Sierra's Story: How a Ketogenic Diet Transformed a Dog's Cancer Journey

Have you ever wondered if nutrition could play a role in your dog's fight against cancer? Today, we're sharing an inspiring story that might change the way you think about your furry friend's diet.

"In late 2018, our sweet black lab, Sierra started limping. She underwent x-rays and our vet confirmed the bad news: she had osteosarcoma in her right humerus.Our veterinarian gave her 3-5 weeks to live. However, if we went through with amputation, chemo, and radiation, we could possibly hope to keep her alive for a year .We chose to forego treatment and preserve Sierra's quality of life. We found KetoPet online and quickly transitioned to a ketogenic diet. And the results were AMAZING!

Six months later, Sierra was still alive and well! However, her limp was getting worse. We decided to do the amputation for pain management - and we're glad we did. We thought she was a happy lab before surgery - but after the procedure - we could tell she was much happier. The same veterinarian who expected her to live 3-to-5 weeks was SHOCKED to see her alive, and even MORE shocked to see her so happy in her pre-op visit!

While her amputation showed that she had the most aggressive form of osteosarcoma, her pre-op chest x-ray and organ ultrasounds did not show ANY signs of metastasis. Our veterinarian was truly amazed.

Sierra recovered quickly from her surgery and is thriving on her ketogenic diet. She gleams with pride every time she has a new accomplishment, and her success remains is so rewarding to us. Her happiness is contagious and we're so grateful to have her around!"

A Different Approach: Ketogenic Diet for Dogs with Cancer

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that's unfortunately common in larger dog breeds. It's known for its aggressive nature and tendency to spread quickly.

Instead of opting for traditional treatments like amputation and chemotherapy, Jan made a bold choice to focus on Sierra's quality of life and turned to an alternative approach: a ketogenic diet.

A ketogenic diet is high in fats, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates. It would have a base of fresh muscle meat, fatty fish, and organ meat, followed by eggs and cheese and oils, then vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, topped off with a few nuts and berries. This nutritional approach aims to shift the body's metabolism, potentially making it harder for cancer cells to thrive.

The Results: A Dog Cancer Success Story

Sierra’s results were amazing. It’s a remarkable outcome for such an aggressive form of cancer.

Key Takeaways from Sierra's Journey

1. Alternative treatments can be powerful: While traditional cancer treatments have their place, nutritional therapy proved to be a game-changer for Sierra.
2. Quality of life matters: Jan's focus on Sierra's happiness and comfort led to a treatment plan that gave them more joyful time together.
3. Every dog is unique: What worked for Sierra may not work for every dog. It's crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to find the best approach for your pup.

Is a Ketogenic Diet Right for Your Dog?

If you're considering a ketogenic diet for your dog, especially one facing health challenges, here are some points to consider:

• Consult with your veterinarian first
• Research reputable sources on canine nutrition
• Monitor your dog's health and energy levels closely
• Be patient - nutritional changes can take time to show results

While Sierra's story is inspirational, it's important to approach any significant dietary changes with caution and professional guidance. Have you had experience with alternative nutritional approaches for your dog? We'd love to hear your story! Email us at info@visionarypet.com

Author’s Bio

Paul Raybould is the Co-Founder and CEO of KetoPet and Visionary Pet Foods. Paul is an experienced dog dad and a passionate advocate for dogs everywhere. He has a deep understanding of dogs' dietary needs and the importance of providing them with the best nutrition possible. When not working helping dogs everywhere have a long, healthy life, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife Susan and two rescue standard poodles, Freya and Coconut.

Disclaimer

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns about your dog, please consult a qualified veterinarian.