Indice
We rarely think about longevity when we feed our dogs.
We think about appetite. About routine. About what they like, what they’ll finish, what fits into the rhythm of the day. Certainly, not about longevity. Feeding becomes something we do almost automatically. A gesture of care, yes, but one repeated without much questioning.
And yet, if we pause for a moment, it becomes clear that feeding is anything but neutral.
Every meal is a decision about time. About how the body responds to nutrients,
about how digestion is supported (or strained), about how systems quietly accumulate balance, or imbalance, over months and years.
In the early stages of my career, I worked as a cancer researcher. It was there that I began to understand the profound relationship between nutrition, chronic inflammation, and long-term health. How persistent inflammatory states can quietly create the conditions for dysfunction to emerge over time, not only in humans, but across biological systems more broadly, dogs included.
That perspective never truly left me. Years later, when I started LOONAWELL, I found myself returning to a simple question:
What does a dog need, consistently, over time, to remain well?
And once I began answering that question, another naturally followed: What would our products need to contain to be truly excellent for a dog?
And that is what LOONAWELL became.
What I mean by “longevity-inspired nutrition”
It’s a term that can easily be misunderstood.
It is not about trends, nor about adding ingredients for the sake of appearance. And it is certainly not about promising outcomes that nutrition alone cannot guarantee. For me, longevity-inspired nutrition is about discipline.
In many ways, I think about it like long-term investing. The earlier you begin investing thoughtfully, the more time those decisions have to compound. Health works much the same way. The small things repeated consistently over time, such as balanced nutrition, appropriate ingredients, reduced inflammatory burden and digestive support, quietly shape resilience and quality of life over the years.
Not only in how long a dog lives, but in how well they live.
For me, this means formulating food that:
- supports metabolic balance rather than overwhelming it
- respects the sensitivity of the digestive system
- avoids unnecessary excess while maintaining true nutritional density
- and quietly reduces the everyday burden placed on the body
There is nothing dramatic about it.
It is simply a matter of paying attention, taking responsibility for the process, and remaining consistent over time.
From idea to formulation
When we began developing our new pâté collection, we approached it the same way we approach every formulation at LOONAWELL: by looking carefully at the role a product could play within a dog’s overall nutrition over time.
That process led us toward very different ingredient profiles, each built around a particular nutritional intention.
One formulation centres around lamb, a protein I value for its digestibility and nutritional structure, particularly for dogs with more sensitive digestive systems.
Alongside it, we incorporated purple potato, an ingredient widely consumed in Okinawa, Japan, one of the world’s most recognised Blue Zones, regions associated with exceptional longevity and quality of life.
Purple potatoes are naturally rich in anthocyanins, compounds that have been widely studied for their role in helping protect against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
Interestingly, I had come across these same compounds years earlier while working in the food industry developing natural colour systems for food and beverages. At the time, what fascinated me was that anthocyanins did far more than impart colour. They sat at the intersection of nutrition, plant science and long-term health.
That perspective stayed with me.
Another formulation is built around cod, lean, delicate, and naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, offering a lighter nutritional profile that integrates easily into daily feeding routines.
Golden Shield followed yet another direction entirely. Here, the formulation focused on internal balance and nutritional diversity, bringing together ingredients such as organic shiitake mushrooms, gluten-free oat beta-glucans, chickpeas and sweet potato. Each contributes something slightly different to the overall composition, from fibre complexity to compounds increasingly being studied for their relationship with immune and metabolic health.
What connects all three formulations is ultimately the same philosophy: creating food with a deeper level of nutritional intention behind it, food designed not only to be enjoyed in the moment, but to support well-being over time.
A different way of looking at feeding
What I have come to believe is that feeding is not just about satisfying hunger. It is about shaping the conditions in which the body operates, every single day. Not in a way that is extreme or restrictive, but in a way that is thoughtful. Because when something is done twice a day, every day, for years, it just matters. Perhaps more than we tend to realise.
A quiet shift
I don’t believe in overcomplicating nutrition. But I do believe in asking better questions.
Not only: Is this good? But: Is this appropriate, over time?
That shift, subtle as it may seem, changes everything. It moves feeding from habit to intention. From routine to quiet, cumulative care. And in the end, that is what longevity is made of: not singular moments, but what we choose to do, consistently, over time.
Golden Shield Paté
CHF. 17.50
The Golden Shield Pâté is a composition designed to support the dog from within, built around longevity-inspired nutrition and a focus on the microbiome. Handcrafted with organic ingredients selected for their role in digestion, immune function, and overall balance. Organic… Read More
Cod & Pumpkin Paté
CHF. 19.00
The Cod & Pumpkin Pâté is a light, refined composition built around premium cod, a naturally lean and highly digestible protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Handcrafted with organic ingredients and designed to support digestion, skin, and overall wellbeing. With… Read More
Lamb Paté
CHF. 22.00
The Lamb & Purple Potato Pâté is a deeply nourishing recipe built around organic lamb of Swiss origin, a well-tolerated protein naturally rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Developed through a lens of longevity-inspired nutrition, this recipe brings together ingredients… Read More
Domande frequenti
What is longevity-inspired nutrition for dogs?
Longevity-inspired nutrition focuses on supporting a dog’s long-term health and well-being through intentional ingredients, balanced nutrition, hydration, and daily feeding habits. It often includes nutrient-dense foods, functional ingredients, healthy fats, antioxidants, and minimally processed meals.
Which ingredients may help support a dog’s long-term health?
Ingredients commonly associated with supporting long-term wellness in dogs include omega-3-rich fish, antioxidant-rich vegetables and berries, mushrooms such as shiitake, turmeric, olive oil, pumpkin, and high-quality proteins. A balanced diet tailored to a dog’s needs remains essential.
What are omega-3 fatty acids and why do they matter for dogs?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that support skin, coat, cognitive function, and overall health. Sources such as fish oil and oily fish naturally provide EPA and DHA, two important omega-3 fatty acids commonly included in premium canine nutrition.
Can dogs eat mushrooms like shiitake?
Certain mushrooms, including shiitake, are considered safe for dogs when properly prepared and used appropriately in formulated products. Shiitake mushrooms contain naturally occurring compounds such as beta-glucans and antioxidants that are being increasingly explored in nutrition.
What is a topper for dogs?
A topper is a complementary food added on top of a dog’s regular meal to enhance flavor, texture, moisture, or nutritional variety. Many dog owners use pâtés or fresh additions as toppers to make meals more enjoyable and nourishing.
