Top 5 Superfoods for Dogs: Cancer-Fighting Additions to Their Diet

When a lively Golden Retriever was diagnosed with cancer, his family was devastated. Like any pet parent, they wanted to do everything possible to support him. 

That’s when Volhard Dog Nutrition introduced them to an often-overlooked tool in the fight against cancer: nutrition. Adding a few simple superfoods like apples, carrots, and blueberries to their furry companion’s meals gave their immune system a much-needed boost and natural cancer-fighting nutrients!

The good news? You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start feeding your dog for better health. Whether you aim to prevent illness or simply want to give your pup the best life possible, these five superfoods are easy to incorporate into their diet and could make a big difference in keeping your dog strong and healthy!

How Nutrition Can Help Prevent Cancer in Dogs

Did you know that the food you feed your dog can play a critical role in preventing cancer? 

Research shows that adding certain vegetables and antioxidant-rich foods to your dog’s diet can help protect it against harmful diseases, such as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), a type of cancer that affects the bladder in some dog breeds.

Feeding your pup vegetables at least three times a week has been linked to a reduced risk of TCC, with specific veggies helping to slow or even prevent the disease’s development. Apples and yellow-orange options like carrots are top contenders for keeping your dog’s cells healthy.

But it doesn’t stop there—antioxidants can protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which contribute to various diseases, including cancer. Studies suggest that blueberry supplementation can provide better protection against oxidative stress during exercise for active dogs, like sled dogs.

1. Apples: A Cancer-Preventing Superfood for Your Dog

Apples offer cancer-fighting benefits for dogs thanks to their rich antioxidant content. Compounds like quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid have shown potential in combating cancer cells. The antioxidants in apples work to protect cells against free radicals and inflammation, potentially helping to prevent cancer development. Additionally, apples have antiangiogenic properties that can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels, which is a common mechanism for cancer progression into tumors.

The fiber content in apples also contributes to their cancer-fighting potential. Dietary fiber works with gut microbes to create an environment that may lower cancer risk. Furthermore, apples contain beta-carotene, which has been associated with slowing cancer growth and supporting enzymes that help cleanse the body of cancer-causing chemicals.

When feeding apples to your dog, it's important to do so safely and in moderation. 

Always wash the apple thoroughly to remove any pesticides or chemicals. Remove the core, seeds, and stem, as they pose choking hazards. Cut the apple into small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size. 

As for quantity, treats like apples should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. A general guideline is to offer a few slices a couple of times a week, adjusting based on your dog's size. For example, small dogs should have 1-2 small pieces, while medium-sized dogs should have 5-6 pieces. Introduce apples gradually and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.

2. Carrots Reduce the Cancer Risk in Dogs

Carrots are more than just a crunchy snack—they’re packed with nutrients that can reduce cancer risk in dogs. Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, carrots help protect cells from oxidative damage.

When feeding carrots to your dog, keep portion sizes moderate. Depending on your dog's size, a few baby carrots or half a regular carrot is usually enough. 

You can serve them raw as a fun, low-calorie chew or steam them for easier digestion. Just skip the salt or seasoning, and you’ve got a delicious, cancer-fighting addition to your dog’s diet!

Apples and carrots can be found in the NDF2 varieties. 

3. Spinach: A Leafy Green With Big Benefits

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants like lutein and beta-carotene.

To include spinach in your dog’s diet, steam it lightly to preserve nutrients while making it easier to digest. Offer small amounts—roughly 1–2 tablespoons for a medium-sized dog—to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset from oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption if consumed in excess. Rotate spinach with other greens for a balanced approach.

Spinach can be found in our Rescue diet as well as our Veggie Pak varieties.

4. Blueberries: Tiny Berries, Big Cancer-Fighting Power

Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant that protects cells from DNA damage caused by free radicals, a precursor to cancer development. 

 

Research has shown that blueberries' antioxidant properties can enhance cellular repair mechanisms and strengthen immune responses, making them an excellent addition to a cancer-preventive diet for dogs.

5. Cancer-Fighting Mushrooms for Dogs

Certain medicinal mushrooms, such as Chaga, turkey tail, reishi, and lion's mane, have demonstrated powerful anti-cancer properties. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenes, enhancing immune system activity, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting tumor growth. 

Turkey tail mushrooms, in particular, have been studied for their polysaccharopeptide (PSP) content, which is linked to improved survival rates in cancer patients.

Introduce mushrooms in the form of pet-safe powders or supplements, as raw mushrooms can be indigestible and sometimes toxic to dogs. Dosage should be tailored to your dog’s weight—usually ¼ to ½ teaspoon of mushroom powder per 10 pounds of body weight, mixed into their food. 

Always consult your veterinarian before adding medicinal mushrooms to your dog’s diet, especially if your pet is undergoing cancer treatment or has preexisting health conditions.

Are Commercial Dog Foods Enough to Protect Against Cancer?

While many commercial dog foods meet basic nutritional needs, they often lack the variety and potency of nutrients needed to actively protect against cancer. Most kibble lacks the fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients that can help reduce oxidative stress, fight inflammation, and support cellular health.

Switching to a more holistic diet, like Volhard’s Natural Diet Foundation, can be a game-changer. Our diet is specially crafted to provide high-quality proteins, essential vitamins, and cancer-fighting antioxidants. 

For those who prefer to stick with their current food but want to boost its health benefits, our expertly tailored Volhard Veggie Pak makes an excellent topper, adding an extra layer of nutrients from vegetables and herbs known for their prophylactic properties.

Easy Ways to Incorporate Superfoods Into Your Dog’s Meals

Incorporating superfoods into your dog’s meals doesn’t have to be complicated. We offer a range of nutrient-dense supplements to enhance your furry friend’s diet and support overall health.

For active dogs, our Endurance formula is a fantastic choice, offering energy-boosting and antioxidant-rich ingredients to protect against oxidative damage during exercise. 

Similarly, krill oil is a powerful source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which combat inflammation and support heart, skin, and joint health.

To counteract environmental toxins and parasites, our Digestive Enzymes are a valuable addition, aiding digestion and improving nutrient absorption.

Looking for even more ideas? We offer a wealth of recipes and articles on supplements tailored to your dog’s specific needs, ensuring their meals are not just nutritious but also cancer-fighting powerhouses!

Try Volhard's Superfoods for Dogs!

Ready to take your dog’s nutrition to the next level? Incorporating cancer-fighting superfoods into their diet is a simple, impactful way to support their health and longevity.

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches offer online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

References

1. Gebreselassie, Eden Ephraim, et al. “Anti-Aging Food That Improves Markers of Health in Senior Dogs by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Profiles.” bioRxiv, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Jan. 2018, www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/324327v1.full. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
   

2. “Evaluation of the Effect of Dietary Vegetable Consumption on Reducing Risk of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder in Scottish Terriers.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16013542/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
   

3. “Higher Mushroom Consumption Is Associated with Lower Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.” Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33724299/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.
   

4. “Total Antioxidant Power in Sled Dogs Supplemented with Blueberries and the Comparison of Blood Parameters Associated with Exercise.” Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A, Molecular & Integrative Physiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16520073/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.