At Wellness, we believe that the food that you give to your pets should do more than just satisfy their appetites. It should provide the foundation of whole-body health your pet deserves. That’s why Wellness natural pet food for dogs and cats provides much more than just the minimum nutritional requirements. In addition to our carefully selected all-natural ingredients, we add beneficial nutrients like glucosamine, probiotics, omega-fatty acids and anti-oxidants for a lifetime of health for your pet. Without the use of fillers or artificial additives, our specialized natural nutrition gives cats and dogs more in their food so they can get more out of life.
See which ingredients we give the “paws up,” and which ones are “paws down” in our Pet Food Ingredient Guide.
Here's a sample of some of the good stuff you’ll find in Wellness® Natural Pet Food.
Apples
Apples are an excellent source of pectin and water-soluble fiber.
Ascorbic Acid
Form of Vitamin C
Bananas
Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B6 and contains moderate amounts of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber.
Barley, Ground/Pearled
Ground/Pearled Barley is produced from whole barley seeds that have been scoured to remove the seed hull and bran. An excellent choice for specialized obesity and diabetic pet diets due to its unique nutritional make-up, modest amounts of slowly digested starch and the soluble fiber B-glucan. It is more digestible than whole or cracked barley.
Beef
The clean flesh derived from cattle and is limited to that part of the striated muscle which is skeletal or that which is found in the heart, with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh. An excellent source of high quality protein.
Beta Carotene
Beta-Carotene is an antioxidant. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene can help neutralize free-radicals.
Biotin
This B-vitamin is included in most diets for pets. It is essential for normal metabolism of fat and protein.
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in Vitamin A & C, potassium, fiber and various carotenoids which are valuable anti-oxidants. Blueberries provide flavor, taste and color of fresh fruits..
Brown Rice/Ground Brown Rice
Ground Brown Rice is the entire product obtained in grinding the rice kernels after the hulls have been removed. An excellent source of complex carbohydrates, provides quick energy and is loaded with B vitamins and minerals.
Broth/Stock
Is obtained by cooking mammalian or poultry bones, parts, and/or muscle tissue.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a mineral compound used to provide calcium. It must contain a minimum of 38% calcium.
Calcium Iodate
Calcium Iodate is a nutritional source of Iodine. Iodine helps the thyroid function properly and perform a multiple of body functions including metabolism, nerve and muscle function, the growth of skin and hair.
Calcium Pantothenate/Pantothenic Acid /d-Calcium Pantothenate
This water-soluble vitamin required to sustain life is also known as Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid. Pantothenic acid is needed to form coenzyme-A (CoA), and is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. This vitamin is necessary for the conversion of fat and sugar into energy and promotes wound healing and antibody formation. Wellness includes this important vitamin in all of our natural dog and cat foods.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is obtained by extracting the oil from rapeseeds. It cannot contain more than 3% impurities. The oil provides the animal with calories needed for energy and the essential fatty acids alpha-linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid necessary for a healthy coat.
Carrageenan Gum
Carrageenan gum is the extract from the red seaweed found in the North Atlantic coastal regions. It is usually used in canned pet foods to bind water to improve the appearance of the product.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of fiber and minerals. Also a good natural source of beta carotene, an antioxidant essential for neutralizing free radicals.
Cassia Gum
Is the purified flour from the endosperm of the seeds of Cassia tora or Cassia obtusofolia. Is the product obtained by mechanical separation of the endosperm from the germ and husk in a heated process, which subsequent purification by sieving, pulverization, extraction, and drying. Cassia gum is suitable for use as a stabilizer (thickening and gelling agent) in canned dog and cat food and shall be permitted in concentration up to 4000 ppm.
Chicken
Chicken is the clean combination of skin and flesh derived from whole chickens. It is an excellent source of high quality protein and fatty acids and is the first ingredient in any of our chicken based diets for cats and dogs.
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used to coat our foods after cooking as a highly palatable natural flavor that helps achieve the proper fatty acid profile necessary for healthy skin and coat. It is especially good for cats, because it contains arachidonic acid, a fatty acid they cannot produce on their own.
Chicken Liver
Chicken Liver, as the name implies, is liver specifically from chicken. It is an excellent source of high quality protein and a rich source of Vitamins A, D and virtually all of the B vitamins.
Chicken Meal
As the chicken cooks, all of the fat and water are released, creating a concentrated, highly-digestible protein and fat source. For our cat foods, we source and select special low-ash chicken meal as to control mineral levels that contribute to proper urinary health.
