Understanding how dogs age

The science behind longevity and what you can do to help your dog live a healthier life for longer.

Dogs age far too quickly. One minute they’re careening around the park like a caffeinated toddler, the next they’re slower, grey-muzzled and snoozing through the afternoon. But it’s not just sentiment, it’s biology. And the more we understand it, the better we can support our dogs as they age.

At Healthy Happy Dog, we’re not trying to reinvent the dog bowl. We’re simply using the best of what nature and science can offer to help dogs live healthier lives for longer.

 

Why do some dogs age faster than others?

In almost every species, bigger animals live longer; elephants outlast rabbits, whales outlive humans. Dogs? They buck the trend completely.

A Great Dane could struggle to reach their eighth birthday, while a Jack Russell might go on for 16 years. The reason, scientists believe, has to do with growth regulation. Enter IGF-1, a hormone with a big influence on size and lifespan.

 

IGF-1: The growth signal that speeds the clock

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) drives cell growth and development. High levels are great when you’re building a body from scratch. But when those levels stay elevated throughout life, they’re linked to faster ageing, higher cancer risk, and a shorter healthspan.

Larger breeds have more active IGF-1 pathways. Their bodies grow faster, but may also wear out sooner. That’s why researchers are interested in how IGF-1 activity can be modulated (not blocked, just balanced) as a route to longer, healthier lives.

 

The selenium connection: gentle modulation, big potential

Selenium is a trace mineral found in foods like beef liver, fish and brewer’s yeast. It’s best known for its antioxidant and immune-supporting roles, but it’s now also being studied for its effects on IGF-1 signalling.

In a study published in eLife, selenium supplementation in mice led to a reduction in IGF-1 activity and extended markers of healthspan without calorie restriction or other extreme interventions.

This isn’t about shrinking your dog. It’s about nudging the biological dials in the right direction; supporting repair, resilience and longevity at a cellular level.

That’s why selenium-rich ingredients feature in our formula The Meaty One, made with beef liver and brewer’s yeast.

 

Other anti-ageing nutrients in our blends

While selenium gets top billing, it’s not acting alone. Our three supplements have been designed to deliver a wide range of nutrients that contribute to cellular protection, immune regulation and metabolic health:

The Meaty One (Beef Liver, Bone Broth, Brewer’s Yeast):

  • B vitamins (especially B12) – Energy metabolism, nerve health, DNA synthesis
  • Zinc – Immune resilience, skin integrity, antioxidant defence
  • Iron – Oxygen transport and mitochondrial function
  • Collagen & Glucosamine – Joint preservation and mobility

The Fishy One (Salmon, Herring, Kelp):

  • Omega-3s (EPA & DHA) – Anti-inflammatory, brain and heart health
  • Iodine – Thyroid function and hormonal balance
  • Vitamin D – Bone integrity and immune support
  • CoEnzyme Q10 – Mitochondrial energy and antioxidant protection

The Veggie One (Broccoli, Pumpkin, Medicinal Mushrooms):

  • Sulforaphane – Supports detoxification and cellular repair
  • Beta-glucans (from Reishi and Lion’s Mane) – Immune modulation
  • Beta-carotene – Antioxidant support and gut barrier integrity
  • Prebiotic fibre – Supports a healthy gut microbiome and reduced inflammation

Taken together, these compounds help defend against oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and metabolic wear, hallmarks of ageing in both humans and dogs.

 

What this means for your dog

We’re not promising a scientific fountain of youth. But research points to the fact that the way we feed and support our dogs can influence how well they age.

By including selenium, omega-3s, B vitamins, antioxidants and gut-supportive nutrients in your dog’s diet, you’re giving them the building blocks for repair, resilience and vitality. That might mean more energy, fewer age-related issues and a little more time by your side.

And that, really, is the point.