Wellness Matters…for Pets Too!

The month of November is recognized as National Pet Cancer Awareness Month and Pet Diabetes Month. And for pets that suffer from cancer or diabetes, it’s vital to keep them as healthy as possible with an excellent nutrition program. Nutritional choices are critical, and one must carefully read pet food labels in an effort to choose only holistic, organic ingredients. One of the best ways to keep a pet’s diet healthy is to avoid high-carbohydrate foods, sugar and processed, commercial ingredients. 

            Amino acids are an essential dietary component for dogs and cats, but cancer cells often feed on amino acids first, leaving one’s pet with a nutritional deficit. Pet owners can offset this by feeding their pets plenty of high-quality protein, which is a great source of amino acids. For individuals that feed their pets organic or holistic kibble, I suggest that their respective diets be supplemented with fresh raw chicken or turkey. Pets that are diabetic will benefit from a high-quality protein diet as well. The protein itself should come from real meat and not meat byproducts. Most commercial pet brands contain as much as 24 percent protein content or higher. Conversely, most commercial raw pet brands contain less than 18 percent protein content. In many cases, diabetic pets run the risk of renal failure due to higher protein dietary intake. I once had a client whose elderly dog suffered from diabetes and had to take several shots of insulin per day. Through consultation, we successfully transitioned her to a better diet, which eliminated the need for insulin. She was monitored by her veterinarian as well, who was pleasantly surprised by the favorable results. 

            Cancer cells have a hard time metabolizing fats, so increasing certain fats in a pet’s diet is recommended. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are very beneficial for cancer patients. Mackerel, sardines, eggs, parsley, kale, spinach and cod liver oil are all high in omega-3 fatty acids. To make nutrients easier to digest and absorb, pet owners should steam and chop any green vegetables before feeding them to pets. 

            There are many types of cancers, and a large array of healing techniques—including homeopathy, essential oils, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine—can be helpful in treatment. The cause of a pet’s cancer may not be easy to detect, but, generally speaking, the best way to help prevent cancer in pets is to build up the immune system with a diet free of fillers and additives—however, one that does include healthy supplements and oils—plenty of fresh, clean water; exercise; and sunshine. Walking is an easy way to get good exercise for both pet and owner. With cooler weather arriving, now is the perfect time to get into a walking routine.

            There is no question of how much we love our pets. And by introducing a few helpful changes into a pet’s diet and lifestyle, healthier and happier days spent together could be in store.

For more information, call Wellness Matters owner Brenda M. Tobin-Flood, DVetHom, Cert CN, at 803-712-4522 or visit WellnessMattersOnline.com.