Chicory Root Extract (Inulin)
Chicory is harvested to extract inulin. Inulin is often known as a “Prebiotic” the counterpart to “Probiotics.” Probiotics are good bacteria that stop the growth of the bad bacteria in the digestive tract. The fiber feeds these probiotics so that they can do their jobs.
Choline Chloride
Is a source of the nutrient Choline. Choline is necessary for a number of important functions including energy metabolism and proper nervous tissue function.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin Sulfate is part of a large protein molecule which gives cartilage it elasticity. It is believed to be helpful in maintaining cartilage in the animal.
Copper Proteinate/Copper Sulfate
Two compounds which are used as a source of copper. The copper from copper proteinate is highly available while the copper from copper sulfate is less so. A trace mineral found in all body tissues. It works in respiration, synthesis of hemoglobin and production of collagen. It is also an antioxidant and helps prevent oxidation of fatty acids.
Cranberries
Cranberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C and unique natural source of tannins (astringents found in plants).
Cranberry Extract Powder
Cranberry extract powder is the dehydrated form of the cranberry plant and is an excellent source of vitamin C. Dried or dehydrated fruits are nutrient dense and allow us to use more than whole fruits, since they have significantly lower water content than whole/fresh fruits.
Cranberry Fiber
Cranberry fiber is the fibrous pulp that includes the flesh and skin of the cranberry. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and also and excellent stool softener. Cranberries have long been known to aid in urinary tract health and since in a majority of fruits, especially cranberries, the “goodness” is found directly in the skin and pulp.
DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid important for neural development of your mammals. DHA is a major structural component of the brain as well as the most abundant fatty acids in the brain. It plays a vital role in the development of the central nervous system and retinal function.
Dicalcium Phosphate
A mineral supplement which contains 20% calcium and 18% phosphorus. The phosphorus is essentially 100% available.
Dried Egg Product
Dried, whole, cooked eggs (minus shells) are often added to pet foods to increase the protein biological value. Raw egg whites contain avidin which binds to biotin (B Vitamin) to make it unavailable to the pet. Therefore, it is not recommended to feed pets raw eggs.
Dried Kelp
Dried Kelp is the dried product from two families of seaweed. It is an excellent natural source of iodine and also provides beneficial fiber.
Duck
Duck is the clean combination of skin and flesh without bone derived from the parts or whole carcasses of ducks. It is an excellent source of high quality protein and fatty acids.
Enterococcus faecium
See Live Micro-organism
Ferrous Proteinate
Mineral compound used as a source of chelated iron. The iron from ferrous proteinate is highly available while the iron from ferrous sulfate is less so. Of note is the fact that iron from iron oxide is not available but is often found in some pet foods as a coloring agent.
Ferrous Sulfate
Mineral compound used as a source of iron. It provides oxygen to blood and helps with the digestion of fatty acids.
Flaxseed
Also known as linseeds, flaxseeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. It also aids in the movement of food through the digestive system. Flaxseeds are high in fiber that adds bulk to the diet. Omega-3 fats in flaxseed also improve the shine of the pet’s coat.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is another B-vitamin that is added to most pet foods. It helps form red blood cells and break down amino acids.
Garlic Powder
Garlic is valued for its anti-oxidant properties, as well as its enjoyable flavor.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that plays a role in cartilage formation and repair. It is extracted from shellfish (shrimp and crabs) and is believed to be useful in helping maintain healthy joints.
Ground Rice
See Rice.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is the extract of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, a legume grown primarily in India and Texas. It is usually used in canned pet foods to bind water to improve the appearance of the product. It can be used in foods for diabetic pets since it also slows the absorption of glucose.
Herring
Herring is the clean tissue of undecomposed whole herring or herring parts. It is a source of protein and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids which are critical for healthy skin and coat, proper body function and enhanced learning of young puppies.
Herring Meal
Herring meal is the clean, dried and ground tissue of undecomposed whole herring with or without the extraction of part of the oil. It must not contain more than 10% moisture. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, calcium, phosphorus and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids which are critical for healthy skin and coat, proper body function and promote brain development in young puppies.
Iron Proteinate
Mineral compound used as a source of chelated iron. The iron from iron proteinate is highly available and it provides oxygen to the blood and helps digestion of fatty acids.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
See Live Micro-organism.
Lactobacillus casei
See Live Micro-organism.
Lactobacillus plantarum
See Live Micro-organism.
Lamb
The clean flesh derived from lambs and is limited to that part of the striated muscle which is skeletal or that which is found in the tongue, or heart, with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve, and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh. An excellent source of protein.
Lamb Meal
Lamb Meal offers a novel single source animal protein alternative with the water removed, has a lower incidence of allergic response.
