58 Responses to Wellness

1. Meredith April 1, 2015 at 2:47 am #

   I switched to Welllness Core about about a week ago. One of my dogs gobbled it up and the other didn’t want to get near it. I had to mix some wet food (I already had) in order to get my other dog to eat it. Got home from work today and my dog that didn’t want to eat the food had vomited and defecated all over his crate. He wouldn’t eat dinner and vomited two additional times after only drinking water. Took him to the vet tonight and $500 later they aren’t sure what is wrong with him. My other dog, the one who gobbled up the food, vomited several times this week (which at the I chalked up to her eating too fast). When I got home from the vet tonight she vomited again. I feel terrible that 1. I switched dog foods. This brand was recommended by our vet 2. I had to CONVINCE one of my dogs to eat the food. 3. I didn’t discontinue the food when my first dog started vomiting.

   All the warning signs were there. Against my better judgement I continued to feed my dogs this food.
   • Beagle breeder July 6, 2015 at 3:19 pm #

     So what’s your point? You had sick dogs to start with and switched diets 100% on them in one day, not withstanding Core is a hypo-allergenic formula.
     • Think about it July 15, 2015 at 10:35 am #

       No food should be considered “hypoallergenic”. Any dog could be allergic to any of the protein-containing ingredients in any food. There is no food that has ingredients that no dog would have a reaction to. IF your dog has a reaction to chicken, a “hypoallergenic” diet containing chicken would not work.
       How do you know this poster switched in one day, or that her dogs were sick to begin with?
2. Kim March 5, 2015 at 9:45 pm #

   My daughters chihuahua is on Wellness Puppy. We got to bottom of the bag and there were lots of white specks on the food, plus it had a really bad smell. The little one started vomiting and poo was very soft with mucus in it. We stopped feeding and took her to the vet. I was wondering if anyone has had the same issue, the vet and pet store seem to think we got a bad bag.
3. Laurie February 24, 2015 at 4:34 pm #

   I bought this food from petsmart once, I opened it to give a little to my dogs when I opened it there were maggots everywhere and the bag was full of what looked like webs and it smelled awful. When I called the store the manager had a bad attitude and wouldn’t refund my money because I had to throw it out! I had just bought it that same day but wasn’t about to put that maggot filled bag in my car! I took pictures and sent them to petsmart and wellness and nobody did a thing to assist me with this so I will NEVER buy wellness food again! I had to clean up maggots from the floor and every thing surrounding that bag, it was disgusting!
   • Nicole February 28, 2015 at 1:27 pm #

     Welless has a guarantee on the bag to return anytime is not satisfied. If u still have the bag and receite u can return to store. I’m changing to another brand as every time I open a new bag the dogs have poo problems. And it’s same brand senior. Don’t know if they are changing formula or what. But this is not easy on the old men.
4. may December 8, 2014 at 7:48 pm #

   I switched my organic dog food to Wellness and my dogs are very active and very happy. My little one was always vomiting and having bad tummy problems with the organic food and now he doesn’t at all. My older dog had problems with losing hair and now, he looks like a fluff ball. Food really makes a big difference. of course this did not happen over night but with his hair growth but he looks like he did when he was 6 (he is 15 years old).
5. kim August 24, 2014 at 5:31 pm #

   Does wellness get any ingredients or do any processing from China?
6. Jen June 14, 2014 at 11:06 pm #

   I have been feeding my senior Corgy Wellness Simple dry dog food for about 4 years now and have never had a problem…. Until this past week. One week ago, I started a new bag, Salmon and Potato, which he has had before and loves. I should preface this by saying the previous bag was Turkey and Potato, and perhaps I should have switched to the Salmon gradually over a few days (I never have before and it’s always been fine).

   Anyhow, my poor dog has had very upset stomach all week, with triple the BMs, one day of vomiting, and very soft stool, not to mention gut sounds that woke me up this morning, poor guy. I took the bag back to the store, started him back on Wellness Simple Turkey and Potato, and he is already happier.

