How to Maximize Your Pet’s Health & Longevity (Biohacker’s Tips for Cats & Dogs)

Some cats and dogs live beyond the age of 20.

Most don’t.

It’s heartbreaking to see our companions struggle with health problems. And it’s not just about genetics either. Despite our efforts, issues like obesity, poor diet, improper exercise, mental stagnation, medical procedures, and exposure to household toxins can take them out prematurely.

What if your pet could take that other route?

Giving you more golden years to enjoy your companion’s:

• Unconditional love
• Laughter
• Motivation to exercise
• Stress relief
• Social interactions
• Routine
• Security

That’s what we’re doing today.

In this post, we’re diving deep into biohacking dogs, cats, and general pet health to reverse the damage and rejuvenate them.

I’ll introduce you to simple tweaks that quickly increase their energy and vitality. And powerful anti-aging therapies like Brown’s Gas, peptides, and amazing supplements that may lengthen their healthspan. So that you get to enjoy each other, for longer.

What Causes Pets to Get Sick & Pass Away Early

Modern medicine has enabled domesticated pets to live much longer. Yet compared to their wild counterparts, domesticated pets suffer from long-term, chronic conditions that severely degrade their quality of life.

You and your pet can have the best of both worlds.

Creating true health has two key components:

• Understanding and removing impediments
• Adding certain beneficial things

These two principles apply to all life.

To restore pet health, first, we must remove (or at least minimize) each of the harms.

Every pet species has biological differences. Yet certain universal things harm both humans and animals alike. These include:

• Obesity: Just like humans, domestic pets have greater access to food and move less, leading to all the (countless) health complications of weight gain.
• Poor Diet: Conventional pet foods keep them alive, but rarely provide absorbable versions of all the nutrients they require to thrive.
• Exercise Imbalance: Most pets don’t move enough and suffer the metabolic consequences, while others will exercise until their paws bleed and get overuse injuries.
• Genetics: Selective breeding (overbreeding and inbreeding) can cause lifespan-shortening genetic issues.
• Mental Stagnation: Confining animals indoors leads to boredom, stress, cognitive decline, and other mental health issues.
• Preventive Care: While counterintuitive, sometimes over-medication or performing unnecessary medical procedures can disrupt hormones, worsen imbalances, and actually harm pets.
• Household Toxin Exposure: Pets often get exposed to various toxins in the home (cleaning products, certain foods, plants, secondhand smoke, etc.). Unlike humans, however, other species have less robust detoxification systems, causing more damage.
• Stress: Frequent large changes to the living environment cause stress and eventual health problems. This includes moving homes, changes in family structure, or the introduction of new pets.
• Accidents: Man-made dangers such as traffic, getting trapped, or consuming something harmful increasingly threaten the health and longevity of pets.
• Dental Care: Oral care is one of the overlooked frontiers of full-body health in both humans and other animals. Regular brushing and professional cleanings help prevent dental diseases that can have systemic effects.
• Social Isolation: Just like humans, pets require regular time around other life to thrive (humans and animals).

Most of the above relate to unnatural changes that insulate the pets from their healthy natural environments.

Yet these are just a few of the potential health challenges.

Luckily, we have all kinds of tools and pet biohacks at our disposal.

Optimal Pet Health #1: Nutrition

As with anything alive, pet nutrition dramatically impacts their health and longevity.

Yet for some reason, likely price, many owners choose synthetic pet chow.

Usually, these highly processed products do not match the biological requirements animals need for optimal health and to thrive. Commercial pet foods just barely keep them alive.

Of course, every species has its unique list of “superfoods”, and toxic “kryptonite” foods.

Today, we’ll focus on the two most common pets:

• Cats
• Dogs

If you have a different pet, you can find thorough guides specific to their ideal diet.

Dogs

Dogs are natural omnivores. They can eat a mixture of meats and plants. Although, generally a higher proportion of meat than plants.

Here’s what the natural diet of a dog might include:

• Meats: A staple of a dog’s ideal diet. They eat a variety of proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, and fish.
• Fish: Salmon, sardines, and other fish are a decent source of protein, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit their skin and coat health.
• Organs: Dogs naturally consume organ meats like liver, heart, and kidneys. Organs are nutrient-dense and extremely beneficial for their overall health. Since they’re quite high in certain nutrients, it’s best to mix organs into other cuts of meat.
• Bones: Dogs chew on bones, which provide them with calcium and help maintain dental health. Avoid cooked bones which can splinter and pose a choking risk.
• Fruits/veggies: Wild dogs often consume these plants indirectly, from the stomach contents of their prey. Fruits include apples, bananas, and berries. Vegetables include carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes. All in moderation.
• Eggs: Dogs like eggs. They’re a good source of protein, riboflavin, and selenium.

