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Dog Cancer Diets

Veterinarian Reviewed on March 29, 2014 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

Dog Cancer Diets

It is sad when your valued pet receives a Dog Cancer diagnosis. There are various treatments to consider, as well as the devastating possibility that your dog may not be with you much longer. While you are discussing treatment options for your dog that has cancer you could look for dietary options to aid in their recovery and offset the effects of treatment.

Dogs and Cancer

It has been said that most dogs will not die from cancer, but from the effects of treatment on the other major organs. Dog Liver Disease and Dog Renal Failure are quite common in dogs that have cancer and can be a side effect of the cancer itself or the treatments being used. There is little you can do to alter the treatment plan, as this will be dependent upon the type and location of the cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and even radiation may be used to try to arrest the growth of abnormal cells.

The one thing you can directly control is their Dog Diet and through dietary changes, you can actually improve their odds of survival. The first thing you should understand is that dogs were never created to consume grain products. In the wild canine breeds will never be found grazing a wheat or cornfield! Their natural diet is primarily meat; however, commercial dog foods depend upon grains as filler. If you are going to be using a commercially manufactured dog food, make sure the first ingredient on the list is meat. Here are a few things to keep in mind about dog cancer diets:

• Limited carbohydrates

Dog Antioxidants are an essential supplement for any animal undergoing cancer treatment as they address the problem of free radicals

• High amounts of protein, preferably animal

• Amino supplementation

• Omega 3 fatty acids- The recommended amount of Dog Omega Fatty Acids are 1,000 mg fish oil per 20 lbs. of weight

• Increase proteins from raw chicken, fish or other raw meats slowly

• Grate or food process various uncooked vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and Romaine lettuce along with raw egg

• Adding Essential fatty acids

• Liquid cold pressed flax seed oil

• Avoid manufactured dog kibble especially the commercial cereal types

Cancer fighting herbal supplements

There are a variety of cancer fighting herbal supplements available to add to your dog’s diet to help give an added bonus and aid in recovery and treatment. These are the most common herbs used to treat cancer in dogs and have been used for centuries. Only use them if you know what dosage and quantity of each herb or use a product that is premixed for Dog Cancer treatment.

• Burdock: Used to treat flaky, oily and inflammatory disorders of the skin

• Sheep’s Sorrel: Aids in treating internal hemorrhages in the stomach

• Slippery Elm: Long used for intestinal and digestive tract issues it has lubricating and astringent properties to aid in swallowing and moving toxins out of the body

• Chinese Rhubarb: Colon supporting herb also aids in salivary and gastric flow in a safe and expelling manner

• Vitamins A, B complex, C, E and K

• Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium and Sodium supplements

• Wheat sprout, Barley and Alfalfa Grass

Conclusion

The goals of a cancer diet for dogs are to boost the immune system, encourage proper bodily functions and keep them at a healthy weight while they fight the disease. Many times this process will be complicated by the type and location of the cancer. For example, a dog with mouth cancer may find eating at all to be difficult. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s condition and the best possible diet and treatment options.

Suggested Products

dog -cranular-greens Nu-Pet Canine Granular with Antioxidants
dog -cancer-kits Cancer Support Kit – Dogs
Milk Thistle for Dog Liver Disease

Read also: Dog Nose Cancer
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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