Publishers Weekly
★ 07/05/2021
“Dogs are dying prematurely of more chronic disease than ever before,” warn animal health activist Habib and veterinarian Becker (Dr. Becker’s Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats) in this must-read guide for canine owners. Their DOGS formula for optimal dog health consists of “Diet and nutrition, Optimal movement, Genetic predispositions, and Stress and environment.” The authors draw parallels to health risks common in humans: obesity, for example, is dangerous for pets and can often result in heart disease and diabetes. Exercise is also essential for dogs’ longevity, because they “need to move their bodies every day, and the type of exercise depends on your dog’s personality, body, and age.” The authors are wary of kibble and dog biscuits, instead suggesting a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw meat, and for a pooch’s environment they recommend cultivating a “rich social life for them” with a group of dog friends. Habib and Becker go deep and share plenty of scientific data (on dogs’ microbiomes, aging, and epigenomes) along the way. For readers looking to keep tails wagging for as long as possible, this is a no-brainer. Agent: Kimberly Witherspoon, InkWell Management. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"If you optimize your own diet and exercise for wellness and longevity, shouldn't you provide your dog with the same thoughtful care? The Forever Dog has solid scientific guidance from trusted experts to help your dog live a long and healthy life, disease free." — Mark Hyman, New York Times bestselling author and Pritzker Foundation chair in Functional Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
"Everyone who lives with dogs needs to read this book. We all want our dogs to live longer lives, but the ingredients to healthy longevity aren't in a pet food bad: The Forever Dog aims to make the tools just as accessible as reaching for that bag. This book is a thoughtful, deeply researched tribute to the author's love for not just their dogs but all dogs." — Alexandra Horowitz, author of Inside a Dog and Our Dogs, Ourselves
"The Forever Dog is the ultimate guide to becoming your dog's best health advocate. Its practical tips will help your dog live longer, healthier, and happier." — Sergey Young, author of The Science and Technology of Growing Young, founder of the Longevity Vision Fund, and development sponsor for the Age of Reversal XPRIZE
“The Forever Dog applies the latest science and principles about health and longevity to help your dog live longer and healthier.” — Dr. Jason Fung, physician and New York Times bestselling author
“A must-read guide . . . to keep tails wagging for as long as possible.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Library Journal
12/17/2021
People want the best for their canine companions, and this has only become more evident during the pandemic when dog rescues and adoptions increased dramatically. Just as people became more cognizant of their own health and happiness, their dogs' came under the same scrutiny. In this book, Habib (director of the documentary The Dog Cancer Series: Rethinking the Canine Epidemic) and veterinarian Becker (The Whole Dog Journal's Best Homemade Diet Book of All Time) persuasively offer thoroughly researched information on ways to improve dogs' quality of life and longevity. Their "D.O.G.S." formula for optimal dog health consists of "Diet and nutrition," "Optimal movement," "Genetic predispositions," and "Stress and environment." Diet and nutrition are the main focuses of this highly readable book, where the authors decipher ingredients in kibble and list the vitamins and nutrients dogs need for optimal health during various stages of life. The authors say that the more highly processed a dog food is, the less nutritious it becomes, and they offer suggestions to improve the quality of meals. Nonjudgmental in tone, the book guides readers through options such as purchasing better-quality dry or canned food; using a combination of better kibble with healthy add-ons (mostly fruit and veggies); migrating to a fully raw diet; or making home-cooked meals. Exercise, timing of feedings, breed differences and genetics, and environmental contaminants are also addressed. VERDICT This best-selling book is already in hot demand in public libraries and bookstores.—Susan Riley, formerly at Mamaroneck P.L., NY
