We know that dogs age more quickly than us, but it’s not just 6 or 7 dog-years to one human-year. There are genetic traits that effect ageing – both in humans and dogs. Size determines life expectancy in dogs more than for us; a bigger breed will become a senior dog more quickly than a smaller one.  People and dogs have a similar physiology, and many helpful comparisons can be made between us and our canine companions. One similarity is, unfortunately, that cancer in dogs is as common as it is in people. Other comparable ailments can also be present; dog nutrition is a possible key player in the development of some serious illnesses.

Below is a useful dog age chart to ‘age’ your dog, comparing dog-years to equivalent human-years below; 20 pounds is about 9Kg (Small), 50 pounds is about 23Kg (Large).

A Labrador will weigh around 66lbs/30Kg; a Beagle, roughly 31lbs/14Kg; a Border Terrier or Bichon Frise will weigh something like 13lbs/6Kg.

Dog age chart:

The oldest dog

Predicting a dog’s lifespan is impossible except as a statistical probability – like it is with people, really!  The oldest-lived dog with a verified age died at 31 years and 165 days, was called Bobi – a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo who lived in Portugal.  Other particular dogs have been reported to have lived beyond an amazing 32 years; one was a Labrador Retriever, another was an Australian Cattle Dog cross-breed. 

The Beaver County Times newspaper (Pennsylvania, USA, 1984) mentions these dogs in their article; (click here). These massive dog ages are, however, quite exceptional and very few dogs live beyond 20 years.  Australian Cattle Dogs seem to outlive other dogs of a similar-size, and it is known to be a tough breed.    Very often euthanasia because of disease will dictate a dog’s terminal age, rather than a natural death.

Changes with time

Diseases

The diseases that our dogs develop, often in old age, produce many ailments as a result; eyesight and hearing losses, progressive cancer in dogs, heart disease, stroke, renal failure, dementia, skin degradation, arthritis and other joint conditions can all feature. Natural dog food supplements and a raw food diet can greatly help reduce the pain of joint-wear and arthritis; they can also help the joint tissues to re-grow and partly repair over time.

Click here to read my article on dog eyesight loss and eye diseases.

Click here to read my article on Arthritis in Dogs, its mediation and causes.

Cancer

Studies of potentially cancer-inhibiting substances have been carried out using humans, but few have been carried out on dogs; human cancer studies would seem to have great relevance, however; dogs’ cancer cells have been shown to be indistinguishable from those of humans’. Comparative oncology of dogs and humans is now used to guide research in dogs to help people, and vice-versa.

See my article Nutraceuticals: arthritis and cancer for further discussion and a listing of popular supplements.

A large proportion of cancers seem to be caused by environmental and lifestyle effects; a minority of cancers seem to come from only inherited genetic defects. It makes sense, therefore, to change environmental factors to your dog’s advantage to hinder cancer. One such factor that can easily be changed is food. The cancel cells thrive on carbohydrates/sugars, far more so than normal cells; consequently a high-carbohydrate dog food diet feeds cancer cells to the detriment of your dog’s health.

A good cancer diet

A diet high in bio-available (easily absorbed) protein, fats plus fibre together with Omega-3 fatty acids is best for dogs with cancer (see Appendix). Cancer cachexia [wasting syndrome characterized by weight loss] is a common feature in dogs with cancer; a modified (low carbohydrate, high protein) diet is needed to compensate for weight loss and to reduce the impact and growth of cancer.

To reduce the availability of food for the growth of existing cancer cells, it is recommended to dramatically reduce sugar intake. Sugars comes in the form of rice, fruit, and starch-rich vegetables such as peas, carrots and potatoes. This includes most commercial dog foods and treats. As seen from research, a diet high in protein, fats, fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids is most effective in countering cancer cachexia and cancer progression. A natural and varied raw meat diet seems to be an excellent food for your dog. See ‘Diet: Senior Dog Food’, below.

Supplements that really work

Seaweeds

Studies have shown that seaweeds of several types have great effects of controlling cancer (http://www.seaweed.ie/medicine/seaweedcancer.php). This is particularly so of Kelp, Kombu, Wakame and their component fucoidan; this is a sulphated polysaccharide present in brown seaweeds which appears to effect cancer cell destruction. Fucoidan is most highly concentrated in the Kombu and Wakame seaweeds. Although seaweed may not cure cancer, it can be at least in part be responsible for delaying the onset, and slowing the progress of existing cancers

YuMove (click here)

This joint supplement has been tested on dogs by the Royal Veterinary College for effectiveness, and “…. The group that were given YUMOVE showed statistically significant improvements, the college said.” and that “it has found the first ever clinical proof of the effect of joint supplements on canine mobility.” The clinical study was two-and-a-half years long, with results published in 2014. The testing method “was developed to provide clear clinical results that veterinary professionals can rely on, and give confidence when recommending joint supplements to dog owners.” Click here to see the full report from the Veterinary College.

