I’m not at all a person who jumps on fad bandwagons. That’s important to know before introducing this topic. The following information is researched and certainly appears to have benefit but, as with all things, there are NO miracle cures/preventions, and moderation is most certainly in order with everything/anything. This is good information to know but it should NOT be considered “more is better” and should NOT be thought of as some panacea.
This month in Animal Wellness magazine there is a credible article by Susan Thorpe-Vargas, PhD, “How the Humble Raspberry Can Fight Cancer — and Other Illnesses.”
Those who are familiar with Thorpe-Vargas are aware of her many articles on canine nutrition. As mentioned, she bases the information on studies and research. Unlike some of the information found on the Internet, this article is worth reading and taking into consideration.
As many of you know, we have been feeding our dogs real food — species appropriate — for several years. Although we don’t feed vegetables and fruit as a regular part of their daily meals, our dogs do get leafy greens or the occasional leftover vegetable from our table. We also give them the occasional bit of fruit or vegetables as treats. For instance, our dogs enjoy a slice of carrot or apple from time to time. We also give our dogs small quantities (a few tablespoons for instance) of blueberries at times.
During the growing season, our dogs help themselves to some of the wild berries or our raspberry patch. My Australian Shepherds, in particular, are crazy for raspberries and they completely cleaned the raspberry bushes this year. My husband and I didn’t get any except for the occasional one or two when we’d walk past the raspberry patch and would look for any the dogs had missed. Yes, my dogs eat well and are spoiled. They’re also healthier than their kibble-fed counterparts.
DIET FOR DOGS WITH CANCER
For anyone who may have a dog diagnosed with cancer, if you’re not aware of it, there is a “cancer-starving” diet for dogs that was created by canine nutrition professionals. The cancer-starving means “starving the cancer” just in case that term scares you away.
Rather than restate the information, I’ll direct you to two important articles on the subject. Both are written by Lew Olson, PhD Natural Nutrition. In reading those articles, you will discover she bases all the information on studies conducted by Dr. Gregory K. Ogilvie as well as other credible sources such as Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M. MS and Susan Wynn, D.V.M.
Begin by reading “Nutrition for Dogs with Cancer” paying special attention to the crucial information regarding the need to reduce carbohydrates and feeding high-quality animal source proteins (meat) and Omega 3 oils.
After reading and understanding the basis of feeding dogs with cancer, go on to “Diets for Dogs with Cancer.” This article moves on providing sample recipes whether you feed cooked or raw foods.
I only wish that I knew about these important nutritional considerations when our Jasper had been diagnosed with cancer. At least I know about it now and can share this information with you. Please bookmark this or link to this page so you will have it handy in the event someone you know has a dog diagnosed with cancer.
“If we know better, we do better.” — Maya Angelou
Wild Health: Lessons in Natural Wellness from the Animal Kingdom
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I just started feeding my dog “real food” a month or so before the whole pet-food-additives scare. She seems to love it, and is very healthy.
Now, she won’t touch my strawberries and raspberries in the garden (although she will gladly eat them if I hand them to her) but I often have to “fight” her for the first tomato of the season, and sometimes she grazes in the green beans, too! Crazy dog.
Kim, bravo to you for feeding your dog real food! After reading Cindy Engel’s book Wild Health, I now pay attention to my dog’s cravings for (real) foods. My dogs will help themselves to the Saskatoon berries as well during the season.
Cheers,
Diane