Wellness for cats: review of the entire Wellness line of dry and wet food with a detailed analysis of the composition

Pros and cons of Wellness food

The key advantage is due to the composition:

• Fresh poultry and fish are ideal sources of protein. And this is the most important ingredient in pet nutrition.
• There are no artificial preservatives or antioxidants. Only natural elements are used: cranberries, tocopherols, etc.
• No cereal grains.
• Wellness dry food for cats is rich in minerals and vitamins.
• A variety of diets for different periods of life.
• The Wellness brand produces dry, canned food and other treats.

However, there is a flip side to the coin that the consumer should be aware of:

• Products have become widespread online. Only in some branded stores you can find products that meet the needs of your pet.
• High price compared to other food.
• The Wellness CORE line of food does not contain the nutrition necessary for medical procedures.

It is important to know about the shortcomings in order to buy a truly high-quality product. However, the advantages of this line of food are much greater. Therefore, we move on to the stage of considering the characteristics and composition.

Manufacturer

The business originally started with dog biscuits in 1926, but Wellness food itself was created in the 90s. Experts in the field of veterinary medicine and nutrition were involved in the case. The developers set themselves a specific task: to launch food on the market that could become a truly revolutionary product.

In addition, the organization engages in volunteer work: helping American shelters, advocating for animal rights, and supporting the Institute for Host Animal Research.

Factories are located in the USA and France (dry), and in Thailand (wet). In addition to cat food, dog food is also produced. The American company WellPet LLC, in addition to the Wellness Core brand, owns the brands Old Mother Hubbard Natural Dog Snacks, Eagle Pack Natural Pet Food, Holistic Select Natural Pet Food.

In 2004, the food took a leading position in US retail stores.

Features of Wellness food

The main emphasis is on the large volume of meat included in the feed. No grain composition.

• Absolute hypoallergenicity of dry food implies the exclusion of soy, dairy products, dyes, preservatives and flavors.
• Only healthy vitamins and antioxidants.
• In addition to dry food options, the consumer is provided with wet monge cat food, of course with a similar level of quality.

Price and where to buy

You can buy this food in online pet stores:

1. "Mr. Woof" (link):
   Dry food, packaging 0.3 kg - from 375 rubles;
2. Dry food, packaging 1.74 kg - from 1,500 rubles;
3. Wet food, 85 g bag - from 105 rubles;
4. Wet food, jar 79 g - from 130 rub.
5. "Yandex Market" ():
   Dry food, packaging 0.3 kg - from 323 rubles;
6. Dry food, packaging 1.74 kg - from 1350 rubles;
7. Dry food, packaging 10 kg - from 7365 rubles;
8. Wet food, bag 85 g - from 82 rubles;
9. Wet food, jar 79 g - from 136 rub.
10. "ZooMag" ().

Prices shown are current as of the end of August 2022 and may change significantly over time. For the exact cost, see the pet store websites using the links above.

Wellness Core Adult Cat Sterilized

Dry food with chicken and turkey meat. Suitable for sedentary animals. Contains 38% protein, 13% fat. The main ingredients are chicken and chicken flour. In addition to meat products, it includes potatoes, peas, dried protein, chicory root, cranberries and other healthy additives.

The product does a good job of removing hairballs from the throat. However, information on antioxidants is lacking.

Compound

The manufacturer adheres to AAFCO standards, which means it uses only high-quality natural products that help create a cat’s diet that is as close to natural nutrition as possible. Includes:

• natural meat (chicken, turkey) and flour from them,
• herring (dried and ground),
• fat (chicken),
• peas,
• potato,
• tomato cake,
• flax seeds,
• salmon oil,
• cranberries,
• chicory root extract,
• beneficial microorganisms (restore intestinal microflora).

Amino acids support the heart, glucosamine supports the bladder. It contains levocarnitine, iron, chondroitin and other beneficial substances.

Antioxidants and preservatives are added to feed so that it does not go rancid ahead of time and can be edible longer. Cheap options such as BHA, ethylenediamine, sodium monoglutamate, sodium metabisulfite, propylene glycol - cause anemia, kidney and liver problems, and other specific diseases. There are no such things in Wellness Core food!

