Why Raw Food Could Be the Key to a Longer, Healthier Life for Your Dog

There was a great article in the Guardian 23 March 2025. As technology races ahead to extend the lives of our beloved pets—with biotech firms developing everything from anti-ageing drugs to gene therapies—many dog owners are looking for simpler, more natural ways to support their pets’ health. Enter raw feeding.

While high-tech solutions grab headlines, raw food is quietly leading a health revolution from the inside out. More and more pet owners are turning to raw diets to improve everything from their dogs’ energy levels to their long-term wellbeing—and the results are impressive.

The Longevity Link

The desire to extend our pets’ lives is nothing new. But instead of relying solely on futuristic pills or pricey procedures, some vets and nutritionists argue that what we put in our dogs’ bowls every day could have just as big an impact on their lifespan.

Raw feeding—offering a balanced diet of uncooked meat, bone, and organs, often with added vegetables and supplements—aims to mirror the way dogs would eat in the wild. Proponents say it can reduce inflammation, improve digestion, support joint health, and even help protect against chronic diseases.

A growing body of research supports this idea. A 2003 Belgian study found that dogs fed a homemade, fresh food diet lived an average of 32 months longer than dogs fed industrial, processed pet food (Lippert & Sapy, 2003). And more recent studies, such as those published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, have linked ultra-processed pet foods with higher risks of obesity, allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders.

A Natural Defence

What raw food offers is something biotech still can’t replicate: a biologically appropriate, species-specific diet. Unlike processed kibble, which is cooked at high temperatures and often bulked out with grains and additives, raw food retains the enzymes, amino acids, and micronutrients that support a dog’s immune system and overall vitality.

In an age where we’re questioning what we eat more than ever—seeking out clean labels, organic produce, and minimally processed meals—it makes sense to apply the same thinking to our pets. The link between diet, inflammation, and disease is well-documented in humans, and the same principles apply to dogs.

Prevention, Not Just Cure

It’s exciting to think that one day, drugs could reverse ageing in our dogs or even extend their lives by years. In fact, several biotech companies are already exploring this path. For example, Loyal, a San Francisco-based start-up, is currently developing longevity treatments designed specifically for dogs (The Guardian, 2025).

But raw feeding is already helping dogs live better, longer lives—without waiting for a clinical trial.

For older dogs, a switch to raw can reinvigorate them. Owners report increased mobility, brighter eyes, and a return to puppy-like playfulness. For puppies, it can build a stronger foundation for lifelong health, with benefits ranging from stronger teeth and bones to a more robust immune system.

Ultimately, raw food is about giving your dog the best chance at a long, happy, and healthy life—starting today.

References

• The Guardian (2025). Life in the old dog yet: how biotech firms are looking to extend the lives of our pets. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/mar/23/life-in-the-old-dog-yet-how-biotech-firms-are-looking-to-extend-the-lives-of-our-pets

• Lippert, G. & Sapy, B. (2003). Relation entre l’alimentation et la longévité: étude statistique sur 522 chiens.

• Davies, M. (2022). Raw diets and the microbiome: potential benefits and concerns, Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

• Perea, S. (2021). Processed foods, inflammation and chronic disease in pets, Journal of Animal Nutrition & Health.