What My Dog Taught Me:

7 Unlikely Longevity Secrets from Tula’s 12th Birthday
If you’d told me twelve years ago that my bouncing ball of fur—Tula, a poodle-corgi-something—would reach her twelfth birthday spry as ever, I’d have bet my socks against it. But here we are, zero major vet issues, too many walks to count, and a moderately embarrassing number of raw dog cakes. So what’s our secret sauce for canine longevity? Strangely, it’s a mishmash of simple, sometimes surprising tricks. Here’s what I’ve discovered from Tula’s real, messy, joyful life.

Mixing Bowls, Not Magic: Food Variety & Feeding Frequency

When people ask why Tula, my 12-year-old dog, still acts like a puppy, I always start with her diet. There’s no magic pill—just a lot of mixing bowls, variety, and a feeding schedule that’s more about health than habit. If you’re looking to boost your own dog’s health score, here’s what Tula has taught me about Healthy Dog Diet Variations and Feeding Frequency Dog Health.

Never the Same Meal Twice: The Power of Variety

For Tula, meals are never on repeat. One night, it’s high-protein kibble with a spoonful of canned food. The next, it’s a scoop of raw, or a bit of last night’s roast mixed in. I rotate her main protein source every 2-3 months. This isn’t just to keep her interested—science and experience both say that diet variety is key to long-term health.

Primary base: Orijen Ranchlands kibble, known for being high protein dog food and low in carbohydrates.
Canned food: High-quality, high-protein, added twice daily for extra moisture and nutrients.
Raw food: Once a week, Tula gets prepackaged frozen raw. The raw dog food benefits include added enzymes and a nutrient profile closer to a natural canine diet.
Home-cooked extras: If we have roast or stew, I’ll mix a little into her bowl. As I often say, this “completely improves the quality of this food.”

Every two to three months, I switch up the main protein source—beef, lamb, fish, or poultry. This rotation helps avoid food sensitivities and ensures she gets a broad spectrum of amino acids and micronutrients. She’s never just eating one brand, one flavor, or one texture. Her meals are a blend of kibble, canned, raw, and leftovers—and that’s by design.

High Protein, Low Carb: The Kibble Foundation

Let’s talk kibble. Tula’s mainstay is Orijen Ranchlands, a high protein dog food with far fewer carbs than most commercial brands. The protein-first approach supports muscle maintenance and energy, especially as she ages. I always check labels for protein content and avoid fillers like corn or wheat. Quality matters more than quantity.

Raw Dog Food Benefits: A Weekly Boost

Once a week, I add prepackaged frozen raw to her bowl. This isn’t a fad—it’s about diversity. Raw food brings live enzymes and a different nutrient profile, which can support digestion and immune health. I’ve noticed her coat is shinier and her energy higher after these meals. It’s a simple way to give her a nutritional boost without overhauling her entire diet.

Feeding Frequency: Less Is More

How often you feed your dog matters as much as what you feed. Recent research (Biostatistics Washington, 2022) suggests that dogs fed once daily show improved cognition and fewer physical health problems compared to those fed more often. While Tula usually eats twice a day, I occasionally switch to a single meal—especially after a big dinner or when she seems less hungry.

Regular schedule: Two meals daily, morning and evening.
Periodic single meal days: Once or twice a week, especially after a hearty meal the night before.

This approach gives her digestive system a break and may contribute to her longevity. The science isn’t settled, but the trend is clear: Feeding frequency dog health is about balance, not constant snacking.

Mixing Bowls, Not Magic

There’s no secret formula—just a commitment to healthy dog diet variations, rotating protein sources, and mindful feeding frequency. Tula’s health at 12 is proof that variety, quality, and timing matter more than any single “miracle” food. Her meals are a reflection of what we know now: a healthy dog diet is built in the kitchen, not conjured by magic.

Step Count & the Medicine Cabinet: Exercise, Meds, and Modern Alternatives

If I had to pinpoint one reason why Tula is still thriving at 12—with a Dog Health Score most pups would envy—it’s her daily movement. Exercise isn’t just a box to check; it’s the foundation of her longevity. Over the years, I’ve learned that Exercise Recommendations for Dogs aren’t just about burning energy. They’re about building resilience, preventing chronic disease, and keeping that tail wagging well into the senior years.

Three Walks Minimum—And Sometimes a Run

Tula gets three to four walks every single day. One of those is usually a run. She’s never been a fan of the scale, but her joints and waistline have thanked me for the consistency. Regular exercise keeps her at a healthy weight, which is key for joint health and mobility. It also helps prevent metabolic issues like diabetes, which are becoming more common in older dogs.

Walks per day: 3-4 (with at least one run)
Minimum recommendation: 20 minutes, three times daily
Benefits: Weight control, joint protection, diabetes prevention, improved Dog Health Score

I can’t stress enough how much daily movement matters. Dogs who move more are less likely to develop arthritis or secondary joint issues. Their metabolic systems stay balanced, and they’re simply happier. If you’re looking for a simple way to boost your dog’s health, start with the leash.

Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs: Less Is Sometimes More

This might be the most controversial thing I’ve done as a dog parent: Tula hasn’t received any conventional vaccines in the past six years. No rabies, no distemper, no parvo, no Lyme, no bordetella. After careful research—and yes, a bit of rebellion—I decided to vaccinate less, not more.