This is a highly-regarded supplement with thousands of people loving it for rejuvenating their older dogs with joint issues. There are many scientific studies citing its positive effects on pain and healing (see Appendix).

Research has shown that Green-Lipped Mussel can reduce pain; hyaluronic acid can thicken the joint synovial fluid and Glucosamine Hydrochloride can help joint-recovery and lubrication.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride is the only variant of Glucosamine proven to work; this and Hyaluronic Acid take 4 to 6 weeks to reach therapeutic levels in the joints when using (initailly doubled) daily doses as recommended. Consequently, patience and persistence is needed.

See Appendix ORANGE BACKGROUND below for YuMove supplement research as discussed.

Turmeric Curcumin (click here)

This is another well-regarded and long-established supplement which research has shown to reduce pain in joints and may possibly curb cancer, though more scientific tests are needed to confirm this (click here to see cancerresearchuk.org Turmeric page).

One in three dogs develop cancer during their lives, and it is the most prevalent disease in our canine friends. Turmeric Curcumin is a simple and quite harmless treatment to be considered for your dog.

Astaxanthin (ATX)

This supplement has also demonstrated in scientific research an ability to slow the spread (proliferation) of cancer (Click here for test results).

See Appendix – BLUE BACKGROUND – below for Turmeric Curcumin supplement plus other cancer research as discussed.

Omega-3 fatty acids and Osteoarthritis

This is a fatty acid commonly touted to help with stiff or sore joints in people, and studies have also been carried out on dogs to find if the supplement works. Click here to see the American Veterinary Medical Association research results for Omega-3 supplementation for dogs suffering from Osteoarthritis. In conclusion, they discovered that less pain-relief (from a drug called carprofen) was needed by dogs also receiving Omega-3 after 12 weeks of supplementation, compared to a control group of dogs.

From the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS): “Recent studies show that food enriched with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils can have a number of positive effects on dogs with osteoarthritis.” Click here to see the full report.

Diet: senior dog food

Click here to see my complete article on Dog Feeding – the good, the bad and the ugly!

Dietary needs also change with the passing years; senior dogs – and hence their food – need more protein, calcium and phosphorous; they also need more beet pulp, flaxseed, Vitamin E and an addition of L-carnitine.  These help to maintain bone structure, digestive health and cognitive efficiency.

Nutrition is important for ALL dogs, so try to avoid really cheap dog-foods; keep your dog from scavenging in rubbish whenever possible in order to avoid tummy upsets.   There are reviews available for all sorts of dog foods; the website  allaboutdogfood.com (click here) is particularly usable and comprehensive (allow some time to digest it!); go for the foods that are 75%-rated or above if possible – 50 pence a day for dog food isn’t too much, surely? (NOT for instance the popular and super-cheap Tesco Complete Dry Dog Food, 2% quality-rated, which incredibly still qualifies for Certification as a ‘nutritionally complete’ food!).

Diet can have a great influence over arthritis and minor ‘allergies’ in dogs; a change of food can produce surprising results because of the changing ingredients your dog absorbs. Commercial dog food (and treats) usually contains large amounts of additives, cereals, rubbish indigestible ‘meat’ and chemicals; these can create inflammation problems in joints, gut, skin and ears. Most (both cheap and expensive) dry dog-foods contain all the allowable ‘meat’ that you would never consider feeding to your dog; there will be restaurant fat, hooves, beaks, road-kill, feathers, blood, warts-and-all. It’s all called ‘meal’ or ‘animal by-products’; it’s cooked several times which kills any goodness dead and then coloured to make it look lovely.

