What Is Dog Cancer

by Donnie Darius

Did you know that over 6 million dogs lose their lives to cancer every year? That’s right—more than half of our furry friends will face this terrible disease at some point in their lives.But here’s the good news: there are things you can do to help lower the odds for your pup!Before we jump into prevention, though, let’s dig into the big question: What exactly is causing cancer in dogs?

What Causes Cancer In Dogs?

In 1981, two brilliant minds from Oxford University, Richard Doll and Richard Peto, made a big splash with their report for the US Congress, titled The Causes of Cancer. Their findings? About one-third of human cancers were linked to smoking, and another third had a connection to what we eat. The rest? A mix of viruses, genetics, environmental factors, and some mysteries still left unsolved.

Building on this research, experts at the World Cancer Research Fund chimed in with an eye-opening perspective: cancer is, for the most part, a preventable disease. They said, “The strongest evidence that food and nutrition can change the risk of cancer comes from a mix of different types of research, supported by experiments, and by identifying logical biological pathways.”

So, what does this mean for us and our four-legged family members? It shows that what goes into our bodies—and our dogs’ bowls—matters more than we might think!

Carcinogens Hiding in Your Typical Dog Food Brand

While the US Congress hasn’t officially studied how diet affects cancer in dogs, plenty of other studies show that what’s in your pup’s bowl could be problematic. Think about it—if certain ingredients are cancer-causing in human food, they could very well be in your dog’s food too, especially if they’re munching on kibble.

The biggest culprits in commercial dog food are aflatoxins—a nasty type of mycotoxin that comes from a fungus known as Aspergillus. Yep, you heard that right: mold! And this mold can produce some of the most potent cancer-causing substances found in dog food.

Many commercial dog foods are loaded with grains like corn, wheat, and rice, which can easily become contaminated with mold due to poor growing conditions or improper storage. Think cooking them will kill off the toxins? Think again! Aflatoxins are tough customers; they survive even the high temperatures used in food processing.

Here are some common foods that often come contaminated with aflatoxins:

Corn
Wheat cereals
Peanuts
Rice
Soybeans
Walnuts
Brazil nuts

These aflatoxins are no joke—they can bind to DNA and cause cell mutations. So, if your dog is nibbling on even small amounts of these toxins over time, their risk for cancer goes up significantly.

And guess what? The pet food industry knows all about this issue. Dr. Max Hawkins points out, “The pet food industry is no stranger to recalled products due to mycotoxins… In December 2005, 76 dogs were killed from aflatoxin-contaminated pet food in the US, causing a large recall.”

Is Cost a Factor When Choosing Your Dog's Food?

It’s easy to point fingers at low-cost kibble for its sketchy ingredients and questionable quality. But if you think spending more on “premium” or “super premium” food guarantees a safer meal for your furry friend, I’ve got some surprising news for you: aflatoxins don’t discriminate based on price tags!

A recent study delivered some pretty alarming results:

Yep, you read that right. Even the fanciest of dog foods can still harbor these dangerous carcinogens. It doesn’t matter if it’s labeled as "super-premium" or "the best of the best." Aflatoxins are sneaky like that.

So, what does this mean for dog owners? It means that whether you’re buying budget kibble or splurging on the top shelf, it’s crucial to dig deeper into the ingredients and sourcing practices of the food you choose. Sometimes, it’s not about how much you spend but about how much you know!

More Than Just Mold: The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Dog’s Food

While aflatoxins often get the spotlight as the bad guys in dog food, they’re not the only concern. Holistic veterinarian Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, puts it simply: “It has become common knowledge that cancer feeds on carbs. Humans and pets do best on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets.”

Why does this matter? Cancer cells thrive on glucose, which comes from starchy carbohydrates. These carbs don’t just fuel cancer growth—they also cause inflammation. And here’s the kicker: because carbs are cheaper than quality meats, you’ll find them in pretty much all kibble. They’re also the “glue” that holds kibble together.

If your dog is dealing with inflammation, their body is constantly in battle mode, focusing its energy on fighting inflammation instead of keeping those sneaky cancer cells at bay. By cutting out these pro-inflammatory carbs, you’re essentially cutting off cancer’s food supply, giving your dog’s immune system a fighting chance to kick those invaders to the curb!

So, the key takeaway? A low-carb, high-protein diet isn't just trendy—it might just be your dog’s best defense against cancer. 🐕💪

In Conclusion

Cancer is a heartbreaking reality that too many dog owners face, but understanding the hidden dangers in your pet's food is a powerful step toward prevention. As research suggests, what we feed our dogs plays a critical role in their overall health and longevity. While commercial dog foods—whether budget or premium—can contain harmful carcinogens like aflatoxins and unnecessary carbohydrates, being informed and choosing a diet that prioritizes high-quality, low-carb, and nutrient-rich ingredients can help lower the risk. By making mindful choices about what goes into your dog’s bowl, you give them the best chance to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. After all, our furry friends deserve nothing less.

About The Author

Donnie Darius