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Home > Articles by: Above1 Support

Would You Want to Eat the Same Thing for Every Meal? Neither Does Your Dog.

Posted on by Above1 Support

If your dog is showing signs of food boredom, make their bowl more exciting! Rotate your base kibble and add toppers for boosts of flavor, texture and taste.

I adore food. I love to cook (my most recent obsession is making fresh pasta), could spend hours watching Chef’s Table, and I plan vacations around restaurant reservations. As a working mom, I don’t always have the time to cook elaborate meals at home, but every night I cook dinner with my family – and every night we make something different. Meanwhile, for seven years our sweet Newfie, Bailey, ate the same thing for each meal of every day. That is over 5,000 bowls in a row of the same food, so it is no wonder that Bailey eventually got bored.

Here is a week of my dinners and a week of Bailey’s dinners— can you spot the difference?

week of meals

Honestly, I don’t know how or when we noticed it, but over time Bailey lost her enthusiasm towards mealtime. She still liked her food, but lacked excitement about it. She would watch us pour kibble into her bowl and then let it sit there until she felt like eating. Then, one day my husband threw a treat on top of her kibble. Bailey immediately stuck her head into her bowl, ate the treat and gobbled-up her food. Adding a treat on top became a ritual—it excited her and we loved to see her happy about her meal! While treats aren’t unhealthy, I didn’t love the idea of adding treats to her bowl every day so we started using healthy mixers and toppers to make Bailey’s bowls more exciting, without compromising nutrition.
Additionally, since Bailey doesn’t have any known protein sensitivities, we started rotating her kibble.  Each time we buy a new bag of CORE® Grain-Free Kibble, we select a new protein—turkey, then fish, then lamb, etc. And now, every time we open a new bag of food, Bailey watches with anticipation and sticks her giant head in the bag to steal a bite.

dog eating Wellness CORE dog food

Bailey can’t help but sample the tasty CORE Ocean formula.

Now that we rotate Bailey’s kibble and add mixers and toppers, mealtime is more meaningful for everyone! Bailey gets excited about her meal and it brings me so much joy knowing that I am doing something for her in return for all of the unconditional love that she gives us. (Sorry about those really boring 5,000 bowls before this, Bailey!). This dog smile is what it is all about:

new Foundlan dog

Happy Bailey hangs out with her dad!

Below are some of my – and Bailey’s – favorite combinations, with CORE® Ocean Kibble as the base.  Hopefully they inspire you to make your dog’s bowl more exciting! The best part: it’s easy and convenient. Just pick-up a variety of mixers and toppers next time you are shopping for your base kibble, then mix & match at mealtime!

WELLNESS CORE No More Boring Bowls

CORE® Ocean + CORE® Bowl Boosters™ Tender Whitefish & Salmon (these tender, ultra-digestible nuggets add subtle texture and a boost of protein)

WELLNESS CORE No More Boring Bowls

CORE® Ocean + CORE® Bowl Boosters™ Tender Whitefish & Salmon + CORE® Simply Shreds Tuna, Beef & Carrots (with only 5 simple ingredients and less than 50 calories, Simply Shreds are a guilt-free way to make an exciting bowl even more crave-worthy)

WELLNESS CORE No More Boring Bowls

CORE® Ocean + CORE® 95% Turkey with Spinach (an easy way to add some extra protein and an antioxidant-rich superfood!)

WELLNESS CORE No More Boring Bowls

CORE® Ocean + CORE® 95% Turkey + CORE® Simply Shreds™ Chicken, Wild Salmon & Pumpkin

Have you experimented with spicing up your dog’s meals with our CORE Bowl Boosters or CORE mixers and toppers? If so, we’d love to see! Tag your creations with #NoMoreBoringBowls for a chance to be featured on our website! 

How to Honor Your Cat’s Inner Lion

Posted on by Above1 Support
outdoor cat

Your Cat’s Wild Ancestors

When it comes to feline nutrition, cats are described as obligate carnivores. This means that meat (as well as poultry or fish) is an essential ingredient as cats rely on nutrients found only in animal products as a part of their daily diet to maintain overall health.

African Wildcat

African wildcat (Felis silvestris)

Cats in the wild are skilled hunters and very adept at stalking, pouncing and capturing prey to feed themselves. Hence, freshly-caught raw protein sources are recognized as the mainstay of the feline ancestral diet. And, because domestic cats are distant relatives of the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) the biological need for meat remains crucial in a domestic cat’s diet too.