There is an alternative, which is far, far better for your dog than any tinned or dry dog food; it is raw feeding:

Raw feeding of dogs

Raw food comprises raw meat, tripe, fat and organs plus a small proportion of vegetables; the vegetables are either mashed up or lightly cooked to enable good digestion. Dogs don’t chew much, so what goes in their mouths reaches their stomachs often unchanged. Vegetables are great for roughage, in the absence of feathers/fur/claws etc that they may otherwise eat in the wild! Raw meat is more easily digested than cooked meat for dogs and is perfectly safe; their digestive system is designed to do this! Some time may be needed to allow your dog’s digestive system to adapt to a new diet! Raw meat is packed full of dog goodness – the ultimate nutrition for canines; cooking meat changes the meat’s texture and nutritional value, so cooked meat is less nutritious and harder to digest for a dog.

RAW FOOD CAN BE DANGEROUS TO PEOPLE, because of the commonly-found pathogens which are on many raw meats purchased. Personal and work-space hygiene is essential when – and after – handling and storing raw meats in order to avoid illness, as when handling any raw meats. Dogs rarely become ill because of the pathogens on meat, as they are well-adapted to digesting this food.

How to raw-feed

Try switching to a raw/natural food dog diet; there are (at least) two schools of thought on how best to achieve this:

1. Some people reckon that you shouldn’t mix dry dog food with raw in the same meal; this is suggested because of possible speed-differences in the digestion of kibble and of meat. Studies are not conclusive that this speed difference actually exists. One can alternate a raw food meal (morning) with a dry kibble meal (evening) to ease the transition to a raw diet.

2. Another school of thought from folks who also seem to know what they are talking about says that gradually introducing raw food mixed with kibble in the same meal is perfectly good. Try doing this for a few weeks with the raw food proportion gradually increasing with time; your dog’s stomach acidity needs time to adapt to the new food mixture. See https://paleoridgeraw.uk/switching-to-raw-food-diet for further help.

Making raw food

Raw food for dogs can be mixed in a large batch and split into meal-sized portions; store these portions in bags or boxes in the freezer until the day before use. Thaw the day’s food out in the fridge ready for eating. Dogs are mostly carnivorous, and will handle an almost entirely meat diet perfectly; vegetables do provide a rich source of nutrients otherwise in short supply so they are well worth adding to the meals. DO NOT feed cooked bones – they are brittle and hard to digest; raw bones are far easier for your dog to digest – but do not feed bones with their meals at all until they are fully adapted to the raw diet, because their digestion may not cope well in the earlier stages.

Do not forget about ‘super-foods’ such as blueberries, turmeric and seaweed for dogs – do your research and fill your pet with these powerful anti-oxidants and health-boosters. They can be mixed in small quantities with each day’s food and may well reduce your dog’s chances of developing cancer, inflammations and sensitivities (itchy skin or ears).

What goes in will come out!

Dog diet changes will create temporary dog-poo texture changes; however, a raw diet will eventually result in smaller and less voluminous output, since a greater proportion of the food is actually being absorbed! Portion sizes may end up being smaller, since the nutritional density of the raw diet is higher – make sure your dog doesn’t get fat! Raw food should contain protein from raw (ideally white) meats, organs and fish (eg oily sardines); the food can contain up to 15% cooked vegetables BUT NO WHEAT. Wheat gluten is majorly suspected in provoking arthritis (and epilepsy); it’s not completely digested, plus it provokes an immune-response which leads to skin, ear and gut problems.

Feeding your dog with home-made dog food is popular for those with some time and passion; books like this one: (Raw And Natural Nutrition For Dogs) was written by dog owners for their own dog’s welfare, because they wanted to share these ideas with others.

Food hygiene

You can make dog raw food from butcher’s and supermarket meats, but there are also many companies manufacturing raw dog food in sealed frozen packets for purchase through the post or in person. While dog raw food manufacturers are inevitably under considerable pressure to produce a healthy and affordable product free of pathogens, some seem to have had more than their fair share of product recalls due to contamination. This, however, may be rare compared to the contamination of vegetables (which we eat as well) with the same bacteria, as vegetables are not subject to as stringent hygiene controls as meats.

It is worth saying that dogs have a FAR, FAR better ability to cope with contaminated foods than we do; dogs have, after all, evolved a scavenger’s digestive system. This is able to process raw meat from wherever is available – long-dead, rotten and stinky or fresh, and not become ill.

Now, it should be common sense to practice good hygiene when handling raw meat for dogs, like any other raw meat. All raw meats are susceptible to contamination and putrefaction if kept in the wrong environment, which is partly why we cook, dry or smoke meat before we eat it; we can suffer food poisoning quite easily when eating under-cooked or raw meats. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons stated that “The RMBD [raw meat-based diet] should be kept frozen until used, thawing should take place at a maximum of 10°C [in your fridge, in practice] and the thawed product should be separated from human food and handled with separate kitchen equipment, or with the equipment properly washed after use.” . Some dogs are not recommended to use a raw diet: Click here to read the full article.

