Wellness is a well-known brand among pet food manufacturers. And now we are going to give you our unbiased Wellness dog food review.
The Wellness pet food company makes it their goal to product the healthiest, highest-quality pet foods on the market.
Wellness offers pet food products that are loaded with fruit and veggie antioxidants, a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, essential minerals and vitamins, plus live probiotics.
Simply put, you can count on them to deliver unbeatable quality and natural flavor that your dog will love.
The Wellness brand of dog food is made by WellPet, LLC. The company was founded in 1926 as the Old Mother Hubbard dog biscuit company but was sold to Jim Scott, Sr. in 1961. Scott was an animal nutritionist who lead the company to new heights and moved its headquarters from Gloucester to Lowell, Massachusetts.
The first Wellness food recipes were released in 1997 and cat food recipes were added to the line in 2000. Today, Wellness continues to be an innovator in the holistic pet food industry, known for producing high-quality and healthy recipes for dogs in all life stages.
Wellness Dog Food Reviews
The Wellness pet food company promises their customers that they only use high-quality ingredients in each of their recipes. They also promise not to use low-quality ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy products as well as non-nutritive fillers and byproducts.
All it takes is a quick review of the ingredients lists for several Wellness products to reveal that these claims are true. Each Wellness dog food recipe starts off with a high-quality protein and is supplemented by a wholesome carbohydrate.
Most of Wellness’s recipes are also supplemented with plenty of omega fatty acids, fruit and vegetable antioxidants, and live probiotics for digestive support.
Designed for adult dogs of all breed sizes, this grain-free recipe is designed to give pups the protein-focused nutrition they need. And it shows in the ingredients.
There are many animal protein sources in this formulation, starting with deboned turkey and followed by turkey meal, chicken meal, and chicken liver to give your dog a total of 34% crude protein per meal.
Because adult dogs need more support to maintain healthy bones and joints, the recipe includes a healthy dose of glucosamine and chondroitin to keep them active and mobile. You can also find Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in here (from the salmon oil and chicken fat ingredients) to keep your pet’s fur shiny and his skin healthy.
The brand makes its disfavor with undesirable ingredients known by excluding corn, soy, meat by-products, and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives from the list of ingredients. It instead relies on whole foods such as blueberries, apples, carrots, and broccolis, among others, to keep the food nutrient-dense and complete for your pup’s everyday needs.
Providing the fuel and energy requirements of dogs are the peas and the ground potatoes. The peas contain just about any mineral you need and can think of, and it’s a great source of carbohydrates. Potatoes also provide complex carbohydrates, which will not only fill up your dogs for longer but contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals too.
Because a healthy digestive system is crucial to a dog’s overall health, each piece of kibble in this recipe is coated with probiotics. A guaranteed amount of over 80,000,000 is included in each pound of feed.
This recipe is best for dogs who may be sensitive to grains in their food. It’s also a good option for pup owners who feel that their pet’s diet should follow their wild ancestor’s diet (more animal protein, no grains) a bit more.
2. Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
This complete health dog food is an excellent source of complete and balanced diet. It features protein-rich chicken as the main ingredient with oatmeal, barley and peas for carbohydrate energy. This recipe is loaded with super nutrients as well, including sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries, and more.
As you already know, the first ingredient in this recipe is chicken. What you need to remember about fresh meats like this is that they contain as much as 80% moisture by volume. When the final product is cooked, most of that moisture will be lost and the final volume of protein provided by the chicken could end up being much lower.
Because chicken meal is the second ingredient, however, protein loss won’t be a problem for this Wellness Complete Recipe. Chicken meal is simply fresh chicken that has been cooked to remove moisture and it will have more protein compared to fresh poultry, if measured by volume.
The main sources of carbohydrate energy in this recipe are potatoes, peas, and wholesome grains like oatmeal, plus several supplementary sources such as chickpeas and flaxseed. Tomato pomace adds additional fiber.
The remaining ingredients consist primarily of fats, natural flavors, extracts, synthetic supplements, and dried fermentation products. The main source of fat in this recipe is chicken fat, which is a highly nutritious source of concentrated energy for dogs.