   You all will probably think I am crazy, but I have up seafood in January due to the Fukushima disaster in Japan, so I don’t know what I was thinking letting my dog eat it. Now my dogs are also on a no seafood diet

   (I am not saying Fukushima made my dog sick, but I’m not ruling it out either, lol)
   • Anonymous Portlander February 2, 2015 at 5:07 am #

     My dogs and I am off seafood for the same reason. We are also off rice, unless we know where it was grown. My guess is that the stuff they can’t sell for human consumption ends up in pet foods. So, check your dog food for rice or rice bran or brewers rice or rice flour and if you are concerned, find out where it was grown.
7. Jan L May 21, 2014 at 5:14 pm #

   We switched from Pro Plan Puppy to Wellness Complete Health Puppy (Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal and Salmon Meal Recipe). Our 10 month old huskie/lab mix seems to like it, and appears healthy. He is very energetic. I’ve researched puppy foods as well as I know how, and am very pleased with this so far. I definitely don’t want anything made in China in my pup’s food. I’m considering switching to Wellness Core for his adult food based on comments here. But I will also switch foods every few months just to ensure good nutrition, and see how he does.
8. maralevine May 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm #

   Has anyone tried the new line of toy breed food by Wellness? If so, please let us know what you think. We were very impressed with the ingredients and the small kibble size. We gave the food to two Papillons that we know, and they gobbled it up – so we are assuming that they loved it.
   • AKaz July 21, 2014 at 9:08 pm #

     I have a papillon that is 10 yrs old. He has some allergies so he is on Core Wellness for small breeds (grain free). My dog really likes it. It’s small bites, very easy for him to eat.
   • susieanna August 21, 2014 at 5:19 pm #

     Ive fed my Maltese puppy Wellness small breed puppy food sincr adopting him at 9 weeks 2 monthe ago. He LOVES it beyond belief. I use the puppy food as treats as well as his Wellness brand treats (which causes him to go into a bigger frenzy) — when I go for his actual treats he rushes and skids into his Crate voluntarily. It’s quite hilarious.

     I highly recommend all Wellness products — hes incredibly healthy, energized, great coat, and the positives go on. My biggest complaint would be the price – however since he’s small and ive found Amazon to have the BEST PRICE (approx $25 for 12 lbs bag vs $17 for 4lb bag at Pet store w/free shipping if u buy approx $35 of items). Also ive noticed there are also “add-ons” which allow me to buy wellneas treats at 60-75% off normal prices. It’s the best deal i’ve found and I researched a lot.

     My Maltese puppy is family and I would never recommend anything less than wonderful for my furry companion.

     Good luck with your lucky pup! Hope my reivew helped.
9. LL April 22, 2014 at 10:36 am #

   I love the Wellness products! I only use their dog treats and I feed Wellness Core to one of my dogs and the other dog gets Wellness Complete health. I also feed my cats Wellness.
10. heywally April 1, 2014 at 1:24 pm #

    Our dog has been cruising along very well on the Wellness canned chicken/sweet potato foor for about a year now, as evidenced by his very healthy poop cycle.

    But, the last batch of this food that we bought was much smoother in texture – something has changed. Coinciding with that is our dog’s poops getting softer, something that is usually not good, for him.

    Going to send them an email but expecting the party line — we know nothing. Dog canning is not done by Wellness and so I always question the quality control.

