Canine cancer is not a treatable condition. However, an owner can make the dog's life much easier by offering the right medication and carefully choosing dog food for cancer with extra nutrients that can improve the pet's quality of life. Cancer is rarely the reason for death for pets; usually dogs with cancer die because of a secondary disease: liver or kidney failure.
Managing diseases and infections is paramount in the life of a cancerous dog because whose immune system is compromised. A special diet can work wonders on strengthening the immune system.
1. Omega-3, 6, 9 and Fatty Acids
A dog with cancer has special dietary needs because his body produces new tissue. The omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids will help this process and prevent the body from taking essential nutrients from the body's deposits - which may lead to muscle loss or even kidney and liver disease.
You will be able to find omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids in fish oil, certain fish such as tuna.
Add fish oil to your dog's food. Use softgel capsules. The dosage should be 1000 mg of gel per 20 pounds of body weight once a day.
Dogs eat fish oil with no difficulty; choose a K9 omega fish oil, and make sure the product doesn't contain too many additives.
An alternative to fish oil is the flax seed oil - which is also rich in fatty acids. However, dog owners have reported that dogs dislike this oil.
2. Protein Rich Diet
An ill dog needs his proteins. Make sure to offer him foods rich in protein and a lot of meat, tuna or sardines. Choose wet food, because this makes it easier for the kidneys to function and helps prevent kidney disease.
3. Homemade Grain-Free Food
You can opt for homemade food to make sure you have control over what your dog eats. An important rule for dogs with cancer is to offer them grain-free food. Canned food contains grains most of the times. Grains need to be digested and dogs with cancer do not produce the necessary enzyme to do so, adding stress on the digestive system.
In addition, canned food contains all sorts of additives and preservatives that can spoil the quality of the meat and nutrients in the food.
So, you can prepare special food at home for your ill dog, ensuring you include all the needed nutrients. Meat is essential and the fatty acids of course. No corn, rice or wheat should be added. Opt for sorghum instead.
You may also add eggs, cottage cheese and even some vegetables such as carrots spinach or broccoli.
You may cook these, but you may alternate in giving raw food also; however make sure that the meat is always cooked to avoid parasites or other bacteria.
Reduce the amount of carbs to a maximum of 7 to 10% of the dog's food intake. The proteins should be about 30% of the daily intake.
4. Diet Supplements for Canine Cancer
Vets often prescribe supplements - mainly antioxidants - to strengthen the effect of the chemotherapy. Selenium, vitamin E, quercetin, beta-carotene or green tea extract - make sure it is decaffeinated.
Supplements of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids or coenzyme Q 10 may also be prescribed as membrane stabilizers.