Best Foods for Dogs with Cancer: Holistic Nutritional Therapy

Best Dog Food For Cancer – Natural Therapeutic Intervention

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
   • Overview of cancer treatment in dogs
   • Emphasis on holistic approaches alongside conventional therapies
   • The significant role of nutrition in cancer management
2. Understanding Cancer in Dogs
   • Metabolic changes in cancer-affected dogs
   • The Warburg effect and dietary implications
   • The challenge of cachexia and the need for adequate protein
3. Conventional Cancer Treatment
   • Overview of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
   • Critiques of conventional methods
   • Quotations from veterinary professionals on treatment limitations
4. Importance of a Holistic Approach to Cancer Management
   • Integrating nutrition with traditional treatments
   • Benefits of a holistic approach on treatment side effects
5. Nutrition and Treatment of Cancer
   • The fundamental role of diet in health and recovery
   • Specific dietary changes and their rationale
   • The impact of red meat and fat balance in diets
6. Foods and Processes To Avoid
   • Commercial diets and cancer correlations
   • Specific food ingredients and processes that may induce cancer
   • Guidance from veterinary oncologists on dietary risks
7. Foods that Can Help Manage Cancer in Dogs
   • Cruciferous vegetables and their properties
   • Benefits of berries and leafy greens
   • Lean proteins and their importance in cancer diets
8. The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Cancer Management
   • Sources of Omega-3s and their effects on cancer
   • Comparison of plant-based and marine sources
9. Anti-inflammatory Foods for Dogs with Cancer
   • Specific anti-inflammatory foods and their properties
   • Overview of beneficial herbs and spices
10. Adaptogens for Dogs with Cancer
    • Potential benefits of adaptogens like medicinal mushrooms, Reishi Mushroom and Siberian Ginseng
    • Overview of other adaptogenic herbs and their roles in inflammation and cancer
11. Supplements for Dogs with Cancer
    • Important supplements and their contributions
    • Role of antioxidants and probiotics in cancer management
12. Bonza Superfoods and Ancient Grains
    • Description of a targeted dog food brand
    • Ingredients and intended benefits
    • Ethical considerations in product promotion
13. Conclusion
    • Summarising the impact of diet on cancer in dogs
    • Importance of veterinary consultation for diet planning
    • Future perspectives on nutritional therapy in veterinary oncology

In the fight against cancer, a holistic approach to treatment is gaining momentum among pet families. While conventional therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation remain important, there is growing interest in using nutrition to support dogs with cancer. In this article, we will explore the power of food in managing cancer in dogs and discuss key considerations on the best foods for dogs with cancer.

Research shows that certain foods can help bolster the immune system, reduce inflammation, and provide vital nutrients to dogs battling cancer. Including these foods in their diet can promote overall well-being and improve their quality of life. From antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients to omega-3 fatty acids found in algae (and fish) oils, the right diet can play a crucial role in supporting the body’s natural defences against cancer. It’s important to note that while nutrition can enhance conventional treatments, it is not a substitute for medical intervention.

Always consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. In this article, we investigate the world of cancer-fighting foods and discover how they can have a positive impact on your dog’s health.

Understanding Cancer in Dogs

Cancer in dogs often leads to metabolic changes, where the body’s normal energy production and utilisation are altered. Cancer cells typically consume glucose at a higher rate, leaving less energy for normal cells. This phenomenon, known as the Warburg effect, necessitates a diet that is lower in simple carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats and proteins to deprive cancer cells while nourishing healthy cells. Additionally, muscle wasting (cachexia) is a common complication, which underscores the importance of adequate protein intake.

Conventional Cancer Treatment

In researching cancer in dogs and the various treatment options available, both conventional and holistic, a quote from veterinarian Dr Judy Jasek DVM, stood out – “Conventional medicine will give cancer a name, grade, prognosis and treatment protocol. But there’s little or no mention of supporting the body’s own healing ability.”

Dr. Jasek’s view on surgery, echoed by many other vets, is that ” it’s important to remember that the tumor you see is the outward manifestation of a systemic process. It’s the proverbial “tip of the iceberg.” 