What About Raw?

Turkey

We all want to give our cats the best nutrition available so that they not only enjoy their food but maintain good health with lots of energy as well as their fabulous, furry good looks. Pet parents have plenty of options for nutritionally-balanced, high-protein, grain-free wet and dry food varieties that give our cats the essential ingredients they need; however, there are some unique benefits to incorporating raw meat into a cat’s meal rotation. Raw meat retains additional minerals and vitamins that may not be available once the meat is cooked. Also, raw meat offers an aroma and texture that many cats find irresistible.

Pros and Cons

We may be well-aware of the benefits of a cat’s ancestral diet, but freshly-caught raw prey isn’t usually on the menu! For anyone leading a busy life, trying to balance all of your different responsibilities and feeding your cat a completely raw diet can be a challenge. 
It can be really tough being a feline nutritionist in your own kitchen. Trying to determine the right amounts of fresh food – whether it’s meat, poultry or fish—is quite an undertaking to confidently ensure your cat is getting the right amount of nutrients. 
And then there’s the safety risk of preparing and serving raw food. It’s hard to ensure that kitchen surfaces are completely sterile to avoid cross-contamination. It’s a fact of life—bacteria lurk everywhere! 
Furthermore, feeding a completely raw diet can be messy if your cat has a propensity to drag her food out of her food bowl to eat elsewhere. Finally, there’s the cost factor as purchasing high-quality cuts of meat can get expensive.

A Happy Medium


The latest technology available in the pet space has allowed some brands to address the challenge of producing an authentic feline ancestral diet in a shelf-stable final product. Freeze-drying raw meats, poultry and fish is a safe, convenient way of offering cats the taste and benefits of raw protein as a part of their regular, everyday diet. 
The new Wellness CORE RawRev for cats is a great alternative to a completely raw diet.

Wellness CORE RawRev

CORE RawRev for cats

The product contains nutritionally-balanced, high-protein, grain-free kibble combined with 100% pure, freeze-dried raw meat. These raw pieces are incredibly tasty and offer a boost of additional protein, providing enzymes and minerals in their most natural state.

Wellness CORE RawRev cat freeze dried turkey 

Pure, freeze-dried raw meat pieces in CORE RawRev for cats

This combination creates a flavor-rich, nutrient-dense meal that supports lean muscle, a healthy weight and provides a bit of extra energy so your cat can have more fun hunting and pouncing on her favorite toys!  Additionally, these high-quality nutrients enhance your feline’s shiny, healthy coat and overall good looks.
Because the freeze-dried raw pieces are mixed in with the kibble, it’s easy to serve – no mess. Also, cats have a great sense of smell, so the intense aroma of these 100% raw meat bites are a great way of encouraging finicky eaters to the food bowl!
It also turns meal times into a treasure hunt allowing your feline to sniff out and savor the raw morsels, giving her an opportunity to hone her innate pounce and prey skills, albeit in the food bowl.

10 Steps for Choosing the Right Shelter Cat for You

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The decision to get a shelter cat is exciting but it can also seem overwhelming. It’s a wonderful feeling to know you’ll be providing a forever home, but you may also be concerned with how to pick the right cat. Being impulsive when it comes to choosing a shelter cat may work out but to increase the chances of being the right home for the right cat, my recommendation is to be well-prepared. Here are my 10 tips.

1. Should You Get a Kitten or Adult Cat?

There are advantages to both but it’s important to look at the time you can take for training. A kitten will require more supervision and training. The house will may also need to be kitten-proofed as an inquisitive young kitten will want to explore just about everything. If you’re hoping for a cat with a certain temperament, then an adult cat may be the best choice.

2. Evaluate Your Home Environment

What is your family life like? Is it chaotic and busy or relaxed and calm? If your family life is very busy, think about whether you’d have time for the addition of a cat. Do you have children in the home? What are their expectations? If your children are very young, a kitten may not be the best choice because they are easily injured. Do you live alone and spend little time at home? Consider adopting two cats so they can keep each other company. You may find a pair of cats at the shelter who are already bonded.