The fat is supplemented by ground flaxseed, which helps to ensure a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for your dog’s healthy skin and coat. In terms of supplements, there are a number of synthetic vitamins and several chelated minerals (minerals that have been chemically bound to protein molecules for better absorption).
The dried fermentation products listed act as probiotics to support your pet’s healthy digestion.
This recipe starts off strong with both fresh chicken and chicken meal at the top of the list and stays strong with the inclusion of several simple carbohydrates and wholesome foods. It’s a little high in crude fiber and could stand to be a little higher in protein and fat but, all in all, it is a quality product.
Dogs with food sensitivities need recipes with limited ingredients to allow their owners ease of tracking everything that goes inside each meal.
This is the science behind the Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet. There’s only a single source of animal protein and the carbohydrates are easily digestible. There’s only a single source of animal protein and the carbohydrates are easily digestible.
Just like all of their formulations, there are no extra fillers or additives that may cause an allergic reaction. Only those that are necessary go into each bit of kibble to ensure that your dog gets complete nutrition.
The first two ingredients are salmon and salmon meal, which provide the animal protein in this recipe. Salmon is also a fantastic source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (set at 1% and 1.75% respectively). Next come potatoes, which are complex carbohydrates that will leave your furry pal feeling full with their rich content of fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
The peas offer protein as well, along with lutein (an antioxidant that’s good for the eyes), minerals like zinc and iron, and vitamins A, K, and B. Additionally, there’s tomato pomace, which is an excellent amino acid source.
Because gut health is important, this wellness food is packed with probiotics and prebiotics. The probiotics are the good bacteria that provide several benefits to your dog, while the prebiotics are the food that those bacteria feast on.
The protein content in this formulation can be a little higher (at 25%), but it’s already over the minimum (18% for dry kibbles) required by the AAFCO. The moisture content is also at a good number, more than what is provided by many other dry dog foods.
The diet of dogs in the wild is based on the powerful nutrition of raw meat, and that has inspired the RawRev range.
The recipe uses pure protein, freeze-dried to preserve all its goodness and then carefully prepared according to the highest safety standards.
The first three ingredients in this formulation are animal proteins: deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal. The fresh deboned turkey is freeze-dried, while the turkey and chicken meal provide additional protein support as well as flavor.
They crafted this ancestral diet in a way that won’t upset the stomach of pups unused to raw. The brand also added peas and potatoes to give dogs the required energy they need courtesy of the carbohydrates and proteins these veggies bring. Meanwhile, the chicken fat in the list is balanced by salmon oil to give dogs a good level of Omegas to promote better skin and coat health.
Right after these ingredients come two more animal proteins. The freeze-dried turkey and the chicken liver give the meal an additional tail-wagging meaty flavor. They also help up the protein content to a high 36% minimum. The rest of the ingredients are made of superfoods like kale and blueberries or supplemental vitamins.
Because a dog’s diet must include proper attention to his digestive health, there are guaranteed levels of live lactic acid microorganisms in each bag at a count of 80,000,000 minimum CFU per pound.
The high protein content in this recipe is what’s most attractive about it, followed by the idea of fresh raw meat that contains its full nutritive properties. It’s also a safe option for many food-sensitive pups to try because there are no grains or gluten included.
Dogs that are fond of the taste of premium meat swimming in hearty gravy mixture will be wagging their tails over this good dog food.
It combines two satisfying red meat sources — beef and venison — into one tempting flavor, which is one of the hallmarks of the Wellness Hearty Cuts range.
The other trademarks of this wet food range includes hydration, support for a healthy immune system, great source of glucosamine and chondroitin, use of more protein without grains, and the inclusion of natural antioxidants. It depends on fresh, whole ingredients such as blueberries, spinach, broccoli, and carrots to provide dietary fiber, carotenoids, minerals, and vitamins.
The first several ingredients in this rich gravy meal are all animal proteins. It starts with beef followed by beef broth, venison broth, and beef liver. There’s also venison near the start of the list to add more meaty flavor.
