this is where TRUE WELLNESS begins.®

this is where
TRUE WELLNESS
begins.®
Natural Food for Pets
This
Just for Puppy Guide Contains:
Helpful articles for new puppy owners
Information on proper nutritional care for your growing puppy
Tips on caring for your new addition
Congratulations on Your New Puppy!
In this Just for Puppy Guide from Wellness® Natural Food for Pets, you’ll
find tips, articles and advice on all of the new, exciting and important
experiences you can expect from your furry family member. Caring for
a puppy is such an important task and the processes that you put in
place early in their life are sure to have lasting effects. Training and
socializing your new pup is certainly a top priority for their temperament
but it is also important to consider their diet and how their growth and
continued health are affected by it.
At Wellness, we want you to know that we have that piece of the
equation covered. We believe that healthy food can nourish our pets’
bodies and help improve their lives. That’s why it’s our mission to provide
pet parents with natural pet food you can trust.
For each of our recipes, we are passionately picky from the first step to
the last – selecting quality ingredients, each with a purpose, and combining them in exact proportions to provide just what your dog needs to be
healthy from the inside, out. Our pets count on all of us to make smart
choices for them every day - helping you feel confident about these
choices is what we do and why we do it.
Like you, we know that our pets provide us unconditional love, and providing
uncompromising nutrition is one way we can all do the same for them.
We hope this Just for Puppy Guide and our natural Wellness dog recipes
will provide you and your pup guidelines for a long, happy and healthy life.
With the love and companionship of your new friend, we’re sure you’ll
enjoy the journey!
Unconditional Love.
Uncompromising Nutrition.®
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New Puppy Essentials
Nutritious Diet
Collar & ID Tag
Leash
Food and Water Dishes
Bedding
Training Snacks
Toys
Baby/Pet Gates
A Complete Approach to Health
A healthy foundation for a furry new family member begins with the right
food and continues with exercise, love and regular veterinary check-ups.
A complete approach is important for a pet’s long, happy and healthy life.
Puppyhood is the perfect time to introduce these values and guide your
new puppy on the path to total well-being.
Veterinarian Care
We all know that pets age much faster than humans. It’s important to
remember that subtle changes in behavior and/or physical appearance
should not be dismissed, as they may be the first indicator of a developing
health issue. It is essential that pets are scheduled for regular annual
examinations by a trusted veterinarian to monitor for any changes in your
pet that can be detected only by a trained professional. Your veterinarian
is dedicated to providing your pet with the very best care possible and it is
absolutely necessary for him to regularly examine your pet in order to
maintain the highest level of care.
Exercise
As with humans, exercise is essential to the happy and long life of your
pet. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous in order to be beneficial to
your pet’s well-being. Regular exercise is key, so set aside a brief period
of time each day dedicated to physical activity for your pet. Doing this on
a regular basis also gives your pet something to look forward to each day
and strengthens the bond with your pet. Teaching your puppy a variety of
basic commands at a young age will have lasting benefits. Try to work
training into your activity schedule with your pet and be sure to reward
your puppy with a healthy snack such as Wellness® Just for Puppy Treats.
Nutrition and Well-Being
All puppies need a diet that encourages an active immune system. The
immunity puppies receive from the mother’s milk will not last forever.
Feeding a complete and balanced, natural diet like the Wellness Super5Mix®
Puppy Recipes will ensure your canine friend receives the nutrients he
needs to grow up strong and healthy.
3
A Puppy’s First Year
While every puppy is different, the development process
over the course of the first year is similar with many
significant milestones. You can set the right tone in your
dog’s life by recognizing these important developments
and planning your puppy’s training accordingly.
The following chart describes what to expect
in your puppy’s first year.
0 - 7 WEEKS
• Initial development of sight and mobility.
• Mom will wean the pups, teach them good manners and that she is the pack leader. The puppy can have food introduced into their diet,
transitioning gradually.
• The puppy should be handled daily, but do not separate them from the mother yet.
7 - 12 WEEKS
• Between 8-12 weeks, the puppy can be separated from the mother and littermates. It is important to have your puppy checked by a veterinarian to get a thorough health assessment and to discuss vaccinations.
• Seeking to establish where they fit in, your puppy begins to identify
dominant and submissive rankings in other dogs and your family members.
• Be sure to establish yourself as “dominant leader of the pack” to obtain respect from your puppy.
• Your puppy begins teething and may chew any available object.
• Formal obedience training can begin.
up to 6 months
• Expose your puppy to new things that they might run into in the future (e.g. carpet, linoleum, gravel and grass). Introduce your puppy to a variety
of new people (men, women and children). This early exposure will prevent your puppy from becoming overly aggressive or timid in new situations.
• Your puppy may go through another stage where it is fearful of everyday things. Be patient, they will outgrow this as well.
• Around 4 months your puppy’s adult teeth will come in (you may even find their baby teeth that have fallen out!). Make sure to provide plenty
of chew toys for your teething pup.
• Don’t over-exercise your puppy. When your puppy wants to take a nap you should let them. Their body is still working hard to grow strong and healthy.
