According to Greg Ogilvie, DVM, Dip. ACVIM, a top expert in canine cancer in
the United States, there is a "dramatic metabolic change" when a dog contracts
cancer. According to Ogilvie, the most dramatic change involves carbohydrates.
Cancer cells metabolize glucose from carbohydrates and, with the changes,
lactate is a byproduct. Dogs must then convert that lactate into a usable form
requiring lots of energy. What this means is "the tumor gains energy from
carbohydrates while the dog suffers a dramatic energy loss".
Patients put on a proper diet show definite signs of improved health and even
tolerate the invasiveness of treatments such as surgery and radiation better
than dogs not given the proper dietary changes. He points out that the "ideal"
cancer diet is not known, but he and his associates are very pleased with
their basic plan which is: relatively low amounts of simple carbohydrates,
modest amounts of fats (which do not feed the tumor!) and highly bio-available
proteins. The amounts that Dr. Ogilvie recommends are: 35 to 48 percent
protein, 27 to 35 percent fat with 5 percent of the total food comprised of
omega-3 fatty acids and about 25 percent carbohydrate. Compare this to the dog
food you buy for your canine buddy! And, please understand that when you read
protein percentage on your dog food bag that almost all of that protein has a
grain as its source, not animal protein.
So, what is in an anti-cancer diet?
In an article in The Whole Dog Journal this is what is recommended:
1. All ingredients should be fresh, highly bio-available, easily digested and
highly palatable, with a good taste and smell.
2. Organic foods to avoid additional stress to the dog's body that is caused
by pesticides, antibiotics, preservatives, food colorings, etc.
3. Fresh, organic meats, either raw or cooked.
4. Fish-oil supplements. These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which have been
linked to tumor inhibition and strengthening of the immune system.
5. Vitamin C, known and used for its antioxidant properties and for
neutralization of free radicals. Antioxidants must be supplemented whenever
omega-3 supplements are given. And, it is my understanding that Vitamin E
should be part of this combination.
6. Fresh vegetables such as broccoli and dark-green leafy vegetables are good
for all dogs but especially cancer patients. According to the National
Institutes of Health and the American Institute for Cancer Research, diets
high in cruciferous vegetables " broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, watercress,
bok choy, etc." are definitely on the list for prevention of various forms of
cancer.
7. Digestive enzymes.
8. Garlic, as much as a clove a day, is an effective inhibitor of the cancer
process according to The National Cancer Institute.
9. Safflower oil
10. Limited carbohydrates
What I find so incredibly interesting is that a well-known cancer specialist
and many of his colleagues can spend so much time addressing the treatment of
cancer, yet not suggest that just such a diet should be fed in the first
place! Dogs did not evolve eating carbohydrates in any quantity, do not have
the digestive system geared to deal with them, and yet most vets will swear to
you that the "stuff" in bags, almost totally based on grain (read
carbohydrates!) is good for your dog. It simply cannot be true, can it?
"Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things man
will not himself find peace." Albert Schweitzer. |
