Jeffrey Salazar
Cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental death in dogs. It is important to consult a veterinarian, oncologist, or animal nutrition specialist to ensure your dog is fed the proper diet. The ideal dog cancer diet is as unique as each dog, but there are general guidelines many vets follow. The primary goal of feeding a dog with cancer is to ensure they maintain their body weight. Tumor cells love carbohydrates, so it is recommended to keep carbohydrates to a minimum. A diet full of easy-to-digest fatty high-quality proteins, like chicken, turkey, pork, fish, and eggs is recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Should be less than 25% of the diet on a dry matter basis |
| Protein | Should be in the range of 30-45% on a dry matter basis |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | May be very beneficial to dogs with cancer |
| Weight | It is important to ensure the dog maintains its weight |
| Variety | It is important to gradually introduce new foods to avoid stomach upset |
| Antioxidants | May be helpful but consult a veterinarian first |
| Commercial diets | Can be convenient and meet nutritional requirements |
| Homemade diets | Must be nutritionally balanced and can be challenging to accomplish |
| Nutritional status | Improved quality of life and improved response to therapy are observed in dogs with good nutritional status |
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What You'll Learn
High-quality proteins and fats are good
While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for dogs with cancer, it is important to ensure that they maintain their body weight. This is because cancer can cause severe malnutrition and loss of muscle mass, even if your dog is eating an adequate amount of food. Cancer cachexia, as it is called, can lead to a decrease in both fat and muscle mass at an equal rate.
Fats are also important for dogs with cancer. This is because cancer cells find it difficult to use fat as an energy source. Therefore, foods that are relatively high in fat and low in carbohydrates may benefit dogs with cancer. It is recommended that canine cancer patients eat a diet with 25-40% fat on a dry matter basis.
It is important to note that any changes to your dog's diet should be done gradually to avoid causing stomach upset. It is also important to consult with a veterinarian, oncologist, or animal nutrition specialist to ensure that your dog is getting the proper diet.
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Carbohydrates should be avoided
Cancer cells have a hard time using fat as an energy source, so foods that are relatively high in fat and low in carbohydrates may benefit dogs with cancer. A dog with cancer will require more food than usual to maintain its body weight as the cancer is also competing for nutrients and alters the normal metabolism and immune system in the body. A balanced diet is best, and the ideal dog cancer diet is as unique as each dog.
It is important to consult a vet before making any changes to a dog's diet. A veterinarian, oncologist, or animal nutrition specialist will be able to advise on the best diet for a dog with cancer. This may include a diet with more frequent meals, or a calorie-dense diet such as a high-performance diet or puppy food.
A dog with cancer should be fed a diet full of easy-to-digest fatty, high-quality proteins, like chicken, turkey, pork, fish, and eggs. Different cuts of meat or fish have varying amounts of fat, so it is important to read labels when looking for these ingredients in store-bought dog food or when preparing homemade dishes with these ingredients.
Some vegetables are also recommended, especially cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and turnips, which have cancer-fighting properties.
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Omega-3 fatty acids may help
Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for dogs with cancer. They are essential nutrients that dogs need to stay healthy but cannot produce on their own. Omega-3 fatty acids are usually supplemented through fish oil, which contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These acids have multiple anti-cancer effects. For example, they increase the immune system's ability to find and kill cancer cells, which can mean reduced cancer development, growth, and spread in the body. Indeed, studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help to slow the growth of cancerous tumors.
There are other benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs with cancer. They can help improve a dog's appetite and reduce cachexia (wasting). They can also help improve a dog's symptoms, survival time, and disease-free interval, as well as improve quality of life in dogs undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma. Omega-3 fatty acids can also improve the quality of life and reduce the injury to normal tissue in dogs undergoing radiation for nasal tumors.
The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are whole fish, especially oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. These types of fish only feed on phytoplankton, whereas larger fish that are higher up in the food chain contain more toxins. Hemp oil and flaxseed oil are plant-based sources of omega-3, but it is important to remember that flaxseed oil also contains phytic acid, which can cause a mineral deficiency in dogs.