• Begin teaching your puppy its name, some basic commands (sit, stay, down),
housebreaking and leash training. But do not expect immediate results. At this point you are merely setting the groundwork for your dog’s training.
• Continue training your puppy.
• Your puppy has increased bladder control but be sure to take your pup to potty at night and first thing in the morning to build the habit of avoiding overnight accidents.
• Play may become more aggressive and they may exhibit signs of nipping and growling in a display of dominance. Formal puppy training classes
outside of the home should help correct this behavior.
• Your puppy needs to be handled and have “positive” people experiences.
• As your puppy matures it may become more daring, eating things that younger puppies do not. Make sure your puppy does not have access to trash cans and other objects it may want to eat that are not fit for their diet.
• Your puppy has a strong desire for your attention, as you and your family have taken the place of its littermates.
• Your puppy may start to experience fear of everyday objects or
experiences that may cause alarm - this is normal and does not mean
that you have a particularly fearful dog. Try to expose your pup to common sounds they will encounter, such as the vacuum and hair dryer, to get them used to a variety of noises.
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12 - 16 weeks
6 - 12 months
• Your puppy will begin to shed its puppy coat. Make sure to get them used to grooming and brushing, as shedding will increase over time.
• Heartworm prevention should be started by 6 months.
• Discuss spaying or neutering your pup with your vet.
5
Lifelong Benefits Begin with
DHA-Rich Puppy Foods
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), an Omega-3 fatty acid, is essential to the
development of nervous tissue and visual function in dogs (among other
mammals). Brain and retinal tissues, which accumulate DHA in their
fatty components, undergo extensive development both before and soon
after birth. Prenatal and infant animals receive DHA through the placenta
during gestation and later, via their mother’s milk. Once a puppy has been
weaned, it must obtain DHA in the same way adult animals do: through
diet.
For this reason, it’s vital that puppies eat right. The Wellness®
Super5Mix® Just for Puppy foods contain leading sources of DHA,
such as fish meal, and guarantee the level of DHA in every bag.
Of course, pregnant and nursing mothers require a good dietary source
of DHA too, in order to deliver the compound to their pre- and neonatal
offspring. If you have a pregnant or nursing dog, be sure to feed her a diet
that is AAFCO approved for gestation/lactation. This information can be
found on any food bag, including the Just for Puppy recipe. New studies
show that a DHA-rich regimen may moderate the immune and/or
inflammatory responses associated with conditions like arthritis, skin
allergies and Inflammatory Bowel Disease*. Because tissue regeneration
and inflammation are lifelong physiological occurrences, a sufficient level
of DHA is critical for puppies and adult dogs alike.
Wellness foods provide the nutritional profile
that pets need in every life phase in order to
thrive. And, as with all its recipes, Wellness makes
essential DHA available not as a food additive,
but by incorporating the right blend of natural,
DHA-rich ingredients into products across the
Wellness family.
Bonding Between Pet and Owner
The bonding process between pet and owner is a critical one. Many new
owners make the mistake of assuming this bond will form automatically,
when in fact your puppy needs you to take certain actions to build a
lasting relationship.
Quality Time
To bond with your puppy, you will need to spend one-on-one time
together where he or she has your complete focus and attention. If there
are other members of the family, it is important that they also spend
individual time with the puppy. If your household has multiple dogs, it is
important to spend time with each on their own, whether this is an outing
together for the two of you or simply a play session. This should be done
on a regular basis.
Body Language
Your puppy will read a lot into your body language, particularly before a
bond has been established. It is important that you use non-threatening
behavior. When possible, get down at eye level with your puppy when
playing with him or her. However, make sure you do not stare into your
puppy’s eyes for more than a few seconds as this can be construed as
threatening.
Routine
Routine is an important part of the bonding
process for your puppy. Daily training and
reinforcing good behavior will help to achieve
this. Brushing him or her daily will also establish
one-on-one time while building a routine. This
handling and your touch will cement a bond
with your puppy for years to come.
* Findings are based on recent studies in humans.
6
7
Human Snacks to Watch Out For
Typically, “people snacks” do not meet a pet’s nutritional needs, may
unbalance a previously balanced diet and some may even have detrimental
side effects. Individual animals can have food intolerances to specific
ingredients or foods, just like their owners. Any food that is normally not
included in a pet’s daily intake, or whose consumption amount varies
considerably, could also cause gastrointestinal upset.
Puppy-proof your home
Here is a list of 5 items pet owners should be especially cautious of:
Get ready to watch your puppy grow right before
your eyes
xylitol – This sweetener is used in sugar free chewing gums and candies,
and is available in a powdered form for use in baking. In people, this sweetener does not impact insulin levels. However, xylitol is a strong promoter
of insulin release in dogs leading to hypoglycemia. Common signs in affected
dogs include vomiting, weakness, ataxia, seizures and collapse.
A recent study showed that toxic effects are seen at 150 mg
xylitol/kg of body weight, which translates to 680 mg for a
10 lb. dog. A teaspoon of xylitol weighs about 5 grams.
