The 7 Best Wellness CORE Pet Foods Available Today

Nutrition is the most critical factor that influences your pet’s health. Dogs are omnivores and can digest both meat and vegetables. They require a balanced diet that includes proteins, fats, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

Cats, on the other hand, must consume meat to survive, making them obligate carnivores. As a result, they need much more protein, fats, and lesser carbohydrates in their diets than dogs do.

Cats also need taurine, an amino acid that is only naturally present in meat, and arachidonic acid, an essential fatty acid in animal fats.

As easy as these nutrients seem, it’s tricky to understand how your pet’s body utilizes them and how the processes work. For example, how much of each nutrient is required for a healthy pet at every stage of development? 

Nutritional Needs of Dogs Versus Cats

The dietary requirements of dogs change as they get older. Puppy foods, for instance, should support healthy bone, brain, and eye development and their active lifestyle. On the other hand, senior dogs should transition to a meal that promotes their mobility and cognitive function. This helps to slow the cognitive dysfunction often associated with old age.

Similarly, cat nutrition is segmented by life stage. The calorie-dense feeds designed for kittens, and young adult cats shouldn’t be given to senior and geriatric cats. Calorie restriction lowers their risk of developing conditions, including osteoarthritis, some forms of cancer, and kidney disease.

We love pets as much as you do and can relate to the nerve-racking process of finding the most suitable food for them.

CORE is a protein-rich and completely grain-free range of the Wellness brand. It features different formulas and kibbles for doggies and kitties. This is the list for you if you’ve been considering recipes from the brand and need an idea of what best to buy. Here are the top-rated Wellness CORE foods you can buy.

#1 Best Grain-Free for Adult Dogs: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Best Grain-Free for Adult Dogs

This Wellness CORE grain-free formula contains protein-rich sources (turkey and chicken), vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, probiotics, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. 

These wholesome ingredients help to maintain healthy skin and coat, stimulate lean body mass and muscle tone, aid digestion, and advance overall body wellness. 

It’s gluten-free and doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. In addition, your dog’s skin and coat will benefit from omega-rich fats in the salmon oil, flaxseed oil, and chicken fat used for this meal.

Although this product is relatively expensive, it’s worth the price. However, if the kibble is too dry for your pup, you may need to mix it with gravy or other wet food.

“This formula is more cost-effective than it appears, especially for large dogs. For example, I have a Great Dane, and I don’t have to feed him much at once compared to less expensive kibble. It also helps with her tummy upset,” a satisfied user said.

Pros and Cons of the Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

2. Varied Proteins for Adult Cats: Wellness CORE Signature Selects Poultry Selection Variety Pack Canned Cat Food

Varied Proteins for Adult Cats

Why stick to one flavor when you can have a variety pack? This high-protein cat food satisfies the wide range of tastes your cat craves.

Three scrumptious delicacies—Boneless Chicken & Chicken Liver Entrée in Sauce, Boneless Chicken & Turkey Entrée in Sauce, and Boneless Chicken & Beef Entrée in Sauce—all in a pack of eight cans are sure to make your feline purr. 

Essential fatty acids in sunflower oil can help your cat’s skin and coat stay healthy. In addition, this cat food provides enough protein and hydration for a healthy urinary system.

Each dish is hand-packed and naturally flavored with real chicken, turkey, or beef slices in a savory sauce. It doesn’t contain carrageenan, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and meat by-products. 

The downside is that some cats don’t like the shredded texture; you may have to cut them up or look for another option in pate.  

“My Bengal and Persian live for this canned food,” a long-time user said of the Wellness CORE Poultry Selection Variety Pack. “It was a smooth transition to adult food because I fed my cats Wellness CORE as kittens. They both adore the food; I am a happy dad.”

Pros and Cons of the Signature Select Poultry Selection Variety Pack Canned Cat Food

3. Best for Senior Dogs: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

Best for Senior Dogs

With deboned turkey, antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, and taurine as key ingredients, this grain-free dry food caters to seniors’ overall health. It results from high-quality protein and nutritious superfoods for guaranteed health benefits without compromising taste. 

It’s enriched with omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health, taurine for heart health, and antioxidants for robust immunity. It’s also packed with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and hips. 

The kibble’s size and hardness may make it too problematic for your good old dogs with dental problems and small breeds to chew. In addition, this formula may not appeal to picky dogs.

A user describes his experience with the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food. I tried to gradually transition my 10-year-old Aussie to raw meat, but he had a lot of trouble because of his incredibly sensitive stomach. However, he never experiences any gastrointestinal discomfort from Wellness CORE; every time I pour it in, he immediately runs for his plate. This brand is a big thumbs up; the price was definitely worth it.”

Wellness CORE Senior Dry Dog Food “has earned my 11-year-old Labrador praise and admiration from her veterinarian and other dog parents. She has been on this diet for the past two years. She looks healthy and well under her age,” another dog parent says.