If your dog has diarrhoea, then also consider whether stress or a sudden change of diet has occurred, as these may create tummy upsets more easily than contaminated food.

Dog healthy weights

As for your dog’s weight – you should easily be able feel their ribs with your hand; you could even see the ribs very slightly in short-haired dogs; otherwise they are probably overweight. Dogs do have a waist, and no dog should look like a barrel! Lots of lean muscle is one thing, but joints over-burdened with useless, heavy and unhealthy fat is quite another! It has been found that dogs will die younger if they are overweight, up to 2.5 years earlier, in fact (click here to see the article). Dogs are runners, not fatty couch-potatoes; being carnivores more than omnivores, they need raw meat, protein, more raw meat and maybe some cooked veggies (BUT NO WHEAT).

Appetite loss can occur and digestive efficiency usually decreases simply because of the aging process; this may cause gradual weight loss if not compensated for by dietary changes.  You may need to feed your dog more often, but in smaller portions if they can no longer stomach large meals; don’t mistake refusing to eat the whole bowl of food as not needing to eat all of it! Dental pain is another issue to make eating difficult for them. Weight-gain could also be a problem if your dog’s diet is not adapted to suit their lowered activity levels.

Other changes due to aging

Tumors, and fat deposits around organs may produce problems, and excess loading on joints may restrict movement.  Lower back/spinal degradation sometimes leads to serious quality-of-life issues; incontinence, loss of hind-legs strength and stability – all are due to nerve-damage or deterioration, or increased muscle weakness.

A consequence of owners not expecting or understanding these changes in their dog is that pets may end up being rejected in old age. Some are even deserted at dog rescue-centres.   We must understand that dog’s life-changes can mirror that of humans, but over a shorter time; it is because of this relatively short life cycle that people can occasionally be caught out.   We may forget that a dog of 12 years may be similar to an old person in their 80’s or 90’s; they therefore could develop similar incontinence, cognitive, mobility and other health problems.   

We can adapt to our elderly dogs, and help them enjoy a good quality of life with us; aids such as dog strollers, car ramps and harnesses can support some weight if needed, and as such are a great help.  Raised dog-food and water-bowls can improve mealtime comfort – especially for taller dogs – and make swallowing easier; painkillers and dietary changes may ease your dog’s discomfort, and a loving home will always be a comfort to them.

ALSO READ: my article on strollers and carriers for dogs: Click Here.

Dog Maintenance

Health

Dogs develop many similar ailments to humans as they age because we are built similarly to them, and we all become less energetic over time.   Emotional and cognitive changes also occur due to aging; a dog may become less able to cope with life and environment changes as a consequence. Again this is also similar to many of us as we grow older and slowly adapt to our increasing limitations.

A healthy dog can be a happy and long-lived dog; so annual heartworm and intestinal parasite checks, regular vaccination boosters and wormers, control of external parasites (ticks etc) on your dog and in the home are all worthwhile disciplines to maintain.   Please consult with your vet for best advice.

Exercise for senior dogs

Exercise for senior dogs is crucial for muscle and joint-health; a pampered and over-weight couch-potato is not as healthy or as long-lived as the same dog, when slim and well-toned.  Arthritis should not be an excuse for a lazy dog when supplements and medications are readily available for them. Walks (short or long), training, playing with toys and a good diet all play a part.     

If you have more than one dog, there may be large variances in age between them. Be aware of the risks of an elderly dog or puppy over-exerting themselves, as described by Hartpury University: “Owners need to be aware that some dogs may push themselves beyond safe limits, particularly in multi-dog households where young dogs are exercised in a similar way to adult dogs.” (Click here for the full article).

House-training habits may lapse in later years because of dementia and physiological changes; fit a dog-flap for easy access to the garden or yard so that your dog has an easier time getting out to pee.  If you are unable do that – and because your dog may not be able to warn you in time to avoid an accident in the house – invite them into the back garden more regularly just in case!   Night-time outings may also be needed.

