Many dog owners use supplements for the same reasons they use FECO – to help their dogs fight cancer and improve quality of life. With so many supplements on the market, it can be hard to know which ones to use. We recommend supplements that are backed up by Patient-Reported Outcomes evidence and scientific research. Read on to learn about some of these supplements and the research supporting them.
1. Direct Anticancer Effects
Cannabis is not the only herb on the planet which can fight cancer, although it is backed up by especially strong evidence. Other herbs are also well-supported in the literature to potentially produce anticancer effects. Two supplements in particular have been researched quite extensively – turkey tail mushrooms and turmeric. A sweeping review article published in 2020 found that compounds from turkey tail had anticancer activity against a wide number of cancer cells, including breast, lung, melanoma, colon, leukemia, cervix, gastric, prostate, glioma, liver, and ovarian cancers.
Turmeric, as well as its active constituent curcumin, also has anticancer effects on many types of cancer. Even a page from the United States government’s National Cancer Institute states that early-phase trials of curcumin may help prevent colon, oral, and liver cancers, while qualifying that more research is needed with higher numbers of participants. In our Patient-Reported Outcomes database, both turmeric and turkey tail mushrooms have been widely used.
2. Pain Relief
Many supplements used by dog owners in our database have associated pain-relieving effects. The common spice ginger is deceptively powerful considering how available it is throughout grocery stores. A 2020 review study looked at numerous randomized controlled trials, with results strong enough for researchers to conclude, “The use of ginger for its pain lowering effect is safe and promising.”
Another widely used supplement is fish oil, which contains large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. A meta-analysis from researchers with York University in Canada determined that Omega-3 supplementation could reduce joint pain associated with arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Fish oil is an easy way to give your dog high levels of Omega-3 and potentially help with their pain levels. Hemp seed oil is another source of Omega-3s that can be used, although the Omega-3s found in animal products are more potent.
3. Anxiety and Depression
During sickness, both humans and dogs are more likely to become anxious and depressed. Several supplements are associated with helping to reduce these symptoms, including spirulina. A particularly interesting study published in 2020 found that spirulina alone or in combination with voluntary exercise and an “enriched environment” (which essentially included the addition of toys to a cage) reduced anxiety and depressive behavior. Beyond that, spirulina actually impacted biochemical measures of stress, showing it was working at a physiological level.
Turmeric is also supported by research for antidepressant effects. In fact, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with people found that it was more effective than placebo at improving mood-related symptoms after 4 weeks. It is reasonable to assume some of these benefits would translate to dogs in some cases.
4. Digestive and Liver Health
Ensuring a properly functioning digestive system and supporting the liver is critical to the overall health of your dog. If the digestive system is damaged, it will not absorb nutrients as well, and the body will need to spend more energy on digestion than fighting cancer. The liver is important for filtering out toxins, and impaired function will lead to toxin accumulation and poor health. Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for liver health, in addition to facilitating digestion. A 2023 study from the University of Milan in Italy described how milk thistle is used in farm animals to support liver function, improve gut health, and reduce intestinal pathogens. For dogs specifically, researchers noted that milk thistle may bolster detoxification and support chemotherapy treatments.
For dogs with digestive problems, it is certainly worth considering the use of probiotics. These health-promoting bacteria colonize the gut and assist with digestion, produce enzymes and vitamins, and reduce inflammation. In 2023, researchers with the China Agricultural University stated, “The administration of probiotics has shown positive effects on the gut health and can alleviate some intestinal diseases and disorders in dogs and cats.”
Summary
As the research demonstrates, the right supplements really can work against several health conditions. By trying out different supplements and observing your dog’s response to them, you can find the ones that work for them.