DIET FOR CANCER DOGS

I had been giving Beasley Avoderm Senior, which is low in protein and fat, since she is over 7.  But I thought I should do a little research on what to feed a dog with cancer and I’m glad I did.

• High in fat: Tumor cells are much less likely to use fat for energy, whereas the dog's normal cells find fats an excellent source. It is recommended that foods should be 25-40% fat on a dry matter basis.
• Moderately high in protein: Since cancer cachexia is associated with a decrease in muscle mass, and muscle is high in protein, moderately high protein levels should be available to dogs with cancer, provided they have normal kidney and liver function. In general, protein levels should be in the range of 30-45% on a dry matter basis.
• Low in carbohydrates: Since tumor cells prefer carbohydrates, diets low in carbohydrates will theoretically give the tumor cells less to grow on. Carbohydrates should be less that 25% of the food on a dry matter basis.

Added nutrients

Some dog foods are fortified with certain nutrients that can be beneficial to dogs with cancer. Added nutrients that may be recommended include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils. They may be very beneficial to dogs with cancer. It not only reduces cachexia, it may also have a direct effect on the tumor cells themselves.
• Arginine: Arginine is an important amino acid for dogs. Arginine can benefit the immune system and may influence tumor growth. Although the optimal amount of arginine for dogs with cancer has not been determined, a level of 2% of dry matter or higher is generally recommended.

It was really hard to find a food with that much fat in it.  So for the dry food, I bought Blue Wilderness Wild Salmon.  It has 34% protein and 15% fat. I also bought some canned food to mix in with it.  Blue Wilderness, Castor & Pollux and Source. None of them are really high in protein or fat, about 10% but that’s as high as I could find for a limited ingredient high-grade food.  All are grain-free. 

An important rule for dogs with cancer is to offer them grain-free food. Grains need to be digested and dogs with cancer do not produce the necessary enzyme to do so, adding stress on the digestive system.

I wasn’t sure where to find Arginine so I looked it up.  Nuts, kidney beans, legumes, tuna, salmon, chicken, shrimp, eggs, pork and milk. Other foods with arginine include chocolate, oats, dairy products, sunflower seeds and brown rice.  I hope the salmon and canned food has it, it’s not on  any of the labels.  I do boil eggs for them every now and then and one of her favorite treats is string cheese so hopefully, I’m covered.  I also read that it helps kidney function. 

She’s back to her normal, happy self, barking/talking, playing, eating, pooping, all the things dogs do.  But it sure was a rough 24 hrs.  It’s been storming here today, not a lot of thunder, but she hasn’t even been hiding under the bed.  First sign of rain, she’s usually gone.