Cancer Diet For Dogs - Are There Certain Foods That Can Slow Cancer in Dogs?

Wouldn't it be great if there were certain foods or food groups that could actually help extend your dog's life expectancy after a cancer diagnosis? The fact is that exciting new research may be on the verge of proving this information. In this informational article titled "Cancer Diet for Dogs" we will talk a little about cancer and then look into this new and exciting cancer diet for dogs.

While all dogs are vulnerable to cancer statistic shows that it is the most common in canines over 10 years of age. The common characteristic of all cancer cells is the absence of any growth control mechanism. Normal, healthy cells grow and reproduce only to replace cells that have died or, in young animals, to support growth and development. Cancer cells have no such restraints; they keep growing and reproducing even when there is no need for new cells. They also tend to be aggressive in their quest to invade, destroy or damage nearby healthy cells.

*Common types of cancer in dogs: bladder cancer, brain tumor, lipoma, lymphoma, malignant histiocytosis, mammary carcinoma, mast cell tumor, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

*Common signs of cancer in dogs: unusual swelling that continues to grow, sores that don't heal, bleeding from the mouth or nose, bad odor, difficulty eating, appetite loss, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, loss of energy, unexplained weight loss, persistent stiffness or lameness, lumps in the breast area, and difference in the size of testicles.

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and diet

This type of malignant tumor accounts for approximately 2% of all dog cancers, but it is the number one type of cancer involving the urinary bladder in dogs. The disease can also materialize in the kidney, ureters, prostate, and urethra, and can spread to other areas of the dog's body. Conventional diagnosis and treatment options include surgery and/or chemotherapy. Breeds at high risk for this disease are Scottish Terriers, White Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Beagles.

*Cancer diet tip: If you feel your dog is at risk for developing TCC a recent case controlled study showed that the risk of bladder cancer was reduced in canines that ate vegetables at least three day a week.

General cancer fighting diet

Research seems to support the claim that a diet containing high quality protein and cancer fighting vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, radishes, tomatoes, red peppers, and carrots can be helpful for dogs with cancer.

A recent research study conducted at Colorado State University has come up with a diet that seems to be supportive for dogs with lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow). The diet contains moderate amounts of fat and protein with a low level of carbohydrates. It is available commercially and can be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Other notable foods and supplements: fish oils, vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10.

In summary, you should work with your vet to formulate the right diet for the particular type of cancer you are targeting but it seem as if a diet high in cancer fighting vegetables combined with high quality proteins seems to produce the most favorable results overall.

Additionally, many pet parents whose beloved dog is fighting cancer are implementing herbal supplemental formulas containing ingredients such as Astragalus, Echinacea, and Indian Ginseng which have shown promising results in clinical trials. Herbal remedies for cancer should be used as a supportive therapy to support immune function and promote overall health and vitality.