3. Think About the Relationship You Want

cat snuggling person
Before going to the shelter, take time to think about what type of relationship you want with a cat. Are you looking for a cuddly lap cat who is quiet, or an active cat who will keep you on your toes? If you choose a long-haired cat will you have the time to do daily brushing? Are you looking for a cat who will sleep in bed with you or one who keeps a distance? To prevent disappointment for both you and your new cat, think about your relationship expectations.

4. Do You Already Have Pets at Home?

cat meeting dog
Be mindful of the furry family you already have. If you currently have a cat at home, try to match complementary personalities when choosing a second cat and be prepared to do a gradual introduction. If you have a dog at home, try to choose a shelter cat who has previous (and positive) experience with dogs.

5. Talk with Shelter Personnel

They can help you narrow down your search for the right cat. Don’t take offense at questions they ask because they’re intended to ensure a good match.

6. Do a Walk-Through and Look at the Cats Before Settling on One

shelter cat
Trust me, it can be so easy to fall in the love with the very first cat you see, but take a moment and do a general walk-through. That way, you may find a couple of cats with whom you’d like to spend more time. If you just stop at the first cage, you may miss that amazing feline love of your life in the last cage on the other end of the room.

7. Spend One-on-One Time

Once you see a cat who touches your heart, spend some one-on-one time together. Most shelters have “get acquainted” rooms where you spend quiet time. This is the time to see how you both react to each other. Are you able to pet the cat? Does the cat like being held? How does the cat respond when you extend your hand? Remember, the cat may be frightened and the personality you see at the moment may not reflect how the cat will be in a home environment without all the shelter stress. What matters now is whether you feel a connection. Let the cat come to you. Take the time needed for the cat to feel secure enough to come toward you, even just a few steps. 

8. Coming Home

cat with scratching post

Photo by Paweł Adamczak on Unsplash

Have a room set up for the newest feline family member. This room should have a litter box, scratching post, toys, feeding station, and places to hide. Even though you know you’re providing a wonderful new home for the cat, it may take time for the newcomer to get familiar. Coming from the shelter environment to a totally unfamiliar place can be overwhelming. Provide one room so the cat can get comfortable with the new smells, sights and sounds. Don’t ask your new cat to get to know an entire new home or apartment all at once.

9. Get to Know Each Other

cat snuggling with person

Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

If your new cat is timid or overwhelmed, let him get to know you before you introduce other family members. Let the cat set the pace of how much interaction he wants. Trust-building is important and it happens by letting your new cat take the initiative. If he’s scared, provide some hiding places for him by scattering open paper bags or boxes in the room. This way, he can feel somewhat invisible which will lower his stress level. Trust-building may take time or you may have adopted a cat who is ready to investigate his new home the moment you walk in the door. What’s important is that you let the cat set the pace.

10. Be Patient and Ask for Help if Needed


If you adopted an adult cat, keep in mind that he comes with a history. It may take him a little time to shake off his past or his stress from shelter life. Don’t expect your new cat to be the perfect feline companion 24 hours after coming home. If you have questions or concerns, stay in touch with the shelter because in most cases, the personnel are more familiar with the cat and can help guide you through any early rough patches. 
Be patient, train with love and continue to build his trust. The time you spend now to help him feel secure, safe and loved, will pay off as you watch your newest family member blossom.

How to Honor Your Pet on World Pet Memorial Day

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World Pet Memorial Day is on June 9 and is a time for pet owners who have lost a beloved pet to remember, to honor, to celebrate and to reflect on the life of a departed pet.

Honoring Your Pet Online

Social media is one of the most popular ways to honor one’s pet on World Pet Memorial Day. Here are some things you can do.

  • Post a favorite picture or series of pictures of your pet on social media.
  • Consider making a photo album of your pet starting from the time he was small or from when your journey together began.
  • Share stories about your pet on social media or on your website. A favorite moment or experience is a great way to remember the love you shared with a pet who has passed.
  • Create a website for your pet. This is a place for you to share pictures, quotes, videos, and longer stories about your pet. Not only does creating a designated page for your pet give you more quality time reflecting on your life together but reading it also could help other pet owners who’ve lost pets.

To help others find your online tributes, make sure to use the hashtag #worldpetmemorialday, so other pet lovers and mourners can share in the joy your pet brought and in your shared grief. You can also create a unique hashtag for your pet.

Special Ways to Memorialize Your Pet

In addition to honoring your pet online, there are many special things you can do to create permanent reminders of your pet.

