I’ve got a 7-year-old German Shepherd and a 3-year-old Husky-Boxer mix. I love them a ton and want to ensure they live long, happy lives. I’ve heard stories of German Shepherds living 17-20 years or more and still being energetic. I would love that for my dogs!
If you have diet or lifestyle tips based on experience or research that helped your dogs live longer, please share. Thank you!
For my dogs over the past 30 years, I do a homemade diet and keep their weight stable. Those seem to be two important factors in my experience.
It really depends on the dog. My dad feeds his dogs plain kibble, and one lived until 18! I lost my foxie to lymphoma at 10, despite feeding her well. Just do your best, love them, and manage expectations regarding their ages.
Keep their weight down and give them regular exercise. I’ve found that a single-protein diet works best for my shepherds. A good probiotic helps too. Genetics play a big role as well.
Steer clear of cheap food. I feed my girl raw meals with sweet potatoes, carrots, or rice in the morning and high-quality kibble later. Exercise is essential, but remember that dogs can still get diseases.
Longevity is mostly determined by genetics. Keep your dogs at a healthy weight, avoid sugary or salty snacks, and provide bones for dental health. I play with my dogs twice a day for exercise.