The bond between dog and owner is as strong as any inter-species relationship. One man even dove into a marina to save his terrier from a shark attack in 2008. And what better way to demonstrate that love for a dog than by extending its lifespan?

With a smart combination of feeding and exercise, owners can extend the amount of time they’ll enjoy together, say experts.

Find the right food

“Nutrition is the foundation of canine health. The best food should be based on your dog’s needs: age, weight, mental or physical problems and, to a lesser degree, breed. There is no one food that can provide all the nutritional needs for all dogs,” said Mark Poveromo, author of “To Your Dog’s Health! Canine Nutrition and Recent Trends Within the Pet Food Industry.”

Scrutinize food labels to find items high in omega-3 acids and proteins instead of grains or carbohydrates. These help ensure longterm health and ward off certain diseases.

Look for foods with labels listing specific proteins and not generic information. “For example, trout is better than a generic ‘fish meal,’” said Poveromo, who also is the founder of Thomaston Feed, a holistic pet food retailer.

Exercise together

Daily exercise is a vital part of any dog’s health prospects. But don’t simply let a dog into the backyard and wait for it to start running around. Dogs require more interactive exercise regimens involving long walks and toys. Teaching a dog to retrieve can make this regimen even easier. These types of exercises improve their bone, joint, lung and heart health.

Become the dog chef

Nowhere does it say owners can only feed a dog the contents of a can. Feel free to take a more hands-on approach. Including certain basic and pure foods like chicken and vegetables can help fix many issues involving odor, weight and allergies.

High-quality, pure ingredients not mixed with additives are easier to digest and less taxing to a dog’s system.

“And it’s critical to supplement your dog’s diet,” said Poveromo. “A multivitamin/mineral (liquid preferred) is a must. An immune system builder should also be a strong consideration.”

This story is provided by State Point Media.