“Removing a tumor does nothing to treat cancer. It just removes the visual indication of its presence. As a dog owner, it can be a comfort to see a tumor disappear. But if we don’t address the underlying issues that caused it … the disease will persist and manifest elsewhere in the body.”

The problem with chemotherapy is that it is a brutally blunt tool and rarely kills the cancer completely. In the process of reducing the cancer cells it also kills the ‘good’ cells your dog uses to self heal and repair its immunological system.

In doing so it reduces your dog’s ability to fight the cancer and leaves it vulnerable to any remaining cancer cells metastasising and your dog succumbing to rapidly advancing cancer.

Importance of a Holistic Approach to Cancer Management

Combining traditional treatments with nutritional support offers a more comprehensive approach to cancer care in dogs. Nutrition plays a significant role in enhancing the immune response, supporting the body during treatment, and potentially slowing the growth of cancer cells. This approach can also help manage the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, such as nausea and loss of appetite.

Nutrition and Treatment of Cancer

‘Let food be they medicine and medicine they food’

The impact of nutrition on the health and wellbeing of our own bodies, and our dogs, cannot be overestimated. It is the foundation of good health and an ability for the body to heal.

Science increasingly points to the impact of meat, and red meat in particular, as potential carcinogens. (1) Modern diets, both human and dog, increasingly have an imbalanced Omega 6: Omega 3 ratio which is also pro-inflammatory

The most profound effect of the resulting inflammation, and oxidative stress, within the body is the mutation of cells and resulting cancers.

Chronic inflammation’s role in cancer development isn’t a small one. As many as one in five cancers are believed to be caused or influenced by inflammation. In a normal inflammatory response, immune cells produce chemicals that can kill a pathogen. These chemicals, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), can also damage the DNA of normal cells, which increases the risk of mutations that can lead to cancer. (2)

A recent study by Giulia Alessandri et al (27) concluded ‘that a meat-based diet is less protective against inflammatory activity in the canine gut.’

Nutrition is perhaps the most important elements of natural treatment of cancer for our dogs.

It is therefore important to feed our dogs food that is a rich source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. This helps to prevent inflammation and oxidative stress and the potential for mutations and development of cancer.

Foods and Processes To Avoid

According to Dr Sue Ettinger, a veterinary oncologist and a member of a boarded veterinary medical cancer specialist and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology), ‘it is not fair to blame commercial diets alone for cancer. Cancer is not caused by one thing. Causes include genetics, environmental factors, and toxins. It’s a complicated, multi-step process to turn a normal cell into a malignant cancerous one.’

But there are some potentially damaging by-products in dog food.

• Red meat (beef, lamb, pork, venison and veal) are classified as Group 2A carcinogens and probable causes of cancer (6)
• Processing and high heat can alter the food value producing potentially cancer inducing AGE’s (advanced glycation end products).
• Other issues include antibiotic residues, mycotoxins, and storage mites.
• Some ingredients in some diets come from poor-quality food supplies with depleted resources.
• Some chemical preservatives put in foods may have toxicity, such as ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT.
• Many dog foods have excessive carbohydrates, including corn, soy, and beet pulp which may include genetically-modified organisms (GMO) foods.
• Genetically-modified crops are exposed to increased levels of pesticides.

Foods that Can Help Manage Cancer in Dogs

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are part of the Brassica genus of plants. They include the following vegetables, among others:

• Broccoli: Contains sulforaphane, which has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and stimulate apoptosis (cell death) in tumours.
• Brussels Sprouts: High in indole-3-carbinol, converting into compounds with anti-cancer properties.

Leafy Greens

• Kale: Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants that support immune function.
• Spinach: Offers a good source of magnesium and iron, vital for maintaining energy levels and supporting the immune system.

