Homecooking: Cancer Diagnosis

[GraceLikeRain]

My partner in crime received his diagnosis this week. I am reeling but researching and planning gives my days structure. We are pursuing all options recommended by our surgeon and oncologist.

His current diet of natural balance has always been a “meh” option in my book but was always well tolerated. He’s been a GI prone type so stability has always been a gift.

I’d like to improve the quality of his diet to support his system during the time we have. He likely cannot do the super high protein of raw so homecooked seems like a good option and raw still gives me anxiety.

Anyone gone this path? did you work with a certified canine nutritionist for a recipe? Any lessons learned?

[shiloh]

No advice but I am so sorry this is happening. (((Hugs to you and your pal.)))

[ASB_Stars]

I am terribly sorry you are going through this. I cook for my puppies. It isn’t convenient, but then I determined that I could do a double extra huge batch, and freeze it in gallon bags, to defrost as needed. I use beef, turkey, beef liver, eggs and salmon as my proteins. Lots of veggies and fruits, as well.

I hope that your puppy is doing well!

[xcjumper]

Cat Lane is excellent for this. She makes diets for all kinds of dogs with illnesses etc. Her website is thepossiblecanine.com go to the consultation area. She also has a FB page

[horsenut_8700]

My sister’s pit was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 4 months ago. She saw an internal medicine specialist that basically told her all they could so was keep him comfortable with NSAIDs and anti-spasmotic meds. She immediately put him on a keto diet and supplements that were recommended ( we also follow a keto lifestyle). At his 3 months recheck the internal medicine doctor was AMAZED at the findings- all the swelling has resolved and there is no longer evidence of cancer in his bladder. And as an allergy dog, his skin/coat has never looked better! Consult the Facebook “Optimal Ketogenic Living” if you would like more info.

[Old_Mac_Donald]

Try the Facebook group “Fresh Food Feeding for dogs”, they are pretty helpful.

[MsM]

Depending upon how the cancer and treatment are affecting your dog, you may not want to make a big change in his diet. Upsetting the digestion cart at this stage is not what you want! Personally, I would look at healthy additives to his diet. Cooked skinless chicken and scrambled eggs are usually really well tolerated.
But then, I barely prepare food for myself…

[Horse_Rider]

Vet here. Your average “homecooked diet” you’ll find on the internet is very unbalanced, which isn’t ideal for a pet going through a major illness. I’ve used a veterinary nutritionist to make some diets for my own pet (he’s picky, elderly, and has multiple health issues, so I was trying to broaden the number of diets I had available for him - he still refuses to eat the homecooked diet most of the time, but at least I can now offer six bowls of food instead of four. )

I found the nutritionist I used through ACVN, because I wanted to have a nutritionist to chat about adjustments to the diet. However, balanceit.com will help you make a diet on your own, without using a veterinary nutritionist. In the case of a sick pet though, I would lean towards paying out some money to have a nutritionist to volley issues and questions back and forth with.

Good luck with your loved one. My own is going under the knife next week to remove his lump. The ultrasound yesterday shows no evidence of the cancer metastasizing yet, so I’m hopeful that we can at least remove this one issue and just go back to messing with all the other issues we’re trying to keep in balance. It’s hard when they get old and sick!