1. Turmeric and Coconut Oil
Along with their anti-inflammatory properties that help slow the growth of cancer cells, there are many reasons to incorporate these ingredients- together or on their own- into your dog’s diet. With regular feeding, they can enhance their body’s natural detox and immune systems. This gives your pups the best chance of fighting off any new or further illnesses, including cancer!
If your pup is in their fight, turmeric has been shown to interfere with the development of further cancer cells and coconut oil will increase your pup’s quality of life during treatments.
2. Fish Oil
Fish oil is derived from the tissues of fatty fish which contain Omega-3 fatty acids as well as EPA & DHA. These healthy fats are proven to fight inflammation and support the immune system.
Some notable benefits of adding fish oil to your pups diet would be:
- Lowers blood triglyceride levels (especially important for dogs with heart disease & IBS)
- Improves neurological development & cognitive function. In humans there is an abundance of research for these important fatty acids being critical in early stages of development, and in this case it’s no different for our pups!
- Aids arthritic or inflamed joints
Cancer cells secrete cytokines (inflammatory substances) and EPA is the raw material for the hormones that fight inflammation. While some inflammation is always normal and part of the immune response, EPA keeps it in check.
3. Pumpkin and Sweet Potato
These foods are an easy and delicious way to add to your pup’s overall wellness while helping their bodies grow a strong, cancer-fighting immune system.
Pumpkin is a favorite for gut health, and sweet potato is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, which play a large role in immunity.
But it gets better. . . Both pumpkin and sweet potato get that bright orange color from beta-carotene. This enzyme is powerful in its own right and will slow the growth of cancer as well as reducing overall risk by cleansing the body of cancer-causing substances. In addition, beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A in our pup’s bodies to further fight cancer by preventing molecular damage.
4. Broccoli and Blueberry
These superfoods are great additions to your dog’s diet to promote overall wellness. Broccoli, along with other vegetables in its family such as cabbage, as well as dark berries are high in antioxidants which work to prevent cell damage and support organ health. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that are critical in the prevention and treatment of cancers in dogs.
In addition to these general health benefits, they each have components that actively prevent the development and growth of cancer. How?
Broccoli contains glucosinolates which act as internal soldiers fighting against carcinogens and tumor growth. Whether you are looking to prevent cancer or help your pup with their fight, the compounds in broccoli are key to:
- Inactivate carcinogens
- Protect cells from DNA damage
- Prompt tumor cell death
- Prevent formation of tumor blood vessels
Blueberries contain ellagic acid which prevents the formation of cancer in your pup. This will block the metabolic pathways that lead to cancer, giving their immune system the best chance to fight.
Easy Ways to Incorporate These Into Your Pup’s Diet
Although you can always add these superfoods in as is, sometimes a picky dog will stick up their nose to raw ingredients.
Luckily, Barkfield Road is stocked with products that add in cancer-fighting elements to supplements, treats, or toppers to easily integrate. If you’re interested in adding any of these benefits to their diet, we suggest coming into the store to inquire about our many options that add these ingredients in tasty bites!