It is important to note that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are vulnerable to oxidative damage and can break down when exposed to oxygen. This means that giving a dog rancid fish oil can lead to health problems such as premature aging, gene mutation, inflammation, and even cancer. Therefore, it is important to consult a veterinarian before giving a dog a fatty acid supplement to ensure it is safe for them and to confirm the correct ingredients and dosage.
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Consult a vet before making changes
It is important to consult a vet before making changes to your dog's diet if they have cancer. This is because cancer affects each dog differently, and a veterinarian, oncologist, or animal nutrition specialist will be able to advise on a diet that is tailored to your dog's specific needs. For example, if your dog is undergoing chemotherapy, it is important to know that switching up your dog's food can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which are harmful to dogs with cancer.
A veterinarian will be able to advise on a diet that is complete, balanced, and nutritious, and that takes into account any other health issues your dog may have. For example, if your dog has had surgery on its stomach or intestines, a vet is likely to recommend food that is designed to prevent nausea and is easily digestible. If your dog has had surgery on its head or neck, a vet may recommend a feeding tube.
A vet will also be able to advise on the correct amount of nutrients for your dog, such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats. For example, it is recommended that dogs with cancer eat a diet with 30-40% protein, less than 25% carbohydrates, and 25-40% fat. They may also recommend adding certain nutrients to your dog's diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to limit inflammation and potentially slow the growth of cancerous tumors.
In addition to seeking professional advice, it is important to be aware of any potential toxins in your dog's environment, such as second-hand smoke or cleaning products, which can have a detrimental effect on dogs with cancer. It is also important to make sure that any homemade food you feed your dog is thoroughly cooked to kill microbes and that it includes a variety of healthy, unprocessed foods to provide a range of nutrients.
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A balanced diet is key
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for dogs with cancer. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, specific dietary adjustments can support your dog's health and wellbeing during this challenging time. It is important to consult with a veterinarian, oncologist, or animal nutrition specialist to determine the best diet for your dog's specific needs.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that cancer can cause imbalances in protein metabolism, leading to a condition called "cancer cachexia," characterised by severe weight and muscle loss. Therefore, ensuring adequate protein intake is vital. Aim for a diet with 30-45% protein on a dry matter basis, including high-quality, easy-to-digest proteins like chicken, turkey, pork, fish, and eggs. These foods will help your dog maintain muscle mass and strength.
Secondly, as tumour cells utilise carbohydrates as an energy source, it is advisable to reduce carbohydrate intake. Aim for less than 25% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. Instead, increase healthy fats in your dog's diet, as cancer cells struggle to use fat as an energy source. This approach may help manage your dog's weight and provide them with a consistent energy source.
Additionally, incorporating specific nutrients and supplements can be beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help slow tumour growth. Antioxidants, such as those found in dark-coloured berries, can also be beneficial, but consult your veterinarian first as they may interfere with certain cancer therapies.
Finally, while nutrition is essential, it is equally important to ensure your dog actually eats. Malnutrition can worsen health complications and decrease survival times. If your dog struggles to eat, consider using a feeding tube, which can be life-saving and well-tolerated by most dogs. You can also increase the moisture and aroma of their food to make it more palatable.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal diet for a dog with cancer is a balanced and nutritious one. It should be high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates should be less than 25% of the food on a dry matter basis. Protein levels should be in the range of 30-45% on a dry matter basis. Good sources of protein include chicken, turkey, pork, fish, and eggs.
Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3, and is known to limit inflammation and potentially slow the growth of cancerous tumors. Other sources of fat and protein include poultry, pork, organ meats such as liver, and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and turnips, which have cancer-fighting properties.
Yes, it is important to avoid high-carbohydrate foods as tumor cells use carbohydrates to promote cancer cell growth. Commercial dog foods often list a carbohydrate as the first ingredient, so these should be avoided. It is also important to avoid drastic changes to your dog's diet and to consult with a veterinarian or oncologist before making any changes.