Mental health

Dog mental health is important to your dog’s happiness; it can be maintained with the help of varied playing, varied dog-walks (lots of different smells), and simply keeping your dog company!  Improving their basic training or putting new twists in games can be great fun, plus it will keep your dog’s mind alert!  Smells are a major part of most dog’s sensory life; an occasional  dog-walk which takes 15 minutes – but you walk only 100 metres – can be more satisfying than a 5-mile hike without new smells to discover.  Pay attention to your senior dog’s behaviour – like how interested your dog is in a particular spot; pause as long as needed if they are keenly interested in one spot – for a dog it’s like you or I gazing at a lovely view, or window-shopping!

Daily routines

Dogs’ teeth can be brushed to reduce gum disease and tartar; sometimes weight-loss can occur because an owner doesn’t realise that their dog’s teeth hurt, but thinks they are just ‘off their food’. A dog’s ears can be checked and cleaned with a warm damp cloth if necessary – a useful check for excess wax and foreign bodies.

Grooming is important especially for older dogs and for those with longer coats; self-maintenance by your dog may become less thorough as they become less flexible. Consequently, you may need to take more care of their skin and fur for them as the years pass; check for skin conditions (sores or fur-loss) and parasites.   Grooming stimulates oil-production in the skin, so that’s great for skin-moisturising and fur-protection.  It also helps to remove old fur and winter coats as the summer wears on, which can only help to keep them cool. Claws may need trimming more often as energy-levels drop, as the normal wearing of claws due to walking is reduced.

Conclusion

When time is catching up with your senior dog, their joints will be weakened and they may look stiff when getting up; as curling up will be more difficult for your dog they will also need softer and larger areas to lie down in.  If your dog tends to get warm easily (a Husky for example), firstly try a firm foam mat for them to lie on.

Dog walks may be slower and more difficult as the years pass by, so don’t force them out. If they are in discomfort, wait a while for their joints to loosen-up; a long walk may be the last thing they need. A short stroll around the block so that they can smell the neighbouring dogs may be just the ticket for your pet.

Senior dogs can have further hidden ailments which can slow them down. Breathlessness is common; this can be because of poor muscle condition in the chest, progressive heart failure, or a growth crowding the lungs or heart. Dogs with cancer are unfortunately quite common – over a third of dogs will develop cancer during their lifetime. Using a stroller for walks, for at least part of the way, is a great idea. Dog ramps can help them up steps or into the car; there are aids which will help improve most mobility problems.

Sometimes, veterinary treatment for slow-developing diseases is the wrong option in a dog’s old age; their quality of remaining life should also be considered. Always consult a vet if in doubt.

Appendix:

From: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/joint-supplements-dogs-helpful-vs-hype

YuMove: “Glucosamine hydrochloride is an amino sugar, but it’s not involved in the glucose pathway. It’s a building block of the cartilage matrix and stimulates growth of cartilage cells. Glucosamine is readily available, cheap and can be given safely to diabetic patients, Dr. Brunke says.

Notice that we’re discussing glucosamine hydrochloride [e.g in Yumove], here, not glucosamine sulfate. Although glucosamine sulfate is absorbed better, there are no studies published showing that glucosamine sulfate shows up in synovial tissue after it’s been ingested orally. A joint supplement doesn’t help if it doesn’t get where it needs to be.

A loading dose of two times maintenance for four to six weeks is required for glucosamine hydrochloride to reach therapeutic levels. Maintenance is 500 to 1,000 mg for a 75-lb dog, which works out to about 15 mg/kg.

Does it work? A randomized, double-blind, positive-controlled, multicenter trial assessed 35 dogs with confirmed osteoarthritis of the hip or elbow for their response to orally administered glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate. Carprofen [an anti-inflammatory drug] was used as the control. Although onset of efficacy was slower than carprofen, dogs treated with glucosamine-chondroitin showed statistically significant improvements in pain scores, severity and weight bearing by day 70.”

From: https://www.agriculturejournals.cz/publicFiles/02029.pdf

YuMove: “Hyaluronic acid possesses a number of protective physiochemical functions that may provide some additional chondroprotective effects in vivo [in a live animal or person] and may explain its longer term effects on articular cartilage. Hyaluronic acid can reduce nerve impulses and nerve sensitivity associated with pain. In experimental osteoarthritis, this glycosaminoglycan has protective effects on cartilage (Akmal et al., 2005); exogenous hyaluronic acid is known to be incorporated into cartilage (Antonas et al., 1973).

