Nutritional Tips for Dogs – Prevent Cancer

Dealing with a sick pet is a life changing experience, and with cancer being one of the leading causes of pet death, it becomes a tragic event in a pet owner’s life. On top of the emotional trauma of caring for an ill pet, you have the added stress of the expense and many pet insurance companies don’t pay for cancer in dogs . The good news is that there are tried and true nutritional tips, just like with humans, for preventing cancer in dogs.

They should eat naturally. The fact that it is full of additives, artificial coloring, flavoring and preservatives is one of the most widespread problems with commercial dog food. Not to mention the ingredients are treated with chemicals before they ever become dog food. And, meat from animal byproducts are used to create the food.

So, what is the answer?When purchasing commercial pet food, be sure to read the label. You ideally want the items utilized to create the food to be organic and not byproducts. Because the pet food industry isn’t highly governed, so just because a dog food bag states “natural”, it doesn’t mean it will live up to your high principles. Read the nutrition data and look for “organic”.

Although dogs are carnivores and require a high degree of protein in their food, the solution may not be a raw meat diet. A raw meat diet should only be utilized under the care of a veterinarian, since it can cause a number of difficulties. With that being said, ensure that the dog food you choose to feed your dog contains a reliable source of digestible protein, from both plants and meat, and has the percentage of protein required for your type of dog. Puppies need 28% protein, for example, but the average adult dog needs only 18% protein.

Have a Dependable Source of Supplementation. You can make sure your pooch is getting their required nutrition by giving them a supplement. Here’s a list of just some of the nutrients to look for in a reliable dog supplement:

MINERALS:          
* Calcium    
* Magnesium
* Zinc    
* Selenium   
* Manganese     
* Iron

VITAMINS:
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin C   
* Vitamin E    
* Vitamin D 
* Vitamin K   
* Vitamin B2    
* Vitamin B6    
* Vitamin B12    
* Folic Acid    
* Niacin
* Thiamin    

OMEGA FATTY ACIDS   

AMINO ACIDS:
* l-lysine
* l-methionine
* l-arginine

Proven cancer fighters are Amino acids, Omega 3 acids and Vitamins C and K.

You should always make gradual changes to your dog’s diet. Something as fundamental as changing their dry dog food can upset their stomach for weeks because dogs have sensitive stomachs. Changes should be made gradually when changing your dog’s food, adding supplements, or supplying them with a homemade cancer fighting diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in the nutrients we’ve discussed , like Omega 3 fatty acids, and contains a moderate level of safe meat protein, over a period of days or even weeks, if we’re talking about a complete diet overhaul.

Use fresh, filtered water.  Make sure your dog gets plenty of fresh, safe water. When in doubt about the safety of your tap water, filter it!  Use the same filtered water you drink and if you have a pet fountain, which is great to ensure they’re always getting enough water, use a pet fountain with a filter and don’t be afraid to filter the water before you fill their bowl. Chemicals found in unfiltered water may be extremely dangerous, both to humans and dogs.

A Few Extra Cancer Preventing Tips

* When utilizing cleansers your dog comes in contact with, such as wood polishers or carpet cleaners, keep your home chemical free. Dogs get the chemicals on their feet and into their systems.
* Dogs should be kept off of chemically treated lawns.
* Alternatives should be discussed with your veterinarian if your dog gets sick or has a reaction to a vaccination.

A healthy, natural diet with plenty of fresh, clean and filtered water is the best way to prevent cancer, and adding a good supplement designed especially for dogs and their peculiar needs. Chemical can cause long-term harm, because their systems are just as sensitive to the environment as yours, if not more. You can help your dog live a long and healthy life by protecting them now.