This recipe is built around the metabolic science of canine cancer β low in simple carbohydrates that tumour cells preferentially consume, high in EPA and DHA that slow cancer cachexia, and loaded with phytonutrients from broccoli and blueberries with documented anti-cancer properties.
If your dog is undergoing cancer treatment β chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or immunotherapy β discuss any dietary change with your vet or veterinary oncologist before implementing it. Some treatments interact with specific nutrients. This recipe is designed to support conventional treatment, not replace it.
EPA from sardines and salmon oil interferes with the protein breakdown signalling that drives cancer cachexia, helping preserve lean muscle mass during treatment.
Sulforaphane activates Nrf2 β a master antioxidant switch β and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells in laboratory studies.
Anthocyanins inhibit NF-ΞΊB, a master regulator of inflammation and tumour cell survival. Among the most studied dietary compounds in cancer biology.
Curcumin has demonstrated anti-tumour activity in multiple cell-line and animal studies by inhibiting tumour cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.
High-quality lean protein from chicken maintains muscle mass that cancer and cachexia actively erode. Do not restrict protein in cancer patients.
Sweet potato instead of white rice provides complex carbs with fibre, reducing post-meal glucose spikes that may fuel rapid tumour cell proliferation.
Select your dog's size. For dogs with cachexia, your vet may advise higher calorie intake β increase protein portion first, not carbohydrates.
| Ingredient | Amount (1 serving) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ||
| Chicken thigh, boneless, skinless | 70g | High-quality lean protein |
| Sardines in water (no salt) | 30g | EPA/DHA top-up; drain well |
| Low-GI Carbohydrate | ||
| Sweet potato, steamed | 60g | Lower GI than white rice |
| Anti-Cancer Vegetables | ||
| Broccoli, lightly steamed | 30g | Steam 4β5 min β don't overcook (destroys sulforaphane) |
| Blueberries | 15g | Fresh or frozen-thawed |
| Spinach, wilted | 20g | Lightly cooked only |
| Anti-Inflammatory | ||
| Turmeric powder | ΒΌ tsp | With a pinch of black pepper β essential for bioavailability |
| Supplements (Add Cold) | ||
| Salmon oil COLD | Β½ tsp | Never heat β destroys EPA/DHA |
| Eggshell calcium powder COLD | ΒΌ tsp | Add after cooling |
| Ingredient | Amount (1 serving) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ||
| Chicken thigh, boneless, skinless | 130g | High-quality lean protein |
| Sardines in water (no salt) | 55g | EPA/DHA top-up; drain well |
| Low-GI Carbohydrate | ||
| Sweet potato, steamed | 100g | Lower GI than white rice |
| Anti-Cancer Vegetables | ||
| Broccoli, lightly steamed | 55g | Steam 4β5 min only |
| Blueberries | 25g | Fresh or frozen-thawed |
| Spinach, wilted | 35g | Lightly cooked only |
| Anti-Inflammatory | ||
| Turmeric powder | Β½ tsp | With a pinch of black pepper |
| Supplements (Add Cold) | ||
| Salmon oil COLD | 1 tsp | Never heat β destroys EPA/DHA |
| Eggshell calcium powder COLD | ΒΌ tsp | Add after cooling |
| Ingredient | Amount (1 serving) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ||
| Chicken thigh, boneless, skinless | 200g | High-quality lean protein |
| Sardines in water (no salt) | 80g | EPA/DHA top-up; drain well |
| Low-GI Carbohydrate | ||
| Sweet potato, steamed | 150g | Lower GI than white rice |
| Anti-Cancer Vegetables | ||
| Broccoli, lightly steamed | 80g | Steam 4β5 min only |
| Blueberries | 35g | Fresh or frozen-thawed |
| Spinach, wilted | 50g | Lightly cooked only |
| Anti-Inflammatory | ||
| Turmeric powder | ΒΎ tsp | With a pinch of black pepper |
| Supplements (Add Cold) | ||
| Salmon oil COLD | 1Β½ tsp | Never heat β destroys EPA/DHA |
| Eggshell calcium powder COLD | ΒΌ tsp | Add after cooling |
Sulforaphane forms when myrosinase (an enzyme in broccoli) interacts with glucoraphanin (its precursor). Boiling destroys myrosinase in about 5 minutes β killing the very reaction that produces sulforaphane. Light steaming (4β5 minutes, still slightly firm) preserves the enzyme and maximises sulforaphane yield. Alternatively, chop broccoli and wait 40 minutes before lightly cooking β chopping activates myrosinase even before heat is applied.
Broccoli in large quantities can cause GI upset in dogs, and very high amounts of isothiocyanates (the compounds that include sulforaphane) can irritate the digestive system. Keep broccoli to the quantities specified here. If your dog has a history of bladder issues or calcium oxalate stones, discuss crucifers with your vet β they contribute to oxalate load.
Simmer chicken thighs in unsalted water for 20β25 minutes until completely cooked through. No salt, no oil, no seasoning. Pull the chicken out, let it cool slightly, and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Steam sweet potato cubes until completely soft (about 12 minutes). Steam broccoli florets separately for just 4β5 minutes β they should still have a little firmness. Do not overcook the broccoli.
π₯¦ Undercooked broccoli = more sulforaphane than overcooked broccoliAdd spinach to a pan with a small splash of water. Stir over medium heat for 2 minutes until just wilted. Squeeze out excess water before adding to bowl.
Drain sardines thoroughly. Add chicken, sardines, sweet potato, broccoli, spinach and blueberries to the bowl. Stir in turmeric and a tiny pinch of black pepper.
Cool to room temperature. Then stir in salmon oil and eggshell calcium. Never add fish oil to warm food β the EPA and DHA that are doing the work against cachexia will be destroyed by heat.
Some breeds have exceptionally high lifetime cancer rates. Owners of these dogs may choose to feed an anti-cancer diet proactively, even before any diagnosis, as a preventive measure.
No diet cures cancer. The science supports dietary modification as a way to reduce tumour cell fuel availability, slow cachexia, and support the immune system alongside treatment. It does not replace surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer, the most important relationship you have is with your veterinary oncologist β diet is one supporting tool in that relationship.
Explore our full range of condition-specific bowls designed around the science of canine nutrition.
Browse All Recipes