Diets for Dogs With Lymphoma

Canine lymphoma, or LSA, is a type of tumor caused by cancerous lymphocytes, a type of immune cell. This type of cancer is among the most common seen in dogs, and afflicts animals of any age or breed. Although no particular diet can cure canine lymphoma, proper nutritional support can help a dog go through treatment more successfully than a generic dog-food diet.

  1. Low Carbohydrate

    • Cancer cells are extremely efficient at using carbohydrates and may grow more quickly when an ill dog eats high-carbohydrate foods. Low-carb diets for dogs with lymphoma restrict carbohydrate intake in the hope of also restricting tumor growth. Hill's N/D diet uses this theory; however, its cost has been a concern for some dog owners. Recipes for low-carb neoplasia diets that dog owners can make at home are also available; pet owners should always consult a vet before using them, since many homemade diets can be nutritionally incomplete.

    Omega 3 fatty acids

    • Omega 3 fatty acids have shown promise in inhibiting the spread and growth of cancer cells. These fatty acids are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, dogs receiving chemotherapy that were also fed cold-water-fish oil went into remission sooner than dogs receiving a diet high in soybean oil. These animals also stayed in remission for longer periods of time. A commercial diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil or other sources may be helpful for dogs with lymphoma.

    Linoleic Acid

    • Some veterinarians suggest a diet featuring safflower oils high in linoleic acid. This is a controversial diet, though. According to the National Institutes of Health, safflower oil supplementation produced remission in 6 out of 8 dogs with mycosis fungoides, a form of lymphoma that affects the T-cells of the skin. However, too much safflower oil may also cause pancreatitis. Additionally, safflower oil also contains Omega 6 fatty acids, which some studies have shown to support the growth of cancer. This suggests that safflower oil may be used in moderation to treat skin T-cell lymphoma, but might not be right for other types of lymphomas.