    Will report back here and I’m looking for comments. Thanks!
11. Bernie March 22, 2014 at 2:33 am #

    i am waiting for a response to the previous question. Do any of the ingredients or processing come from China?
    • cam March 31, 2014 at 6:20 pm #

      Just talked with customer service from Wellness and was informed that two years ago they pulled any processing from China to new suppliers. They now do not have any ingredients or processing from China.
      • Think about it July 15, 2015 at 12:02 pm #

        That’s odd, as I spoke to customer service in Oct 2013, and she said they do source at least their Taurine and VitC from China.
12. Judie February 5, 2014 at 8:36 am #

    Can you tell me are any of the ingredients or vitamins imported from China
13. Andrea October 4, 2013 at 10:44 am #

    Hi,
    I am about to switch to wellness core dry reduced fat and started 2 weeks ago. I did it, how recomended, very slowly…..but since then my dog passes gas like crazy.
    In the beginning she liked the food but now she doesn’t seem excited about it. Do you think it is not the right food for her?
14. Victoria May 30, 2013 at 8:27 pm #

    know what you mean since wellpet bought the company it went down hill. My dog was in the hospital after eating the lamb & sweet potato. She was in the hospital for 2 days with pancreatitis. Called wellness and told them about it they asked me all kinds of questions then was very quiet. They will not answer any of my emails. They claim this can came from their Utah plant and I live in NY. Everyone is complaining about the texture. I no longer feed my 4 small dogs their food. I went to Precise and excellent food dogs LOVE IT!!!!! I even made a report with the FDA and would love to get my $700 back.
    • Martha March 16, 2014 at 12:02 am #

      hi…
      I’m researching problems with wellness lamb.
      Our English Mastiff has been bloating for the past two weeks…just gas out both ends, no vomiting or anything. Had an X-ray done last night and his breakfast was still in tummy. Two weeks ago was also the time we started on a new batch of the wellness…he has had this all his life, he’s 4. What symptoms did you see with your dog, since we had inconclusive exam at the clinic last night? We skipped dinner and have given him rice and chicken…no bloat, no gas, and he’s wagging again. Would love to know more about your pancreatitis episode. Thank you.
15. Hope Dixon May 20, 2013 at 9:53 pm #

    wellness you saved our dogs life!!!! need I say more? We love you Wellness!!
16. Sharon April 15, 2013 at 1:05 pm #

    Have been feeding Wellness 95% Beef and have noticed recently that the jelly on the top of the food increased from 1/4″ to 1/2″ and the price went up. They are getting more money and giving you less dog food. How fair is that? They know you won’t change dog foods.
17. Nicole March 19, 2013 at 11:25 am #

    I have a Shiba inu who is 3yrs old. When I got her at 4 months she was eating another brand of food and had constant diarrhea. I changed her over to the Wellness Just For Puppy and the diarrhea resolved. She developed allergies around 2yrs old and I have tried just about every brand of food even prescription diets. She does best on Wellness Core Ocean Formula (Dry/Canned), Small Breed (Dry) and Original (canned). She is very fussy about food and while she could tolerate few others(allergy wise) she just didn’t like them, she loves her Wellness. I get what some people say about the fish odor of the food but I would rather deal with that, than the hair loss, skin infections, and bloody stools she had prior to Wellness and I brush her teeth so it’s not a big deal anyway. As far as cost goes, I feel it’s comparable, yes you may pay more for a bag for Wellness but typically you should be feeding less food and I always say you get what you pay for. Wellness is a top quality food and my Shiba will eat nothing else (unless I have no choice)
    • Debbie Deal McGee January 24, 2014 at 8:39 pm #

      My 6 yr. old rottie LOVES her Super5Mix Wellness. I give it to her 2x a day, with 2 small spoonfuls of the Wellness Canned Salmon and mix it all together. She never leaves a crumb:)
18. John G. March 13, 2013 at 3:30 am #

    We are so happy we found this food. We got our dog Freckles from the pound. They said she was a stray but I highly doubt that. She is absolutely beautiful. She is part Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd. Since the pound never provides the full truth when adopting, we didn’t know about her sensitive stomach. She was a stick when we got her. We tried so many brands to help her but nothing seemed to work. Since the food they gave her at the pound (same as the bag they gave us when we adopted her) was the worst on her stomach, she must have been miserable there. Anyways we can’t remember how we came upon this brand but it literally cured her problem. I CAN NOT say enough good things about Wellness. It’s pricey but seeing how sick she gets with other food it is definitely worth it.
19. Carol G December 8, 2012 at 8:26 pm #

