There is no other sickness that can instill such dread in a person as cancer. In a state of panic, we start looking online for a solution that would rescue our dog. There’s a plethora of data available online; some sites even claim to provide “wonder” vitamins and cancer treatments. Keep in mind that if anything seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also, you shouldn’t assume that “natural” means safe and that more is always better. Keep a positive outlook and base your decisions on solid evidence, not rumors or speculation.
Cancer in dogs: nutritional approaches
Since most canine cancer patients have a reduced food intake, one of the primary objectives of nutritional therapy is to choose a meal that is both highly appetizing and energy packed. Maintaining normal body conditions, preventing tumor development, and treating or preventing cachexia all need a tailored approach to the nutritional profile of the food you eat (wasting of the body).
High-quality protein sources including goat’s or sheep’s milk, eggs, low-mercury seafood, and organ and muscle meat from a naturally grown animals are of interest for dogs with cancer. Low-GI carbs like those found in sweet potatoes, broccoli, quinoa, and gluten-free oats. Apples, berries, pumpkins, and maitake mushrooms are all examples of antiangiogenic foods. Vegetables belonging to the cruciferous family, such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, and bok chou. Vegetables that are both green and yellow or orange in colors, such as carrots, turnip greens, and sweet potatoes.
Take in more Omega-3 fatty acids and try to maintain the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio at about 1:1. Avoid cod liver oil if possible, since it contains too much vitamin A and D for safe usage in therapeutic dosages, however wild salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The Omega-3 fatty acids contained in plants, such as flax seed oil, must be transformed to EPA and DHA before they can be used by the dog.
Supplementing with more vitamin C and vitamin E than recommended by the National Research Council and the Association of American Feed Control Officials is debatable. Vitamins C and E have been found to reduce cell damage, particularly DNA damage, although their utility in neoplasia is mainly uncertain after the disease has been detected; some even think they may be detrimental. When a patient begins treatment with radiation or chemotherapy, controversy begins. High levels of antioxidants in the body’s tissues have been linked to a reduction in the efficacy of radiation and some chemotherapies against cancer, as well as a potential negation of Omega-3’s positive effects on cell function. If you’re concerned about giving your dog too much vitamin C or E, as I am, talk to your oncologist first.
Cancer may severely impair the body’s capacity to digest food and absorb its nutrients. Enzymes secreted by the digestive system aid in the digestion of food and facilitate nutrient absorption. Therefore, they may be quite helpful, especially for dogs who are losing weight or have diarrhea.
Yellow curry gets its color from turmeric, also known as Curcumin. Studies suggest turmeric may be able to suppress the development of some tumors and metastasis, while the additional investigation is required. The following is a recipe for a dog-friendly turmeric paste. Cancer-fighting canines receiving chemotherapy should avoid turmeric at all costs since it has been known to hinder the effectiveness of these treatments.
Toxins, such as chemotherapy medicines, may harm liver cells, but Milk Thistle can prevent or repair this damage.
Acidophilus is the “good guy” bacterium that helps keep the dog’s immune system healthy, promotes normal digestion, and prevents infections in the digestive tract.
In Conclusion
Due to cancer’s complexity, it might be challenging to meet the requirements of any neoplastic state. The kind of tumor, the course of therapy, any other novel medical conditions, and the dog’s general health will typically affect the diet. However, dogs with a better nutritional state not only have a greater chance of fending off infections and enduring treatment and its adverse effects, but of actually winning the war.