  • Print photos of your pet for you to hang on the walls of your home or to put on your desk at work. Seeing the image on a regular basis will bring back fond memories of the happy times you and your pet had together.
  • Get crafty be creating a memorial stone for your garden or walkway. The stone could be painted or could have your pet’s name or image carved into it. Every time you see the stone, you’ll have a beautiful reminder of your pet.
  • Plant a bush, flower, or tree in honor of your pet. Just as your pet had a positive impact on your life, so will a plant on the environment.
  • Make a donation to a cause that your pet led to you. This could be a variety of things from donating to the shelter where you got your pet to donating to a research center that cures pets of ailments your pet may have suffered from. You can also consider volunteering or donating to the park where you used to take your pet.

Taking Time to Remember Your Pet

Whatever you decide to do on World Pet Memorial Day, remember to take time. No matter how much time has passed since you lost your pet, you still have strong feelings that you deserve to take time to feel. Take a walk where you used to walk your pet or sit on a park bench where you used to watch your pet play and think about those special times. Reflect on the wonderful moments that you had and help yourself find peace in knowing how much you and your pet brought to one another’s lives.

When you lose a pet, take care of yourself and allow yourself to grieve and honor your dearly departed loved one. Wellness Pet Food believes in the best physical, mental and emotional health for pets and pet owners. For those who have lost pets, we are sorry for your loss.

America’s Most Pet Friendly Companies of 2018

Posted on by Above1 Support

Our second annual list of pet-friendly companies—created in celebration of Take Your Dog to Work Day®—includes breweries, dating services and more!

While we celebrate the event each year at our Tewksbury, MA offices—complete with dog grooming and massages, a biscuit bar, raffles, a jumpy house, K9 officer demo and more—we wanted to roll out the red carpet for other companies with a similar passion for pets.

America’s Most Pet Friendly Companies of 2018 include:

1. Tito’s Handmade Vodka (Austin, TX)

In addition to allowing dogs in the office each day, Tito’s goes above and beyond for pets in need. During the early years of the company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka took in abandoned animals that wandered around its distillery. As the company grew, so did its desire to help the community with the launch of its Vodka For Dog People program. The program works alongside animal charities to help save the lives of hundreds of animals.

2. Petcube (San Francisco, CA)

Not only is its office pet-friendly, many of Petcube’s events and corporate functions are as well! Employees enjoy perks like dog walking and pet sitting, pet insurance, on-demand vet consultations and more through their Petcube Care membership program. Best of all, employees get early access to cutting-edge pet technology products and services that the company is developing. 

3. Harpoon Brewery (Boston, MA)

Harpoon Brewery’s CEO, Dan Kenary, is a dog lover who decided to bring that passion to the workplace by allowing dogs in their office every day. Many employees’ dogs frequently visit the Boston and Windsor (NH) Breweries as well.

4. BISSELL Homecare (Grand Rapid, MI)

Bissell knows that allowing pets in a workplace can reduce stress and lift spirits, and its annual employee survey indicates that being able to bring their pets to work is a top reason why employees love working there. Their office has Pet Spot, an area designed specifically for pets with dog treats, water bowls, doggy cleanup kits, walking paths as well as occasional special treats, like doggy ice cream. Bissell also infuses its love for pets into its BISSELL Pet Foundation that offers various fun pet-focused products.

5. Glassdoor (Mill Valley, CA)

Glassdoor has nearly 30 dogs in its headquarters every day. Knowing that a dog-friendly space allows employees to bring their whole selves to work, the company has had a dog-friendly workplace since 2013 and works to help jobseekers find pet friendly workplaces through its website. The office also has designated areas for those who have allergies to keep everyone safe and comfortable. 

6. Zoosk (San Francisco, CA)

While the online dating service helps men and women find relationships, Zoosk understands the importance of the relationship between pet parents and their fluffy friends. It welcomes dogs on a daily basis and recognizes a pup per month with a special award. Zoosk thinks the best way for employees to alleviate a “ruff” day is to take a break and play fetch with one of the many Zoosk doggies on staff.

7. Zogics (Lenox, MA)

As one of the country’s largest suppliers to the health and fitness market, Zogics cares as much about their pets’ health as it does humans! Headquartered in the Berkshires surrounded by acres of outdoor space and 15 miles of dog-friendly trails, a day at its office is pooch paradise. Its “Pawternity” policy gives new pet parents an extra week of PTO, a pet store gift card, and a lifetime supply of Zogics Pet Shampoo. Their pets are also an integral part of their work—which includes an internal Slack channel devoted to pets. 