    I have been feeding my dogs Wellness for a couple years now, recently switching to Wellness Core. They both really do well on it so i have little worries.
    Question, is the Wellness Core Ocean Formula better than the original Core? Also, what exactly is turkey meal?
    I have been told that dogs should get omega 3’s in their diets, i do see in the ingredients for original core there are omega 3’s, but is the Ocean Formula better and why?
    I could really use more coupons too, i seem not to get them any more through my email.

    thanks
    Carol G
20. Mel November 28, 2012 at 9:34 pm #

    I started my puppy on wellness. Unfortunately my vet supposedly never heard of wellness and got me to switch her onto Science Diet. That’s another story though.

    Wellness is great quality food that (I believe) is all from the USA – which is always excellent. You can find Wellness at most pet stores, which is great. My dog loved Wellness and her coat was very soft when she was on it. I personally would push people to choose Wellness Core (if the budget allows it) as that food is more superior in quality.

    As with any kibble, keep an eye out for recalls. No matter how great the ingredients are, it nearly doesn’t matter if the manufacturer isn’t as reliable.

    Although I prefer other brands, I give this food 5/5.
    • Debbie Deal McGee January 24, 2014 at 8:29 pm #

      I seriously doubt your vet has never heard of Wellness….it scored in the top 10 ratings of dog food. Let me ask you, does your vet sell “Science Diet” at their office? I was told that vets get a kick-back on the dog food they sell. I have heard disreputable things about Science Diet. Do some research on line and see what you come up with. I have a beautiful rottie with the shiniest black and tan coat. When I adopted her 3-1/2 yrs. ago, I studied and studied dog foods on line b/c I know that the dog will only be as good as the nutrition it receives. I put her on the healthy weight dog food, and give her 2 spoonfuls of the canned Wellness Salmon and mix it all together. I thank God she has always been healthy and vibrant and happy. I am not a person “of means” but I won’t change her dog food. She is thriving on it, and I will have to make financial sacrifices in other areas. I want for Ladybug to be healthy and live as long as possible. Each day with her is a gift from heaven. I am really concerned about your vet “not knowing of Wellness.” I think he most likely told you an untruth there, and I would probably change vets on that alone. Good luck in your search!!!!
21. Lorne Hurov September 15, 2012 at 9:39 pm #

    I just switched my dogs from Iams and Science Diet to Wellness and they woofed down their new dog food. I think they loved it! So far so good.
22. Linda Stevenson July 10, 2012 at 4:24 pm #

    I am so glad that I found Wellness Dog Food. I was cooking my dogs food for several years, since the dog food scare a few years back. I kept searching for a quality food with no dyes, by products and good nutritional ingredients for my dog and one day while in the food isle of my local pet store, there it was. The problem was my dog would not eat dry. Well, he now eats dry and loves it. Thank you so much for giving us a good quality product.
23. Julie June 22, 2012 at 7:52 pm #

    I used to think Wellness Core was the best food on the market until my GSP almost died from a tainted bag during the recent recall. I was a loyal customer for several years. I will never buy another Wellness product.
    • Steve February 23, 2013 at 11:57 pm #

      Wow, I guess YOU CAN LIE about anything, don’t know what your agenda is (maybe you work for Purina?) but Wellness Core has NEVER, EVER, NEVER been recalled…PERIOD.
      • nicole March 24, 2013 at 1:16 pm #

        It was recalled in May of 2012, salmonella in the dry dog food.
        • toomanyshoes August 14, 2014 at 3:58 pm #