Dried egg whites give the protein content a little boost to bring it up to a 9% minimum. (Note that wet food almost always offers less protein than dry kibble, but provides much more in terms of hydration.) In between the beef and venison also lies potato starch and sweet potatoes.
The potato starch improves the digestibility of all dietary nutrients in the food, while the sweet potatoes keep the digestive system healthy with their high fiber content.
This food formula can be given as a complete meal or used as a topper to mix with your dry kibbles, if you want your pet to get more protein. There’s enough nutrients in each can to nourish your dog from nose to tail because of the premium meats and the nutrient-dense super foods.
The big juicy pieces of meat in this formulation is a definite plus. It also helps that there are no corn, fillers, soy, meat by-products, or artificial preservatives and flavors in it.
6. Wellness Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes
First 5 ingredients:
Beef, Beef Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing, Beef Liver, Carrots
This is a home-style stew that’s slow-cooked to give dogs tender morsels of beef and vegetables in a savory gravy.
This formulation makes use of premium beef meat and organs plus eggs and egg whites to turn up the total crude protein content to 8% minimum.
The first ingredient is, of course, an animal protein source: beef.
Beef is a popular dog food favorite because it’s high in quality protein that supplies amino acids to the body, including glucosamine and chondroitin. Amino acids help transport nutrients around the body, provide support in the growth and maintenance of muscles, and are crucial for the proper function of the immune system.
Right after the beef, beef broth, beef liver, carrots, and egg whites are listed. Now, as previously mentioned above, the beef, beef organ, and eggs provide protein. The carrots, meanwhile, supply fiber (for the digestive system and heart health) and beta-carotene (which is converted into Vitamin A for the proper function of the nerves, muscles, and skin).
There are peas, potatoes, and potato starch listed right after the animal meat sources. The peas are packed with minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium; and A, K, and the B vitamins. Potato starch offers better digestibility, while potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals and are great for energy.
There’s a complete nutrition with every meal because it’s full of every essential nutrients that dogs need for every aspect of their health, from their coats to their digestive systems. It’s also a big plus that Wellness also did not include any wheat, preservatives, or artificial colors in this dish to make it more suitable for sensitive dogs.
7. Wellness Ninety-Five Percent Chicken Topper
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken, Water Sufficient For Processing, Natural Flavor, Cassia Gum, Carrageenan
This food is perfect for finicky eaters. It is designed as a food topper for doggies who need that additional protein or pups who deserve a tasty reward. As its name suggests, each meal is crafted with mostly all-natural and grain free chicken to supply a dog’s protein needs.
The list of ingredients here is fantastically short. There are only five ingredients on the whole, starting off with real chicken (95% of the recipe). Following the chicken is water for processing, natural flavors (nothing artificial to be found), cassia gum, and carrageenan.
Cassia gum is a safe additive commonly seen in cat and dog foods. Pet food makers use it as a gelling agent for stabilization, emulsification, and moisture retention.
As the last of the ingredients, carrageenan occupies the least amount of volume in the meal. Carrageenan is also an additive (a natural one extracted from seaweed) that can be found in human food as well. It’s mostly used as a thickener in moist pet foods.
The overwhelming animal protein content is a plus in this recipe’s favor. However, we’ll take back a few points for using carrageenan.
Although touted to be safe, there are studies that food-grade carrageenan may develop into “degraded carrageenan” once it enters the digestive system. Degraded carrageenan may cause gastrointestinal inflammation, among other things.
Li’l doggies need lots of love, attention, and treats! The Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are just the thing for small fur babies when you want to reward them for good behavior or just because. It’s made in itty bitty soft pieces suitable for little mouths to chew on.
A trademark of the Soft Puppy Bites range is its use of real animal meat mixed with fresh whole foods like oatmeal, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and ground flaxseed for complete nutrition. This particular recipe makes use of lamb and salmon (the first two ingredients) to give dogs their fill of animal protein.
Salmon, for one, is a common ingredient and flavor in high-quality pet foods because it’s a rich source of protein as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. Lamb, on the other hand, is full of niacin, Vitamin B12, and amino acids. Together, these two provide lots of nutrients to develop and maintain body tissues.