L-Carnitine
Carnitine or L-Carnitine is a vitamin like compound made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It is found in animal-based, not plant based, sources of protein. L-carnitine has been used to help with fat metabolism and recent scientific studies suggest that it helps reduce weight in overweight dogs and cats.
Live Micro-organisms
Natural micro-flora (friendly bacteria) that may help improves intestinal microbial balance. Helps the digestion process, thus providing more efficient utilization of food and produce bacteriocins which act as natural antibiotics against bad bacteria.
Manganese Proteinate/ Manganese Sulfate
Two compounds which are used as a source of manganese. The manganese from manganese proteinate is a chelated source of manganese and is an antioxidant. It activates many enzymes and helps utilize fatty acids. The manganese from manganese sulfate is less available.
Menhaden Fish Meal
Menhaden fish meal is the clean, dried and ground tissue of undecomposed whole menhaden with or without the extraction of part of the oil. It must not contain more than 10% moisture. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, calcium, phosphorus and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids which are critical for healthy skin and coat, proper body function and promote brain development in young puppies.
Mixed Tocopherols
This a mixture of differing forms of Vitamin E most often used as a preservative or antioxidant to stabilize fats to prevent them from becoming rancid. Their stabilizing effect depends on the type of fat used.
Natural Chicken Flavor
Natural Chicken Flavor is a chicken based, natural flavor that is a blend of amino acids and minerals that are highly palatable for both dogs and cats.
Natural Flavor
Natural Flavor is a blend of non-animal, based natural flavor that is a blend of amino acids and minerals that are highly palatable for both dogs and cats.
Natural Fish Flavor
Natural Fish Flavor is a fish based, natural flavor that is a blend of amino acids and minerals that are highly palatable for both dogs and cats.
Niacin
While the B vitamin Niacin is present at high levels in most grains, unless properly treated, most of the niacin in these ingredients is in a bound form and hence unavailable to the pet. For this reason most manufacturers supplement their diets with niacin. It helps process protein, carbohydrates and fat as well as promotes healthy nervous and brain function.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrates, protein and nutritional fiber.
Oat Fiber
Oat fiber is a purified form of fiber extracted from oat hulls. It is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Omega Fatty Acids
Defined as polyunsaturated fatty acids which have a double carbon bond in the third (O-3's) or sixth (O-6's) from last terminating carbon in the fatty acid. Common Omega fatty acids include Linoleic, alpha Linoleic, EPA and DHA.
Pears
Pears are an excellent source of pectin and water-soluble fiber.
Peas
Peas are an excellent source of protein and fiber. They are a great representative of the "Green" vegetable group.
Potassium Chloride
A potassium supplement typically found in pet food. It contains 40% potassium and 60% chloride. It is important in helping the pet maintain proper acid-base balance.
Potatoes
Potatoes are whole, freshly cooked potatoes that include the skins. Potatoes provide B vitamins, carbohydrates, zinc, vitamin C, copper, iron, magnesium, niacin and potassium.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are usually composed of chicory root extract, of which the primary compound is inulin. Inulin serves as a food source for the probiotics (see below).
Probiotics
Probiotics are natural micro-flora (friendly bacteria) that may help the digestion process, thus providing more efficient utilization of food and produce bacteriocins which act as natural antibiotics.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is the most common form used when supplementing pet foods with the B-vitamin pyridoxine. Pyridoxine is very important in helping the pet metabolize protein.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is used to supply the diet with a B-complex vitamin. It helps promote growth and helps assimilation of carbohydrates and amino acids.
Rice/Ground Rice
Unless listed as brown rice, rice is the de-hulled rice kernel, without the bran. Rice is the preferred grain for feline diets as it is low in minerals, specifically magnesium. Controlling the mineral content of a diet is especially important for cats prone to urinary tract disease. Wellness uses some whole rice and some ground rice in the dietary solutions recipes.
Rosemary Extract
Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis) is a highly effective natural preservative high in antioxidants.
Salmon
Salmon is the clean tissue of un-decomposed whole salmon or salmon cuttings. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, calcium, phosphorous and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are critical for healthy skin, coat and proper body function.
Salmon Meal
Salmon is cooked down, creating a concentrated, highly digestible protein and fat source known as salmon meal. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, calcium, phosphorous and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are critical for healthy skin, coat and proper body function as well as promotes brain development of kittens and puppies.
Salmon Oil
Salmon oil is high in Omega 3 fatty acid, specifically EPA and DHA.
Salt/Sodium Chloride
A sodium and chloride supplement typically found in pet food. It contains 39% sodium and 61% chloride. It is important in helping the pet maintain proper fluid balance.