Wellness Core Adult Cat Original Turkey

Hypoallergenic dry food containing chicken and turkey for adult cats. Maximum protein content (44%) and minimum fat content (16%). Complementary elements: chicken fat and salmon fat; dried potatoes and potato protein; beets, cellulose, chicory, minerals.

Thanks to the high level of protein content, the well-being of pregnant cats improves. But it was quite possible to do without cellulose, but the manufacturer decided otherwise.

Wellness Cat Core Kitten

Dry food without grains, but with a high level of protein (44%) and a minimum amount of fat (16%). The food is excellent for growing kittens.

• The composition is rich in prebiotics and probiotics. In addition, the product combines meat and fish, thanks to which the animal’s body receives the necessary amino acids. Vitamin D added for bone growth.
• The dominant ingredients in the composition are turkey and chicken meat. Additional elements include peas, potato protein, chicory, dried kelp and other vitamins and minerals.
• Among the advantages, it is worth emphasizing the optimal protein and fat content. But the main disadvantage is the high cost.

Feed class

Wellness CORE belongs to the holistic food group. Holistic - high-quality food made from the highest quality ingredients. The sources of protein are not products of animal origin (anything can be hidden behind this name) and not offal, but meat and fish. Carbohydrates are found in oatmeal, lentils, rice, sweet potatoes or peas, but not wheat and corn - the strongest allergens. The recipe uses a lot of herbs, fruits, vegetables, berries, and there are no flavor enhancers or synthetic ingredients.

WELLNESS CORE Tender Cuts

A food product for adult pets that has a balanced composition: animal protein, healthy carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. This also includes: chicken and duck; chicken broth and liver; eggs, carrots, cranberries, blueberries, potatoes, etc.

The advantage is the balance of useful elements and substances. The disadvantages are still the same - high price.

WELLNESS CORE Signature Selects

Wet food designed to meet the basic needs of adult cats. Balanced composition of proteins and fats.

• The composition is dominated by chicken and beef.
• As a supplement, tuna, egg, starch, minerals, vitamins.
• This food option does an excellent job when a pet refuses to eat for unknown reasons.
• The grain-free composition has a beneficial effect on the health of the animal. However, such food has a decent price.

Overview of Carbohydrates and Supplements

All types of food above the specified line contain almost the same components:

• Peas have a low glycemic index. Good for cats and dogs. Contains carbohydrates, fiber and vegetable protein.
• Potato protein easily replaces animal protein. However, this component is incomplete for cats.
• Dried potatoes are much better than potato flour, but they are not a substitute for the potatoes themselves. But despite pre-processing, it serves as a source of fiber and complex carbohydrates.
• Beets are a good source of fiber.
• Chicory root contains a prebiotic.
• Cranberry was added to the composition in an unknown form. Its preventive effectiveness against urolithiasis has not been proven. Most likely this is just a marketing ploy.
• Dried kelp is a useful component, but it is unlikely that its volume percentage is so impressive as to actually provide significant benefits to the animal’s body.
• Yucca Schidigera is a plant element that prevents strong fecal odors.

The manufacturer reports the addition of natural antioxidants, but does not disclose their true composition, which raises doubts about their effective use. Unfortunately, marketing often involves listing various beneficial components without further explanation.

Salmon food contains rapeseed oil. The degree of purification is not indicated anywhere on the packaging. Therefore, it is easy to assume that this is ordinary refined oil of low cost.

The substance may contain toxic acid, which negatively affects the functioning of the heart, liver and blood vessels. You should avoid buying food if it contains rapeseed oil.

In general, the manufacturer did not lie about the absence of cereals and the use of peas. Similar carbohydrate additives are found in the Russian version. However, foreign diets differ in the content of natural chicken flavoring and tomato pulp.

Nutrition "Wellness KOR"

As the manufacturer himself emphasizes, this line is protein-focused, that is, the main emphasis in it is on animal protein - natural meat components, so necessary for any carnivore. Even at home. In addition to meat, the recipes include healthy additives such as vegetables and a vitamin-mineral complex - sources of health and good mood for your pet.

The components of food for dogs and cats are selected with extreme care and thoroughness, so the compositions are guaranteed to not contain harmful preservatives, flavors and other chemicals. A healthy diet will please your pet and will improve the functioning of the digestive system, as well as have a positive effect on its appearance, including the health of its skin and coat.

Photo of Wellness food for cats