It seems like our dogs grow from bouncing puppies to mellow seniors in a blink of an eye. As anyone who has ever lived with a dog will know, it often feels like we don’t get enough time with our dogs. Most dogs only live around ten to 14 years on average. While our dogs' lifespans are much shorter than our own, we can make simple changes in their lifestyle and care to ensure that they live as long and as comfortable as possible.
1) Feed Your Dog a Healthy and Balanced Diet
We hear all the time that our bodies are a temple, and what we put into it is what we are going to get out of it. Well, the same is true of our dogs and their food. It’s important that we feed a well-balanced diet to ensure optimal health and longevity for our canine pals.
“Complete and Balanced” means: the food contains all the vitamins and minerals needed to prevent most diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies.
There are 37 essential nutrients that your dog needs to get from their food to be healthy and hearty. Feeding a food that follow the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) helps ensure the food and/or company is of a high standard. AAFCO establishes dietary guidelines based on scientific studies for the required level of carbohydrates, protein, different vitamins, and minerals. Not all dog foods comply with this basic standard so it is recommended that you check that yours does.
2) Feeding more plant-based foods
Dogs are omnivores just like us and can get all of their nutrients from a well-formulated plant-based diet. Eating more plants has been proven to help people and dogs live longer. According to studies dogs who eat more plant-based foods live longer than those who are fed a meat-based diet Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are a source of a large variety of nutrients and constitute the major part of the diet of people living in “Blue Zones” (Blue Zones are regions of the world where it is claimed, a higher than the usual number people live much longer than average). Plant-based food are naturally rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that can have several health benefits. The same can be applied to dogs as they are physiologically omnivores just like humans and the best example to prove it is Bramble, a blue merle collie, who lived to 25 years of age. Bramble lived in the UK and held the Guinness World Record for being the oldest living dog at the time. What’s the most amazing thing about this story is that Bramble actually lived on a vegan diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains (no meat, eggs, and dairy)
3) Watch their weight
One factor that’s repeatedly linked with longevity across a range of species is maintaining a healthy bodyweight. That means ensuring dogs aren’t carrying excess weight, and managing their calorie intake carefully. Not only will a lean, healthy bodyweight be better for your dog in the long term, it can also help to limit the impact of certain health conditions such as osteoarthritis, hypertension, heart problems, diabetes and many others. According to data obesity often increase the chances of cancer n dogs
4) Keep Your Dog Active, exercising daily
Start incorporating appropriate exercise, conditioning, and stretching, as early in your dog's life as possible. Exercise has many physiological and psychological benefits, both for our dogs (and us). Physical activity can help to manage a dog’s bodyweight, and is also associated with anti-ageing effects in other genetically similar species.
5) Provide Mental Enrichment and Stimulation
Just like with aging people, cognitive function can and will decline in our aging pups. And, as with people, it’s essential to start early to keep their minds sharp, you can teach your dog new tricks – and you might just keep their brain and body younger as a result.6) Visiting the vet regularly
Veterinary visits are important. Your dog should visit the vet at least once a year but the dog becomes senior, visiting the vet every 6 months becomes necessary. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam from nose to tail, as well as perform routine blood work examinations and any other necessary tests to ensure everything is fine and continuing to function properly as your pet ages. This way, they can catch any abnormalities before they become a significant problem, and they may be able to start any medications or initiate preventative measures sooner rather than later that may prolong your dog’s life.
7) Adding Health Supplements to the diet
Incorporating the right type of supplements into your dog’s diet can significantly enhance their health and extend their lifespan. Essential supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and herbal and antioxidant supplements provide vital nutrients that may be missing from regular dog food. Omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy coat and brain function. Probiotics ensure a balanced gut microbiome, essential for nutrient absorption and immune function, preventing gastrointestinal issues. Herbal supplements such as turmeric and milk thistle, along with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health. Importantly, many pet parents wait until their dog faces severe health issues before introducing these supplements. However, incorporating them early can prevent these problems and build a strong foundation for long-term wellness, giving your dog the best chance for a long, healthy life.At Freshwoof, we are committed to providing high-quality nutritious veg dog food that put your dog’s health above all.
- Formulated by Veterinary Nutritionists - Freshwoof Plant Power is formulated by a team of experienced Veterinary Nutritionists to contain all the essential nutrients in right amounts and perfect ratios to support your dog’s overall vitality & health.
- Premium Plant-Based Ingredient - Our recipes are crafted with a variety of wholesome & human Grade plant-based ingredients. We use fresh vegetables, grains, berries, fruits, and herbs to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients.
- Supports Strong Bones & Immunity - Freshwoof is enriched with bone health supporting nutrients like calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin E, Phosphorous, magnesium & manganese.
- Enhanced Digestive Health - Packed with fiber, stomach-soothing herbs and natural prebiotics, our veg dog food supports a healthy digestive system, helping to prevent common gut issues like constipation and diarrhea.
- Immune System Support - Our formulas are rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins that boost your dog’s immune system, keeping them healthy and vibrant supported with Turmeric, Blueberries, Cranberries, Ashwagandha, Thyme, Ginger, Chamomile and more!
- Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat - Our veg dog food includes essential omega fatty acids including DHA, Zinc, Biotin, Selenium and more, promoting a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Delicious and Appetizing - Dogs love the taste of Freshwoof Plant Power! Our recipes are crafted to be flavorful and satisfying, even for the pickiest eaters.
