Good nutrition is very important in any animal fighting cancer. A diet high in protein, moderate in fat and with no grain or very low grain is ideal. Home made cooked diets or home cooked raw diets are best. If that is not possible then a good quality high protein, canned commercial diet can be substituted. If dry food is the only option then a no grain high quality diet such as Evo can be used. I do not recommend uncooked raw diets for animals with cancer.

Sample cancer diets

Dog

Cat

*If possible I also recommend adding reishi, shitake, and/or maitake mushrooms to the diet. Mushrooms are strong immune stimulates and have anti-cancer properties. A vitamin supplement should be added to any homemade diet.  Cats will need a supplement with added taurine.

General Supplements

1. Antioxidants and Greens
   
   • Animal Essentials
2. Digestive Enzymes - Prozyme or FloraZyme . Some of the above supplement have enzymes added
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids - from flax or fish oils. 500mg per 40lbs.  Fish has a higher level of available fatty acids and is often a better option however flax is easier on the stomach and may be better in some dogs and cats.

Immune Enhancing Formulas/Mushrooms

I recommend a combination of reishi, maitake, and/or shitaki dosed at 300mg per 50lb.  These can be in capsule form, tincture or whole  cooked mushrooms.

Coenzyme Q and IP6

Coenzyme Q is a compound made by the body which stimulates the immune system and works as an antioxidant. In animals and people with cancer it has been shown to be lower then in normal individuals. CoEnzyme Q10 should be given at 200mg per day for dogs and 50mg per day for cats. IP6 is important in stimulating certain cells which destroy cancer tissue. Cats should get 400mg two times a day, dogs 800-1600mg twice a day.

Detoxification herbs

Animal Apawthecary Detox Tincture. If you are using some of the above products this is not always needed. This is a good herbal supplement for any animal with cancer or undergoing chemotherapy.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps to strengthen an animal’s immune system, control pain, and stimulate appetite and energy during cancer treatments. For an animal undergoing radiation or chemotherapy I recommend acupuncture to help with detoxification and to keep their immune system strong.

Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbal formulas can be beneficial to help with pain and fighting cancer. Chinese formulas should be choosen by a practitioner with Chinese herbal knowledge and a good understanding of the animal’s overall constitution. Some Chinese herbs can be toxic if used incorrectly.

Artemisinin - Artemisinin is a powerful herb from sweet wormwood. It destroys cancer cells by producing free radicals in cells that uptake iron. Since cancer cells uptake iron at a high rate it is a safe and effective herb for treating cancer. Artemisinin should never be used with radiation therapy! It is given twice a day for 11 days and then stopped for 3 days and restarted. Animals on Artemisinin should be given an iron supplement. It can be ordered online at Holley Pharmaceuticals Company.

Please check with your veterinarian to make sure that these products do not interact with your animal’s current medications or conditions. Some supplements can be harmful if used incorrectly.