How to Raise a Happy, Healthy Dog

Support your dog's health by choosing diets with named meat proteins, clear ingredient lists and an AAFCO adequacy statement. Consider limited-ingredient options for sensitive dogs, introduce new foods gradually, and monitor coat, stool and energy. Verify current product details for any brand, including Wellness, and consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance.

How to raise a happy, healthy dog

Feeding your dog well is one of the easiest ways to support long-term health. Many owners who move away from low-cost, highly processed diets toward foods built from higher-quality ingredients report improvements in coat condition, energy level, odor and digestive comfort. That said, no single brand is a universal solution - read labels and work with your vet.

Look for whole-food ingredients and clear sourcing

Choose foods that list a named meat (chicken, lamb, salmon) as the first ingredient. Avoid vague terms like "meat by-products" when you can, and watch for unnecessary fillers (excessive corn or wheat) if your dog has sensitivities.

Also check for an AAFCO statement on the bag (Association of American Feed Control Officials). That statement tells you whether the food meets established nutrient profiles for life stage and activity level.

Limited-ingredient and grain-inclusive options

Some dogs do best on limited-ingredient recipes that use a single novel protein and minimal extras. Others need grain-inclusive formulas with soluble and insoluble fibers for gut health. Both approaches can be healthy when the formula is balanced and nutritionally complete.

Treats and extras matter

Treats should complement, not replace, a balanced diet. Look for treats with recognizable ingredients and limited added sugars or artificial preservatives. Use treats for training and enrichment, and account for their calories in your dog's daily intake.

What Wellness-brand foods offer (and what to check)

Many pet owners praise Wellness-brand diets for using named proteins and avoiding some artificial additives. Wellness offers multiple product lines including core and limited-ingredient/"Simple" style formulas, plus treats and biscuits.

Manufacturers describe different cooking processes (dry extrusion, baking, slow-cook) intended to preserve nutrients; the exact method varies by product. ¹

If you're evaluating a Wellness product or any other brand, confirm the current ingredient list, manufacturing claims and any certifications on the company website or package. ²

Practical feeding steps

• Introduce a new food gradually over 7-10 days to limit digestive upset.

• Feed according to your dog's life stage and activity level; adjust portions for weight changes.

• Monitor stool quality, skin and coat, energy and body condition - these are practical indicators of how a diet fits your dog.

• Consult your veterinarian before changing diets, especially for puppies, seniors or dogs with health conditions.

High-quality ingredients, clear labeling and a balanced formula matter more than marketing language. Choosing foods with named protein sources, sensible carbohydrate choices and minimal unnecessary additives can help many dogs look and feel better. Always verify current product details and discuss major diet changes with your veterinarian.

1. Confirm current Wellness Pet Company product lines and exact names (e.g., 'Wellness CORE', 'Complete Health', 'Simple').
2. Verify Wellness manufacturing/cooking methods for each product line (e.g., oven-baked vs. extrusion) and whether any lines are marketed as 'slowly oven baked.'
3. Confirm that Wellness explicitly states ingredient sourcing policies (claims about avoiding animals with 'questionable health' or specific by-products).
4. Check current ingredient lists for any Wellness products referenced to ensure claims in the article match packaging.