Veterinary Diet for Dogs with Cancer

A dog diagnosed with cancer has specific nutritional needs to help them battle the disease and live the longest possible life. Veterinarians have provided dietary information to pet owners for their dog when this occurs. Most notably is the avoidance of certain foods and the inclusion of others. Many vets will recommend a homemade diet for dogs with cancer. Homemade diets help meet dietary recommendations as well as provide added supplements to fight off the cancer.

  1. Cancer Nutrition

    • Diets for dogs with cancer need to have limited carbohydrates to starve the tumor cells of their energy and reduce amino acids. At the same time a veterinarian will recommend that the overall fat intake be increased because this can slow tumor growth. Protein contents must also be maintained to help repair damaged tissue. Many veterinarians will recommend a homemade diet for dogs with cancer. If you cannot cook for your dog, find a commercial food which meets your vet's recommended allowances.

    Homemade Diets

    • If you veterinarian recommends a homemade diet for your dog you will need to watch what foods you use. The use of organic ingredients is highly recommended, which means avoiding pesticides, herbicides or growth hormones. The best method for this is to try creating your own homemade meals. Use items such as ground chicken, turkey or lean heart; brown rice, eggs, salt, parsley, carrots or other vegetables. You can add oat bran, Glutamine, Arginine, and garlic to the meal for flavor and more nutrition.

    Diet Creation

    • Begin with organ meat such as liver or heart. A mix of meat patties, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese and vegetables can be used as a first diet from which you can work to your dogs needs and taste. The mixture should be made of 75 percent meat and the remaining 25 percent fruit and vegetables. Raw bones have also been recommended to keep the dog eating. Vary the meal daily to keep your dog interested. Use smaller amounts of food and plenty of water during the day. Keep the dog eating by allowing him to eat as much as they feel they can at the time.

    Supplements

    • Vitamins and antioxidants which can be used for humans can also be used in a veterinary diet for dogs with cancer. This includes vitamin E and C, selenium, and beta-carotene. Ginkgo bilboa, green tea and grape seed extract can be added as well. Omega-3 fatty acids also become important for cancer treatment in dogs. This helps stabilize DNA and reduce the progression of cancer.

    Avoid

    • Do not feed your dog grain. Veterinarians will recommend that when you look at the label of commercial dog food, the first ingredient should be meat. If you can't find meat among the top ingredients it is not good for a dog trying to rebuild tissue from cancer. Grains contain carbohydrates, which cancer cells feed on to grow. Avoid low-grade commercial food because it has little nutritional value.