Berries

• Blueberries: High in anthocyanins, known to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit tumour growth. (1)
• Strawberries: Contain ellagic acid, which has been found to prevent skin, bladder, lung, oesophagus, and breast cancers. (2)
• Cranberries: Rich in phenolic compounds. These include polyphenols, found in most berries, as well as a relatively unique type of proanthocyanidin (3)
• Raspberries: Unique combination of high dietary fibre and ellagitannin compounds play an important role in potential to reduce cancer risk (4)
• Blackcurrants: Contain the flavonol quercetin which has been shown to inhibit tumours but also increase the effectiveness of both Adriamycin (doxorubicin) and Taxol (paclitaxel) cancer drugs

Cancer-Fighting Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs

• Carrots: Provide beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, crucial for immune health.
• Pumpkins: Rich in fibre and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and reducing oxidative stress.
• Sweet Potatoes: Rich in anthocyanins and carotenoids, an organic pigment whose anti-cancer effects were proven by Helmut Sies, M.D (5)
• Baobab: Studies show that baobab’s antioxidant and polyphenol content may help reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative damage to cells. (21, 22, 23)

Incorporating Lean Proteins in Your Dog’s Diet

• Legumes: Peas, chickpeas, beans (including kidney, black and red, fava (broad) beans and lentils) offer extremely lean sources of protein and dietary fibre, resistant starch, and phenolic compounds that support the growth of health-promoting gut bacteria (the microbiome)
• Seaweed and Algae: Lean protein with polyphenols including fucoidans, and the healthiest source of Omega-3 with DHA, EPA and DPA that have been shown to impact cancerous cells (7)
• Chicken and Turkey: Excellent sources of lean protein; ensure they are cooked well to avoid any food-borne illnesses.
• Fish: Particularly salmon and mackerel, provide omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for reducing inflammation.

The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Cancer Management

• Algal and Seaweed Oils: These oils contain Omega-3 high in DHA, EPA and DPA which have been shown to have a positive effect in inhibiting and combatting cancer growth (8)
• Fish Oils: Sources like salmon oil are high in EPA and DHA, which have been shown to inhibit tumour growth and improve immune function.
• Flaxseed Oil: A plant-based source of omega-3, although less potent than seaweed, algal or fish oils, it can be a good alternative for dogs with fish allergies.

Anti-inflammatory Foods for Dogs with Cancer

• Oats: Oats contain special compounds called avenanthramides and ergothioneine and glutathione all of which demonstrate powerful anti-inflammatory properties. (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
• Quinoa: Quinoa contains large amounts of flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol. These important molecules have been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits. (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
• Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger can also reduce inflammation and boost immune health.  (24, 25, 26)
• Fatty Fish: Apart from their omega-3 content, they contain other anti-inflammatory compounds that can be beneficial. Be aware that their is the potential for heavy metal toxicity associated with fatty fish and fish oils including salmon oil.

Herbs and Spices that Can Support Cancer Treatment in Dogs

• Turmeric (Curcumin): Acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It’s crucial to combine it with black pepper to enhance absorption.
• Parsley: Parsley was one of the top four herbs revealed to have the highest inhibitory effects on cancer-inducing inflammatory compounds (28, 29, 30)
• Chamomile: Chamomile contains the antioxidant apigenin, which helps lower inflammation and may reduce the risk of several types of cancer. (31, 32, 33, 34, 35–39)
• Echinacea Purpurea Root: Echinacea has potent anti-inflammatory properties – numerous studies point to a significant reduction in inflammation markers.  (40, 41, 42)
• Sage: Carnosic acid and carnosol are the chief anti-inflammatory molecules found in sage and have been shown to reduce inflammation markers. (43, 44, 45)
• Rosemary: Rosemary is a rich source of anti-inflammatory compounds including carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid and carnosol that help reduce inflammation (46, 47, 48, 49)
• Milk Thistle: Supports liver function, which can be crucial for dogs undergoing chemotherapy.
• Dandelion: Detoxifies the liver and kidneys and provides antioxidants.

