Here's how to add 2-4 years to your dog's life expectancy with the correct diet

The average life expectancy of a dog typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, but it can vary widely based on the breed, size, genetics, and overall health.

• Small breeds (like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds): Often live 12–16 years, sometimes even longer.
• Medium breeds (like Beagles or Bulldogs): Usually around 10–13 years.
• Large breeds (like Labradors or Golden Retrievers): Typically 8–12 years.
• Giant breeds (like Great Danes or Mastiffs): Often 6–10 years.

One of the most important factors in your dog’s health and longevity is what you feed them, both the quality and the quantity of their food.

Here's the best quality food and quantity required for your dog’s health, vitality, and longevity:

A balanced diet that’s rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients is the foundation for health and vitality. Avoid at all cost heavily processed dog foods loaded with fillers and artificial additives. Instead, look for natural, nutrient-dense ingredients. It's always more expensive, but it is really worth it if you want your dog to live 2 to 4 years more with more energy and vitality.

Cow organs:

Beef organs, such as liver, heart, kidney, and tripes are full of important nutrients. They’re rich in vitamins (A, B-complex, D, and K), minerals (zinc, iron, copper, selenium), and essential amino acids. These organ meats can help boost your dog’s immune system, support muscle growth and repair, and improve skin and coat health.

How to feed them?

• Liver: In small quantities, it’s a vitamin A powerhouse.
• Heart: A natural source of taurine and CoQ10, great for heart health.
• Kidney: Full of B vitamins and essential minerals.
• Tripe: Rich in probiotics and digestive enzymes to support gut health.
   

But remember: organs are extremely nutrient-dense, so they should make up only 10-20% of your dog’s total diet, not the whole meal. Balance them with quality lean muscle meats, a mix of healthy fats, and if your dog tolerates them, some fiber-rich vegetables for gut health.

What about portion sizes overall?

Here is an important scientific study about caloric restriction which added 1.8 years of life expectancy:

One of the most well-known studies on caloric restriction in dogs was conducted by Nestlé Purina. Researchers followed 48 Labrador Retrievers for 14 years. Here’s what they found:

✅ Method:

• Dogs were divided into two groups:
  • Control group: fed a typical, full diet
  • Caloric restriction group: fed 25% fewer calories than the control group
     

✅ Results:

• Median lifespan increased by 1.8 years in the calorie-restricted group
• Calorie-restricted dogs also had:
  • Lower rates of arthritis
  • Healthier immune markers
  • Better body condition overall
     

✅ Conclusion:
Reducing calorie intake without malnutrition will help dogs live longer and healthier lives.

Feeding your dogs the right foods and reducing their caloric intake will add years to their life. By focusing on high-quality, whole food ingredients and paying special attention to nutrient-rich organ meats, you’re supporting their health, vitality, and overall well-being.