Scientific research

In cancer, pro-inflammatory cytokines are released by the body, triggering a chain reaction of inflammatory signals. These cytokines directly impact the hypothalamus in the brain, which can lead to suppression of appetite and even anorexia. This process causes a reduction in appetite and, over time, leads to weight loss and muscle mass loss.

Cancer cells have an extremely high energy demand to support their rapid growth and reproduction. Compared to healthy cells, cancer cells primarily use simple carbohydrates, such as glucose, following a metabolically taxing pathway. This forces the body to allocate more calories to process these substances, depleting essential nutrients for the rest of the body. Additionally, the increased breakdown of proteins and fats in cancer patients contributes to further muscle wasting and reduced lipogenesis, making the body increasingly less efficient at absorbing nutrients.

The location of certain tumors can directly impact an animal's ability to eat and digest food. Tumors in the mouth, throat, or gastrointestinal tract can make eating and swallowing difficult. Such tumors may cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced nutrient absorption. All these factors contribute to weight loss and the development of cachexia.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often essential for cancer treatment, but they can cause side effects such as changes in taste and smell, negatively impacting the animal's appetite. Radiation to the neck or head can also lead to changes in saliva and inflammation in the mouth, further complicating eating and swallowing. Radiation in the abdominal or chest area can affect the gastrointestinal tract as well, leading to digestive issues.

Cancer causes metabolic changes that lead to abnormal nutrient processing. For instance, cancer cells use amino acids as an energy source, disrupting the body’s protein balance. This increases muscle breakdown and creates a shortage of essential building blocks for the rest of the body. Due to the illness, the body has an elevated basal metabolic rate, but, because of reduced appetite, it cannot take in the required energy.

Nausea is a common issue in pets with cancer, caused both by the disease itself and as a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy. Nausea often leads to a food aversion, which contributes to weight loss and malnutrition.

Research shows that many owners, following a cancer diagnosis, are inclined to make independent changes to their pet’s diet:

• 65% of dog owners choose an alternative treatment for their dog with cancer.
• More than 30% of owners give their pets oral supplements, often without veterinary approval or guidance.
• Over 50% opt for a non-traditional diet after the cancer diagnosis.

These adjustments are often made in the hope of improving the pet’s quality of life, but they also carry risks. Dogs with cancer have an increased need for a high-quality, balanced diet. Unbalanced, self-formulated diets without veterinary guidance can lead to nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, which can be especially dangerous for dogs with a weakened immune system.

The trend toward alternative dietary strategies, such as grain-free or organic options, underscores the importance of proper nutritional guidance for animals with cancer. For an accurate nutritional assessment, it is essential that veterinarians receive detailed information on dietary history, including the use of supplements and treats. This not only helps identify risks, such as bacterial contamination from raw meat, but also aids in developing tailored advice to help owners make responsible nutritional choices for their pets.

Many owners give treats to their pets with cancer to stimulate appetite or to make administering medication easier. Research shows that 94.2% of owners provide treats to their dogs with cancer. Of this group, 23.9% use treats as food enrichment to encourage their pet’s appetite, while 47.7% combine treats with medication. Despite the popularity of treats, the availability of "veterinary-approved" diets and treats for dogs with cancer is limited, often leading owners to opt for non-approved options.

• Lana SE, Kogan LR, Crump KA, Graham J, Robinson NG. The use of complementary and alternative therapies in dogs and cats with cancer. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42:361–365.
• Rajagopaul S, Parr JM, Woods JP, Coe JB, Verbrugghe A. Owners’ attitudes and practices regarding nutrition of dogs diagnosed with cancer presenting at a referral oncology service in Ontario, Canada. J Small Anim Pract. 2016;57:484–490.
• Seifried HE, McDonald SS, Anderson DE, Greenwald P, Milner JA. The antioxidant conundrum in cancer. Cancer Res. 2003;63:4295–4298.

Since many pet owners adjust their pet's diet following a cancer diagnosis, it is essential for veterinarians to monitor these changes and provide nutritional advice based on scientific evidence. This helps optimize the pet's health and supports owners in making safe choices for their pets.

The diet for dogs with cancer should focus on preserving muscle mass, minimizing metabolic and gastrointestinal intolerances, and optimizing the pet's quality of life. The primary nutritional goals are to support the immune system, promote muscle retention, and improve appetite, all of which are essential for treatment effectiveness and the animal's overall health.

A recommended diet for dogs with cancer includes the following characteristics:

1. High in Energy: Dogs with cancer often have an increased energy requirement due to the tumor and treatments like chemotherapy. The diet should therefore contain sufficient calories to compensate for weight loss and help preserve muscle mass.

