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Dog Cancer Diet and Natural Supplements

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This page takes a look at dog cancer diet and some natural supplements that are beneficial to dogs with cancer.

For information on dog cancer, such as the causes, signs and symptoms of dog cancer, as well as conventional dog cancer treatment, please visit our page on dog cancer.

Please also visit our page on herbs for cancer in dogs for information on using herbs as an alternative adjunct in treating dog cancer.

Dog Cancer Diet

Dog Cancer Diet

From a holistic point of view, many forms of dog cancer are caused by a weakened immune system, which in turn is caused, amongst other things, by a poor diet. It is important, therefore, that a natural and nutritious diet, enriched by appropriate natural supplements and vitamins, be given to a dog with cancer.

The first thing that many veterinarians tell dog parents to do when their dogs have been diagnosed with cancer is that, they should not be feeding their dogs commercial kibble. Instead, a natural, organic raw diet is recommended.

There are also suggestions that dogs with cancer be fed a special dog cancer diet, namely, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.

In an article entitled "Nutritional Approaches to Cancer Therapy", Dr. Ogilvie, DVM at Colorado State University, states that some cancer cells thrive on carbohydrates (sugar) and, to some extent, proteins, but not on specific types of fats as a primary source of energy. He feels that a proper diet can help in cancer treatment, and suggests a dog cancer diet that consists of:

  • small amounts of complex carbohydrates;
  • minimal quantities of rapidly absorbed simple sugars
  • high quality but modest amounts of digestible proteins;
  • high amounts of unsaturated fats.

Dr. Ogilvie reports that simple sugars found in many carbohydrates are sources of energy for tumors to grow, therefore he recommends that dogs with cancer have a reduced amount of carbohydrates in their diet. As for proteins, Dr. Ogilvie indicates that there is a competition between the dog and cancer for the amino acids found in proteins. He thinks that it is a good idea to provide high quality proteins and amino acids to dogs with cancer because tests have shown that some amino acids decrease toxicity in the dogs body. In particular, two important amino acids noted are arginine (which enhances the immune system) and glutamine (which aids in maintaining the health of the GI tract). Finally, Dr. Ogilvie states that cancer cells cannot use fats for energy, so he suggests adding much more unsaturated fat to a dog's diet, and in particular, the essential fatty acid Omega-3 (e.g. flaxseed oil). On the other hand, Dr. Ogilvie warns that the amount of Omega-6 fatty acids (e.g. borage oil, primrose oil) should be reduced, since these oils have been proven to cause cancer to grow faster.

However, it should be noted that a high-fat diet is not suitable for all dogs with cancer. Some dogs are prone to pancreatitis if fed excessive amount of fats. If your dog has unfortunately been diagnosed with cancer, therefore, be sure to consult with a holistic vet to see if your dog can be safely put on a low-carb, high-fat diet.

Feeding Tip

A dog with cancer will understandably lose his appetite, resulting in malnutrition. One simple way to stimulate his appetite is to warm his food up to around 100°F (about 38°C) to release the aromas in the food.

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Dog Cancer Diet - Natural Supplements

Natural supplements are extremely important to help a dog with cancer. Specifically, dog cancer supplements should include the following:

Digestion Enzymes

Supplements that can aid digestion are beneficial since a dog with cancer needs all the nutrients he can get from the food he eats to help fight cancer. Digestive enzymes should be added as a supplement to a dog cancer diet.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants that remove free radicals from the body system can help prevent cancer, and can also slow the growth and the spread of some kinds of cancer.

Some excellent antioxidants are:

  • Vitamins C and E
  • The mineral selenium
  • Green tea
  • Coenzyme Q10

Flaxseed Oil and Cottage Cheese

Dog Cancer Diet

Ever heard of the "Budwig Protocol" or "Budwig Diet"? It is a simple diet of cottage cheese and flaxseed oil suggested by Dr. Johanna Budwig (a German research scientist). In her life-long research on fats and proteins and how they affect our health, Dr. Budwig found that when organic flaxseed oil are combined with organic cottage cheese, which is rich in sulfur protein, the chemical reaction produced makes the oil water-soluble, making it easy to be absorbed into the cell membrane. Thus, mixing cottage cheese with flaxseed oil supplies your body with an abundant supply of lipoproteins. Dr. Budwig claimed when cancer patients followed this diet for around 3 months, the size of their cancer tumors would gradually reduce.

There are also anecdotal stories about how dog parents have successfully treated their dogs with cancer by using this diet. Since flaxseed oil and cottage cheese are healthy foods, it seems there is no harm in trying. However, a word of caution: some dogs are prone to develop pancreatitis when fed excessive amount of fats, so watch your dog carefully if you do decide to try this diet. You may want to use some herbs (e.g. dandelion or burdock) to help his pancreas.

For the Budwig Diet, here is what you need to do:

Add one tablespoon of organic flaxseed oil to half a cup of organic cottage cheese. Blend well and feed it to your dog three times a day for at least 3 months.

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Dog Cancer Diet - A Great Product

Genesis Resources Canine CAS Options for Dogs

This natural product contains not only Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants (such as Vitamins C and E, selenium, Coenzyme Q10, and green tea), but also mushrooms (reishi, maitake) that have also been found to be anti-cancerous. It can be used safely in complementary to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Dog Cancer Diet - For the Mind

As you can imagine, a dog with cancer is under a lot of stress, both physically and mentally. It is especially so if the dog is under chemotherapy, or has undergone surgery. To help relax the mind of the dog, try using this product:

Bach Flower Essences Rescue Remedy 10ml

Although slightly different, flower essences are similar to homeopathic remedies in that they work wonder and the result is almost instantaneous. This Rescue Remedy relaxes a stressed and nervous dog and can restore feelings of calm and wellbeing. Add 2 to 3 drops of the remedy in your dog's drinking water every day for good result.

Related Topics

Dog Cancer
Symptoms of Dog Cancer
Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients
Herbs for Cancer in Dogs



References

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999).

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