The Best Diet for a Dog Fighting Cancer

While none of us are set up to tackle the actual treatment of cancer, as pet parents, we can still do our part behind the scenes to help keep our pooches healthy during procedures and, at the same time, discourage cancer cell growth.

For example, did you know there is a sweet spot when it comes to the nutrient mix of your dog’s diet? According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the best food mix for a dog combating cancer is one that is high in protein (35-45% range) and low in carbs. Meaning when you scan the ingredient list, carbs land somewhere under the 25% mark. That’s because our bodies break carbohydrates down into glucose (AKA sugar), and tumors absolutely flourish on it.

But, as mentioned, your dog’s food can not only help to discourage cancer cell growth but also support a healthier life during treatments. You see, depending on the stage of cancer and the type of treatment your pooch is receiving, he can lose his appetite pretty quickly and subsequently, weight. We’ve all been there. The family dog is feeling off, and we’re coaxing and cooking up all sorts of tasty things to try to get him to eat. Eventually, whatever ailed him passes, and he’s back to his old self, wolfing down everything. But when your dog is seriously ill and needs constant encouragement and monitoring, you need to ensure that what he does eat is nutrient-rich and super tasty to pique his interest.

When it comes to proteins, introducing real chicken and fish, whole eggs and lean meats are always welcome options that tick both the “healthy” and the “flavor” boxes.

Add in foods that are rich in Omega-3s, such as salmon and sardines, to combat inflammation. Or, cheat like I do and squeeze one of those Omega liquid capsules over their moist foods.

And because we all know veggies are healthy, chop up a variety of something called cruciferous vegetables and use for snacks or toppers - either raw or lightly steamed. Options like cauliflower, broccoli, and anything in the cabbage family (though I don’t see those going down too well), are wonder foods can inactivate carcinogens and inhibit tumor growth.

Now, my dogs absolutely love steamed (and dried)) sweet potato, and while it’s not considered one of the cruciferous vegetables, it is high in fiber and loaded with beta-carotene, Vitamins A, C, and B6, making this veg a great boost to your pet’s immune system.

Of course, you’re probably wondering about those famous, superfood, antioxidant berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and black currants. All are great when served fresh, but not so much when dried as they’re suddenly higher in sugars and calorie-dense. Remember, we’re avoiding glucose.

So, lots of healthy options that are both appetite-stimulating and hardworking when it comes to curbing cancer cells.

Foods to avoid? As mentioned previously, you want to steer clear of carb-heavy options such as corn, white potatoes, peas, chickpeas, and sugars. Also, red meats. Choose highly palatable options (think tasty) and foods that are easy for your pooch to digest. Because if he won’t eat it or can’t keep it down, you’ve missed the point. Ease new foods into his dietary rotation and pay attention to what he does and doesn’t like. Because at the end of the day, the healthiest foods available mean nothing if they just sit in his bowl.