Dogs do not naturally eat wheat or grains.

When buying packaged dog food, always check the ingredients section on the back to make sure that the primary ingredients are not grains.

Also, be sure to avoid the long list of foods that are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, coffee, alcohol, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, avocados, macadamia nuts, foods extremely high in fat or salt, certain fruits with pits (like peaches and plums)

Circadian biology applies to dogs too, so they should eat at regular times of the day, consistently.

Cats

Unlike dogs, cats are obligate carnivores. They require a meat-rich diet. In fact, they should eat almost exclusively animal-based.

Here’s what the natural diet of a cat might include:

• Meats: The most critical part of a cat’s diet. It includes meats that we eat like chicken, turkey, rabbit, and fish. Also, small mammals (mice, rats, rabbits), other birds, and even some small reptiles (lizards and snakes).
• Organs: Organ meats like liver, heart, stomach, intestines, and kidneys are also part of a cat’s natural diet. They provide essential nutrients that cats can’t get from muscle meat alone.
• Fish: While fish shouldn’t make up the majority of a cat’s diet (due to concerns about thiamine deficiency and mercury exposure), it’s okay in moderation.
• Insects: In the wild, cats sometimes consume insects for additional protein.
• Bones: Small, raw bones are a part of the natural diet of cats. Bones provide calcium, and phosphorus, and help maintain dental health. Avoid, cooked bones as they can splinter and pose a risk.

Cats occasionally consume small amounts of plants or grass, either as digestive aids or if they need to induce vomiting.

Just like with dogs, carefully examine the ingredients within commercial cat food. If you see vegetables or grains as a primary ingredient on the back label, avoid the product.

Some foods toxic to cats include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, raw dough, xylitol, and avocado.

As with all life, feed your cat at regular times of the day, consistently. This helps their circadian biology.

Optimal Pet Health #2: “Biohacks” & Therapeutics

After you’ve given your pet a steady supply of all the right nutrients, we can go on to other fundamentals. Then, the fancy pet biohacks.

I wrote these from the perspective of dogs, but many of the items apply (almost) universally.

We’ll begin with the simple things that you probably already know, and then move on to the top tools, technologies, and therapeutics you can research to improve the health and longevity of your pet.

Sleep Environment

Just like humans, pets need quality sleep for optimal health. Virtually all bodily repair and cellular regeneration occur during sleep.

Pets will not complain about having a sub-optimal sleeping environment. You can easily do the basics though.

Provide them with a quiet, comfortable place to rest and sleep. Let them choose their sleep schedule (barring it doesn’t destroy your own routines). As with humans, pets that sleep well have better cognitive function, immune health, and stable energy levels. Plus, it helps stave off degenerative conditions.

Bonus points for giving them a special sleeping environment outfitted with some of the other technologies listed below.

Optimal Exercise

Regular physical activity helps pets maintain a healthy weight, build cardiovascular fitness, and joint mobility, and stimulates them mentally. You can also build social interactions with other pets or humans during your walks or playdates. It strengthens the bond between you and your pet while promoting a longer, happier life.

On the other hand, overexercising is just as detrimental. Intense or prolonged exercise beyond your pet’s capabilities can lead to injuries, joint problems, exhaustion, kidney failure, or even heat stroke. If your pet limps or shows signs of injury or exhaustion, stop.

Their ideal activity levels depend on factors like age, breed, size, and overall health.

Brown’s Gas

Hydrogen, the star component within Brown’s Gas, is a powerful antioxidant. It neutralizes free radical molecules that cause cellular damage and contribute to various health issues/diseases.

By reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals, Brown’s Gas helps protect your pet’s cells from damage.

Plus, Brown’s Gas has anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation plays a role in many diseases and can lead to discomfort and reduced quality of life. By addressing inflammation, it can alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis or allergies. Allowing your pet to move more comfortably and enjoy a better quality of life.

Brown’s Gas potentially enhances cell signaling pathways, promoting healthy gene expression and supporting vital biological processes within the body. This can improve your pet’s immune function, DNA repair mechanisms, and cellular energy production.

Adding hydrogen-rich water to their life isn’t too complex either. Use a good Brown’s Gas water generator, and most pets will intuitively choose this water over other options. Putting this into their daily routine can make a huge difference in slowing down age-related problems and enhancing overall vitality. Plus, humans do great with BG too (I use my generator daily).