Pros and Cons of the Grain-Free Senior Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

4. Budget-friendly Option for Kittens: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food

Budget-friendly Option for Kittens

The Wellness CORE Grain-Free Kitten Food is at the intersection of value and price. It delivers your kitty’s protein needs through deboned turkey and whitefish without leaving a dent in your wallet. 

DHA omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil, along with vitamins, minerals, and taurine, help the growth of a healthy brain and eyes. In addition, flaxseeds are added for their coat-nourishing omega-6 fatty acids, while the unique ActiCoat probiotic coating improves the digestive system.

Wellness CORE is easy to digest compared to other grain-free kitten diets, making it a viable alternative for cats with sensitive stomachs. It’s not a single source of protein, though, and it doesn’t have a high fiber content.

According to a user,” When I got my cat, he had less muscle mass than other kittens his age. He has been consuming this diet for three months and is now energized with soft fur. All thanks to the Wellness grain-free kitten recipe.”

Grain-Free Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food

5. Best for Weight Loss & Management: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Weight Management Formula Canned Dog Food

Best for Weight Loss & Management

The protein sources in this nutrient-dense superfood-based wet dog food are blended to support lean muscle growth while assisting with weight loss in your dog. 

There are several different meat items in this mix, but it also has a low-fat content. This healthy, grain-free meal uses real chicken and whitefish for a well-rounded diet. The smooth-textured pate has an appealing flavor that your dog will enjoy.

This is your go-to if your pup is about to start a fitness routine. It’s perfect for active dog breeds. If not, the additional protein content might go to waste.

It works as a weight management diet depending on the serving per day. It contains no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, wheat, corn, soy, or by-products of meat.

“One of my bulldogs needs to lose some weight, so I mix this with dry food every morning. It seems to be working, and my dog likes the taste. I’ll use the auto-ship for my subsequent orders,” a user stated.

Pros and Cons of the Grain-Free Weight Management Formula Canned Dog Food

6. Best for Adult Cats With Chicken & Fish Sensitivities: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey, Turkey Meal & Duck Formula Dry Cat Food

Best for Adult Cats With Chicken & Fish Sensitivities

Turkey, duck, and pork are this adult meal’s main ingredients that provide lean muscle-supporting protein. In addition, it contains cranberries, as well as taurine, and a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Cats allergic to chicken and fish will benefit from these animal protein sources.

Flax seeds are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which enhance healthy skin and coat. It’s also supplemented with probiotics for easy digestibility.

However, the kibble size is relatively small, and some cats may swallow without chewing.

A user switched to this formula after their furry baby developed an allergy to fish. In their words, “This feed is good for my cat’s health. Since we made this switch, he’s been more lively, his coat looks much better, and he’s maintained a healthy weight. So I have zero worries about this product.”

Pros and Cons of the Grain-Free Turkey, Turkey Meal & Duck Formula Dry Cat Food

7. Best Seafood for Adult Dogs of All Breeds: Wellness CORE Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food

Best Seafood for Adult Dogs of All Breeds

A 100{95b18eb6fc4f42efd0d92738dfc3fb79fde21da267a711ecdf0381147c27bb86} poultry-free protein meal is as tasty as it’s exciting. Wellness CORE uses quality fish protein sources such as whitefish, herring, salmon, and Menhaden fish meal to formulate a recipe rich in omega fatty acids.

It’s also packed with antioxidants, probiotics, glucosamine, taurine, vitamins, and minerals to guarantee the overall wellness your pup deserves. Strong joints, lean body mass, healthy heart, skin, and coat? The Wellness CORE Ocean diet got you and your favorite canine covered.

The major drawback is the fishy smell that permeates the environment when you open the bag. Also, the kibble is challenging for small dog breeds to chew.

“We have continued to feed Wellness since getting our dog from our breeder. Her fragile skin and coat both benefit greatly from it. It’s also excellent in managing her stomach problems,” satisfied dog parents enthused.

Pros and Cons of the Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food

Choosing The Best: What To Look For

AAFCO compliance

Be on the lookout for the AAFCO statement when buying pet foods. It suggests that the manufacturer has complied with stricter requirements than those set forth by the law and the food is nutritionally optimized for your pet.

Guaranteed Analysis

Several jurisdictions require pet foods to have minimum and maximum percentages, primarily guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and fat and maximum percentages of moisture, crude fiber, and other nutrients. These ingredients are now almost always listed on dog food labels. Some manufacturers also provide extra nutritional information like minimum calcium or maximum ash.

Lifestage

Pets need a varied degree of nourishment at every stage of life. So, it’s crucial to pick a food that corresponds to their age, activity level, metabolic rate, and other specifics. Understand your pet’s needs and get an expert opinion from a veterinarian.

Up Next…

Check out a few of our other articles about pet products so you can be sure you choose the best ones!