is seafood delicious to many people and pets, but fish is packed with powerful nutrients that contribute to overall health and wellness. And since some pets have food intolerances to other protein sources, fish proteins offer a welcome alternative for sensitive pets.

Check out some of the benefits of the most common seafood ingredients we use in Wellness recipes:

Salmon:

salmon

 

Salmon oil:

salmon oil

 

Tuna:

tuna

 

Whitefish:

whitefish


For Wellness dogs and cats who are seafood aficionados, we’ve curated some of our most delectable (and healthy) fish-based meals and snacks we recommend spoiling your pet with this month and throughout the year.  

Top Seafood Recipes for Dogs:

1. CORE 100% Freeze Dried Salmon Treats

Wellness CORE Freeze Dried Treats are made in the U.S.A. from 100% real Salmon. Reward your dog with these grain free, protein packed, freeze dried raw treats! 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by “Sushi Said” the Dog (@sushisaid) on

2. CORE Ocean Dry Food for Dogs

Loaded with whitefish, herring meal and salmon meal, CORE Ocean provides the delicious taste of seafood in a high-protein, grain-free formula.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Katy The Sleepydog (@katythesleepydog) on

3. CORE Hearty Cuts Whitefish and Salmon Wet Food for Dogs

Thick meaty cuts of fish in a rich, delicious gravy mixed with superfoods such as sweet potatoes and broccoli to ensure your dog has the nutrition they need to thrive from the core.

Top Seafood Picks for Cats

1. CORE Indoor Salmon & Herring Meal Recipe Dry Food

Wellness CORE Indoor Salmon & Herring is a grain free, indoor diet for cats that prefer poultry-free recipes.

2. CORE Whitefish, Salmon & Herring Recipe Wet Food

This protein-rich CORE® Pâté wet cat food contains wholesome ingredients that are free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives to give your cat the energy it needs to thrive.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mirin みりん ? (@mirinthecat) on

3. Kittles Tuna & Cranberries Treats

Indulge your cat with Wellness® Kittles™ natural, grain-free crunchy cat treats. At only 2 calories per treat, Kittles are the purrfect way to show your kitty love.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @howardsaysno on

What’s your pet’s favorite seafood recipe? We’d love to hear from you! On Instagram, tag @wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured on our social communities or website

About This Page

Pet Type:

CAT DOG

Topic:

Diet Health & Nutrition

Date:

05/10/2018

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