Peptides

Therapeutic peptides are currently among the hottest biohacking trends for rapidly boosting health, fitness, well-being, and even performance. And although they’re more commonly used in humans, pets also benefit from peptides.

Two things make them stand out. First, they work incredibly quickly. That, and they can work quite powerfully with little to no side effects. Even when other conventional treatments don’t.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as vital messengers within the body, carrying out specific biological functions.

They work both for general health maintenance before any issues arise, and also acutely.

There’s a peptide or combination (called a peptide stack) for just about everything.

The two best therapeutic peptides for general pet health include:

• TB-500
• BPC-157

These two do some remarkable things. They boost tissue repair speed post-injuries. Exhibit profound anti-inflammatory actions, protect the gut wall, modulate the immune system, stimulate healthy growth, and a whole lot more.

In fact, peptides work so well that a horse trainer got caught using them as a performance-enhancing substance [R].

Ozone Therapy

Ozone, a gas structurally similar to oxygen (O3 vs. O2) and sometimes called “activated oxygen”, stimulates healing processes at the cellular level.

Ozone therapy delivers oxygen-rich ozone to the body. Boosting circulation, increasing oxygen availability to tissues and organs, enhancing built-in detoxification processes, and strengthening the immune system (faster healing and neutralizing pathogens).

Science has shown ozone therapy effective in accelerating wound healing, managing infections, and reducing full-body inflammation.

It works great for humans (which is how I first discovered it), but it’s also becoming increasingly common in advanced veterinary medicine [R].

Whenever I get an injury or a wound, or feel like I might come down with something, I use ozone. You can check out my guide to ozone therapy & the best ozone systems available.

Light Therapy

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy or photobiomodulation, is a bioharmonous approach to fully optimizing health. After all, light is among the most important biological inputs to humans and animals alike [R].

Harnessing specific wavelengths of light causes all kinds of beneficial mechanisms at a cellular level.

Including increased energy production within cells (ATP), enhanced blood flow and circulation (for tissue repair and regeneration), reduced inflammation levels (alleviating pain associated with some conditions), accelerated wound healing, better skin health, improved fur regrowth, improved mood (especially during darker seasons).

Phototherapy is proven safe and non-invasive when applied correctly (which is easy to do), making it a versatile tool for holistic pet care.

Despite sounding high-tech light therapy treatment routines don’t necessitate clinics—you can get professional-grade, at-home light therapy panels. Sharing my red/near-infrared light panel with the neighbor’s dog always makes it more fun.

Earthing

Pets thrive when they are immersed in nature. Earthing, also called grounding therapy, taps into Earth’s natural electromagnetic field to deliver beneficial negative ions into the body.

The concept is simple yet powerful—it requires direct contact with the Earth’s surface, such as walking barefoot on grass or soil. Live blood analysis shows that it takes just ~20 minutes to see profound changes in human biology.

For most of history, all animals had constant contact with the ground. That changed with the invention of rubber-based shoes and insulating build materials.

When your pet (or you) stands on bare Earth, free electrons transfer through their paws or body. These electrons have antioxidant properties that neutralize harmful free radicals throughout the body. Reducing excess free radicals via earthing therapy helps lower oxidative stress and inflammation.

Thus, indirectly and non-invasively improving pain.

One major benefit of earthing therapy is enhanced immune response regulation and modulation of chronic inflammation.

Research suggests that earthing improves sleep-wake patterns (circadian health) and quality sleep for both humans and animals.

It also helps naturally reduce stress.

The easy way to add earthing therapy into your pet’s routine is to let them spend more time outdoors on natural surfaces like grass or sand or in bodies of water. Allow them to safely explore these environments.

You can also get an Earthing mat/bed for yourself or your pet. This modern biomimicry technology lets you still get the benefits of grounding therapy while indoors. I personally wear special Earthing shoes.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields

Life largely runs on electricity. From the brain to the heart, and beyond. Every cell has an intricate relationship with electricity. In fact, humans emit an electromagnetic field detectable from up to six feet away.

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy is another groundbreaking technology that pulses electromagnetic waves to specific areas of your body, inducing a natural regenerative response.

PEMF therapy supports cellular metabolism. The pulsating electromagnetic fields penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cell activity and promoting cellular energy production. This enhanced cellular metabolism accelerates healing processes, improves tissue repair, and reduces recovery times for various injuries or post-operative conditions in pets.

