What our dogs eat plays a huge role in how long and how well they live. A carefully chosen diet can help keep your dog lean, energetic, and free of many common age-related health issues. If you're hoping to give your furry friend the best shot at a long, vibrant life, here’s what research shows about the key components of a longevity diet for dogs.

1. High-Quality Protein for Strength and Vitality
Protein is a building block of life. For dogs, high-quality animal-based protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, a healthy immune system, and overall vitality. As dogs age, they naturally lose muscle, which can affect mobility and strength. Feed your dog food rich in lean meats. This ensures they get the amino acids they need to stay active and strong.
Animal-based proteins are especially easy for dogs to digest and use. So when choosing food for your dog, make sure real meat is one of the first ingredients.
2. Healthy Fats, Especially Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fats are more than just a source of energy. They also support skin, coat, brain, and joint health. One type of fat in particular, omega-3 fatty acids, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help ease stiffness in aging joints and support brain function in senior dogs.
Omega-3s are naturally found in cold-water fish, krill, and mussel oil and can be added to your dog’s diet as supplements. Alternatively, you can include an omega-3-rich, fish-based meal like frashfresh Cooked Dog Food with NutriAbsorb™ (Low-Allergen FISH) once or twice a week.
3. Moderate, Complex Carbohydrates
Carbs often get a bad rap in pet diets but not all carbs are bad. The key is moderation and choosing complex, whole-food sources. Brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and vegetables offer fiber, vitamins, and steady energy without spiking blood sugar.
These ingredients also support digestive health by providing fibre that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut. Avoid highly processed dog foods that are heavy on cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.
4. Antioxidants and Micronutrients from Fruits & Vegetables
Colourful fruits and vegetables are packed with phytonutrients, natural compounds that have antioxidative properties, and help fight off damage at the cellular level. This is important because cellular damage contributes to aging and disease.
Colourful fruits, berries and vegetables like blueberries, spinach, kale, carrots, and pumpkin are all excellent choices. They’re rich in vitamins like A, C, and E, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. These nutrients support immune function, eye health, organ health, and more. Think of antioxidants as tiny defenders that help slow the aging process from the inside out.
One easy way to ensure your dog gets a wide range of these nutrients is by feeding a fresh diet with plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables, like frashfresh™ dog food or supplement with freeze-dried vegetables like Arlo Kitchen Freeze Dried Vegetable Patties Dog Food. The real fruits and vegetables found in frashfresh™ and Arlo Kitchen provides powerful antioxidants and micronutrients, helping your dog stay healthier from the inside out.

5. Portion Control and Calorie Moderation
Here’s one of the most powerful things you can do to extend your dog’s life: keep them lean.
Studies show that dogs kept at a healthy weight live longer (sometimes by years!) than overweight ones. Feeding the right amount matters just as much as feeding the right ingredients.
Work with your vet to determine how much your dog should eat based on their age, breed, and activity level. If your dog is gaining weight, reduce portions or increase exercise. Avoid feeding table scraps and high-calorie treats too often.
6. Fresh, Whole, Minimally Processed Foods
Dogs fed fresh (raw or lightly cooked) diets tend to live longer, healthier lives according to emerging studies. Fresh food retains more of its natural nutrients, and it’s often free from preservatives and artificial additives that may burden the liver or kidneys over time.
Whole-food diets, whether homemade or store-bought, also give you more control over ingredients, helping avoid fillers and unwanted chemicals. Look for options that are raw, lightly cooked or freeze-dried rather than heavily processed under high heat.
If you’re preparing food at home, it’s vital to make sure the meals are nutritionally balanced. A veterinary nutritionist or pet nutritionist can help with that.
7. Gut Health Support with Probiotics and Prebiotics
Your dog’s gut does more than just digest food. The gut plays a big role in their immune system and even mood. A healthy gut can mean fewer infections, better nutrient absorption, and improved overall health.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support this gut balance. Prebiotics (like inulin or certain fibers) feed these good bacteria. Many fresh dog foods would naturally contain prebiotics. If you are not feeding fresh, look for dog food that has added probiotics or prebiotics, or supplement your dog’s diet with probiotic supplements that include multiple strains of beneficial bacteria like Nurture Pro Kefir 118 Probiotics + Plant Enzymes Freeze-Dried Powder.
8. Hydration for Kidney and Whole Body Health
Water is often overlooked, but it’s essential to your dog’s health, especially as they age. Proper hydration helps with digestion, temperature regulation, and kidney function.
Dry kibble contains very little moisture, which means dogs have to drink a lot of water separately. On the other hand, fresh food, wet food, and homemade meals tend to have a higher water content, helping your dog stay hydrated naturally.
If you’re feeding dry food, consider topping it with bone broth or water.

Every Dog Is Different: Tailor the Diet to Their Needs
While these guidelines are a great starting point, every dog is unique. Age, breed, size, lifestyle, and medical history all influence what your dog needs.
That’s why it’s always best to talk to your vet before making major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if you're considering a homemade diet.
In Summary: A Longevity Diet at a Glance
To help your dog live their longest, healthiest life, aim to feed:
- High-quality, animal-based protein
- Healthy fats, especially omega-3s
- Moderate, complex carbohydrates
- Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Controlled calorie portions to maintain a lean body
- Fresh, minimally processed food, when possible
- Prebiotics or probiotics for gut health
- Hydrating, moisture-rich meals
This list might seem long, but it’s actually simple to achieve with the right food. A fresh diet like frashfresh™, made with real ingredients and boosted by its unique NutriAbsorb™ blend, naturally ticks all the boxes for a longevity-focused diet. Feed your pup right. Investing in your dog’s long-term health means more happy, healthy years by your side.

KATHERINE KHOO
Katherine is a Pet Nutrition Specialist and GDP’s Pet Wellness Advisor. She is committed to helping pet owners make informed dietary and lifestyle choices in nurturing healthy pets. Katherine is also a practicing Nutritional Therapist (human nutrition) and has been helping hundreds of clients to heal naturally with nutrients.