Caring for a dog with cancer requires more than treating the cancer cells themselves. Frequently, cancer drains a dog like no other condition can. Loss of appetite, weakened immune system and lack of energy can all sap a dog's will to recover. Sometimes, the treatments themselves can upset important body functions while the cancer cells are attacked.

The Facts
One study, performed on dogs with stage 3 Lymphoma, shows that a diet moderate in protein, low in carbohydrates and moderate in fat - especially Omega 3 fatty acids - was successful in prolonging life. The study did not examine all forms of cancer, and not all dogs can tolerate this type of diet.

If your dog has a disposition to pancreatitis or gastrointestinal trouble, this type of diet is not appropriate. However, fresh foods supplemented with high quality supplements can address even these specific needs to boost the dog's general health and recovery.

Suggested Vitamins & Minerals
Despite the trials of coping with cancer, the body continues to require vitamins and minerals for all functions. According to some studies, withholding iron and copper is beneficial because cancer cells themselves, make good use of these two minerals. Vitamin C has been studied in cancer cases and the findings show that it works as a pro-oxidant, antioxidant or does nothing at all. With such dramatically different findings, we choose not to add additional vitamins C or E to the supplementation program. In fact, most veterinary oncologists feel the same way and suggest that a dog not be supplented with these vitamins over and above their normal requirements.

Antioxidant Booster
Ellagic acid, a key component of the Antioxidant Booster, is studied as an important part of cancer prevention.

Vitamin B-Compound

Required for almost every body function, B vitamins help strengthen a dog through recovery. They are especially important for appetite, gastrointestinal function and skin.

Suggested Green Foods
Green foods provide small amounts of vitamins and minerals as well as some fiber and antioxidants.

Alfalfa

Organically grown alfalfa ensures that chemical loads are not part of this green food.

Ocean Kelp
While kelp provides small amounts of many minerals, it's main use is in providing iodine to feed the thyroid gland and keep it healthy.

Digestive Aids
Your dog may benefit from digestive enzymes if s/he is experiencing weight loss. Probiotics can help the immune system by providing beneficial bacteria to the gut. We offer three types of digestive aids:

Acidophilus
Helps the immune system, specifically the gastrointestinal area. Seeding the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria can help ease an inconsistent bowel.

Digestive Enzymes
Includes pork-derived protease, an enzyme that helps to break down protein in food.

Plant Digestive Enzymes
Suggested as an alternative for dogs with a sensitivity to enzymes derived from pork.

Essential Fatty Acids
Omega 3 and Omega 6 are two essential fatty acids that together, form the membrane of every cell in the body, make up a large part of the structural and functional tissue in the brain, have vital roles in the functions of inflammation, healing and body heat and become prostaglandins which play key roles in regulating the digestive, cardiovascular and immune functions of the body.

Cod Liver Oil liquid
Provides vitamin A which serves the body in many ways including antioxidant activity and eye health, vitamin D which aids in the metabolism of calcium, and Omega 3 essential fatty acids.

Cod Liver Oil capsules
In convenient, odorless gel capsule form, provides vitamin A which serves the body in many ways including antioxidant activity and eye health, vitamin D which aids in the metabolism of calcium, and Omega 3 essential fatty acids.

Wild Salmon Oil
Essential fatty acid Omega 3, in a convenient, odorless gel capsule, derived from wild salmon which are lower in mercury and PCBs than farmed salmon. Fish body oils have been shown to help compromised kidneys and heart, reduce inflammation help to heal skin and benefit the coat.

Flaxseed Oil
Omega 3 essential fatty acid to be used in conjunction or instead of wild salmon oil.

For Further Reading
Canine Cancer by Monica Segal
General advice for the person who has discovered their dog has cancer. Where to begin and what to look for. Includes a sample diet.

Optimal Nutrition by Monica Segal

This book discusses many health issues and includes an interview with Dr. Greg Ogilive - creator of "the cancer diet" for dogs, and his orginal diet with explanations.

Berry Good Health by Susan Thorpe Vargas, PhD
A long article discussing ellagic acid, found in the seeds of raspberries and strawberries.

Cell Cycle Regulation of Cancer Cells, a Role for Ellagic Acid
A study that concludes ellagic acids regulate the life cycles of cancer cells.

Dietary Long Chain n-3 Fatty Acids For The Prevention of Cancer
This study reviews the literature surrounding the fatty acids found in fish oils. Although evidence supports the ability of EFAs to inhibit the formation of cancer cells, that mechanism is poorly understood by scientists. Several theories exist, and this paper reviews them.

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