It can help alleviate pain and discomfort in pets. The electromagnetic waves target nerve cells, disrupting pain signals and providing relief for pets dealing with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries. By reducing pain, PEMF enhances your pet’s mobility and overall quality of life.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy also helps circulation by dilating blood vessels and enhancing oxygen delivery throughout the body. Not only supporting tissue repair but also helping immunity and natural detoxification processes.

This therapy is also known to modulate inflammation at a cellular level.

PEMF is a powerful component in holistic wellness programs for humans and pets alike. This advanced technology is designed to facilitate faster healing, reduce pain, and improve overall health. You can get one of these top PEMF devices for human health, or something designed specifically for pets [R].

Biohacking Pet Health #3: The Best Supplements

Once you’ve covered the nutritional and therapeutic foundations, you can consider certain key pet supplements.

The right ingredients can really help you optimize your pet’s health and slow down their rate of aging.

Here are some of the best supplements you can add to your pet’s routine.

C60

C60, also known as fullerene, is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Other animal studies show that C60 supplementation can profoundly increase vitality and longevity.

One famous study used C60 to achieve a 90% lifespan extension in rats [R].

Research suggests C60 improves immunity, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function, and promotes joint health. Plus, C60 has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for pets with chronic inflammatory conditions (like arthritis).

That’s why, for both pets and humans alike, using one of the top C60 supplements is becoming one of the hottest longevity trends.

Most C60 on the market are very cheap and not intended for human consumption since they contain all kinds of dangerous contaminants and byproducts. That’s why you must select a high-quality product specifically formulated for consumption. Then, make sure your dosage matches your pet’s size and weight.

Silver Biotics

Silver Biotics, a special safe-for-consumption colloidal silver, is a natural antimicrobial agent that supports your pet’s immune system. They use an advanced nano-silver technology called SilverSol, which is both safer and more effective than other colloidal silvers.

Silver Biotics’ SilverSol has potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it effective against a wide range of pathogens.

You can use it proactively to reduce the risk of infections. Or during, to help bolster their immune response and fight it off quickly. Silver Biotics work by disrupting the cellular structures of microorganisms, preventing their growth and replication.

Best of all, it works without disrupting the colonies of beneficial microbes.

Silver Biotics aren’t just for immunity. It has FDA clearance to help burns and wounds heal faster. Some folks use it topically to treat skin conditions like hot spots or minor wounds.

You can apply it topically, ingest it, or even inhale it.

Unlike some colloidal silver products, Silver Biotics was formulated with safety in mind. I personally use it at the first symptom of feeling ‘off’. So far, it works great. Silver Biotics has an entire line dedicated to pets.

Mushrooms

Certain mushroom species have powerful health benefits. In both humans and pets. Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail are just a few examples of great pet-friendly mushrooms.

These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds clinically shown to support immunity, improve digestion, and provide antioxidant protection.

They also help strengthen your pet’s immune system, making them more resistant to infections and conditions. Some mushrooms have anti-inflammatory attributes too.

As with most of these supplements, most pets can safely consume the same mushrooms as humans (although, check with your vet first). You can get them in various forms, including powders, capsules, or for animals specifically, as treats.

Personally, I think the overall most helpful mushroom for pets would be the affectionately nicknamed “Mushroom of Immorality” (Reishi). For their mental health, Lion’s Mane. For their physical performance, Cordyceps.

You can learn more in my ultimate guide to the best mushroom supplements & products.

Mushrooms are a great addition for both humans and animals alike.

Hemp

CBD (cannabidiol) is the most famous compound within the hemp plant, recognized for its potential therapeutic pet health benefits. It doesn’t contain psychoactive compounds like THC. Making it pet-safe.

Hemp stimulates the body’s built-in endocannabinoid system (ECS). Yes, both humans and animals have an entire health-regulating system that’s activated by hemp. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating countless physiological processes.

Hemp has anti-anxiety, analgesic (pain-relieving), and anti-inflammatory properties. For pets experiencing issues related to anxiety or stress, the full spectrum promotes relaxation and calms symptoms of occasional anxiety due to a temporary circumstance. It’s also helpful for chronic pain or inflammation-related conditions.

These effects translate to both humans and animals.

Quality hemp products often come in various forms such as oils, capsules, gummies, or treats. Make sure to follow the dosing recommendations for your pet.

Multi-Mineral

Vitamins and minerals have always been the icon of supplementation. That’s because humans and all animals must consume these essential nutrients from foods and drinks.

