Nutrition plays a crucial role in promoting longevity in dogs, influencing their overall health, vitality, and susceptibility to various diseases. A balanced diet tailored to a dog’s specific needs can significantly enhance their quality of life and extend their lifespan. As the field of research grows, we are also starting to understand how premium dog food and certain nutrients can impact dogs’ cognitive health and behavioral well-being.
In this blog, we will review how proper nutrition supports quality of life and longevity in dogs.
1. Balanced Diet Basics
A balanced diet includes essential nutrients: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Each nutrient serves a specific function:
- Proteins: Vital for growth, tissue repair, and immune function. High-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish, provide essential amino acids necessary for muscle development and overall health.
- Fats: Provide energy and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in fish oil and flaxseed, support skin health and reduce inflammation.
- Carbohydrates: Serve as a primary energy source and aid in digestive health. Whole grains and vegetables can provide fiber, which promotes healthy digestion.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Essential for metabolic processes, bone health, and overall well-being. A complete diet includes vitamins A, D, E, and various B vitamins, along with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Balanced diets are especially important during growth, aging and if the dog is a working dog. This is because there are higher metabolic demands on the dog’s body during these times. Meaning, they are more reliant on their food to provide all the critical nutrients vs. leveraging body stores and metabolic compensation.
2. Weight Management
Obesity is one of the leading health issues affecting dogs.
Obesity is one of the leading health issues affecting dogs, significantly shortening their lifespan. Obesity impacts overall health by contributing to detrimental metabolic syndromes causing an overall higher whole-body inflammation and oxidative stress. Proper nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
- Portion Control: Measure food according to guidelines based on the dog’s size, age, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding and be cautious with treats.
- Healthy Treats: Feed a low-calorie treat or use a portion of your dog’s daily kibble as a treat to keep your dog satisfied without excessive calorie intake.
- Exercise: Make sure your dog is getting daily exercise. Take a walk together every day if possible, play in the yard or train/work your dog.
3. Preventing Health Issues
A nutritious diet can help prevent common health problems:
- Immune Health: Certain diets, that include the right level and combination of antioxidants like Vitamin E are formulated to help manage and boost immune system function.
- Joint Health: Diets rich in glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health, particularly in larger breeds or older dogs, reducing the risk of arthritis and related issues.
- Skin and Coat Condition: A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can enhance skin health and promote a shiny coat, reducing issues like allergies and dermatitis.
4. Targeted Nutrition
As dogs age or if they have a certain lifestyle (more or less active), their nutritional needs change. Adjusting their diet can help support your dogs specific needs.
- Specialized Formulas: Many brands offer puppy formulas that address specific health concerns, such as joint support and cognitive health during development. Check out our All-American recipe if you have a puppy.
- Macronutrient and Micronutrient Ratio: Depending on age or activity your dogs need for certain nutrients like protein (and more specifically amino acids), or micronutrients like vitamin D or E change. Tailored recipes can help make sure you are giving your dog the specific nutrients they need.
Proper hydration is vital for health and longevity.
5. Hydration
While not a nutrient, proper hydration is vital for health and longevity. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including kidney problems.
- Fresh Water: Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Monitor your dog’s water intake, especially during hot weather or after exercise.
If you notice your dog isn’t drinking, you can also add water to their kibble to help promote water consumption. It is also recommended to add some water to your puppy’s food until they are about 6 months of age. Just remember if you add water to the food, don’t leave it sitting out for long periods of time.
6. Understanding Food Labels
Selecting the right food involves understanding pet food labels. Look for:
- Meat as the First Ingredient: A quality diet lists a specific protein source as the first ingredient.
- No Fillers: Look for brands that leverage ingredients for the benefits and nutrients they provide and not just to follow trends or to appear healthier.
- AAFCO and WASAVA: Choose foods that meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and WASAVA (What is WSAVA and How Does Old Guard Meet the Pet Food Selection Standards Outlined? (oldguardpetco.com)), ensuring the diet is complete and balanced.
Check out our ingredients page (Ingredients – Old Guard Pet Co.) as well as our blog on WASAVA guidelines to learn more about how we select our ingredients and how we are WASAVA compliant.
7. Nutrient Availability
A recipe can be designed to include all the essential nutrients for your dog, but if your dog has trouble digesting the food or if the nutrients are damaged during cooking, they won’t be available for your dog’s vital metabolic needs.
- Cooking: Slow cooking, when done correctly without overcooking or undercooking, can enhance digestion and ensure that nutrients remain intact in the food.
- Digestibility: Your dog needs to be able to break down and absorb key nutrients to make them available for essential metabolic needs. Gut health is also critical for overall health.
Veterinarians can help you tailor your dog’s nutrition plan.
8. Regular Veterinary Consultations
Consulting with a veterinarian about your dog’s diet is essential. They can help tailor a nutrition plan based on your dog’s age, breed, weight, and any health issues.
Conclusion
Proper nutrition is fundamental in supporting the longevity and well-being of dogs. By providing a balanced diet tailored to their individual needs, maintaining a healthy weight, and preventing potential health issues, you can enhance your dog’s quality of life and extend their years. Regular veterinary consultations and an understanding of pet food can further empower you to make informed decisions about your dog’s dietary needs. Investing in your dog’s nutrition is one of the most significant steps you can take toward ensuring a long, healthy, and happy life for your dog. At Old Guard, we understand how precious each day is with your dog and work to provide you with a food that can help support the health and wellbeing of your dog.
