Canine Cancer Diet
" Canine cancer diet is one of tools used to slow down the growth of cancer. While diet isn't considered a way to manage the disease itself, it is used to extend survival times and to improve a dogs quality of life, regardless of whether they are undergoing treatment. Since some foods "feed" cancer cells, while others don't, the goal is to change the components in a dogs diet. so that cancer cells are starved or are slowed down. This is done by changing the balance of macro nutrients, the building blocks of food, such as a fats proteins and carbohydrates, and micro nutrients, which are vitamins/antioxidants and herbal products/natural remedies. Often the decline in a dogs physiology (general health) when suffering from cancer or a neoplasm is due to poor eating habits and nutrition vs. the cancer itself, since a sick dog may have a reduced appetite or desire to eat."
A canine cancer diet can be an important tool in helping the health of your dog. When planning a canine cancer diet there are some general rules for feeding a dog with cancer. Cancer cells react to different types of foods with some types fueling the spread of cancer and others having a more positive effect in terms of slowing down the ability of cancer cells to multiply. Research in the field confirms that improving the nutrition your dog receives does help.
The moment you discover your dog has cancer, you should discuss with your veterinarian changing your pet's diet. Malnourishment is common in dogs with cancer, so It is important that your pet continues to eat even though the treatment and being ill may result in a reduced appetite. While it is better to eat, than not eat, avoid food such as table scraps, which do not have the measured amounts of each nutrient a dog with cancer needs.
Tips To Encourage a Sick Dog to Eat
Do not push food or any selected dog cancer food on a dog that does not want to eat. Tips include avoiding feeding after you give your dog medicine or changing a bandage. They may prefer cold food from the refrigerator since it will have reduced taste and smell. Other ideas include dividing one meal into several smaller meals. In cases where a dog will not eat at all, your veterinarian may prescribe an appetite stimulant. Food selected should be easy to digest. It should also appeal to your dog’s sense of taste and smell.
Foods That Should be part of a Canine Cancer Diet
Formulating a diet for canine cancer has to do with finding the correct balance of what are referred to as macronutrients (fats, protein, carbohydrates) and micronutirents (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids, herbs ). The nutrition strategy selected for a dog sets the optimal level of each of these food components.
Fundamentals of Canine Cancer Nutrition:
- A dog with cancer should get their energy from the fat and protein in food, instead of carbohydrates. Protein helps to fight deterioration in the muscles.
- Omega 3 fatty acids can help a dog's body fight the growth of cancer cells in the body. Fish oil is the preferred source.
- Amino acids work to slow tumor growth as part of a canine cancer nutrition program. Specific acids (called branched chain acids) that help include:
- Arginine
- Glutamine
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Valine
These amino acids can be found in food components as indicated below:
| Examples
of Branched Chain Amino Acid Levels in Selected Raw Ingredients Used in
Dog Foods (Source: Royal Canin Internal Data) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of the protein of the food | leucine | isoleucine | valine | total BCAA's (branched chain acids) |
| Poultry protein | 6.5 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 14.3 |
| Corn gluten | 14.7 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 22.5 |
| Corn | 13.0 | 3.9 | 5.1 | 22.0 |
| Barley | 7.0 | 3.8 | 5.3 | 16.1 |
| Rice | 7.7 | 4.1 | 5.6 | 17.4 |
| Corn proteins are particularly high in leucine. | ||||
- Antioxidants (vitamin c, e, b-catotene, polyphonols, selenium) is though to be of help, but avoid these supplements 1 week before and after chemotherapy treatment.
- Eating is more important than not eating. Getting the right balance of each food component in a dog cancer food is a secondary consideration. If a dog will not switch foods, add fish oil to the current diet.
Balancing Macronutrients in a Canine Cancer Diet
In most commercial dog foods, there is a high concentration of carbohydrates, which the body turns into glucose, a form of sugar. Cancerous (neooplasitc) tissues seek glucose as their source of energy. The first goal of a canine cancer diet is to limit carbohydrates, so that cancer cells need to seek other forms of energy, which slows them down and keeps them from multiplying as fast.
