How do I feed my dog with cancer?
The following information is a guide, and as always, we recommend consulting with a canine nutritionist or holistic veterinarian regarding your dog's best options.
Big Dog Pet Foods is the leading raw pet food provider in Australia. We have created a natural recipe to support dogs with cancer, providing pet parents with a fresh food option for their pets during this time.
My Dog has been diagnosed with cancer, what do I do?
We’re sorry to hear you and your pup are going through this. Please know you're not alone. We're here to support you every step of the way, offering resources, compassion, and hope during this challenging time. If you have questions about a raw diet, you can call our wonderful customer care team here.
Take some time to research and understand your dog's cancer, the treatment plans you have been offered and what the best option will be for your dog.
We have more information here on how to support your dog with cancer and prevention and treatment to help you further on this topic.
How does cancer affect my dog's diet?
During treatment or changes in medication, your dog may lose their appetite or struggle with eating. If you are feeding raw, lightly cooking their meal may make it more appealing and palatable.
Cancer cells have difficulty converting and using fat for energy, which is why a high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet may benefit a dog with cancer (1).
If your dog is not eating or vomiting, contact your vet to ensure they do not become dehydrated. Your vet may prescribe medication such as, appetite stimulants and anti-nausea to encourage your dog to eat. If you are giving your dog medication, incorporating it in their meal may help ensure they ingest their dose (2).
What is the best food for a dog with cancer?
A diet that starves the cancer cells is incredibly important. This means a low- or no-carb diet that encourages ketosis. You can learn more about Ketogenic diets for dogs from Dr. Nicole, an integrative vet, here.
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been studied for their effects on delaying and reducing tumour development. Omega-3s can be found in foods such as Salmon, Turmeric, and Flaxseed. We have more information on the importance of anti-inflammatory diets for dogs available here.
Nourish Nutrition by Big Dog:
Our Cancer Support diet has been scientifically formulated to starve cancer cells that feed off glucose. It is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that encourages ketosis.
The ingredients in this diet were specifically and carefully chosen to support dogs with cancer and offer them the best nutritional support that may slow the progression of their cancer.
Salmon:
These ingredients include high-quality proteins such as salmon, which is rich in omega-3. Omega-3's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce pain and have been shown to shrink tumours. Fish oil can slow the growth of disease, and vitamin D3 has been shown to be an essential nutrient in cancer prevention (3).
Broccoli:
Raw broccoli is packed full of beneficial nutrients and has compounds that work to induce cell death in tumours. Sulforaphane, an antioxidant found in broccoli makes it a superfood that fights against inflammation and supports the immune system, this antioxidant has anticancer properties which contribution to cancer prevention (4).
Broccoli is packed full of nutrients such as potassium, calcium, protein and Vitamins A, C and D. These, as well as its fibre content and the antioxidant, sulforaphane found in broccoli make it a superfood that helps to fight against inflammation and protect the immune system. Sulforaphane and glucosinolates, also found in broccoli, have anticancer properties, which contribute to the prevention of cancer. The compounds in broccoli also work to induce cell death in tumours and inhibit the formation of tumour blood vessels. Broccoli is shown to contain biochemicals that help to protect against cancer in dogs (4).
Mushrooms:
This recipe contains nine mushrooms, all shown to scientifically fight cancer and increase immunity in dogs.
Garlic:
Garlic was included as it offers support during cancer treatment, with studies showing its ability to inhibit cancer formation and enhance overall immunity (5).
You can learn more about the benefits of our other ingredients here.
If you have any questions regarding our Nourish Nutrition Cancer Support diet or any other questions about your pet's health, please reach out to our customer care team here.