. . . . . HA [Hyaluronic acid] plays a vital role in the development of cartilage, the maintance of the sinovial fluid and the regeneration of tendons (Toole, 1997, 2001). High concentrations of HA have been found in the ECM of all adult joint tissues, including the sinovial fluid and the outer layer cartilage (Leach and Schmidt, 2004). In part because of its viscoelastic nature and ability to form highly hydrated matrices, HA acts in the joint as a lubricant and shock absorber.

The pathologic changes of synovial fluid hyaluronic acid, with its decreased molecular weight and concentration, led to the concept of viscosupplementation. 7.4.1. Viscosupplementation Viscosupplementation is a novel, safe, and possibly effective form of local treatment for osteoarthritis (Uthman et al., 2003). Viscosupplementation with HA products helps to improve the physiological environment in an osteoarthritic joint by supplementing the shock absorption and lubrication properties of osteoarthritic synovial fluid.

The rationale for using viscosupplementation is to restore the protective viscoelasticity of synovial hyaluronan, decrease pain, and improve mobility. The immediate benefits of viscosupplementation are the relief of pain. Longer term benefits are believed to include the return of joint mobility by the restoration of transsynovial flow and, ultimately, the metabolic and rheologic homeostasis of the joint (Wang et al., 2004).”

From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722199/

YuMove: Green Lipped Mussel: . . . . “In conclusion, our results suggest that the modern stabilized and freeze-dried GLM [Green Lipped Mussel] is more effective than the placebo in treating chronic pain due to moderate to severe OA [OsteoArthritis] and that it has no side-effects. For dogs that can not use NSAIDs or corticosteroids and for patients who need analgesic support over extended periods of time, oral GLM may be an acceptable alternative for treating chronic arthritis pain . . . . “

From: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/turmeric

Turmeric Curcumin: “Research has shown lower rates of certain cancers in countries where people eat more curcumin. This is at curcumin levels of about 100mg to 200mg a day over long periods of time.

A few laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin has anti cancer effects. It seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. It has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells.”

Turmeric Curcumin: See also:

General benefits of Turmeric: https://dogsfirst.ie/turmeric-for-dogs/ 

General benefits: Turmeric; http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78,

Osteoarthritis and Turmeric: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25688638 ,

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Turmeric: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22407780 ,

Turmeric and a study of patients with Metabolic Syndrome (to do with the development of cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22407780.

From: https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?meta=&pId=11147&id=3846250

Cancer & diet: “… a group of dogs with lymphoma were evaluated to determine if a diet high in simple carbohydrates is detrimental compared to a diet low in simple carbohydrates.²⁰ In this study, dogs were randomized and fed isocaloric amounts of either a high fat diet, or a high carbohydrate diet before and after remission was attained with up to 5 dosages of doxorubicin chemotherapy. As hypothesized, the mean lactate and insulin levels from the dogs fed the high carbohydrate diet was significantly higher than the level from the dogs fed the fat diet after the dogs were fed the diets and put into remission with chemotherapy. Interestingly, dogs fed the high fat diet were more likely to go into remission. This study showed, therefore, that diet was effective for influencing response to therapy and select aspects of carbohydrate metabolism.

The bottom line is that simple carbohydrates may not be ideal for the cancer patient. Therefore, when considering a diet for a pet with cancer, ... minimal amounts of simple carbohydrates may be ideal.”

“… Providing high quality amino acids or protein in the diet may be of critical importance for the veterinary cancer patient. “

From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9842115

Cancer & diet: ” Dogs and cats with cancer have significant alterations in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, which can result in cancer cachexia [wasting syndrome characterised by weight loss] and subsequently can decrease quality of life, reduce response to therapy, and shorten survival time. Nutritional modulation may be beneficial in the treatment of cancer patients to reverse these metabolic alterations. There is evidence that foods relatively low in simple carbohydrates with moderate amounts of high-quality protein, fibre, and fat (especially fats of the omega-3 fatty acid series) are beneficial for pets with cancer. In addition, certain supplemental nutrients may have potential to reduce the risk of developing cancer; plus reducing the growth and metastases of established malignant disease. Nutritional intervention can be a powerful tool for controlling malignant disease and for reducing toxicity associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. “

From: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11095-008-9661-9

Cancer causes: “The importance of lifestyle factors in the development of cancer was also shown in studies of monozygotic twins (8). Only 5–10% of all cancers are due to an inherited gene defect. “

From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4515619/

Cancer: Astaxanthin (ATX): “Therefore, ATX exhibits an obvious anti-proliferative effect in cancers”.