How to Support Healthy Aging in Dogs

New Study Shows that Fresh Dog Food Can Support Healthier Aging

Good news for us dog-obsessed folks—a new study revealed that feeding dogs food from The Farmer’s Dog can meaningfully support healthier aging.

The study, funded by The Farmer’s Dog and led by Dr. Heather Huson, Associate Professor of Animal Sciences at Cornell University, aimed to compare the effect of feeding a fresh, human grade diet versus a standard kibble diet on senior dogs.

Here’s how the study was conducted: Over the course of a year, 22 healthy, mixed-breed senior Alaskan sled dogs were first fed a specific dry food diet for four months, and then divided into two groups—one group continued eating kibble for the next 12 months, while the other group was transitioned to a fresh, human grade food diet.

The dogs’ body weight and body condition were assessed monthly and blood serum samples were collected at day zero, and months one, three, six and 12, in order to analyze the metabolic profiles of each dog.

The dogs in the fresh food group showed a rapid and sustained shift in their metabolism, with improvements evident as quickly as month one. They had lower levels of advanced glycation end (AGE) products, a harmful compound associated with aging and chronic disease. Additionally, the dogs in this group had higher levels of antioxidants and metabolites associated with protecting cells from oxidation, which is naturally occurring damage.

This study is the first of its kind—a long-term feeding study evaluating serum metabolomics in dogs that demonstrates the dramatic and sustained impact that diet can have on canine metabolism. If metabolomics is new to you, this term refers to the study of the small molecules, or metabolites, within cells and tissues that provide a snapshot of the body’s biochemical state and the combined effects of genetics, environment and lifestyle.

Despite the growing popularity of fresh dog food, there is very little by way of research and literature on the topic, which is what makes this study so timely. The Farmer’s Dog is committed to changing this, announcing earlier this year a significant investment into veterinary research, including veterinary nutrition studies like this one.

What is Metabolomics & Why It’s Important

Metabolomics is a field of study that analyzes metabolites (aka: Any substance produced during the body’s process of converting food into energy). The information that metabolomics provides can help us better understand important aspects of a dog’s life, like aging or the effect a certain food or supplement has on a dog’s metabolism.

That’s what makes this new study so exciting—it shows us that the ingredients in dog food, and how the food is processed can impact the bioavailability of nutrients and how they’re metabolized. And in the long term, the way diet and metabolism interact has an effect on a dog’s aging process—reinforcing the link between minimally processed food and enhanced function and overall health.

Aside from aging and food, metabolomics is also key in furthering disease diagnosis, biomarker identification and breed research, allowing for the development of more targeted treatments.

Tips to Promote Healthy Aging in Dogs

As our pups age, their needs evolve. And as this new study has shown, diet is one way to make a big impact on how your dog ages. Here are some other ways you can support your furry best friend in their senior years:

1. Regular vet checkups: Senior pups are more prone to age-related issues like arthritis, heart disease and dental problems, so it’s important to keep up with preventative care. Plan to take your senior pup to the vet twice a year for wellness exams, so they can detect changes early and provide lifestyle adjustments as needed.
2. Healthy weight: Age-related diseases like arthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are more likely in overweight dogs, so it’s important to prioritize a healthy weight through proper food portioning and regular exercise.
3. Balanced diet: As you now know, feeding a balanced diet—preferably fresh, human grade, minimally processed food like The Farmer’s Dog’s—can have a positive impact on your dog’s aging process.
4. Dental health: Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, pain and infections that affect the internal organs. Healthy teeth contribute to your dog’s overall wellness, so brush their teeth regularly with a pet-safe toothpaste and schedule professional cleanings to protect your pup’s chompers, and their overall health.
5. Joint health & mobility: Support your dog’s joints with supplements, orthopedic bedding and nonslip flooring, and incorporate gentle activities like short walks, low-impact play and stretching to encourage flexibility. This helps reduce age-related stiffness and pain and improve mobility, mood and independence.
6. Daily mental stimulation: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, helping delay cognitive decline, prevent boredom and enrich your dog’s senior years. Try puzzle toys, scent games, new tricks and new walking routes to offer daily stimulation.
7. Proper sleep & rest: Senior dogs need extra rest, so ensure they have a clean, comfortable and easily accessible space. Orthopedic and memory foam beds provide extra comfort by cushioning joints and regulating body temperature.
8. Gentle & consistent exercise: Exercise keeps your dog fit, strengthens muscles and supports joint health. Opt for low-impact activity as needed and customize the intensity level to their current condition. Remember, consistency matters more than duration, as regular movement promotes circulation and prevents stiffness.
9. Behavioral & physical changes: Subtle shifts in your dog’s habits can indicate an underlying health issue. Look out for any changes in appetite or thirst, difficulty getting up or walking, increased sleepiness, accidents indoors and personality or mood changes and report these signs to your vet immediately. Early detection often leads to easier management and better outcomes. 
10. Extra love & patience: Senior pups need us more in their older years. Emotional wellbeing directly influences physical health, so extra affection, patience and quality time go a long way. Keeping familiar routines, speaking softly, moving gently and incorporating things like cuddling, grooming and quiet walks helps them feel secure and loved.

Caring for a senior pup means embracing the changes as they happen, and providing an environment where they can thrive. Every decision you make now has the potential to add comfort and joy to their lives, so stay on top of these tips and prepare to be rewarded with unlimited tail wags and wet kisses in return.