          Yes, it was and my two doxies almost died after eating that batch – before we knew it was tainted. Sorry, I cannot go back to Wellness.
24. Lolita's Mom May 26, 2012 at 12:28 pm #

    I’ve been feeding Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dry to my little Chiweenie for 2 years along with Merrick 5-Star Canned Food as a topper…she is VERY healthy and everyone (including the vet) compliments her on her soft and shiny coat and bright eyes….she has no digestive or urinary problems whatsoever and her breath is so sweet, never stinky …I think this is the BEST food combination one can give their dogs.
25. Leslie Weeks May 5, 2012 at 11:30 am #

    Wellness Pet Food has recalled one recipe of dry dog food. Read more to find out the details: http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/news.aspx
26. Ronda May 1, 2012 at 3:52 pm #

    I have 2 Dachshund they are 2 yrs old in July.My female has a problem with urinary tract infections and the Vet. put her on Royal Canine S/O for her problem I guess it’s working. Every other day one if not both throw up.My boy just doesn’t want to eat this food any more.I hope wellness has a good food,can some one let me know if they have a female with this problem and how the food helped.
    • Kris June 8, 2012 at 11:58 am #

      I have a dog who had a severe bladder infection which caused struvite bladder stones. The S/O is OK in the beginning of treatment, but my dog hated it and refused to eat it. It is a horrible dog food. I had to put her on boiled chicken breast and rice or sweet potatoe. Long story short..after surgery, antibiotics and several sterile urinalyses she has been free of urinary crystals, no more infections and no stones. She is doing well on Wellness Core dry mixed with some canned food (Natural Balance Chicken/Sweet Potatoe or Fromm Chicken Pate) and lots of hot water. The most important thing is making sure the dog gets a lot of water in its diet. My research has taught me that you should not feed just plain dry food; supplementing canned food with it and putting hot water in it gives them more moisture. I have to make sure the ph of her urine is proper. Bottom line, sometimes you have to give them one of the Hill’s Prescriptive foods, but they are not for long-term use. I had to find dog foods with the lowest magnesium levels for my dog. Do not feed Natural Balance Dry if you add water though as it has citric acid in it and if the food is moistened, it can cause bloat). My research indicates that grain-free foods are better.
    • Diane April 17, 2013 at 8:25 pm #

      My beagle, Louise, has trouble with infections and struvite crystals.
      She was on the Royal Canine SO food for about a year. I wanted to put her on a better food. My vet said that I could try the Wellness Super 5 Mix Healthy Weight dry dog food. To a small amount of water I add her food plus the Herbsmith Bladder Care powder. She was on the bladder care powder and her new food for a month before I had her urine checked and she was free of any crystals or infection!!!!
      I know she is eating a much better food. The SO food has corn in it and Louise has allgeries.
      The bladder care has cranberries in it which helps to prevent infections and crystals. I buy the powder because I get more for my money.
27. Jennifer April 5, 2012 at 12:11 am #

    My dog has been eating Wellness CORE for the last year. She was diagnosed with Pancreatitis last February and I was told to switch her food to something grain free. She has done wonderful with the switch. She hasn’t had a bout of illness (vomiting,diarrhea,etc..) since I switched her to this. It is expensive, but worth it for her health.
    • Erin Tiano November 25, 2012 at 4:54 am #

      What breed of dog do you have? Is it a Yorkie? And we’re you feeding her the small breed formula? I need to know. My dog has had a history of Pancreatitus.
28. Lori March 30, 2012 at 6:25 pm #

    Our two labrador retrievers were started on Wellness Simple Solutions Salmon and Rice Formula. Right away both my dogs hard solid stools. My chocolate labrador as severe food allergies. This is the first dog food that has not made him ill. His coat is beautiful and shiny. His ear infections have gone away. Humphrey has had ear infections since he was a pup. We love this food. The bad news is…………….Wellness is changing the formula of the Simple Solutions dog food. We purchase their food at Tails of the Adirondacks in New York State. The owners work closely with us, and called us today to report that a salesman from the company stopped in to their store today. How sad for us. We now have to shop for another dog food.
29. liz March 28, 2012 at 4:36 am #

    my dog has horrible breath since eating this food
    • Lauren April 23, 2012 at 11:56 pm #

      Mine too!! Horrible fish breath, right?!
30. Millie February 14, 2012 at 2:28 am #

    I have three dogs on wellness reduced fat. I think it is referred to healthy weight or something like that.

