How to Truly Care for Your Dogs: Water, Food, Stress & Longevity

In this solo episode, Darin shares everything he’s learned over nearly a decade of caring for his beloved German Shepherds, Chaga and Ella. From water quality to food choices, stress management, natural therapies, and even stem cells, Darin reveals the daily practices and integrative care strategies that keep his dogs thriving. With inspiration from Forever Dog authors Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker, this episode is packed with actionable steps and powerful reminders about what it means to be a true steward for our animal companions. Breakdown What you’ll Learn [00:00] Welcome and introduction – why this episode is dedicated to dogs and animal care[00:40] The bond with Chaga and Ella and why stewardship matters[01:16] Inspiration from The Forever Dog and leading longevity experts[01:38] Clean water: why filtration is critical for pets and how Darin prepares it[03:01] How much water your dog really needs and the danger of dehydration[03:38] A scary heatstroke story with Ella and the importance of paying attention[04:11] Daily care tips: washing bowls, using stainless steel, and avoiding bacteria buildup[04:43] Electrolytes, minerals, and using natural supplementation for dogs’ hydration[05:35] Food choices: balancing plant-based with raw diets using Bramble and Viva Raw[07:01] The Dog Aging Project: why feeding once a day may extend longevity[08:12] Transitioning from kibble to raw: microbiome, gut diversity, and safety tips[09:47] Adding veggies, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and berries for diversity and antioxidants[11:40] The importance of walks, exercise, and letting dogs sniff for cognitive health[12:27] Training, discipline, and running with Chaga on the mountain bike[13:32] How dogs mirror our stress and why managing your own health impacts theirs[14:01] Working with the endocannabinoid system, CBD, and reducing nervous tension[15:03] Natural therapies: PEMF mats, AmpCoil, red light, and energy balancing[16:08] Conventional vs naturopathic care—when to use both for acute and long-term health[17:00] Chaga’s autoimmune challenges and the integrative approach to healing[18:20] Modalities used: stem cells, acupuncture, microbiome testing, ozone baths, and more[20:34] How pets reflect back our stress and why healing ourselves heals them too[22:07] Building a holistic health protocol: food, supplements, exercise, trauma release[23:05] Why meal timing and fasting windows can boost detox and longevity in dogs[25:11] Daily practices: washing bowls, diversifying food, hydration, and routines[26:29] The role of the endocannabinoid system in pets and humans alike[27:27] Alternative therapies: psychic readings, EFT, remote healing, and staying open[28:10] Back to basics: food, water, exercise, sleep, and trauma release for pets and people[28:41] Final reflections: stewardship, love, and why pets are free beings bonded to us LINKS Find more from Darin: Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: @Darinolien Book: darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: darinolien.com/down-to-earth/ SPONSORS Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. I hope you enjoyed this episode of The Darin Olien Show! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:   Subscribe, rate or listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher  Follow my Instagram to keep updated on the podcast, weekly deep dives and other projects that I’m supporting (and the occasional Chaga appreciation post) Sign up for my Weekly Email to keep up with what I’m tuned into. For feedback or suggestions, email my team at [email protected]  Find the list of brands & products that get the big tick of approval from me here. Comment below to join the discussion!