Can a Natural Raw Meat Diet Help a Dog with Lymphoma?

Why People Turn to Raw Diets When Cancer Is Diagnosed

Pet parents frequently learn that one of the only things they can manage after receiving a dog's lymphoma diagnosis is the dog's nutrition. Conventional treatments (radiation, chemotherapy, etc.) can only extend life to a certain extent, are frequently costly, and have adverse effects. Thus, attention naturally shifts to integrative, holistic, or complementary techniques.

The authors contend in the "Canine Lymphoma Diet" section of the website CanineLymphoma.com that:

• Many commercial dog diets contain inexpensive fillers and by-products that are not the best for cancer patients. 
• Since carbohydrates, such as grains and starches, are what cancer "feeds off," diets that are extremely low in carbohydrates and high in protein mostly from meat and offal are better.
• For many dogs with lymphoma, some holistic veterinarians (including Dr. Ulbrich, who is quoted in their work) suggest raw meat diets.
• A mildly cooked beef version is occasionally suggested as a compromise for dogs for whom raw is too dangerous (such as immune suppression). 

These arguments support the widely held belief in the raw feeding community that meat is the most natural food source for dogs. Therefore, it makes sense to clear out the clutter and provide the greatest possible building blocks for immunity, energy, and healing throughout illness.

But the details matter: "raw meat diet" is a fairly general term. The most important factors are whether the food is safe, balanced, and complete, especially for a dog with a weakened immune system.

What “Complete & Balanced” Means and Why It’s Important

Offering a "meat-only" diet and presuming that's sufficient is one of the biggest issues found among many raw feeders. It isn't. A variety of nutrients are necessary for dogs, including vitamins, minerals, trace elements, vital fatty acids, amino acids, and the proper ratio of calcium to phosphorus. Carelessly assembling a raw diet might lead to severe excess or deficits that could exacerbate more health issues.

Regarding a patient with cancer:

• Zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and other minerals that strengthen the immune system should not be deficient.
• Toxic excesses (such as vitamin A, heavy metals, and imbalanced minerals) are undesirable.
• To maintain lean muscle mass, you needed high-quality, bioavailable protein and lipids (since cancer and its treatments typically induce muscle atrophy).
• To assist control oxidative stress, you want antioxidants (in the right amounts), but not so much that they interfere with chemotherapy (a contentious issue).

In order to be comprehensive, balanced, and suitable for all life stages it is ideal, any raw cancer diet needs to be carefully prepared or purchased from a reliable company. Such as, BARF® World Diets.

It is important to also consult with a holistic veterinarian when choosing a proper diet for your pet.

Potential Benefits of a Raw Approach in Lymphoma Cases

​​Advocates (and some practitioners) point to the following arguments as to why a carefully planned raw diet might be beneficial in lymphoma cases:

High nutrient bioavailability

The more natural, unaffected forms of amino acids, enzymes, coenzymes, and lipids are found in raw beef. Compared to highly processed kibble, it may aid in digestion, absorption, and a lower metabolic burden.

Low carbohydrate load

The "sugar feeds cancer" theory suggests that many raw cancer diets are very low in carbohydrates, which may prevent cancer cells from receiving glucose spikes. Many holistic regimens mainly rely on that, while it is debatable if it is entirely valid in vivo (as CanineLymphoma.com claims). 

Lean muscle preservation and improved physical condition

Loss of muscle is common in cancer (and chemotherapy). Maintaining bodily condition, strength, and resilience may be aided by a diet that meets protein needs without the use of hidden starch fillers.

Support for the immune system and control of inflammation

Fatty fish, organ meats, etc. are common components of raw diets and can include omega-3 fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and other substances that may have immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory effects (if balanced).

Decreased exposure to carcinogens and byproducts 

Processed kibble may contain heat-damaged proteins, oxidized lipids, and chemical preservatives, all of which some believe may exacerbate oxidative stress or encourage the growth of cancer. Much of that is avoided on a raw meat diet.

Increased transparency and control

Your pet trusts the decisions that you make for them as a pet parent and good food choices that you make are a long-term benefit of the pet. Dietary changes can be made more quickly in the event of side effects or a recurrence of cancer.

Theoretically, a well-designed raw diet has benefits in energy balance, nutrient density, and decreased "junk load," all of which are significant when managing a systemic illness such as lymphoma.

Risks and Challenges

Of course, it's not all positive. A dog with lymphoma is particularly at risk while receiving therapy. Among the dangers and difficulties are:

Pathogen risk and immune suppression: Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are bacterias that can be found in raw meats. Due to a weakened immune system, a dog receiving chemotherapy is more susceptible to food-borne illness. Many veterinarians identify that as one of their primary concerns. The authors of CanineLymphoma.com recognize this risk and advise, if necessary, to boil meat just a little. The BARF Diet take additional steps to cold-press all of the diets to eliminate the risk of contamination.

Nutrient balancing under stress:Cancer-stricken dogs may have changes in their digestion, metabolism, or absorption. For a cancer patient, even a balanced recipe meant for healthy dogs may need to be modified.

Cost and labor:Premium supplements and raw materials (such as spirulina, algae, and antioxidant mixes) can be pricey. Complete supplements like E-BARF Plus can take the stress out of maintaining an assortment of additional supplements. Work is also added by maintaining hygiene, preparing meals, and making sure everyone is safe.

Interaction with traditional therapy: Certain antioxidants or chemicals have the potential to interfere with radiation or chemotherapy. Selection, dosage, and time are important.

Absence of solid clinical research: Although interest is growing, there aren't many extensive, well monitored studies that demonstrate that a raw diet by itself prolongs survival in canine lymphoma.