Pet owners spoil their dogs with toys, plush bedding, and sometimes even clothes. But none of those indulgences will help increase the lifespan of a dog. But putting that money toward higher-quality food and investing in the health of your pet through their diet will benefit your pet in the long run.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, “According to the National Library of Medicine, dogs within a normal weight range live longer than obese dogs, with a median increase of six months to 2.5 years. Since weight is inarguably tied to diet, it stands to reason that dogs with a more balanced daily diet may live longer.”
LittleThings spoke with Dr. Andrea Cermele, Veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025, on this topic.
Dr. Cermele confirms that it’s important to choose healthy food for our pets. “The food a dog eats matters significantly, and it can impact them in ways similar to how food affects people,” says Dr. Cermele. “Like humans, dogs have specific nutritional requirements to maintain overall health. A balanced and nutritious diet provides essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates necessary for their well-being. Adequate nutrients contribute to a more robust immunity, helping them resist infections and illnesses.”
Dogs that are on poor diets will have more health concerns. “The specific impact may vary based on factors such as the duration of the poor diet, the dog's age, breed, and individual health conditions,” says Dr. Cermele. “Common health concerns associated with a suboptimal diet include, but are not limited to, obesity, nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems, joint disease, allergies, diabetes, heart disease, organ dysfunction, behavioral challenges, lowered immune function and shortened life spans.”
And that’s not all. “Poor diets can be deficient in proper nutrients and/or excessive in calories and fat,” says Dr. Cermele. “Often, poor diets result in obesity. The type and amount of food a dog consumes plays a crucial role in weight management. Obesity in dogs is associated with various health problems, including joint issues and a shorter lifespan.”
Determining what to feed will vary by age and breed. “Different breeds and sizes of dogs often have unique dietary needs, and it's important to tailor their food intake and feeding schedule accordingly,” says Dr. Cermele. “Size, age, breed-specific considerations, weight management needs, and individual variations should all be taken into consideration. It's crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diet for your specific dog. The vet will consider the above factors and make appropriate suggestions to ensure that your dog's nutritional needs are met, promoting optimal health and well-being throughout their life.”
Your dog should also be fed accordingly throughout the day. “The frequency of feeding for dogs can depend on factors such as age, size, breed, health, and individual metabolism,” says Dr. Cermele. “Below are some general guidelines for feeding frequency based on different life stages, but please keep in mind that these are only general guidelines, and individual dogs may have different dietary needs. It's advisable to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog's age, health, and lifestyle. Additionally, certain breeds or dogs with specific health conditions may benefit from a customized feeding plan.”
General Pet Feeding Guidelines
Puppies up to 6 months-old:
“Puppies are growing rapidly and typically require more frequent meals,” says Dr. Cermele. “The usual aim is for three to four meals a day.”
Young adults or adults from 6 months to 7 years:
“Most adult dogs do well with two meals per day,” says Dr. Cermele. “Some larger breeds or dogs prone to certain health issues might benefit from smaller, more frequent meals.”
Senior dogs 7 years and above:
“Senior dogs may benefit from the same frequency as adult dogs, or you might consider smaller, more frequent meals to accommodate changes in metabolism and digestion,” says Dr. Cermele.
Overall, Dr. Cermele says that the key to any feeding is to establish consistency and portion control.
“Some dogs may have individual preferences or health conditions that require adjustments to their feeding schedule. Consult with your vet if you have specific concerns.”
With all the pet food brands on the market, there are a lot of choices, like wet and hard food. “Both dry and wet dog food can be suitable options, and the choice depends on your dog's individual needs, preferences, and your lifestyle,” says Dr. Cermele. “Always ensure that the chosen dog food meets your pet's nutritional requirements and consult with your veterinarian for guidance. The choice between feeding wet or dry food to dogs can depend on various factors, and both options have their advantages.”
Some considerations to make when determining, according to Dr. Cermele, include convenience, dental health, cost, calorie density, ease of portion control, hydration needs (wet food has a higher moisture content), palatability, texture, special diets for health conditions, and age (for example, senior dogs or dogs with oral disease that might find wet food easier to eat). “You can always consider a combination of the two, but, regardless of the form (dry or wet), it’s essential to choose a high-quality food with the appropriate nutritional content for your dog's life stage and individual health needs,” says Dr. Cermele.
Just be careful not to feed your fur child like a human child.
“While dogs can eat some 'people food,' it's essential to be cautious about what you include in their diet,” says Dr. Cermele. “Feeding dogs a well-balanced and nutritionally complete dog food is primarily recommended, as it is specifically formulated to meet their dietary needs. However, certain people foods can be given to dogs in moderation, while others should be avoided altogether. Remember, that pet diets are formulated to meet all of the nutrition needs of your pet, so the addition of anything else is just that, it's excess. Moderation is key, as even safe people foods can cause weight gain, digestive upset or nutritional imbalances.”
Dr. Cermele notes that pet owners should refer to the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center for foods pets should never eat.
Raw diets are also an option.
One study shows that feeding your dog a raw diet can increase a dog’s life anywhere from 32 months to three years. But there are risks to people.
“The question of whether a raw diet is healthy for pets is a long-standing topic of debate within the veterinary and pet owner communities,” Dr. Cermele. “Consulting with a veterinarian is crucial to ensure that any diet fed is balanced, safe, and appropriate for your pet's individual needs. If considering a raw diet, it's important to prioritize safety, hygiene, and nutritional completeness as there are many potential risks and challenges associated with feeding pets raw food. It’s important to understand that there is a real risk of zoonotic transmission, meaning that your pet could transmit diseases to humans through handling or contact of raw food. Raw meat can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, posing a risk of infection for pets and their owners. Raw meat may also contain parasites that can be transmitted to pets. If considering a raw diet, some pet owners opt for commercially prepared raw diets that undergo processing to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Raw diets are not commonly recommended, but regardless of the diet chosen, regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor your pet's health and address any potential issues.”
When selecting a high-quality food for your pet, begin with your pet’s life stage to meet nutritional requirements. “It is equally important to look for a good balance of quality animal proteins, healthy fat sources, and carbohydrates,” says Dr. Cermele. “Some diets may contain additives that are appropriate based on your individual dog, such as prebiotics and probiotics, glucosamine/chondroitin, omega fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, collagen, or limited ingredients for allergy sensitive pets. The necessity of additives varies from pet to pet. What works for one may not be suitable for another.”
Dr. Cermele adds, “In the event that you would like to prepare homemade food for your pet, please first consult your veterinarian to ensure that you are creating a properly balanced diet. There are many vitamins and minerals necessary, and if they are not supplemented properly, the result could lead to disastrous health problems.”
No matter which diet you choose, Dr. Cermele stresses the importance of working with your vet. “Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor your pet's health and address any potential concerns. They can assist you in comprehending the unique nutritional requirements of your individual pet, as each dog can vary significantly.”