Why? There’s growing evidence that over-vaccination can be linked to secondary diseases, especially those related to the immune system. Allergies, thyroid disease, and even organ dysfunction have been associated with excessive immunizations. In my experience, minimizing vaccines has meant fewer health issues for Tula. She’s had virtually no autoimmune problems, and her overall Dog Health Score remains high.

Vaccine-free period: 6 years
Potential benefits: Reduced risk of allergies, thyroid disease, and other immune-related conditions

Of course, every dog and every environment is different. I recommend consulting with a trusted veterinarian about Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs that fit your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Alternative Medications for Pets: CBD Over Conventional Drugs

Conventional medications are a rarity in our home. As Tula has aged, she’s had the occasional sore day—maybe after a harder bike ride or an extra-long run. The standard option would be an anti-inflammatory like Metacam, but I’ve seen the side effects: gastrointestinal upset, liver issues, kidney disease. Instead, we’ve turned to Alternative Medications for Pets, with CBD oil as our go-to.

"If Tula is sore and she's in need of some pain relief, I'm going to be choosing something like this—CBD... it's so much safer."

CBD Dog Pain Relief isn’t as fast-acting as Metacam, but it’s gentler and comes with far fewer risks. I’ve found it to be quite effective for mild to moderate pain, and it gives me peace of mind knowing I’m not trading short-term relief for long-term health problems.

Primary pain remedy: CBD oil
Conventional meds used: Rarely, if ever
Benefits: Fewer side effects, safer for long-term use, supports overall Dog Health Score

What Tula Taught Me

The biggest lesson? Consistent exercise, a cautious approach to vaccines, and natural remedies like CBD can make a world of difference. Tula’s daily step count isn’t just about burning calories—it’s about building a foundation for lifelong health, with the medicine cabinet as a last resort, not a first stop.

Hybrid Vigor, Headspace, and the Supplement Misadventures

When people ask about Tula’s secret to longevity, I usually start with the obvious: she’s a mixed breed dog. But “mixed breed” barely covers it—Tula is a poodle crossed with a corgi, and probably a few other mystery breeds thrown in for good measure. This genetic blend gives her what veterinarians call hybrid vigor. In simple terms, hybrid vigor mixed breed dogs like Tula tend to be more resilient, with fewer hereditary health issues than their purebred peers. The diversity in her genes means she’s less likely to inherit the kinds of genetic diseases that can plague single-breed dogs. At twelve years old, she’s still spry, alert, and rarely visits the vet for anything other than routine care. It’s a real-world testament to the benefits of genetic diversity in pet wellness longevity.

But genes are only part of the story. Tula’s mental health has played just as big a role in her long, happy life. I’ve always believed that mental health in dogs is more than just avoiding stress or anxiety—it’s about creating a rich, connected life. Tula is deeply bonded to her humans (sometimes to a fault), and she’s rarely alone for long. She gets plenty of walks, a rotating menu of foods, and a steady stream of positive reinforcement. Her days are filled with new smells, friendly faces, and the kind of routine that keeps her tail wagging. I’m convinced that this daily headspace—her emotional well-being—has protected her from illness just as much as any supplement or shot. After all, the science is catching up: mental health and physical health are deeply intertwined in pets, just as they are in people.

Of course, I’d be lying if I said I had everything figured out. Enter the world of dog joint health supplements—a blessing and, sometimes, a bit of a puzzle. As Tula entered her senior years, I started supplementing her diet with Dr Jones Ultimate Canine Advanced. This isn’t just any supplement; it’s packed with probiotics for digestion, colostrum for immune support, and a high dose of curcumin for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Every morning (well, most mornings), I add a scoop to her kibble. The goal is simple: keep her joints healthy, her gut happy, and her immune system strong. I’ve noticed that she’s still able to chase a ball and leap onto the couch without the stiffness or pain that often slows down older dogs. I credit the supplement for at least part of that.

But here’s the honest truth: I’m not a perfect pet parent. I don’t make all of Tula’s food from scratch. I’m “reasonably consistent, not super consistent, and sometimes I forget this... but I try to stick by those seven principles.” Some days I miss a supplement dose. Sometimes she gets more treats than she should, or we skip a walk because life gets busy. And yet, Tula keeps thriving. If there’s a lesson here, it’s that perfection isn’t required for pet wellness longevity. What matters is the overall pattern: a mix of good genes, positive mental health, and a little help from science when needed.

Looking back on twelve years with Tula, I realize that her longevity secrets aren’t really secrets at all. They’re a blend of nature and nurture, of hybrid vigor mixed breed resilience, daily mental enrichment, and the occasional supplement adventure. I’ve learned that being present, offering variety, and showing kindness matter more than following any rigid formula. Tula’s story is proof that a happy, healthy life is built on connection, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt—both for our dogs and for ourselves.

So as Tula celebrates her twelfth birthday, I’m grateful for every lesson she’s taught me about living well, aging gracefully, and embracing the unpredictable joys of a life well-loved. Here’s to many more years of muddy paws, wagging tails, and the kind of wisdom only a mixed breed dog can share.

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