How to Help Your Dog Live Past 20 — Even on a Budget

Part 1 - Food

              (Star has turned 20 this year, he has been with the shelter for 15 years.)

At our partner shelter, about 20 dogs are over 17 years old. That’s kind of amazing, especially when you think about everything they’ve survived — abuse, abandonment, dog meat trade, living at a shelter instead of a warm, loving home...

And yet here they are, happily wagging their tails into their senior years.

I also have a dog at home who’s over 14, so I’ve been thinking a lot about what really helps dogs live longer — even when money is tight. Today, I want to share some of the things I learned with you, and let's talk about FOOD.

                             (my dog Pangpang, aka Daemon at a recent vet visit)

Why food matters so much

You are what you eat. The same applies to dogs.

At the shelter, our dogs eat about 60% dry kibble and 40% fresh food. That balance keeps costs sustainable while still giving them the nutrients they need to thrive.

We are also very picky when it comes to picking kibbles, we always look for:

Real, named proteins (chicken, lamb, salmon) with at least 30% protein and transparent sourcing.

No artificial preservatives or fillers.

Grain-free formulas (many dogs react badly to corn, wheat, or soy).

That said: if your dog has no sensitivities, a grain-inclusive kibble can be totally fine — don’t stress it! (we just can't risk it with hundreds of dogs..)

When I was back in the States, I always used Dog Food Advisor as reference, So if you are overwhelmed a bit with all the info, it is a good place to start there. 

🥕 Adding fresh food

High-quality kibble can get expensive. To stretch the budget, the shelter mixes in fresh foods like:

Cooked chicken breast with rice (easy on sensitive stomachs)

Steamed carrots or potatoes

Seasonal variety to keep things balanced

I even came across a study showing that adding fresh food to a dog’s diet may help them live longer. For the shelter, it’s a win-win: lower costs + healthier, happier dogs.

❤️ Takeaway for you

Even small changes in your dog’s food can make a big difference over the long run.

I think it's safe to say that most of us don't have the resources to provides to our pals 100% fresh, nutrient-balanced meals, but we can just add a little cooked chicken or veggies to their kibble.

Watch how your dog’s energy, coat, and digestion respond.

It doesn’t have to be perfect or expensive — consistency matters more than luxury.