1 in 3 dogs are diagnosed with cancer, this number has been increasing for decades, a common cause could very well be due to the increase of unhealthy diets and the increase of toxins your pet is being exposed to every day. It’s scary to think about, but as a pet owner it is something that you should be aware of and something that you should always be trying to prevent, one way to do that is by strengthening your pets immune system naturally through their diet!
At Poochie Moochie we are a raw exclusive store, and we believe that a natural species appropriate diet and supplements can help prevent and improve many health ailments. While a raw diet does not treat cancer, it has many benefits. Largely due to the fact that it is not processed. It doesn't include any preservatives and is higher in fat and low in sugar, it can greatly reduce the risks. Below we'll look at how raw diets differ from conventional kibble and why those differences matter when it comes to disease prevention.
Kibble contains up to 60% carbohydrates. Carbs convert to sugar. Cancer cells feed off sugar. In addition, the high heat processing of conventional pet foods causes the formation of cancer causing heterocyclic amines (HCA’s). Which are carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals formed from cooking muscle meats. Studies show associations between intakes of HCA’s and cancers of the colon, rectum, breast, prostate, pancreas, lung, stomach, and esophagus.
Feeding meals which are higher in fat, and low in carbs can relieve pressure on the liver and other organs while they work to combat the disease. Cancer cells have a difficult time using fat as an energy source.
Oxidative stress happens when your dog doesn’t have enough antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, excess of free radicals can lead to cell or tissue damage and is related to chronic conditions including cancer, diabetes and heart disease. A raw diet is naturally high in antioxidants.
Taurine is found in raw meat and is an amino acid found in high concentrations in heart tissue and raw goats milk! It has many health benefits including antineoplastic effects which means it can prevent the growth of tumours or malignant cells.
The liver’s main job is to help get toxins out of your dog’s body. And the world is full of toxins, everything from pollution, household cleaners, air fresheners and over vaccinating can all be taxing on your pets liver. So it’s really important to keep the liver running efficiently.
Natural supplements to reduce the risks
Adored Beast liver tonic protects and helps the body detoxify after exposure, it works to stabilize liver cell membranes and acts as an antioxidant to protect liver cells from free radical damage. It also supports bile secretion, healthy digestion and helps to fight inflammation. Which is super important because chronic inflammation is responsible for most disease, including cancer.
Omega 3 fatty acids possess anti cancer properties. Your pet can’t produce omega 3’s and Omega 6. Omega 6 is found more readily in meat and actually increases inflammation. Cancer is an inflammatory disease and Omega 3 reduces inflammation. Sources of Omega 3 are readily found in fish which is why it’s vital you are giving your pet a fish oil.
Research continues to demonstrate the ability of medicinal mushrooms for dogs to fight cancer cells without harming the rest of the body. This is in stark contrast to drugs like chemotherapy, and treatments like radiation, that damage the body systemically while killing cancer cells. Mushrooms have the ability to spare healthy cells while destroying cancerous cells.
Studies have been done comparing those who receive traditional treatment solely vs. those who receive traditional treatment with the addition of Turkey Tail mushroom extracts, and the results always weigh in favor for those who used Turkey Tail in addition to their traditional therapies, both in success and survivability. Turkey Tail also shows positive results when used alongside cancer therapies like chemo and radiation and this has been proven in both humans and dogs. By working with the body and its immune system, Turkey Tail cannot only lessen the negative effects of chemotherapy, but also boost chemo’s cancer killing ability.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain more beta-glucans than any other medicinal mushroom. Beta-glucans are the main medicinal property in mushrooms. They work by attaching to immune cells and helping the immune system respond more effectively. In particular, beta-D-glucans activate macrophages, which are immune cells that destroy bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells like cancer cells. They also help stimulate other important immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and T cells, which play a role in targeting cancer. Because of these effects, compounds found in turkey tail called— PSP and PSK have been extensively studied. In fact, PSP is approved for cancer treatment in Japan and China, and PSK is the main ingredient in an anti-cancer drug approved in Japan called Krestin.
Overall, beta-glucans have been shown to:
- Activate immune cells
- Increase antibody production
- Reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Enhance the immune response to multiple cancers
- Inhibit the spread of cancer cells (metastasis)
When choosing a mushroom supplement, it’s important to look for products made from the whole mushroom and that use third-party testing to confirm beta-glucans are present in the final product. Four Leaf Rover uses a double-extraction process, while Adored Beast Apothecary offers its mushrooms in tincture form. Both methods help improve bioavailability so your dog can absorb the beneficial compounds more effectively.
Reishi mushrooms are known as the mushroom of immortality because it helps modulate the immune system, supports adrenal glands to manage stress, and helps regulate the digestive system. Chaga mushrooms have strong antioxidant function to protect DNA from oxidative damage, support the immune system, promote muscle strength, and help regulate blood sugar.
In Seven shrooms by Four Leaf Rover is a blend of Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps, Maitake, Phellinus, Chaga and Turkey Tail. Each of these amazing mushrooms have an impressive list of different benefits but they work so well synergistically. Looking at the supplement as a whole it has amazing anti-tumor, anti inflammatory, anti viral and extreme immune boosting properties.
Green Rover by Four Leaf Rover is a carefully chosen blend of immune-boosting greens. Organic Broccoli Sprouts are scientifically proven to decrease inflammation and protect the liver by helping to detox from harmful pollutants and reduce oxidative stress. There’s a ton of nutrient rich greens such as chlorella, kelp, spirulina which also are a great source of chlorophyll and fiber which contribute to a range of health benefits. They support digestive health and a healthy gut microbiome, and their high antioxidant content helps maintain a normal inflammatory response and protects against oxidative stress.
Red Rover by Four Leaf Rover is is a blend of organic apple skins and berries to supply your dog with critical fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients, including natural quercetin. Quercetin can modulate inflammatory pathways and inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules, which may help slow tumor growth.
Dogs who get nutrient rich fruit & veggies have been shown to have an astounding 90% decrease in cancer. The reason why is largely because of a phytochemical in fruits and veggies called a polyphenol. Polyphenols can prevent cells from developing into malignant cancerous growths.
A Full spectrum CBD oil would be an especially helpful addition as it can
- Manage pain
- Reduce inflammation
- Combat nausea (especially important if you’re doing chemo)
- Inhibit growth of cancer cells
- Prevents or slows metastasis
There is tons of anecdotal evidence of CBD helping dogs with cancer.
A 10 year old dog with osteosarcoma had been given 1 month to live. After getting CBD, she could stop pain medication and she stopped limping. She lived another 6 months, without other treatments. And she was active until the very end of her life.
The last thing I want to mention is traditional Chinese medicine. Basically with TCM they believe all things have energy. Foods can be warming, neutral or cooling. This is called Food Energetics. They also believe that diseases have temperatures. For example allergies are considered a hot disease, arthritis is considered a cold disease. Cancer is present in the body as stagnant toxic heat.
By feeding cooling foods they can be used to calm down the heat and inflammation created by cancer’s out-of-control cellular division. Turkey, white fish, rabbit, quail and duck are all considered cooling proteins. Cooling produce includes cucumbers, bok choi, spinach, kale, celery, nettles, blueberries, apples, strawberries and pears.
At Poochie Moochie Edmonton we believe that a natural species appropriate diet can prevent and treat many health ailments. If you’re local come see us for a free, no obligation raw food diet consult or contact us here with any questions.
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