2. Fat Content: Fats are an important source of energy, especially for cancer patients, as they help restore energy balance and provide a quick source of calories. The increased fat content also enhances the palatability of the food, which is crucial for dogs with reduced appetite.

3. High in Protein: Proteins are essential for preserving muscle mass, especially in dogs with cancer. A high protein content not only aids in maintaining muscle tissue but also supports the dog’s immune system.

4. Easily Digestible: The diet should be easy to digest to reduce the strain on the gastrointestinal system, as many dogs with cancer are prone to digestive issues.

5. Added Nutrients:

-Fish Oil (EPA and DHA): Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, help counteract cachexia (the muscle wasting often seen in cancer patients), and support the animal's overall health. They can also promote appetite and weight gain, which is crucial for dogs struggling to eat.
- L-Carnitine: This essential amino acid helps promote fat metabolism, aiding in the preservation of muscle mass by minimizing protein breakdown.
- Prebiotics: These support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, contributing to a healthy gut microflora and regular bowel movements. They also enhance overall immunity and may help alleviate gastrointestinal issues that are often present in dogs with cancer.

• Increase Moisture Content: Some dogs prefer food with a higher moisture content, which can help stimulate their appetite.

• Enhance Aroma: Increasing the smell of the food can encourage appetite in dogs who are less enthusiastic about their meals.

• Try New Food Options: Adding variety to the diet can rekindle interest in food.

• Make Eating Easier: Food that is easy to eat, such as soft or semi-moist options, can help dogs eat more.

BraveBites® contains proteins with a dry matter (DM) content of 31%, exceeding the recommended 30% for dogs with cancer. This enhances the digestibility of the food, supports the immune system, and helps maintain muscle mass, strength, and energy. Preserving muscle mass is crucial for dogs with cancer, as muscle loss often occurs due to the disease and treatments such as chemotherapy.

-Saker KE. Practical approaches to feeding the cancer patient. Today’s Veterinary Practice. 2014 Jul-Aug;4(4):36-41.

-Ho VW, Leung K, Hsu A, Luk B, Lai J, Shen SY, et al. A low carbohydrate, high protein diet slows tumor growth and prevents cancer initiation. Cancer Research. 2011;71(13):4484-93.

BraveBites® contains a combination of salmon oil and algae oil, both rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Algae oil is an environmentally friendly choice, as it is directly sourced from algae without contributing to overfishing. Many products on the market claim to be high in omega-3, but omega-3 from flaxseed oil, for instance, is not the best option for dogs with cancer. This is because flaxseed oil primarily contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which dogs do not efficiently convert into the active forms EPA and DHA. Therefore, it is crucial to use direct sources of EPA and DHA. BraveBites® also adheres to the recommended omega-6 to omega-3 (EPA/DHA) ratio of 1:1 to 2.5:1, which is important for maximizing the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, BraveBites® meets the recommended dietary amount of EPA and DHA, which is between 0.5% and 1%, ensuring optimal support for dogs with cancer.

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Instead of probiotics, BraveBites® has chosen prebiotics, as dogs with cancer are often immunocompromised due to treatments like chemotherapy. The use of probiotics can be risky for immunocompromised animals, as they are at an increased risk of infections. Prebiotics, such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), are nourishing fibers that promote the growth of existing healthy gut bacteria without increasing the risk of pathogenic microorganisms. FOS and MOS support gut health, contributing to a stronger immune system and overall better health for the dog.

-Wernimont SM, Suchodolski JS, Jergens AE. The effects of nutrition on the gastrointestinal microbiome of cats and dogs: impact on health and disease. Front Microbiol. 2020;11:1266. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.01266.
-Deleemans JM, Chleilat F, Reimer RA, Henning JW, Baydoun M, Piedalue KA, et al. The use of prebiotic and probiotic interventions for treating gastrointestinal and psychosocial health symptoms in cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review. Integr Cancer Ther. 2021;20:1534735421994903. doi:10.1177/1534735421994903.
-Gavazza A, Rossi G, Lubas G, Cerquetella M, Cantatore M, Valente M, et al. Faecal microbiota in dogs with multicentric lymphoma. Vet Comp Oncol. 2018;16(1)
-Jackson MI, Jewell DE. Balance of saccharolysis and proteolysis underpins improvements in stool quality induced by adding a fiber bundle containing bound polyphenols to either hydrolyzed meat or grain-rich foods. Gut Microbes. 2019;10(3):298-320. doi:10.1080/19490976.2018.1526585.

