Canine Osteosarcoma Diet
Canine osteosarcoma is the most common cancer found in dogs. This type of cancer starts on the surface of the bone and progresses into the center. Treatment depends on the severity of the illness and your dog's age, both of which come into play in helping heal him with the canine osteosarcoma diet.
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Considerations
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Depending on your dog's particular needs and the degree of osteosarcoma, there are numerous therapies available. A specialized diet is one important factor with all dog cancers. The body is regulated and controlled by what your dog eats; you must give him the proper nutrition to fight this disease, and avoid the things that will cause further harm. Proper diet is vital for a dog with osteosarcoma.
Effects
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Osteosarcoma cancer cells rely on carbohydrates for energy and rob your dog's body of amino acids. On the other hand, cancer cells cannot make use of fats for energy while the rest of your dog's body can. Because of this, diets with increased fat content and adequate protein may slow the growth of cancer cells, allowing your dog's system to fight against osteosarcoma.
Without the proper protein and fat in the diet, muscle will be wasted. Complications can result with the functions of your dog's kidneys and liver, leading to kidney and liver failure. These secondary liver and kidney complications can be avoided with the canine osteosarcoma diet.
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Features
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The number-one rule of thumb of the diet, according to dogcancer.net, is to keep your dog away from grains. Dogs do not produce the enzymes necessary to digest grains. Also avoid any simple sugars as they feed on cancer cells.
The first ingredient on any commercial dog food should be any type of meat. Supplement commercial food with additional animal-protein sources, such as sardines, cottage cheese, eggs, hamburger or ground turkey. A supplement of fish oil such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 is important in fighting cancer. Herbaltreatment.com highly recommends a natural, holistic approach including protein, bones, eggs, greens, root vegetables, millet and linseed, garlic, wheat germ, cod liver oil, kelp and a limited amount of table scraps. The canine osteosarcoma diet will assist your dog's body to reverse the process of cancer as he heals.
Benefits/Tips
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Diet for your dog is the one thing that you can control in the battle against osteosarcoma. Cancer lowers the body's immunities; following the proper diet will boost your dog's immunity while fighting off cancer cells.
Herbal Supplements
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According to vetmed.com, there are numerous herbal supplements that you can provide your dog to help boost the immune system and foster healthier blood flow. These supplements include echinacea, astragalus, cat's claw herb, reishi and maitake mushrooms, milk thistle and shark cartilage. They can actually prevent the onset of cancer cells in healthy dogs or the recurrence of bad cells in a "survivor."
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit sleeping dogs lie image by Martin Woodward from Fotolia.com