Instead of carbohydrates, a canine cancer diet rich in fat and protein are preferred. Dog foods labeled for dogs that are stressed or for active dogs have this type of nutritional profile. Premium or specialty foods are preferred, since they contain higher quality proteins. There are prescription diets specifically formulated for dogs with cancer such as Hill's Prescription Diet n/d.
Consult with your Veterinarian when selecting a
canine cancer
diet. According to Canine Cancer Awareness a good rule of thumb is to
buy a food that "contains natural ingredients or human grade elements".
One of our readers wrote in to suggest "high protein grain-free foods
like EVO, Nature's Variety Instinct, Blue Buffalo Wilderness,Taste of
the Wild, or other similar diets" may be of help for a canine cancer diet.
Do not completely avoid complex sugars (see list below) as although they fuel cancer cells, they also contribute to muscle development. Because of this, they should only be moderately reduced.
Net, A canine cancer diet should consist of limited simple sugars or carbohydrates, moderate amounts of complex sugars, high quality digestible proteins (in moderate amounts), and specific amounts of certain types of fat. Soluble and insoluble fiber can help to keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning properly.
A canine cancer diet recommended by R.M. Clemmens DVM suggests
that an ideal
food should be in the following ratio:
- moderate protein (18-22%)
- low carbohydrate (3-13%)
- high fat (55-60%)
To help you identify what is in dog good, here is a guide for what to look for:
Simple sugars: any
processed
sugar and
fruit sugar including rice syrup, molasses, honey, corn syrup, maple
sugar or syrup, glucose, sucrose and dextrose. Almost anything ending
in "ose" is considered a simple sugar. More examples of simple sugars
would be milk, fruits and vegetables such as carrots, beets, squash,
turnip and sweet potatoes.
Complex sugars (complex carbohydrates): These sugars supply muscle energy, but also fuel cancer cells. Complex sugar is found in bread, cereal, grain, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruits and pasta.
Digestible protein: Protein helps to rebuild cells. It is found in egg whites, chicken (white meat), lean beef, beans, skim milk and lamb.
Fat: As mentioned, only healthy cells benefit from fat. Fats may provide more energy than carbohydrates or proteins. It provides a source of essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also transports the fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E and K.
What To Do If Your Dog Will Not Allow a Change in Food
If you cannot change your dog food, ask your veterinarian about using supplements with the food to create a variation of the optimal canine cancer diet. Most will recommend the addition of fish oil as a source of Omega-3 fatty acids such as the product Only Natural Salmon Oil for Dogs. If you dog refused to eat fish oil, try and buy lemon scented or descented oil. Alternatives such as flax seed have not been fully investigated as an alternative source of Omega-3 for dogs.
Balancing Micronutrients such as Vitamins, Antioxidants and Natural Remedies in a a Canine Cancer Diet
There are many vitamins, supplements and herbs that could have a positive affect on your dog's health. Consult with your veterinarian to select the ones worth trying. In general, n-3 fatty acids and antioxidants should be part of the diet. Supplements with arginine, cystine and glutamine to help the immune system.
In terms of specific anti-oxidants and fatty acids which help to rebuild healthy cells, look for:
- Antioxidants (A, C, E, Selenium): vitamin c and e are considered to be the safest for dogs
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids such as Only Natural Salmon Oil for Dogs
It is important not do overdose antioxidants. Check with your veterinarian, particularly if your dog is undergoing radiation or chemotherapy since there are a few studies that indicate that anti-oxidants could have a negative effect one week before or after treatment.
A general guideline is to provide the following
vitamins per
pound of your dog per day as part of your canine cancer diet plan:
- Vitamin A – 625 IU
- Vitamin C – 25 milligrams
- Vitamin E – 10 IU
- Selenium – 2 micrograms
Herbal Products Could Help to Stimulate the Immune
System
(called Immunostimulants):
Echinacea: Widely regarded as
helping the
immune
system. Available in capsules, tables and dried roots. It is widely
used in Europe. Follow the instructions for giving to human adults
(check with your veterinarian first).
Astragalus: Recent studies show that this
herb has
antiviral and immune-boosting effects. Follow the directions for adult
dosing.