BraveBites® are oven-baked and semi-moist, making them more palatable and encouraging voluntary food intake. Studies show that dogs prefer semi-moist, chewy, and soft foods or snacks, especially when their appetite is diminished due to illness. BraveBites® underwent extensive testing, with samples sent to approximately 35 veterinary practices specializing in oncology. Both veterinarians and pet owners provided overwhelmingly positive feedback (>95%), reporting that dogs who usually refused to eat readily consumed BraveBites® with enthusiasm. This is partly due to the slow oven-baking process, which enhances the bioavailability of nutrients and contributes to an irresistible flavor.

-Nogueira, J. P., Vasconcellos, R. S., Reis, L. F., & Saad, C. E. (2019). Palatability assessment of semi-moist dog foods compared with dry and canned diets in Beagles. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 103(2):447-454. DOI:10.1111/jpn.13053.
-Dimitrios, C., Schauf, S., & Bosch, G. (2019). Effect of Moisture Content of Dry Expanded Diets on Food Intake and Water Balance in Healthy Dogs. Journal of Animal Science. 97(3):1260-1270. DOI:10.1093/jas/skz043.
-Nielson S, Siebert K, Durst A, et al. The effect of food texture on food preference in dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10:1506. doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1506.
-Bourgeois F, Cayeux M, Roche B, et al. Pet food palatability and preferences: insights from sensory studies. Animals. 2024;14(3):1095. doi:10.3390/ani14031095.
-Morelli G, Silva T, Wlasow S, et al. Investigation of the palatability of soft and semi-moist dog treats. J Anim Nutr. 2018;21(4):332-340.

A balanced diet is essential for dogs with cancer. The right nutrition can not only improve overall quality of life but also stimulate appetite, preserve muscle mass, and support the immune system. BraveBites® provides a diet specifically tailored to the nutritional needs of dogs with cancer, featuring high-quality ingredients and essential nutrients that promote the health and well-being of the animal. With its choice of premium proteins, omega-3 from salmon and algae oil, prebiotics, and an irresistible flavor, BraveBites® is an excellent choice for dogs during this vulnerable phase of their lives. Our mission is to enhance not only the quality of life for the dog but also for the owner.

-Fearon KC, Barber MD, Moses AG. The cancer cachexia syndrome. Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2001;10(1):109–126.

-Saker KE. Cancer Cachexia: Current Concepts and Therapeutic Approaches. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2014;244(4):415–422.

-Romano FR, Heinze CR, Barber LG, et al. Association between body condition score and cancer prognosis in dogs with lymphoma and osteosarcoma. J Vet Intern Med. 2016;30(4):1179–1186.

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Although antioxidants are often seen as beneficial, they can have undesirable effects in dogs with cancer. Tumor cells often already have elevated antioxidant capacity, meaning additional antioxidants may have little impact on the tumor but could potentially interfere with treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Some substances used as antioxidants can even act as pro-oxidants, potentially promoting tumor growth. Additionally, high dosages are required to be effective, which carries risks such as toxicity or interactions with other medications. For these reasons, the use of antioxidants in dogs with cancer is only recommended under the guidance of a veterinarian.
-Seifried HE, McDonald SS, Anderson DE, et al. The antioxidant conundrum in cancer. Cancer Res. 2003;63(16):4295-4298. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-03-0711.
-Chandhok D, Saha T. Redox regulation in cancer: a double-edged sword with therapeutic potential. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2010;3(1):23-34. doi:10.4161/oxim.3.1.10702.
-Winter JL, Barber LG, Freeman TM, et al. Antioxidant status and biomarkers of oxidative stress in dogs with lymphoma. J Vet Int Med. 2009;23(2):311-316. doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0351.x.

Despite concerns about the 'Warburg effect' (where cancer cells use glucose for energy), recent research suggests that the impact of carbohydrates on tumor growth is not as straightforward as often assumed. In fact, evidence indicates that a carefully selected carbohydrate level can contribute to a positive energy balance and the overall health of the dog without negatively affecting the tumor. BraveBites® includes easily digestible carbohydrates that help maintain optimal energy intake, especially for dogs struggling with eating or maintaining weight due to cancer or treatments like chemotherapy. This carbohydrate level ensures the food provides sufficient fats and proteins, enhancing overall nutritional value and supporting muscle maintenance.

-Wang S, Dong L, Wu X, et al. Effects of dietary carbohydrates on tumor growth and energy metabolism in cancer patients. Nutr Cancer. 2023;75(4):1025-1037. doi:10.1080/01635581.2023.1850854.
-Clemmons D, Snell W. Carbohydrate metabolism in cancer: A balanced approach to nutritional therapy. Vet Comp Oncol. 2023;21(2):280-295. doi:10.1111/vco.12372.
-Alberghina L. The Warburg effect explained: Integration of enhanced glycolysis with heterogeneous mitochondria to promote cancer cell proliferation. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(21):15787. doi:10.3390/ijms242115787.