10/20/2026
Thin is in!!
Twenty five years ago the Purina Institute took on a l4 year study of Labrador retrievers named the Purina Life Span Study. The results found that retrievers kept in lean body condition from puppyhood through adulthood lived almost 2 years longer than heavier matched litter mates. The leaner dogs also had chronic diseases set in much later than their littermates. This is the first lifelong study involving diet conducted in dogs.
The matched littermates were fed complete and balanced diets but one group was fed 25% less than its littermate to maintain lean body condition whereas the littermate was fed as a control.
The lean-fed dogs lived an average of 13 years compared with 11.2 years for control-fed dogs. When chronic diseases set in, the lean-fed dogs broke with these at 12 years of age while the control dogs started disease at 9.9 years of age. At 8 years of age, only 10% of the lean-fed dogs developed osteoarthritis while 77% of the control-fed dogs became arthritic. Purina’s 9-point Body Condition System can help veterinarians and pet owners assess body condition.
Obesity in pets affects >60% of dogs. And now we see results that confirm LEAN-BODY weight in our pets extends their lives! Keep those treats to a minimum!!!
More information is available at 14-Year Life Span Study in Dogs | Purina Institute.
SLA Video ProductionsAlice JerominJanet Novotny KingPurina
