Oprah's Veterinarian Shares His Gift List of Pet-Perfect Holiday Presents

TEWKSBURY, Mass., Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Shelly Rubin, six-time author and longtime veterinarian to Oprah's dogs, knows that our furry friends sit – and stay! - at the top of the gift list during the holidays. Indeed, the APPA (American Pet Product Association) National Pet Owners survey revealed that 80 percent of dog parents and 61 percent of cat parents purchased gifts for their pet last year.

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What's the perfect present for all those good little dogs and cats? There's no need to worry this holiday season as Dr. Rubin has done the hard work for us. It couldn't be easier to find a gift for well-deserving dogs and cats that will set tongues and tails wagging this holiday season.  Here's a few of his favorites, with toys and treats that encourage good health and exercise at the top of the list.

Dr. Rubin recommends you give your pet the gift of true well-being by improving your dog or cat's nutrition and switching to a quality natural pet food brand. The nutritious recipes from Wellness® Natural Food and Snacks for Pets are made with quality protein sources, wholesome grains, a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, and carefully chosen Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, with no wheat, corn or soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. "I like Wellness because it's made with wholesome natural ingredients," says Dr. Rubin. "The full line of dry and canned recipes for dogs and cats are inspired by the simple, pure and natural foods that we enjoy choosing for ourselves."

And don't forget to fill your pet's stocking with delicious (and healthy) treats too. Dr. Rubin says, "With Wellness snacks, like Wellness WellBites^®, WellBars® and Pure Rewards® for dogs or Wellness Pure Delights^® for cats, your pet can indulge in a nutritious treat, like we all do at the holidays, and you won't have to worry." Dr. Rubin also advises pet parents to measure the amount of food they're feeding each day to keep pets from packing on those holiday pounds.

Your furry feline friends are certain to love simple toys they can bat around with their paws. Little balls with feathers or cat-nip inside are great exercise toys. A laser light you can shine on the wall and have your cat chase is a favorite of Dr. Rubin's. Cats are sometimes just as happy with ping pong balls to bat around, paper bags to run in and out of, and cardboard boxes to hide in – they'll be sure to have fun romping in and out of all those holiday boxes and bags under the tree! Just be sure to keep the tinsel and ribbons away from those curious kitties. In addition, scratching posts, kitty condos, and window perches are great ways to fight boredom and keep your cat active.

For those canine companions on your list, remember that dogs need to chew and they love to fetch. Puzzle toys that hold treats or a measured amount of your dog's daily food ration are a great way to keep Fido chewing and busy for a long time, especially when there's holiday company at your house. This year Dr. Rubin is giving motion-activated treat-dispensing toys and balls to the deserving dogs on his list.

So remember all of those family members on your list this holiday season, even the furry ones! They'll be sure to give you the greatest gift in return, their unconditional love.

For more tips and advice to help your pets along the path to true well-being during the holidays or anytime, visit The Wellness Blog or find Wellness on Twitter and Facebook.

Wellness^® – This Is Where True Wellness Begins^™!

Wellness, a proud member of the WellPet family of brands, is for pets and their parents who believe as we do, that food is the first step to a long, happy and healthy life. A complete line of healthy, natural food and snacks for dogs and cats made with carefully chosen, authentic ingredients, Wellness recipes provide an ideal nutritional balance – each ingredient has a purpose and there are never empty calories. And you can trust the quality of all of the ingredients in Wellness, from our source to your pet's bowl. All Wellness recipes include lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies with no wheat, corn or soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. To learn more about Wellness, available in pet specialty stores and natural food stores nationwide, visit www.wellnesspetfood.com, or follow Wellness on Twitter - www.twitter.com/wellnesspetfood and Facebook - www.facebook.com/wellnesspetfood.

Contact: Erin Vadala, Warner Communications 978-468-3076; [email protected]

SOURCE Wellness Natural Pet Food