Stopping cancer before it starts is the most effective way to treat it, as we’ve previously covered in great detail. In our previous blog, we discussed some steps to take, but what about some simple changes you could make to your dog’s diet to help prevent cancer from developing or lessen the effects it has on their body if it does?
Blueberries are low in calories and contain high amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants). Vitamin C and fiber are vital components of proper canine nutrition. Phytochemicals are linked to several aspects of health, including the ability to fight cancer in humans. Blueberries are also filled with antioxidants and have been shown to improve the health of animals, as well as humans.
No treat should account for more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Make sure the blueberries are thoroughly washed to remove any pesticides or dirt before giving them to your dog, just like you would for any other fruit or vegetable. If you have any questions or concerns about giving blueberries to your dog as a treat, speak with your veterinarian. Also, keep a close eye on your dog after the first time. Learn which fruits and vegetables are appropriate for dogs to eat by consulting this list.
How Many Blueberries are Appropriate for a Dog Treat?
Treats of any kind, including blueberries, should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Save the dog’s favorite treat for last, just like with other training treats, and let them sniff it as a reward for good behavior.
Blueberries are a natural addition to portable training tools because they are simple to transport in a small container or bag.
Some commercial blends contain blueberries. The inclusion of fruit and vegetables aims to resemble the ancestors’ diet for dogs, which is present in raw food mixtures like Darwin’s. An ancestral diet excludes grains and consists primarily of meat, along with some fruits, vegetables, and berries as well as grasses.
Cancer in Dogs: Prevention with Vitamins
Since scientists discovered how crucial vitamin D3 is for immune system function and cancer prevention, it has become extremely popular. Interestingly, Vitamin D3 is a hormone and affects mood. Insufficient Vitamin D3 may contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter depression) in humans. Additionally, it is now believed that dogs do not receive enough D3 in their diets. I wonder if perhaps the rise in cancer and behavioral disorders like separation anxiety can be partly attributed to a lack of active D3
The new kids on the block are the tocotrienols. Tocotrienols are the lesser-known forms of biologically active vitamin E. They’re powerful antioxidants and anticancer agents. A study published in a 2008 issue of the British Journal of Cancer found that they trigger cancer cell death and block the spread of cancer cells. In another study, published in a 2010 issue of Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, researchers found that tocotrienols also decrease the invasion and spread of cancer cells.
For Phytochemicals:
Vitamin D3 is essential for immune system health and cancer prevention.
For Tocotrienols:
FAQ
What fruits are good for dogs with cancer?
- Apples are a very rich source of vitamin C. …
- Resveratrol, a naturally occurring substance with anti-cancer properties, is present in large amounts in blueberries and cranberries.
- Broccoli is a phytonutrient-dense member of the cruciferous family. …
- Carrots are a powerhouse of nutrients.
What foods should dogs with cancer avoid?
Raw meat, eggs, and milk carry a high risk of bacterial contamination with Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, so it’s crucial to avoid feeding them to pets with cancer in their diets or as treats. coli, Campylobacter, and other potentially dangerous bacteria. Freezing or freeze-drying do not make raw diets safe.
What should you feed a dog with cancer?
High-quality protein foods, such as dairy products made from goat or sheep, eggs, low-mercury fish, and organ and muscle meat, preferably naturally raised, are beneficial for canines with cancer. Sweet potato, broccoli, quinoa, and gluten-free oats are examples of good, low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates.
What kills cancer cells in dogs?
If cancer cells are discovered and recognized as a threat, a pet’s own white blood cells will go after them and kill them. Immune-system modulators are medications administered orally or intravenously that stimulate the immune system and enable it to identify and attack cancer cells.