Tips on Feeding a Dog with Cancer

Canines suffering from cancer require a special diet. There are certain foods you should avoid feeding your dog with cancer, as well as foods that can be beneficial.

Learn what foods will help you compose a good diet to help your dog with the battle against cancer.

Tips on feeding a dog with cancer often include a higher intake of protein and fats, and a decreased consumption of carbohydrates.

Cancer usually creates new tissue, and if there is not enough protein or fat in your dogs’ body to do this, the body will use stored nutrients to fulfill these needs. This can cause weight loss and muscle degeneration.

Make sure you choose a dog food that is mainly composed from a protein source, and if possible buy a food that does not include grain as an ingredient. The primary ingredient of a healthy dog food should always be protein.

There are various protein sources you can add in addition to your dogs’ regular food. Cottage cheese, yogurt, tofu, eggs, fish, and other meats may be mixed in with your dogs’ food. Some veterinarians will recommend a raw diet, but it is better to fully cook your dogs’ meat. Raw meats can contain harmful bacteria and diseases; this would only add on another health issue to your dog with cancer.

Supplements such as fatty acids are beneficial to dogs with cancer. Fish oil is a great source of fatty acids and includes; omega 3, 6, and 9. Veterinarians will usually recommend a dosage of fish oil at 500mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Most canines take the supplement without a problem.

The fishy smell is surprisingly appetizing to the majority of dogs. If you do have an issue giving your dog the supplement, simply mix it in his food bowl, or hide it in a treat. Vitamin E, Selenium, and decaffeinated green tea extract have been found to be helpful with chemo-therapy.

Avoid foods that have a high glycemic level. The glycemic level indicates how carbohydrates affect the blood glucose level. Foods with a high glycemic level cause glucose to enter the blood stream at a fast pace. Cancer cells feed off of glucose; therefore this is something you want to avoid. Foods with a high glycemic level include; sugars/starches, rice, grains, soybeans, and potato. Vegetables and meats have a low glycemic level.

Other tips on feeding a dog with cancer include changing your dogs’ food. Side effects of cancer and chemo-therapy in your dog can often times cause an upset stomach. It may be a good idea to switch to a dog food that has a novelty protein source.

This will be a new taste for your dog and can be more appetizing. One of the hardest things to deal with in a dog with cancer is their poor appetite. Trying new, but healthy foods and treats may be helpful in getting your dog to eat.

Sometimes foods can interact with certain medications, so it is best to discuss your dogs’ nutritional needs with your veterinarian. Together you can decide what is best for your dog.

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