Drs. Lippert and Sapy, the authors showed statistically that dogs fed a homemade diet, consisting of high quality foods (not fatty table scraps) versus dogs fed an industrial commercial pet food diet had a life expectancy of 32 months longer – that's almost 3 years!
A similar research conducted by Belgium scientists, titled “Relation Between the Domestic Dogs: Well-Being and Life Expectancy, A Statistical Essay,” revealed that dogs who had a high-quality, homemade diet (not table scraps or industrial, commercial pet food) extended their life expectancy by 32 months.
For decades, dry dog food was the only commercially available dog food on the market, so that is another good indication that dogs can live perfectly healthy lives on just dry dog food alone.
A dog's quality of life, which includes living without dental discomfort or disease, may increase their lifespan by 3 to 5 years with regular dental care, cleaning, and maintenance, according to Dr. Jan Bellows, a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Dentists.
You may also want to consider how much you're feeding your dog: research shows that dogs who eat less (approximately 25% smaller portions) live nearly two years longer.
Only 8 percent of dogs lived beyond 15, and 64 percent of dogs died of disease or were euthanized as a result of disease.
The dogs that were only given one meal a day appeared to exhibit less signs of developing disorders such as liver, pancreas and urinary issues. "For nearly a century, caloric restriction has been known to extend lifespan and delay age-associated pathology in laboratory animals," researchers wrote, reports MailOnline.
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). Bramble is a proof that dogs can not only live on plant-based diets, but also live long, healthy lives being completely vegan.
For one thing, indoor pets tend to live longer than outdoor pets. This is because living outside can expose the dog to extreme heat, frosts, and cold temperatures. They can also be exposed to other stresses, such as territorial stress. Stress can age a dog more quickly which can reduce his life expectancy.
A University of Georgia study, based on the medical records of more than 70,000 animal patients, found that the life expectancy of neutered male dogs was 13.8% longer and that of spayed female dogs was 26.3% longer.
Digestive issues and sensitivities aside, a properly-balanced diet of chicken and rice can be a great, nutritious choice for any dog, from growing puppies to senior pets.
So can I feed my dog chicken every day? As long as it's cooked, the answer is yes. Because chicken is a safe, healthy and easily digestible form of protein, it is often the main source of protein in high quality dog food.
Dogs who consume a variety of fresh or lightly processed foods tend to live longer and have fewer health issues than dogs who eat processed dog food—wet or dry.
The average lifespan for small dog breeds ranges from 10 to 15 years, with some breeds living as long as 18 years. In general, small dogs live longer than their larger counterparts, with the shortest living breeds still exceeding the average lifespan of most large breeds.
Your furry BFF has reached the lucky age of 13! Hopefully they are enjoying their retirement years and are filling their days with naps and cuddles. While they may have only had 13 birthdays, in canine time your pooch falls between 70 and 115 years old, depending on their size, of course.
The smaller breeds of dogs tend to live the longest. Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Toy Poodles and Lhasa Apsos are the breeds who typically live the longest with these averaging a lifespan of up to 20 years. This is much higher than the average lifespan of a dog which is between 10 and 13 years.
Australian Cattle Dogs
Bluey, an Australian cattle dog, entered the Guinness Book of World Records by living to the ripe old age of 29 years and 5 months, setting the record for oldest dog ever.
Flat-faced dog breeds, including French Bulldogs and Pugs, have the shortest life expectancy, a new study has found. According to vets at the Royal Veterinary College, brachycephalic dogs don't live as long due to the increased risk of breathing problems, skin fold infections and spinal disease they face.
A picture taken on February 12, 2023 shows Bobi, a 30 year-old Portuguese dog that has been declared the world's oldest dog by Guinness World Records, at his home in the village of Conqueiros near Leiria.
DF: I have found that the best feeding and toilet pattern for dogs is going out for a morning walk or yard run and eating a light breakfast, and then taking a walk about noon to 2 p.m. Before an evening meal (between 5 and 6 p.m.), go on a long walk or run.
"While there is no best time, with most dogs that eat twice a day, it is best to feed them in the morning as soon as you get up and then again when you get home from work in the afternoon," says Dr. Sara Ochoa, veterinary consultant for doglab.com who practices in Texas.
Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.