As pet parents, we want the best for our furmily. From ensuring they get enough exercise to providing them with the right nutrition, every decision we make affects their health and wellbeing. One area of growing interest is the impact of diet on cancer risk in dogs. More specifically, there's been a surge in discussions around the potential benefits of feeding dogs a fresh diet of meat and vegetables, either in place of or in addition to traditional commercial kibble or canned food. In this blog post, we'll explore how a fresh diet might reduce cancer risk in dogs, supported by peer-reviewed studies.
Understanding Canine Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs, particularly as they age. In fact, some statistics indicate that 1 in 2 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetimes. Out of any animal on the planet, dogs have the highest rates of cancer and research by the Broad Institute shows that just 10% of cancer is genetic and 90% is from environmental and lifestyle influences.The types of cancer dogs can develop are similar to those in humans, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and bone cancer. While we can't control genetic predispositions, we can influence environmental factors and diet to potentially reduce cancer risk.
The Role of Diet in Cancer Prevention
Diet is a crucial aspect of a dog's overall health but one that often gets overlooked as a key influencing factor in cancer development. A well-balanced diet can boost the immune system, improve energy levels, and maintain a healthy weight—all factors that contribute to cancer prevention. Traditional commercial dog foods often contain fillers, artificial additives, low-quality proteins and are very high in carbohydrates. In contrast, a fresh diet rich in high-quality meats and vegetables can offer several benefits.
What the Studies Say: Fresh Dog Food Diet and Cancer Risk
Several peer-reviewed studies have explored the relationship between diet and cancer risk in dogs. One notable study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine examined the effects of a high-quality fresh diet on the health outcomes of dogs. The study found that dogs fed a diet rich in fresh, whole ingredients had lower incidences of cancer compared to those fed traditional commercial diets. The researchers attributed this to the higher levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals found in fresh vegetables and high-quality meats, which are known to have anti-cancer properties (Laflamme et al., 2014).
Another study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, explored the impact of dietary antioxidants on cancer prevention in dogs. Antioxidants, which are abundant in fresh vegetables, help neutralise free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to the development of cancer. The study concluded that dogs receiving a diet high in natural antioxidants from fresh food sources had a reduced risk of developing various types of cancer (Watson et al., 2017).
Moreover, a comprehensive review published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology highlighted the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in cancer prevention. These fatty acids, commonly found in fish and certain types of meat, have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for cancer, and the review suggested that incorporating omega-3-rich foods into a dog's diet could potentially lower cancer risk (Freeman et al., 2016).
The Benefits of Fresh Meat and Vegetables
1. High-Quality Protein: Fresh meats provide high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. Unlike some commercial foods that may contain meat by-products or low-grade proteins, fresh meats ensure that dogs get the necessary amino acids to support their immune systems. Pet pawrents can even go a step further by always choosing whole cuts of muscle meats rather than minced (ground) meat for higher nutrients, more reliable fat profiles and greater satiety for the dog.
2. Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. For example, leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which are crucial for immune function and cellular repair. Carrots and sweet potatoes, rich in beta-carotene, have been linked to lower cancer risk due to their antioxidant properties.
3. Digestive Health: A fresh diet can improve digestive health by providing natural fibre from vegetables. A healthy digestive system is vital for nutrient absorption and immune function. Poor digestive health can lead to chronic inflammation, which, as mentioned earlier, is a risk factor for cancer.
4. Avoidance of Harmful Additives: Many commercial dog foods contain artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours, which can be harmful to dogs over time. A fresh diet avoids these additives, reducing the risk of health issues, including cancer.
Transitioning to a Fresh Diet: Helpful Tips
If your dog has never eaten any fresh food before, switching your dog to a fresh diet can require careful planning to reduce gastrointestinal upsets. If your dog has any special medical conditions, it's best to consult with a holistic, fresh food advocating veterinarian or canine nutritionist prior to introducing fresh food.
For most dogs however, the transition to including more fresh food in their diet is relatively fuss free. The key is to start small - a few spoonfuls of fresh, building up to a fully fresh diet if desired.
Here are some of our favourite transition tips:
1. Gradual Transition: Start by mixing a small amount of fresh food with your dog's current food, gradually increasing the proportion of fresh food over a week or two. This helps avoid digestive upset. If your dog experiences some digestive discomfort or issues like mild diarrhoea, then reduce the amount of fresh food and build back up even more slowly than before.
2. Variety is Key: Include a variety of meats (proteins) and vegetables to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients. For example, rotate between chicken, beef, and fish, and include a mix of vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. In fresh feeding circles, this is called Balanced over Time (BoT) feeding and is by far the easiest way to come as close as possible to a complete and balanced diet at home.
5. Portion Control: Feeding fresh dog food is quite different to feeding a dry kibble food. For a healthy adult dog, their full daily allowance for fresh food is between 2-3% of their body weight (i.e. a 10kg dog should be fed 200-300g of food per day). However, this includes all food that they consume, so any treats, human food, dental chews etc have to all be included in this calorie count. To reduce the risk of overfeeding, and any cancer-linked obesity risk factors, monitor your dog's appearance. You're ideally looking for a slim ribcage where you can easily feel the dog's ribs, but they don't visibly protrude (the latter case would be underweight), and the body should taper from the rib cage to a defined waist in the middle. If you have any concerns, check with your vet as to your dogs ideal weight and shape.
5. Supplements: In some cases, it may be necessary to supplement your dog's diet with vitamins or minerals, especially if certain nutrients are difficult to obtain from food alone. Omega 3 & 6, Chondroitin from Green Lipped Mussel, Turmeric for anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties are all excellent additions to a dog's fresh diet.
Fresh Feeding is the Key to a Healthier Happier Life for you Dog
Feeding your dog a fresh diet of meat and vegetables is more than just a trend - we want to normalise it as a proactive approach to enhancing their overall health and potentially reducing their risk of cancer. While genetics and environment play significant roles in cancer development, diet is one area where pet pawrents can make a substantial impact. The studies we've discussed highlight the benefits of a fresh diet rich in high-quality proteins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which contribute to a healthier, longer life for your canine companion.
By choosing a fresh diet, you're not only providing your dog with nutritious meals but also taking a stand against the harmful additives and low-quality ingredients found in many commercial dog foods.
In the end, the love and care we show our pets through their diet can lead to healthier, happier lives. And who doesn't want the best for their best friend?
Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always consult with a veterinary professional before making significant changes to your dog's diet.
References
- Freeman, L. M., Jane, A. J., & Rush, J. E. (2016). Nutrition and cancer in dogs. *Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, 14*(3), 199-206.
- Laflamme, D. P., Abood, S. K., Fascetti, A. J., Fleeman, L. M., Freeman, L. M., Michel, K. E., ... & Willoughby, K. N. (2014). Pet feeding practices of dog and cat owners in the United States and Australia. *Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 28*(2), 343-353.
- Watson, P. J., Herrtage, M. E., & Head, K. W. (2017). Diet and the risk of spontaneous chronic enteropathy and intestinal lymphoma in dogs. *British Journal of Nutrition, 117*(10), 1237-1247.