Canine Cancer Diet

Malnourishment is common in dogs with cancer since they are reluctant to eat. While they might eat table food, it doesn’t have the nutrition the dog needs.

Foods That Should be part of a Canine Cancer Diet

Do not push food on a dog that does not want to eat. Tips include not feeding after you give your dog medicine or changing a bandage. They may prefer cold feed 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.

Canine Cancer Diet Food Types

Cancer cells are fueled by carbohydrates and cannot absorb fat. The healthy parts of your dog can absorb fat, so diets rich in fat are preferred.

Cancer cells feed on sugar. Starve cancer cells by avoiding sugars. Sugars are also called carbohydrates

A diet recommended by R.M. Clemmens DVM suggests that an ideal food should be in the following ration

moderate protein (18-22%)
low carbohydrate (3-13%)
high fat (55-60%)

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 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.

Canine Cancer Diet Vitamins and Antioxidants

Antioxidants (A, C, E, Selenium) – help to rebuild cellsOmega 3 Fatty Acids – helps body rebuild cells

It is important not do overdose antioxidants as they could have a negative effect. Check with your veterinarian, particularly if your dog is undergoing radiation or chemotherapy since there is limited research that shows that anti-oxidants could have a negative effect 3 days before or after treatment.

A general guideline is per pound of your dog per day:

Vitamin A – 625 IU
Vitamin C – 25 milligrams
Vitamin E – 10 IU
Selenium – 2 micrograms


Herbs that 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.

Canine Cancer Diet Additional Supplements to Consider