The third ingredient is chickpeas. Not only are these packed with fiber, proteins, and minerals, these actually help the body against lots of common canine illnesses like heart issues and high blood pressure. The potatoes, which are the fourth in the list, are complex carbohydrates that are full of calcium, potassium, iron, and more.
The rest of the ingredients are made of wholesome foods, natural preservatives, and some stabilizers. Puppies under 1 year will benefit from the DHA supplement here — a necessary component for the neural development of puppies. There are also no dairy, wheat, corn, or meat by-products inside, which may be problematic for little dogs.
Some adult dogs, particularly the older ones, prefer soft and chewy treats to crunchy ones. These treats caters to these canines by providing them snackable treats that aren’t too hard on their teeth or gums.
The Soft WellBites Beef & Turkey recipe follows the brand’s tradition of using no corn, gluten, artificial colors or flavors, soy, and by-products. The meal also doesn’t contain grains. Instead, premium animal meat and superfoods make the list to create a blend of nutritious treats that your dog will want to beg and sit for.
The first two ingredients are beef and turkey. Beef is, of course, a popular ingredient in pet foods because it offers quality protein to provide energy and support the growth and development of strong muscles. Turkey is also rich in protein but also contains phosphorus (essential for the formation of bones and teeth) and riboflavin (for regulating metabolism) too.
Chickpeas and ground potatoes come next. The chickpeas help reduce the likelihood of high blood pressure and heart diseases. Potatoes are highly digestible, provide much energy, and offer up calcium, iron, and many vitamins.
Vegetable glycerin is the fifth in the list, and its purpose is to make food chewy and preserve it from mold. It’s generally considered safe in small amounts. The rest of the ingredients are made up of fruits, veggies, and some natural preservatives.
The short list of ingredients is a nice plus to the treats. Every pet owner can easily recognize what’s included and keep track of everything that goes into their dog’s mouth. This is especially important for pets who are sensitive to some foods.
10. Wellness CORE Healthy Joints Beef Crunchy Dog Treats
Dogs who want to feel that crunch instead of a chewy texture will be happy to get the CORE Grain-Free Marrow Roasts. These are baked crunchy biscuits that have delicious centers filled with real marrow. Made to be given as treats, the snacks are circular and each measure 1 inch in diameter.
The first ingredient is beef, a healthy type of meat that is filled with selenium and zinc (for thyroid metabolism and immune function), iron (for the synthesis of blood), vitamin B12 (for brain function), and of course, protein (for energy, making hormones, and repairing cells).
The second ingredient is ground peas, which are very beneficial to dogs. (Ground peas are considered safe, unlike canned peas which are typically high in sodium.) The peas contribute plenty of fiber, protein, and other micronutrients to a dog’s diet. Vegetable glycerin follows as the third in the list. It’s there to prevent mold from growing and to act as a binder.
You can also find chickpea flour, tapioca starch, and ground flaxseed. Chickpeas add a boost of fiber and protein to any diet. Tapioca starch is a novel source of energy and not considered as a potential source of food sensitivity. Flaxseed assists in a healthy digestion and is a source of lignans (these help protect the body from heart disease and cancer).
Right between the ingredients listed above and some natural preservatives is the cooked bone marrow, which provides calcium for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It also provides a flavorful punch and a source of fat.
These treats offer up a balanced nutrition. There’s more moisture than you would expect from a mostly dry kibble. The crude protein is also at a good 15%. It may be lower than you would expect from dry food, but these are meant to be supplements only and not a complete meal. Overall, these are excellent food for adult dogs.
Where Does Wellness Get Their Ingredients?
Wellness is technically part of the WellPet family of brands which includes Eagle Pack pet foods and Old Mother Hubbard products. The Wellness company is currently headquartered in Tewksbury, Massachusetts and all of their products are made in the United States.
Although Wellness states that their products are U.S.-made, they do not provide specific information about where their products are manufactured.
Is Wellness Made in the USA?
According to the company website, every ingredient that Wellness uses is “thoughtfully chosen for its nutritional benefits, providing just what pets need for a happier, healthier, longer life”. All of Wellness’ recipes are made with wholesome and natural ingredients including real meats, wholesome grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, omega fatty acids, and live probiotics.
