Canine Cancer Diet

" Canine cancer diet needs to contain the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Simple sugars should be limited, carbohydrates levels should be moderated and proteins and fats emphasized. Commercial diets are preferred over home made. Several supplements can be helpful including Omega-3 fatty acids. "

There is a growing body of research regarding cancer and diet. Studies support the idea that diet can help prolong your dog's life and improve the quality of life. Goals for a nutritional program are to reduce the growth of neoplasms (cells that grow uncontrollably) and to help dogs that are losing weight during treatment. The way these cells are slowed down is by understanding which parts of food "fuel" these cells and then reducing them in the diet.

There are many of components of a diet such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates and nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids. All are thought to play a role cancer dog nutrition decisions.

Overall, It is a good idea for a a diet for dogs with cancer to follow the nutrition guidelines of the National Research Council of the National Academies.

Daily Recommended Levels of Fats and Proteins for Dogs
(Source: National Academy of Sciences)

Note that pet food labels list percentages. Multiply the "crude fat" percentage on the label multiplied by the weight of the serving to get the # of grams. As a general guideline 5.5% minimum of diet from fats and 10% from protein, and 50% from carbohydrates.

Dietary Change for a Canine Cancer Diet

When a dog's body has cancer, the neoplasms (cancer cells) are fueled by simple sugars or glucose (glycosis). Since glucose comes from carbohydrates, and most dog foods are 50% carbohydrate, it is important to understand what types of carbs are in the food and which ones are good and bad. Foods are therefore preferred which have high levels of protein and fats and low levels of simple carbs and moderate amounts of complex carbs.

Simple carbs (sugars) to avoid:

• Sugar
• Sucrose
• Glucose
• Dextrose
• Rice Syrup
• Honey
• Corn Syrup
• Maple Sugar
• Milk
• Fruits
• Carrots
• Beets
• Squash
• Turnip
• Sweet Potatoes

Complex Sugars shouldn't be avoided, but moderated, since they do have a role in fueling the energy for muscles:

• Breads
• Cereals
• Grains
• Rice
• Potatoes
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Pasta

Fat, Protein and Carbohydrate Guidelines for a Canine Cancer Diet

Most premium dry and canned goods will meet the requirements for high protein and fat if they have high fat and protein levels vs. maintenance diets which have more carbs.

Unfortunately, the water content in canned foods makes it difficult to compare dry and canned, Here is a chart that describes how to compare the two and that provides recommended levels of each component.

Source: Nutritional Status of Dogs with Cancer: Diabetic Evaluation and Recommendations J.J. Wakshlag and F.A. Kallfelz, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University

Commercial Brands for a Canine Cancer Diet

There are commercial dog foods that are made specifically to support the needs of a dog cancer diet, particularly when undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. These include products such as Hill's Prescription Diet n/d is specifically made for dogs with cancer. It is balanced to reflect the latest research on this subject.  The goal is to starve the cancer cells, while maintaining the dog's physiology (condition).

Canine cancer diet dog foods are protein rich to help maintain muscle and provide the body with energy.  They are also formulated to encourage a dog to each via higher levels of fat and have low levels of carbohydrates.  They also contain arginine and Omega-3 fatty acids to provide immune system support.

When selecting a dog food make sure that it has two labels which indicate that is is manufactured to the highest levels of quality:

• "complete and balanced"
• "nutritional adequacy was validated by animal feeding tests based on protocols from the American Association of Feed Control Officials" (AAFCO)

Also make sure it carries the AAFCO seal (American Association of Feed Control Officials), the dog food industry regulatory group. Note that there is another label that is a step below the one listed above "food was formulated to meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles". Avoid this second label in favor of the two listed above.

Homemade Diet for Dogs with Cancer

There are over 40 components to a dog's diet that need to be taken into consideration when providing a homemade diet. It is for this reason that most veterinarians recommend a commercial diet over a homemade canine diet. That said, the site canine cancer awareness provides some credible recommendations for those that want to go at it alone. Even is providing a home made diet, it should be supplemented with a commercial diet.

Supplements for a Canine Cancer Diet

Antioxidants - While many scientists and researchers believe that anti-oxidants for dogs can be helpful in preventing cancer, there is some debate as to whether or not anti-oxidants or providing additional anti-oxidants are helpful for dogs with cancer that are undergoing treatment. The reason is that some veterinary oncologist believe that cancer cells may actually benefit from the increase in anti-oxidants in the cell since they act to protect cells. Check with your oncologist for the latest thinking on this issue.

Omega 3 Fish Oil - Fish oil is thought to have a positive effect on dogs with cancer and could potentially be of benefit. In human studies fish oil helps with the recovery from radiation therapy and helps to reduce inflammation in the areas surrounding those treated. It might even help accelerate the death of cancerous cells during treatment. There is a strong positive correlation between omega 3 supplementation and survival times.

Arginine - This amino acid has been shown to flow the growth of tumors in animals. It is thought that 2% of the amino acids (component of protein) provided to dogs with cancer should be arginine.

Homeopathic Remedies - There is a growing body of evidence that combinations of homeopathic remedies such as C-Caps Formula for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer in Pets. C-Caps could be a helpful supportive therapy for a canine cancer diet. This approach is thought to boost the immune system, thereby helping your dog fight cancer. Follow the C-Caps link for access to additional information and supporting research on this approach.

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References Canine Cancer Diet:

Bladder conditions:
radiology, ultrasound, what else?
John S. Mattoon
DVM, Dipl ACVR, Washington, USA

Managing Struvite/Oxalate Rolithiasis: Point/counterpoint
C.A. Kirk1, V.C. Biourge2
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA. 2Research Center, Royal Canin, Aimargues, France.