Book review: The Forever Dog (practical longevity ideas)

I picked up The Forever Dog because I wanted something more actionable than “feed good food and exercise.” It’s a surprisingly practical book: lots of small, repeatable habits that stack up, plus enough science to explain why they matter.

What I liked

• It’s habit-focused: instead of a single “magic” change, it lays out a menu of improvements you can adopt over time.
• It connects the dots between food quality, inflammation, gut health, and day-to-day energy (in a way that made me rethink treats and toppers).
• It’s realistic: the most useful parts are the “do this more often / do this less often” frameworks, not perfection.

My biggest takeaways

1. Reduce ultra-processed calories where possible, especially the daily “default” foods. Even small swaps can matter.
2. Treat food as an environment: rotate proteins, add simple fresh components, and pay attention to how your dog responds.
3. Longevity is a system: movement, sleep, dental health, and stress reduction are just as important as what’s in the bowl.

Who this book is for

• You want a high-level plan for helping your dog stay healthier longer, without feeling overwhelmed.
• You like checklists and “why” explanations, not just vibes.

One caveat

Some sections are enthusiastic (in a good way), but I still treat it as a toolbox, not medical instruction. When the book suggests bigger changes (especially supplements or specific health interventions), I’d sanity-check with a vet who knows your dog.