Cat's Claw (una de gato): Believed to have
antitumor
properties There is some evidence that it leads to remission of brain
and other tumors. Consider cat's claw for tumors of the central nervous
system. According to R.M. Clemmon's, DVM use ¼ the adult human dose for
small dogs, ½ for medium dogs and the equivalent dose in large dogs.
Reishi and Maitake Mushrooms: Helps the
immune
system. Activates NK Killer cells that attack tumor cells and prevents
the killing of T-Helper cells. There is no known toxicity from these
mushroom extracts. Use ¼ the adult human dose for small dogs, ½ for
medium dogs and the equivalent dose in large dogs.
Pau D'Arco: Anti-cancer and
anti-inflammatory
actions are associated with Pau D'Arco. Use ¼ the adult human dose for
small dogs, ½ for medium dogs and the equivalent dose in large dogs.
Shark Cartilage: Reduces tumor blood flow. If your dog has neoplasia, consider using 1000-2000 mg of shark cartilage daily. There is mixed evidence on the effectiveness of this supplement.
Products are available which combine many of these ingredients. One product to consider as part of a canine cancer diet is C-Caps supplement. Natural remedies such as C-Caps are considered supportive therapies in that they effect the entire body vs. a specific prescription therapy which targets the disease itself. Ingredients in natural remedies can help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with disease and help to strengthen the immune system of a dog fighting cancer.
Other supplements/ingredients which may be of benefit as part of a canine cancer diet include:
- Beta-carotene
- Ginkgo bilboa
- Green or Eseiac tea
- Grape seed extract
- Gammalinolenic acid (for cell membrane)
- Coenzyme Q-10 (for cell membrane)
- Wheatgrass extract (no evidence that it works)
- Barley grass (no evidence that it works)
Supplements With No Proven Effect on Canine Cancer
- Alfalfa: no evidence that it works, may have negative properties that harm the immune system)
- Soybean Concentrate or Chlorella: not proven, consider if feeding commercial dog food)
- Spirulina and chlorella (very expensive and advertised as miracle supplements. They provide protein, which you do not need, along with some vitamins and minerals. Claims made for these products are not substantiated.
Homemade Canine Cancer Diet
In general, we suggest not formulating your own diet or use a diet found on the Internet. Homemade diets for a dog with cancer may not have the proper balance of the 40 food components normally found in dog food. If you do find a diet you like, review it with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that it will meet your dogs needs.
Examples of homemade dog cancer diets that have the right balance of nutrients include:
(1000 g diet)
| Beef, minced meet (10% fat) | 500 g |
| Cows milk | 130 g |
| Whole egg | 75 g |
| Potato, cooked with skin | 255 g |
| Wheat bran | 20 g |
| Rapeseed oil | 20 g |
Be sure to add a mineral and vitamin supplement such as Only Natural Pet Super Daily Canine Multi-Vitamins to this canine cancer diet.
Have A Question or Helpful Story About Cancer in Dogs?
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References:
Integrative Treatment of Cancer in Dogs
R.M. Clemmons, DVM, PhD
Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurosurgery
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Nutrition and Cancer: New Keys for Cure and Control 2003!
Gregory K. Ogilvie, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine & Oncology)
Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO, USA
Prostatic Disease in the Dog
Peter E. Holt, BVMS, PhD, ILTM, DECVS, CBiol, FIBiol, FRCVS
Professor of Veterinary Surgery, University of Bristol,
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science
Langford, Bristol, UK
Lymphoma
Antony Moore, BVSC
Diplomate ACVIM
Director, Veterinary Oncology Consultants
379 Lake Innes Drive
Wauchope NSW 2446
Australia
Canine Brain Tumors: Improvements in Diagnosis and
Treatment
R Chun
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Neoplasia of the Nervous System (spinal tumors)
S. Long
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Current Therapy for Canine Oral Tumors
M. Kessler
Tierklinik Hofheim, Germany
Nutritional Status of Dogs with Cancer: Dietetic
Evaluation
and Recommendations
J. J. Wakshlag1 and F.A. Kallfelz
College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, US
Dog
Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook
James M. Giffin, Liisa D. Carlson DVM
Hound
Health Handbook
Betsy Brev itz, DVM
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