TEWKSBURY, MASS. — Wellness Pet Company, formerly known as WellPet, shared several new product innovations at Global Pet Expo, held March 23 to 25 in Orlando, Fla. In expanding its product selection in the plant-based, wet cat food, fresh and functional categories, the company is also working on a rebrand of its Wellness, WHIMZEES and Old Mother Hubbard package designs.

The company launched its first plant-based recipes earlier this month, including Wellness CORE® Digestive Health Plant-Based, a dry dog food formulated with probiotics and whole eggs, and Wellness CORE® Immune Health Bowl Boosters as a plant-based meal topper.

The CORE Digestive Health line has also been expanded to address the needs of young and senior dogs in this category, with new Puppy and Age Advantage formulas formulated with probiotics and prebiotic fibers to support a healthy microbiome, immunity, energy, and skin and coat health.

"We've seen firsthand an increase in pet parent interest and demand for alternative protein sources and life stage-tailored nutrition with tangible health outcomes like immunity and all-day energy,” said Danielle Bernal, BVSc, MRCVS, veterinarian with Wellness Pet Company. “This stems from trends we're seeing in human foods and is being led by the newest generation of pet parents who are seeking a more holistic approach to pet health. We're committed to innovation that exceeds the demand for scientifically-proven health outcomes and to crafting natural foods and treats that support a long-lasting shared life of wellbeing."

Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly products in branded fridge at Global Pet Expo 2022Source: Sosland Publishing Co.

Wellness Pet will also be expanding its Bowl Boosters meal topper line with an entrance in the fresh category this spring. The fresh products are complete and balanced, but are designed and marketed to complement a regular diet as a meal topper. The Wellness Bowl Boosters FreshlyTM line will feature four formulas to “supercharge” a dog’s kibble – for adult dogs: Chicken & Butternut Squash, Beef & Carrots and Turkey & Sweet Potatoes, and a Turkey & Rice Recipe for puppies.

These new Freshly products will be sold in branded refrigerators at retail locations starting later this spring.

"Pet parents don't want a rote approach to everyday feeding – They want a shared experience that's exciting for their dog or cat and strengthens the pet parent bond,” Bernal added. “That's often achieved through nutritional variety and serving up a range of treats, toppers, dry and wet recipes with a clear focus on your pet's age, needs and recipe-specific proven health outcomes.”

The company is also ramping up its wet cat food portfolio with new Wellness Complete Health Age Advantage formulas for cats 7-years-old and older, which is designed to support immunity, energy levels, muscles, joints and coat. Wellness Complete Health Kitten addresses the protein, DHA and taurine needs of growing cats, and Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters now features a kitten recipe and new formats — minced and flaked — for adults. Tiny Tasters aim to boost hydration and provide convenience to pet owners through a single-serve format.

Additionally, Wellness Pet has introduced a new line under its WHIMZEES by Wellness brand. The Occupy Product line includes Calmzees® Antler chews designed to engage dogs for longer. The chews are rawhide-free and include only six ingredients. The company plans to add to this line later in 2022, including new Veggie Ear and Ricebone chew varieties.

Read more about new pet food and treat products.