8. O.H.S.O. Brewery, Distillery and Restaurant (Phoenix, AZ)

All of its brewery locations have dog-friendly patios and walls filled with images of guest and employees’ dogs. It also offers complimentary homemade dog treats, a burger for dogs, and “barking bars” with taps that pour water for doggy water bowls. The company also hosts monthly giveback nights where 20 percent of sales go to local animal shelters and adoption events.

9. Fueled (New York, NY)

To make the office as comfortable as possible and add an irreplaceable sense of warmth and joy to its work environment that only pups can bring, Fueled allows dogs in its office every day. It even has a company dog mascot that has worked alongside employees for years, a Brussels Griffon named Frasier. Employees can’t imagine their office without him! 

10. TerraCycle (Trenton, NJ)

TerraCycle welcomes dogs in its office, with designated conference rooms and outdoor spaces for the office pups. The innovative recycling company is also committed to sustainability in the pet industry, supporting recycling efforts of empty packaging to help minimize the footprint the pet industry leaves behind. In 2015, Wellness Natural Pet Food became the first US-based pet food brand to partner with TerraCycle to provide consumers a free method for recycling their pet food packaging. Consumers can sign up to recycle their Wellness packaging here.

Here, beagle, Harley, gets a free grooming session during Wellness Natural Pet Food’s 2017 annual Take Your Dog to Work Day® celebration.

 

 

Maintaining Health in Your Senior Pet

Posted on by Above1 Support
Senior Pet

While it might feel like those playful kitten and puppy years will last forever, most cats and dogs are considered seniors by the time they are six and seven years old. The senior years are when health problems can start. By being aware of what they are and how to maintain health in your senior pet, you can keep your senior pet feeling, looking, and acting young and spry for years to come.

Preventative Healthcare for Senior Pets

When it comes to pet health care, being proactive is one of the best things you can do.

Proactive health care includes:

  • Regular vet visits – Don’t miss those annual wellness checks; your vet is trained to catch early signs of health problems and to make recommendations regarding the best diet and dietary supplements for your pet’s breed, condition, and age.
  • Monitoring your pet’s hygiene – As your pet ages, you will not only want to help with regular hygiene, which includes bathing and brushing, teeth brushing, ear cleanings, gum inspections, eye inspection, parasite checks, and the like, but you will also want to inspect your pet for signs of trouble, for lumps, for dry skin, for missing teeth, etc.

pet grooming

  • Daily exercise – A plethora of health problems set in when animals become sedentary. As a pet naturally ages and as his health naturally declines, exercise can become more of a challenge. By never ceasing a fitness regimen, it can be easier to maintain physical health in an aging or senior pet.
  • Adopt a healthy diet – Internal problems with your pet’s organs and systems can start as a result of poor diet. If your pet is consuming foods with a lot of foreign ingredients, make the switch to a natural pet food with ingredients scientifically proven to support bone and joint health, for building lean muscles, for being rich in healthy fats, and for promoting liver, digestive, and other systematic health.

When you do see your vet, inquire about supplementing your pet’s diet with supplements or with fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, etc., which can help support your pet’s mobility. You can also ask if your vet recommends changing your pet’s food to something that is specially formulated for aging pets.

Things to Monitor in Aging Pets

As your pet ages, she will naturally slow down a little; however, there are many signs of issues beyond advanced age. As the years tick by, monitor your pet for the following changes or conditions.

  • Dramatic weight changes – Senior pets can gain or lose too much weight; dramatic changes in either direction are indicative of a problem. Such problems could be dietary, exercise related, or symptomatic of an illness.
  • Mental health issues – Like people, pets can get senile as they age. This is particularly true of pets that are under-stimulated.  Signs include wandering, repetitive behavior, signs of anxiety, confusion, disorientation, irritability, aggression, bathroom accidents, and antisocial tendencies to name a few.
  • Changes in habits and behaviors – Kidney, urinary tract, and heart disease are evident by changes in your pet’s behaviors. Such changes include increased or decreased urination, coughing, trouble breathing, poor or increased appetite, poor or increased thirst, poor hair / coat, vomiting, and weakness. 

