Carnivorous Cats Crave New Wellness(R) CORE(TM)

CHELMSFORD, Mass., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wellness(R) brand of natural food and treats for pets today announces the debut of Wellness CORE(TM) - a delicious, high-protein dry cat and kitten food ideal for consumers who desire to feed their feline companions a grain-free, protein- focused diet that addresses the unique dietary needs of cats and supports their inner health.

Wellness CORE is based on the raw feeding philosophy of providing a diet rich in nutrient-packed, high-quality meat. Wellness understands the delicate balance of nutrition that is essential to feline health and has refused to compromise in developing this diet that offers more meat, no grains and lower carbohydrates to sustain a cat's well-being from the inside ... their core.

If not carefully managed, meat can drive calories, fat and mineral content to levels that can have a negative impact on a cat's weight, coat and urinary function. Because feline health requires a thoughtfully balanced nutritional equation, Wellness carefully monitors the overall nutritional equilibrium of Wellness CORE by controlling the quality and quantity of the ingredients used-

   * Over 80% high-quality, animal protein, the highest level of meat
     possible in a dry cat food.
   * High quality lean meats to manage both fat levels and calorie content.
   * Free of grains, potatoes provide fiber and keep carbohydrates to a
     minimum.
   * Flaxseed and salmon oil help maintain feline skin and coat health.
   * The unique formula includes guaranteed maximums and balanced levels of
     magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and natural minerals from kelp to
     promote a healthy urinary tract.
   * Tomato Pomace, Cranberries, Yucca Schidigera & Rosemary Extracts
     provide valuable phytonutrients and antioxidants.
   * After cooking, each kibble is coated with a blend of temperature-
     sensitive probiotics to promote a healthy digestive tract.

"We specifically designed Wellness CORE as a more thoughtful alternative to the grain-free, high-protein diets currently available on the market today. Many of these diets are driven exclusively by the promise of grain-free, yet have overlooked key nutritional elements that are essential for preventative feline health, and also contain extremely high fat and mineral levels," said Jim Scott, CEO of Wellness. "For cat lovers who choose to serve their companions a high-protein, grain-free diet, Wellness CORE supports our continued belief that thoughtful, balanced nutrition is the foundation of well-being."

Wellness CORE Fish & Fowl Recipe features 5 different meat sources including Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whitefish and Salmon Meals-the most meat possible in a dry cat food. As with all Wellness natural pet foods, Wellness CORE contains no animal by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial preservatives, artificial colors or artificial flavors. Purposefully formulated to be as pure as possible, Wellness CORE delivers the meat content cat owners are looking for while creating a balanced profile of real-foods appropriate for everyday feeding. Available in three sizes:

   2 lb. bag, SRP $7.99
   5 lb. 14 oz. bag, SRP $19.99
   12 lb. bag, SRP $34.99

Wellness CORE offers nothing in excess and everything in balance. From source to bowl, Wellness makes no exceptions!

Wellness CORE will be available nationwide at independent pet specialty retail shops beginning in February 2007. To find an authorized Wellness retailer, please visit http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/.

About Wellness(R) - Live Well. Eat Well. Be Well.(TM)

The Wellness brand of Natural Food and Treats for Pets was founded on the belief that, "You are what you eat!" - and that incorporating a holistic approach to a healthy, nutritious diet is the foundation of well-being. With this mission, a committed team of vets, nutritionists, and animal lovers has spent decades creating the very best in all-natural nutrition for both dogs and cats. All Wellness food and treat varieties feature recipes using human- quality ingredients without the use of meat by-products, fillers, potential allergens, artificial colors, flavors or artificial preservatives. Wellness is proud to be a part of the Old Mother Hubbard pet food family, celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2006. Wellness is sold exclusively through knowledgeable independent pet stores and natural food stores in North America. For more information, please visit http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/.