Diet- Healthy Paws & Whiskers- DOGS NEW

Dietary Suggestions

This page provides a list of suggested dietary recommendations based on insights from our trusted associates who have experience supporting dogs with cancer. The most important factor in a cancer-supportive diet is removing kibble, as highly processed foods can contribute to inflammation and negatively impact overall health. Instead, a fresh, nutrient-dense diet focused on whole foods can help support immune function, improve digestion, and promote overall well-being. While these suggestions are based on observed benefits, we encourage pet owners to consult with their veterinarian to create a diet plan tailored to their dog’s specific needs.

Healthy Paws & Whiskers Dietary Recommendations

The most important thing is getting your dog off conventional kibble as soon as possible, as it tends to contain toxins that may impair your dog’s healing. The new diet can be cooked or raw, and can be made yourself or purchased. Interestingly, 75 times more conventional kibble has been recalled than raw food, indicating the latter’s safety. The best sources are primarily made of whole foods with limited added ingredients. If supplementation is included, such as isolated vitamins, these should be confirmed to be human-grade.

Transitioning to a new food can sometimes be difficult, so initially mixing the old food with new food is a reasonable approach. The transition guideline below is useful, but every dog is different and some dogs may take more time to switch while others may be able to do it in a day.

Transition To New Food

If you notice any stomach upset – stomach gurgling, diarrhea, vomiting, or gas – increase the number of days on that particular ratio.

If these symptoms persist, adding slippery elm supplement may help. If your dog benefits from this, maintain this supplement for a few months after the transition occurs.

Additional Tips

Diet Options

If following the do-it-yourself option, there are different percentage diets that will work. As a general rule, you should aim for 80% protein, 10% bone, 10% organs with an additional 2% veggies plus Omega 3.

Omega 3, organ and bone sources can be added through supplements, if that’s easier for you to use. A complete list of options is available at the Recommended Foods and Supplements page.

Reasons for Getting Off Kibble

Kibble is highly processed and high in carbs which causes inflammation within the body. Too much inflammation may cause health issues
Dogs were not meant to live on a high-carb diet
Dogs evolved (as wolves) to eat meat, not carbs
Many health issues can be linked to being on kibble. Some of which are: allergies, ear infections, IBD, UTIs, etc.
Arthritis symptoms can be decreased by removing kibble, which may limit inflammation
Reducing kibble tends to reduce the amount of excrement produced: A whole food diet produces less waste. Fur quality may also increase, becoming silkier, shinier, and less oily