The key to a dog living a long and healthy life lies in their diet. By incorporating the right foods and nutrients, you can unlock the power of the dog longevity diet and give your furry friend the best chance at a happy and healthy life.
Feeding your dog a balanced diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy joints. This is especially important for older dogs, as joint pain can become a significant issue with age.
A study found that dogs fed a diet rich in antioxidants had a 20% lower risk of developing age-related diseases. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to disease.
By making a few simple changes to your dog's diet, you can give them the gift of a long and healthy life.
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Diet and Nutrition
A ketogenic diet for dogs has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for dogs with cancer and other illnesses, and can even support optimal health and well-being for all dogs.
The idea of a ketogenic diet is based on switching from burning glucose and carbohydrates to fat and ketones as fuel, which is achieved through a low-carb, moderate-protein, and higher-fat diet.
Paul Raybould, a self-proclaimed "lifelong nutrition nerd", explains that a ketogenic diet typically involves consuming less than one gram of digestible carbs per cup of food.
The KetoPet Sanctuary has rescued dozens of dogs from kill shelters and placed them on a ketogenic diet, which has led to remarkable results, including improved outcomes for dogs with cancer and reduced inflammation.
A raw keto diet has been found to lower blood glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation in dogs.
The benefits of a ketogenic diet for dogs are not limited to those with illnesses, as it can also support optimal health and well-being for all dogs.
The ideal dog food should be made with real, whole foods that are recognizable and easy to digest, such as lean muscle meat, bone, seafood, liver, and other secreting organs.
The Real Dog Box emphasizes the importance of feeding dogs a variety of real whole foods, which can include different meats, organs, and animal body parts.
A balanced diet for dogs should include meat as the top ingredient, followed by fruits, veggies, and other beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Choosing a dog diet that exceeds AAFCO and PFIAA standards is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of your dog.
Here are some key characteristics of a healthy dog diet:
- Meat as the top ingredient
- Fruits and veggies as secondary ingredients
- No preservatives or fillers
- Novel proteins and foods rich in Omegas
- Superfoods with antioxidants like blueberries and turmeric
By making informed choices about your dog's diet, you can help them live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Maintaining Health
Maintaining Health is a crucial aspect of a dog's longevity. Regular exercise is essential to combat obesity, which affects 41% of Australian dogs and increases the risk of arthritis, heart disease, cancer, liver disease, and diabetes.
Exercise not only benefits physical health but also provides mental stimulation, allowing your dog to experience new sights, sounds, smells, and more. A study of Labs showed that dogs that maintained a healthy weight lived an average of two more years than their overweight counterparts.
Veterinary check-ups are also vital to spot diseases and illnesses early on. Your vet can help diagnose and treat issues before they become life-shortening, and provide education on preventative medicine and behavioral problems like anxiety.
To keep your dog mentally healthy and active, provide them with walks, toys, training, and attention. A balanced diet that includes superfoods with vitamins and minerals can also reduce cognitive decline.
Promote Positive Mental Health
Promoting positive mental health in your furry friend is a crucial aspect of maintaining their overall health. By reducing stress and anxiety, you can help improve their immune system and ward off boredom, depression, and dementia.
Providing regular walks is essential for keeping your dog engaged and mentally active. This can be as simple as a daily stroll around the block or a more intense hike, depending on your dog's age and fitness level.
You also want to make sure your dog has a balanced diet that supports their cognitive function. Superfoods containing vitamins and minerals can help reduce oxidants and free radicals, which can contribute to cognitive decline.
Some key ingredients to look for in your dog's food include:
- Blog
- Dog Food Guide
- Raw Dog Food Guide
- Dry Dog Food Guide
- Best Dry Food for Puppies
- How to Transition My Dog to a New Food
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a crucial aspect of maintaining your dog's health. Staying active benefits your dog more than you may realize, and it's essential to keep your dog at a healthy weight.
41% of Australian dogs are tipping the scales and are considered obese or overweight. This increases their risk for various health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, cancer, liver disease, and diabetes.
Regular exercise helps maintain healthy joints, strong muscles, and good coordination, along with a healthy heart and lungs. It's not just about physical health, though - exercise also provides mental stimulation for your dog.
Getting out and going for a walk exposes your dog to new sights, sounds, smells, and experiences, which exercises all his senses and brain. Your dog will even get the opportunity to spot a few squirrels and greet a few of his fellow dogs.
By committing to 30 or more minutes of exercise with your dog, you're not only improving their health but also strengthening your bond with them. This investment of time can add years to your dog's life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the diet of the longest living dog?
Bramble, the world's oldest living dog, thrived on a 100% plant-based diet rich in organic brown rice, red lentils, vegetables, and additional ingredients like yeast extract and herbs. This unique diet played a significant role in her remarkable longevity.
Sources
- Diet and Longevity (direwolfproject.com)
- KetoPet Sanctuary (ketopetsanctuary.com)
- Whole Foods for Canine Longevity - Real Dog Box (real.dog)
- How to Maximize Dog Lifespan through Diet (dogslim.com)
- Obese dogs have a higher risk for arthritis, heart disease, cancer, liver disease, and diabetes (vcahospitals.com)
- 41% of Australian dogs (pfiaa.com.au)
- two to five years longer (petbloglady.com)
- Start with a healthy diet (vcahospitals.com)
- Mental stimulation also wards off boredom, depression, and dementia (nohoartsdistrict.com)
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