Your new friend is sure to eagerly explore their new environment. Take
the time to remove or hide any objects that may pose a choking hazard
or that are an unsafe item for your pet to encounter. Baby or pet gates
are a great way to restrict access to certain areas of your home from
your exploratory friend.
Remember to keep in mind your puppy’s anticipated adult size as you
purchase items such as bedding, crates, gates and more. You should also
frequently check your puppy’s collar or harness to ensure it fits your pup
properly.
Your puppy will learn from you
by dogs has been associated with toxic clinical signs
consisting of hind leg weakness, depression and tremors.
During the first year of his life, your puppy looks to you for guidance on
acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Instilling good behavior and habits
in a young pup will have lasting benefits as they grow into adulthood.
Carefully consider your puppy’s first walk, trip to the dog park, greeting
visitors and other impressionable instances. Your pup is likely to associate
these first experiences to their future ones.
grapes & raisins – Grape and raisin ingestion has
Consistency is key
macadamia nuts – Macadamia nut consumption
been reported to cause renal toxicity in dogs. The
specific mechanism is not known with clinical pathologic
findings related to acute renal failure.
chocolate – This sweet treat can contain high levels of fat and
methylxanthine. The darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for clinical
problems, which include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, increased thirst and
urination, arrhythmias, and tremors/seizures. According to ASPCA Poison
Control, “As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate or 2 ounces of baking
chocolate can cause problems for a 10 pound dog.”
human medications – Although not a snack, human medications were
one of the top calls received by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in
recent years. Pain relievers, cold medications and other prescription or over
the counter medications range in toxicity levels and should be stored in a place
where pets cannot get to them.
8
Quick Tips for New Pet Parents
Fully involve your family in the training and care of your new addition. It
is important that the rules and training you are working to establish are
carried through by everyone that will assist with the care of your pet.
Creating this routine and consistent communication will help encourage a
faster learning in your pet.
Pet First Aid Information
Pets are an important part of our families and it is essential to know the
basics of pet first-aid so that you are prepared if an emergency should arise.
Pet first-aid training ranges from dressing a wound or performing CPR to
preparing for a natural disaster.
The American Red Cross offers pet first-aid classes in many areas of the
country. Some local ASPCA organizations host their own first-aid classes as
well. Check with your local shelter and chapter for information on
any upcoming courses.
There are also many interactive pet first-aid classes offered online
that will teach you the basics of what to do in case of an emergency.
We encourage you to search online for one that meets your needs!
9
The Special Needs of Small
& Large Breeds
Size isn’t the only difference between small and large breed puppies. Their
nutritional needs differ greatly too!
SMALL BREED PUPPIES
Small breed puppies, such as the Jack Russell Terrier,Yorkshire
Terrier, and Miniature Pinscher, require more calories per pound
than larger breed puppies as they generally are highly active by
comparison. Omega 3 fatty acids such as Docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA) are critical in small breed puppies for enhanced brain
development and healthy skin and coat. Because small breeds
are more active, they can be susceptible to low blood sugar
levels. To combat low blood sugar levels, your puppy should be
fed small, energy rich portions on a frequent basis. It is also important to
have adequate levels of fiber in the diet to help maintain a steady blood
sugar level. A smaller kibble size makes it easier for the puppy to eat and
encourages easy ingestion of adequate amounts of food with less effort.
A Lifetime of Well-Being
Wellness® Pet Food offers a complete line of natural food for dogs,
enabling you to nourish their bodies throughout their lives.
Visit www.wellnesspetfood.com to learn more about
each of our natural adult dog recipes.
SUPER5MIX® Recipes
LARGE BREED PUPPIES
Large breed puppies such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and
Labrador Retrievers require a far different diet from their
small breed relatives. Controlled growth is essential for large
breed puppies. These breeds actually need fewer calories per
pound than the small breeds. With a potential growth of up to
100 times their birth weight, a large breed puppy’s energy
intake must be regulated to ensure consistent, steady growth.
If weight gain is too rapid, the result is stress on the developing
bones which can lead to one of several severe developmental
bone disorders. A slightly lean body condition throughout the first
10 to 12 months of life helps to maintain proper development of your
puppy, while reducing the potential for problems. Optimum calcium and
phosphorus levels, in the proper ratio to one another, are also critical for
proper growth.
Nutrition for these breeds should also contain essential nutrients for
proper brain development. It is imperative that large and giant breed
puppies receive the proper training necessary for you to maintain control
of the very strong adult dog. Without optimum brain development, the
task of training a larger dog becomes much more difficult. However large
or small, proper brain development is essential for all puppies, so adequate
amounts of DHA are needed in the diet. These levels are guaranteed in
the Wellness® Small Breed Just for Puppy & Large Breed Puppy
Health Recipes.
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Grain-Free, Protein-Focused Formulas
Stews - Chunks & Gravy
ˆ ´
Pate-style
cans
Limited Ingredient
Diets
95% Meat Toppers
Natural Snack Offerings
11
this is where
true wellness
begins.®
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Tewksbury, MA 01876
For more information call us at 1-800-225-0904
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