Should any of these signs present, you should document them. Write down what the activity is (and record it on your smartphone if possible), when it occurs, how long the behavior lasts, and how frequently it occurs. Then, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. The sooner you have a plan of action, the better your pet’s outcomes will be.

Caring for Your Senior Pet

In addition to making provisions for monitoring your pet’s health as he ages, you also want to make sure that you are being emotionally supportive of your pet. Just because your pet isn’t as active as he used to be, make sure you still spend time with him, play with him, throw a ball with him, and show him love and affection. This will help your pet feel motivated and happy, and it will help you maintain your pet’s health and wellbeing as he ages.older dog

Cats and dogs deserve to live long, healthy lives. By learning how to proactively feed and care for senior pets, you can ensure you pet is around and is healthy for many years to come. That is why Wellness Pet Food has created several different all-natural cat and dog food formulas for pets of varying ages.

 

From an Idea to Your Pantry: How Wellness Creates New Products

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How Wellness Natural Pet Food Creates New Products

Wellness is known for having over 100 years of experience creating the best food for the pets that depend on us. While we’ve perfected our nutritional approach to natural foods with superior ingredients and unwavering attention to quality, we also have a full-time Innovation team dedicated to bringing Wellness fans the latest and greatest food and snack options for their pets.

Get ready for an inside look at how our Innovation Team takes a new product from ideation all the way to the final, delicious product you see on shelf!

How We Create New Products:

Step 1: Inspiration

Inspiration comes from many places. We’re constantly thinking of new recipes, forms, flavors and varieties to offer our furry friends.

What inspires us?

You! We have a dedicated Consumer Affairs team who not only answers questions about our existing products, but receives your requests and suggestions for new products you’d love to see from us. 

Will you have a CORE RawRev puppy food? I really want to feed this but I can’t yet because my dog is only 10 weeks old. -Ashlie B.

Our own pets. Many of us are proud pawrents ourselves and we’re always looking to keep our pets happy, healthy and satisfied!

Our own diets. We practice healthy living ourselves and make sure we’re keeping up with any of the latest human food trends that may be able to be applied as a beneficial diet for dogs or cats.

Step 2: Ideation

From inspiration, we then move to ideation. What does the food ultimately look like? What food form should we deliver it in? What ingredients will best fit the recipe? What flavors should we offer?

Wellness CORE pet food designs

To help answer these questions and shape our new product concept, we utilize various sources of information. This includes consulting with our internal teams and external customers, conducting consumer research and analyzing industry data, to name a few.

Step 3: Formulating the Recipe:

Wellness recipe production

Once we have defined our vision of the new product, we then move on to recipe formulation. We work closely with our team of food scientists, nutritionists and veterinarians to ensure our desired recipe is not only delicious, but also nutritionally appropriate and beneficial for dogs or cats. Once we have worked our magic, the recipes are carefully evaluated for nutritional performance and digestibility (which is a fancy way of saying we want to make sure pets are absorbing all the great nutrients we put in the product).

Step 4: Bringing it to Life with Packaging

After the nutritional details are confirmed to be as awesome as we intended, our team works closely with designers to bring the product to life through its packaging. You might be surprised about how much time and thought goes into each element of the packaging, including the photography, words and iconography on the bag.

Wellness CORE Bowl Booster Mixers and Toppers

Packaging design is something we take very seriously because when you pick up the bag, we want you to be thoroughly informed about exactly what you’re getting when you purchase the final product, and how the product will nourish and benefit your dog or cat.

Step 5: Recipe Production & Quality Assurance

Once all the details are finalized, the artwork is sent off to be generated into final packaging and production of the new recipe can begin! That is where our quality assurance team steps in— to ensure everything from raw ingredient sourcing to final production is held to our high quality standards. You can read more about our Quality Assurance process here.

Wellness pet food formulation

We apply this process to all of our innovations, including the newest wave of products hitting store shelves now. This includes our line of tasty, TENDER or PURE Wellness CORE toppers, Bowl Boosters, and our new CORE RawRev Puppy and Healthy Weight formulas. And for our feline friends, NEW CORE RawRev for cats and new CORE 95% protein canned recipes.  

Have you tried any new Wellness recipes lately? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by using the hashtags #wellnesspetfood and #wellnessCORE. We’d love to hear from you, and might even feature you on our website or social pages!

How to Plant a Pet Friendly Garden This Spring

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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 80,000 pet food bags diverted from landfills.