    My dogs are min schnauzers and min schnauzers need lower fat dog foods to help prevent them from having lipid problems and pancreatitis. It is 10% fat.

    They love the food and gobble it right down. I fed them science diet for a few years. My oldest schnauzer had skin problems and had to have special shampoos. I switched him to wellness and his skin cleared up.

    My vet did not know that I had switched foods and he remarked on how my dog looked better than he had in a couple years.

    I have been considering switching to some Blue Buffalo because Blue buffalo is manufactured in the USA. Wellness is manufactured in the US or Canada. I asked the company about where they get their ingredients. The get 5% of their ingredients from other countries and that includes the asian market.

    I think china is going to kill our dogs so I am concerned about the fact that some of the wellness core comes from the orient.

    There is no problem with wellness other than being worried about those ingredients that come from other countries.

    Millie
    • Michael May 26, 2012 at 1:50 pm #

      Millie, we have had to take our dog off BB. She starting having issies with her BM, was lathargic, and always thirsty. I have been looking online, and it seems everyone is having issues with this food, and there dogs are getting sick. Check out all the reviews for them on this site, and you will not even think about giving it to your dog.
      • Cheryl October 26, 2012 at 2:59 pm #

        My dogs have been in Blue Buffalo for about four years. My oldest has Cushings disease, we’ve noticed that lately his thirst has increased ten fold. I thought it was the progression of his disease, but reading all of the others that have said this I’ve just switched to Wellness. I hope his thirst will get back to normal now, or normal as it can be considering. He seemed to have liked his first taste, he’s a very picky eater!
    • Amanda March 14, 2013 at 3:16 pm #

      Millie (and Michael),
      BB is manufactured here but I’m fairly certain that some of their ingredients (read about vitamin/mineral “premixes”) are also of the Asian persuasion. I’m assured that Fromm is China-free and requires proof that their suppliers are, too, so we’re switching from BB to Fromm. Just thought I’d throw that out there. Was considering Wellness until reading that some of their ingredients are Chinese.
31. Kelly October 22, 2011 at 3:52 pm #

    This is supposed to be a wonderful dog food but my picky dog would not eat it. I tried Wellness Puppy Super5mix and Wellness Core.
    • Annette May 8, 2012 at 8:31 am #

      Mine will eat the first bag – then decline even though they are not hard to please.
32. Foxy's Mom September 22, 2011 at 5:54 pm #

    We got our girl from a rescuse shelter a few weeks ago and her coat was dry and brittle. Living in Grand Cayman, it’s like walking on the surface of the sun so we wanted to make sure she got enough water in her since they are outside at the shelter. My girl will not eat the dry without having some of the canned mixed in with hot water to make a gravy. After she’s finnished she’s licking her chops and looking for more, lol. Plus, her coat is so soft and shiny. Wellness really is top quality dog food.
    • Vanessa October 23, 2011 at 11:03 pm #

      Hi Foxy’s Mom. I am moving to Grand Cayman with my dog in the new year and would like to find a high quality dog food for him. I’m wondering if you know what good brands are available on island and where you buy your Wellness. My dog currently eats Fromm but I don’t think there is an authorized dealer in Grand Cayman. Thanks.

      Pete’s Mom!
33. Linda September 20, 2011 at 11:17 am #

    This is definitely a company I feel comfortable with. They have a good reputation, and researching them, have not found any negative feedback- My dogs really like their canned food

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