Sodium Selenite
A source of the trace mineral selenium. Since animals require only about 0.1 parts per million of selenium, sodium selenite does not contribute any significant amounts of sodium. This helps to regulate the body's water balance.
Spinach
Spinach is exceptionally rich in carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lutein. Spinach is also a good source of magnesium, manganese and iron.
Squash
Originally native to North America squash were used as food in Mexico as early as 5,000 BC. The colonists of New England adopted the name squash, a word derived from several Native American words for the vegetable. Squash or zucchini is an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamin C and potassium.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is obtained by extracting the oil from sunflower seeds. It cannot contain by definition more than 3% impurities. The oil provides the animal with calories needed for energy and the essential fatty acid alpha-linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) essential for a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes are excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and Beta Carotene.
Taurine
Taurine is a compound similar to amino acids. It is essential for the proper functioning of the eyes and heart.
Thiamin Mononitrate
Form of thiamin or vitamin B1. Thiamin is easily destroyed by high heat, so most dry foods and all canned foods should be supplemented with additional thiamin.
Tomato Pomace
Tomato Pomace is the mixture of tomato skins, pulp and crushed seeds. It is an excellent source of soluble fiber and rich in the antioxidant lycopene.
Tomatoes
Whole tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and especially rich in the carotenoid lycopene which is an important anti-oxidant.
Turkey
Turkey is the clean combination of skin and flesh without the bone derived from whole turkeys. It is an excellent source of high quality protein and essential fatty acids.
Turkey Meal
As the turkey cooks, all of the fat and water are released, creating a concentrated, highly-digestible protein and fat source.
Venison
The clean flesh derived from deer and is limited to that part of the striate muscle which is skeletal with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve, and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh. Venison is an excellent source of protein.
Vitamin A Supplement
This supplement is added to almost all pet foods as a vitamin source. Vitamin A is sometimes labeled as vitamin A-acetate. It is a fat soluble vitamin, which is required in your pet’s diet.
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Although usually referred to on labels as vitamin B12, this B-vitamin is sometimes called by its chemical name cyanocobalamin. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal based ingredients, and most animals obtain enough vitamin B12 from the microbes in their gut. Animals on antibiotics may require supplemental vitamin B12.
Vitamin C
Also known as Ascorbic Acid or L-Ascorbic Acid. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue. Vitamin C is found in foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes and potatoes.
Vitamin D3 Supplement
This supplement is added to almost all pet foods as a vitamin source. Vitamin D is sometimes labeled as cholecalciferol. It is a fat soluble vitamin, which is required in your pet’s diet.
Vitamin E Supplement
This supplement is added to almost all pet foods as a vitamin source. It is sometimes labeled as d-alpha-Tocopherol acetate. It is a fat soluble vitamin, which is required in your pet’s diet.
Whitefish Meal
Whitefish is a concentrated, highly digestible protein and fat source known as whitefish meal. For our cat foods, we source and select special low ash whitefish meal as to control mineral levels that contribute to proper urinary health. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are critical for healthy skin, coat and body function.
Yucca Schidigera Extract
Yucca is a desert plant. It is a natural source of digestive aid. It is also known to reduce fecal odor.
Zinc Proteinate/Zinc Sulfate
Mineral compound used as a source of zinc. Zinc proteinate is highly available (chelated) and is important for proper maintenance of hair, skin, bones, muscles and blood. It also helps with digestion and reproduction.
Artificial Colors
Artificial Colors are synthetic pigments.
Artificial Flavors
Artificial Flavors are synthetic flavors.
BHA (butylated hydroxytolulene)
BHA is a chemical preservative.
BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole)
BHT is a chemical preservative.
Bone Meal
Bone Meal results from wet cooking with or without steam, under pressure of undecomposed bone. It may or not contain fat, gelatin, and meat fiber.
By-Products
By-product and by-product meals are secondary products produced in addition to the principal product.
Corn Gluten Meal
Corn Gluten Meal is the dried residue from corn after the removal of the larger part of the starch and germ, and the separation of the bran.
Soybean Meal
Soybean Meal is made from finely powdered material extracted from the screened and graded soy after removal of the oil from dehulled soybeans.
Soy Flour
Soy Flour is a fine sifted hull-free soybean meal.
Sweeteners/Sugar
Any type of caloric sweetener, such as cane sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, etc.
Wheat Gluten
Wheat Gluten is made by washing wheat flour dough with water until all the starch dissolves, leaving insoluble gluten as an elastic mass which is then cooked.
Wheat Middlings
Wheat Middlings consists of fine particles of wheat bran, wheat shorts, wheat germ, wheat flour and some of the offal from the “tail of the mill”.