Raising a pet is a lot like growing a garden. They both require close attention, proper watering and feeding, and the care that comes with understanding their needs. But while they have their similarities, pets and gardens don’t always get along.

Pets around the world have been known to stomp on and relieve themselves in gardens. Sometimes, they’ll eat the plants in it, which not only destroys the space, but can make them sick. Before you resolve to keep the two separate, know that with a bit of help, pets and plants can live harmoniously in the same yard.

Here’s a short list of tips for the two-fold goal of raising a pet-friendly garden, along with a garden-friendly pet:

It all starts with training

 A well-trained pet is a good starting point for a peaceful plant garden. Especially if the garden is established as a no-go area, an obedient pet is much less likely to be destructive, and will listen to commands.

Build a border

Creating garden borders can help to keep your pet out. Simple solutions include a small wooden fence, pieces of driftwood, or chicken wire, depending on the pet and plants that need protecting. Another way is a natural border of large, sturdy plants at the garden’s exterior. Lining this border with a paw-friendly pathway (small cedar chips are great for this) gives your pet somewhere to walk near the plants without ruining them. With designated paths and a well-distinguished border, your pet may take it into their own paws to protect the garden!

Give your pet alternative solutions

This step can be hard for people with limited space in their yard. However, giving pets, especially dogs, established areas to relieve themselves, dig, run, enjoy shade and play can help to avoid your pet using your garden to do these things. A dog sandbox can give your dog exactly what it needs to fill its digging needs, while a marking post, like sculptural piece of driftwood, can serve as a place for dogs to mark their territory.

Plant pet-friendly plants

In case your faunal family member does get into the garden, make sure it is full of flora that is beneficial, not harmful. Your cat may like a catnip plant, and lavender is calming for people and dogs. Colorful petunias, marigolds and gerber daisies can co-exist with cats and canines, and parsley and carrots are great for dogs (and humans!) to eat. With summer coming, citronella wards off mosquitos, which can cause heartworms in pets. 

Avoid thorny and spiny plants, and be cautious about growing plants that are toxic to animals, such as tulips, daffodils and lilies. The ASPCA’s full list of plants to avoid can be found here.

Be a responsible pet parent

They say that pets look like their owners, and act like them, too. Responsible pet owners breed responsible pets. In order to reach this goal, it is important to take into account the needs of your pet and the environment in which it lives. Practice good habits with your pet every day, whether it’s feeding them on a consistent schedule, properly recycling their Wellness food packaging or taking the time to play with them. Feeding off your energy and respect for shared spaces will help your pet be calm, happy and able to live in concord with the plants you keep. 

What to Feed Your Pet if They Have Food Allergies

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Animals, like people, can develop allergies to substances in their environment. When inhaled, consumed, or put in contact with an animal’s skin, such substances cause an allergic reaction. Food allergies can be difficult to detect; however, when detected, you should make appropriate adjustments to your pet’s diet. 

wellness dog food

Signs of Food Allergies in Pets

Because signs of allergies mimic signs of other ailments or could show up in conjunction with other ailments, they can be difficult to detect. Typically, dogs with food allergies will also exhibit these signs: 

  • Multiple ear infections
  • Itchy skin
  • Diarrhea and / or vomiting 

Additional general signs of allergies include:

  • Increased scratching
  • Runny eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Snoring due to throat inflammation
  • Swollen paws
  • Excessive licking 

Pets can develop food allergies at any age, so it is important to be aware of what an allergic reaction in pets might look like and that you aim to diagnose the cause of the allergy as soon as possible when signs of an allergy present.

freeze dried dog food

Diagnosing Food Allergies in Pets 

If you suspect your pet has a food allergy, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can conduct blood tests and can make recommendations for conducting an elimination diet to determine what food or foods is causing the problem. Common pet food allergens are added colors, flavors, and fillers as well as types of ingredients and multiple proteins. 

The Right Food for Pets with Allergies 

Typically, a limited-ingredient pet food with a single main ingredient will be the solution for resolving food-related pet allergies. Limited ingredient pet foods enable you to exercise complete control over what your pet consumes. Selecting pet foods made exclusively with all-natural ingredients, such as those created by Wellness Pet Food, gives you further peace of mind in knowing there are not added flavonoids, chemicals, or fillers, which can cause allergic reactions and other major health problems.

If your pet has allergies, CORE products feature recipes that accommodate their special dietary needs.