Though Wellness does speak to the quality of their ingredients, they do not provide specific information about where they come from. Because the company is based in the United States, however, it is safe to assume that many (if not all) of their ingredients come from the U.S. as well.
Wellness Recall List:
The Wellness company takes the health and wellness of pets very seriously which is why they hold themselves to the highest standards for safety and quality. Wellness has a strict quality assurance program guarantees the safety, purity, and balance of each of their formulas.
Ingredients are handled carefully throughout the manufacturing process and each product is rigorously tested before being sold. As careful as Wellness is in regard to the safety of their products, however, there are still a few recalls in recent brand history. Here are the details of those recalls:
In February 2011, the FDA issued a recallfor several canned cat food products due to inadequate levels of thiamine.
In May 2012, the FDA issued a recall for 15- and 30-pound bags of Wellness Complete Health Super 5 Mix Large Breed Puppy food due to potential salmonella contamination.
In October 2012, the Wellness company issued a voluntary recall for Wellness Small Breed Adult Health dry food due to possible moisture contamination.
Wellness dog food products are available in most major pet food chains as well as local pet food chains and specialty pet food stores – you can also purchase them from online pet food retailers. Wellness generally doesn’t offer coupons on the company website but you can sign up for the company newsletter using your email address to receive tips and special offers. You may also be able to find Wellness dog food coupons from individual retailers.
The Wellness brand of dog food offers a wide variety of formulas, all of which are made with premium-quality ingredients. The price of Wellness dog food varies from one product line to another, but most of them cost more than the average kibble because they offer much higher quality.
Wellness wet food comes in a variety of forms including 5-ounce and 6-ounce trays as well as 6-ounce, 12.5-ounce, and 13.2-ounce cans. Wellness wet foods range from $25 to $65 per case.
What Kind of Dog Food Does Wellness Offer?
The Wellness company offers a wide variety of dry and wet dog food products as well as an assortment of snacks and treats. When it comes to their products, Wellness has four main product lines – Complete Health, CORE, Simple, and Trufood.
The Complete Health line of products features both dry food and wet food products designed for dogs in all life stages and of all breed sizes. There are both original and grain-free recipes in this product line including healthy weight formulas.
The CORE line of products is entirely grain-free with formulas designed around the idea that dogs thrive best on a diet that is comprised primarily of meat.
The Simple line of products features limited ingredient diets for dogs that suffer from food allergies and sensitivities. The Trufood line of products features oven-baked blends of quality protein and digestible carbohydrate.
The Wellness Dog Food Verdict
In conclusion, Wellness Dog Food emerges as a standout choice in the realm of pet nutrition, offering a diverse range of formulas crafted with premium-quality ingredients. The brand's commitment to providing balanced nutrition is evident in its focus on hydration, support for a healthy immune system, and the inclusion of essential nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
While the price point may be higher compared to average kibble, the investment is justified by the superior quality and nutritional value that Wellness Dog Food consistently delivers, making it a top choice for pet owners seeking the best for their furry companions.
Is Wellness dog food a good dog food?
Judging by its ingredients alone, Wellness Complete Health Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product. Wellness Complete Health is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a moderate amount of named meat meals as its main source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars out of 5 among most reviewers.
Do vets recommend Wellness dog food?
Wellness provides whole-food based nutrition with a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and a boost of antioxidants and probiotics for healthy digestion. Wellness have been in the dog food business for the longest time and they continue to lead the way for many vet recommended dog food brands.
Is there a recall on wellness dog food?
Yes, Wellness Pet Food has been recalled multiple times. The most recent Wellness recall was announced on March 18th, 2017 due to elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone. In total, Wellness has been recalled five times. The Wellness brand of pet food was launched in 1997 by WellPet.
Who is the manufacturer of wellness dog food?
The Wellness brand of dog food is made by WellPet, LLC. The company was founded in 1926 as the Old Mother Hubbard dog biscuit company but was sold to Jim Scott, Sr. in 1961.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
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