The issue, however, is that modern foods lack nutrient density due to conventional farming practices. Even the cleanest organic foods today contain a small fraction of the nutrients naturally present 50 years ago.

Similarly, commercial pet foods may not provide adequate amounts of vital vitamins and minerals. When they do, usually the synthetic nutrients are not in the ideal form. So they get excreted long before the body can absorb or assimilate them. Plus, brands focus more on vitamins than minerals, exacerbating deficiencies.

Instead, adding a high-quality, natural multi-mineral supplement to your pet’s diet can help fill nutritional gaps and support their overall well-being.

Minerals play crucial roles throughout the body. They’re involved in enzyme function, hormone production, immune system regulation, bone health, and just about everything else. Without ample vitamin and mineral intake, over the long term, deficiencies can (and do) lead to major health issues.

When choosing a multi-mineral supplement for your pet, look for products that are specifically formulated for their species. Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs, so select supplements tailored to their requirements.

Common minerals that are beneficial for pets include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. These minerals can support healthy bones and teeth, aid in muscle function and nerve transmission, promote immune function, enhance skin and coat health, and contribute to overall well-being.

The best multivitamin/multi-mineral products are derived from whole-food sources. Pets or humans most effectively utilize these nutrients. Humic and fulvic acids are two especially powerful nutrients that enhance the absorption of everything else consumed.

This helps you or your pet utilize far more of the nutrients within foods.

I personally use a natural source of trace minerals, fulvic acid, and humic called shilajit. I also like BEAM Minerals, and they have an excellent product line for pets.

NMN

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a compound that’s become very popular in the longevity industry. It’s a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule involved in myriad cellular processes related to energy production, DNA repair, and a whole lot more.

It’s widely considered one of the top anti-aging supplements available. For both humans and animals.

Like many of the best longevity supplements, most NMN research has involved animals.

Just like in humans, NMN works in animals by increasing NAD+ levels and activating certain enzymes involved in DNA repair. Improving mitochondrial function, metabolism, energy, cellular health, and overall healthspan.

Of course, check with your vet before adding any supplements to your pet’s routine. But NMN shows a lot of promise. To learn more, you can check out my ultimate guide to the science, benefits, and best NMN supplements.

This is a breakthrough area of modern medicine. NMN supplements specifically formulated for pets are just now becoming available on the market. Only a few companies offer them. This is my go-to source specifically for NMN for pet health.

Rapamycin

Usually, I’m not a big proponent of using off-label drugs for longevity. Rapamycin is a potential exception. This is a medication originally used as an immunosuppressant since 1999.

Since the immune system has fundamental ties to aging, it comes as no surprise that rapamycin shows tremendous potential as an anti-aging intervention. At least, in animal studies.

Repeated research has found that rapamycin treatment extends lifespan in various organisms such as yeast, worms, flies, and mice. In some cases, it’s associated with improvements in age-related conditions such as cancer incidence, cognitive decline, and immune function.

One study investigating the effects of rapamycin on mice showed an impressive 30% lifespan increase [R].

It works by powerfully inhibiting a cellular pathway called mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), which plays a major role in aging and disease.

This substance is a bit controversial in the longevity industry, but it’s also one of the more exciting compounds currently in our arsenal.

Of course, since this is a prescription medication, you’ll need to work under the guidance of a veterinarian to avoid potential side effects and maximize the benefits.

Biohacking Your Pet for Optimal Health & Longevity

Pets have a surprising degree of overlap with humans.

Many of the same fundamentals of human health translate to other animals.

For example, to maintain optimal health, pets (from the viewpoint of dogs and cats) need regular:

• Undisturbed sleep
• Light exposure (especially in the morning, for circadian health)
• Frequent movement throughout the day
• Mental stimulation
• Nutrient-dense foods compatible with their species
• Time outdoors, socializing with others
• Oral care

Even concepts like stress can apply to pets if they’re constantly changing environments, lack schedule regularity, often feel threatened, etc.

Once you’ve mastered the foundations of health, you can look into some of the more exciting and fringe pet biohacks.

These advanced modalities can make a huge difference to their energy, vitality, quality of life, and even healthspan.

As with humans, our goal isn’t to just extend the total lifespan of our pets. Rather, to extend the fully functional, quality years specifically. That’s called healthspan.

When provided with the right things, we can dramatically delay the inevitable and enjoy the companionship of our pets for longer. And they too benefit from this extra care.

What about you?

What are your essential pet biohacks for health & longevity? Drop a comment below and let me know!