For dogs:

  • CORE Simply Shreds: CORE simply shreds mixer or toppers are 100% all-nature five-ingredient-or-less toppings or snacks that come in a variety of flavorful combinations like chicken, beef, & carrots; chicken, wild salmon, & pumpkin; or chicken, chicken liver, & broccoli to name a few. The recipes are 100% grain free and are potato free for sensitive dogs.
  • CORE 95%: These single-source protein meals are grain free and are an ideal choice for dogs with multi-protein or grain allergies. The combinations include: chicken with broccoli, turkey with spinach, and beef with carrots. These wet meals can be served as-is or paired with CORE Simply Shreds toppers for additional nutrients and flavor.
  • CORE 100% Freeze Dried Treats: CORE freeze dried treats are made exclusively from real meat. No wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives were used in these treats, perfect for dogs with allergies. The flavors include: turkey, beef, salmon, or boar. 

food allergies

For cats:

  • CORE Indoor Ocean: CORE Indoor Salmon & Herring is a grain-free dry food formula for cats that cannot tolerate protein. There are multiple CORE dry food combinations that support your cat’s digestive balance, lean muscle mass, hip and joint support, and skin and coat as well as her special allergy needs. Other combinations feature turkey and chicken or turkey and duck. There are several formulas for cats of all ages. 
  • CORE 95%: Like Wet CORE 95% for dogs, CORE 95% for cats features a 95% protein formula with limited ingredients and zero grains. The recipes come in single or double-source protein options and include: beef & chicken; chicken; chicken & salmon; & turkey.

cat food

By adopting a limited-ingredient diet for your pet, you can help manage their allergy symptoms and ensure a better overall quality of life as such diets often have additional health benefits that boost your pet’s energy levels and immune health while promoting longevity.

Since its inception, Wellness Pet Food’s mission has been to make pet foods that support lifelong health and wellness. Our limited ingredient CORE formulas are specially formulated with sensitive pets and pets with allergies in mind because they deserve long, happy, healthy lives, too. 

Becoming a First Time Pet Parent

Posted on by Above1 Support

I’ve grown up with dogs my whole life, and I knew that one of the first things I was going to do once I was on my own was get a puppy. However, the thought of having this overwhelming responsibility was definitely daunting, and I wasn’t sure if it was the right time to bring a puppy into my life. A few days later, Koda, a blue eyed Weimaraner came into my life, and our adventure began. 

The first thing I learned as a new pet parent was that there’s never going to be a “right” time to get your first dog, and that those first few months are something you’ll never regret or forget. There was a steep learning curve and I found myself scouring blogs just like the Live Well blog by Wellness Pet Food, trying to learn as much as I could about food, vaccines, exercise, and training so I could properly take care of my new best friend. 

I’ll be the first to admit, my situation is pretty unique. As a professional athlete, I’m home from practice by lunch time most days which allows Koda and I to explore every afternoon, and living in the Pacific Northwest caters to our need for adventure. In his first year Koda’s been to five national parks, visited six states, ran in the Pacific Ocean, camped atop several mountains, and has probably chewed over 1,000 sticks. My schedule also allowed me to spend a lot of time bonding with Koda right from the start. He’s well trained and we’re totally inseparable – which means he has a bit of separation anxiety whenever I leave him for work road trips. However, the rest of the time our close bond makes it great because I don’t have to worry about him during our adventures.

The second thing I learned is that some words are sacred – ball, stick, smell, snack, friends, etc. Dogs are smart and Koda knows when I say “friends” that he gets to go to the dog park to play. I’m sure most dog owners have their own list of words and they understand the struggle of not accidentally using those scared words.

I also learned that no matter how tiring and frustrating it can be having a puppy, your dog will love you unconditionally and that alone makes it all worth it. Koda has done more than his fair share of testing my patience in our first year together. Although he knows better, he still can’t resist getting into the garbage when he smells bacon, he’s eaten an entire roast right off the counter, and he even chewed up our blinds so that he can look outside. But even through all of that, he’s my best friend and I can’t picture my life without him by my side. 

If you’re trying to decide whether or not you should get a dog, my advice is to just do it. You won’t regret it for a second. Your new companion will be by your side through everything and love you unconditionally.

About This Page

Pet Type:

DOG

Topic:

Behavior & Training

Date:

01/05/2018

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