Adrenal glands function to produce hormones that stimulate and regulate metabolism. The Pet Cancer Center states that 1 to 2 percent of tumors found in dogs are in the adrenal glands. A proper diet is essential to fighting cancer because it provides a dog's body with the building blocks needed. Planning the right diet can help keep the dog you love with you for a long time.
-
Symptoms
-
Symptoms of adrenal cancer might include increased thirst, panting, hair loss and hypertension. Your dog's appetite will be affected based on the location to the tumor. For instance, tumors in the cortex area will increase the appetite while ones located in the medulla will cause loss of appetite.
Animal Protein
-
Dogs are carnivores or meat eaters by nature. That means their bodies have the right enzymes to break down meat. It's important to give them food that their bodies can digest and that means meat or protein. If you use a dry dog food as a base, check the label. The first ingredient listed should be some type of meat. If it is a grain, that is the wrong food to use. Stay away from dog food that uses large amount of grain products as fillers. Adrenal cancer affects your dog metabolism. It's best to give him food that is easy for him to digest, like meat.
Add some additional protein with the proper dry food. Some examples might include sardines or eggs, any type of meat such as hamburger or turkey. If you're in the habit of giving your dog treats, lose the biscuit and offer a piece of meat or protein instead.
Fatty Acids
-
Fatty acids, like Omega 3, are effective aids in fighting cancer. There are a number of ways to get Omega 3 but one of the best is fish oil. Purchase soft capsules containing fish oil and add them as a supplement to your dog's diet. The smell of the oil is attractive and you should have no problem getting your dog to take it. If necessary, cut one open so your dog can smell it. The dosage should be one 1000 mg capsule for every 20 pounds of body weight. A dog weighing 80 pounds would get four capsules a day.
Things to Consider
-
There are a few additional things you can do. First, try to give a mix of raw and partially cooked meat. A dog does not have the same problems with bacteria in raw foods as humans do. Raw meat has more nutrients in it. Raw bone is a good source of calcium and protein. Make sure, if you give bone to your dog, that it's raw. Cut back almost entirely on grain. It is hard for your dog to digest and not healthy.
Talk to your vet about using supplements like grape seed extract or vitamin E. Antioxidants might help your dog's treatment but you need to consult the vet first. Any dietary supplements should only be at your vet's request. Interactions with medications might make the cancer treatment less effective.
-