Oils That Are Good For Dogs with Cancer:

• Rapeseed Oil: Rapeseed oil is loaded with Vitamin E and Omega 3. it is known that vitamin E helps lower C-reactive protein levels and Omega-3 also provides anti-inflammatory benefits. (50, 51, 52, 53)
• Coconut Oil: Abundant in medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which have unique metabolic properties contributing to various health benefits as well as aiding the absorption of essential, fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. (54, 55)
• Seaweed (Algal) Oil Extract: Seaweed (Algae) contain a number of anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and chlorophyll a, β-carotene and fucoxanthin, and as dietary ingredients, their extracts have shown to be effective in chronic inflammation-linked metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancers and arthritis (56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
• Olive Oil Extract: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that a chemical in extra-virgin olive oil, oleocanthal, inhibits inflammatory enzymes in the same way that ibuprofen does. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol are also potent anti-inflammatory compounds. (61, 62, 63)

Adaptogens for Dogs with Cancer

• Reishi Mushroom: Reishi mushrooms have a variety of powerful compounds that help fight inflammation, specifically phenols and other antioxidants, research shows. A special mushroom type considered an adaptogen, Reishi, has powerful inflammation-fighting benefits. They can also contain up to 72 μg/g dry weight of selenium and can bio transform 20–30% of inorganic selenium into selenium-containing proteins.

Reishi are also a rich source of the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione both of which have been shown to provide potent free radical scavenging, antioxidant capacity. Reishi also contain β-glucans shown to have excellent heart health properties. (64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70)

• Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero): Amongst its many other health benefits, acts as an anti-inflammatory helping to reduce inflammation which is considered a cause of most chronic diseases, including cancer. (71, 72, 73, 74)
• Ashwagandha: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help reduce stress and anxiety as well as bioactive compounds have been shown to reduce cancer cell growth. (75, 76, 77, 78)
• Astragalus: Contains polysaccharides, which are believed to help prevent cancer cells from
  dividing. (79)
• Schisandra: Schisandra can reduce inflammation in the body and contains lignans, bioactive plant compounds that have been shown to bring anti-tumour effects in some studies. (80, 81)

Supplements for Dogs with Cancer

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Anti-inflammatories that support joint health, especially beneficial for older dogs and those with bone cancers. Research indicates they reduce inflammation (82, 83, 84, 85)
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. MSM may reduce the release of molecules associated with inflammation, such as TNF-ɑ and IL-6, as well as boost levels of the powerful antioxidant glutathione. (86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93)
• Probiotics: Aid in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for immune function and overall well-being.
• Antioxidant Supplements: Vitamins E and C, along with selenium, can help protect the body’s cells from damage by free radicals and oxidative stress.

In conclusion, the right diet and supplements can significantly enhance the quality of life for dogs with cancer. It’s essential to remember that each dog is unique, and their nutritional needs may vary based on their specific type of cancer, treatment plan, and overall health. Consultation with a veterinarian or veterinary oncologist specialised in nutrition is crucial to devise an individualised diet plan for your dog.

Bonza Superfoods and Ancient Grains is a plant-based dog food that has been formulated to specifically target inflammation in dogs.

A bioactive dog food, it contains PhytoPlus®, a proprietary blend of powerful phytonutrients formulated to provide your dog with the very best preventative support for health issues including cancer.

Bonza includes the following ingredients that provide support for dogs in the prevention of inflammation and support for dogs with cancer.

• Peas
• Chickpeas
• Fava beans
• Sweet Potato
• Potato
• Seaweed
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Oats
• Quinoa
• Kale
• Spinach
• Cranberries
• Baobab
• Coconut oil
• Rapeseed oil
• Olive oil extract
• Algal Oil extract
• Reishi mushroom
• Ashwagandha
• Turmeric
• Siberian Ginseng
• Chamomile
• Echinacea
• Sage
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Calsporin® – Bacillus subtilis C-3102 probiotic
• Glucosamine
• MSM
• Selenium

Whilst it would be a leap of faith, and frankly dishonest, to claim that Bonza might in any way prevent, let alone cure, cancer in dogs, we set out to develop our food to provide your dog with its best chance of reducing the likelihood based on current research, scientific knowledge and understanding of the dreadful disease, that increasingly affects so many of our dogs.