Cancer is often treated the same way in pets and humans. Your vet will recommend some combination of radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. Conventional treatment has saved many lives, but pet parents want to know what they can do at home to help.

A great place to start is your pet’s diet. Food and supplements can make or break their health, especially during their fight against cancer. Companies formulate pet supplements designed to coincide with radiation and chemotherapy. Consider these five supplements that can help pets overcome cancer.

1. Medicinal mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are excellent additions to radiation and chemotherapy. Their antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals, which in turn prevents cellular damage and inhibits the spread of cancer. Mushrooms are necessary alongside conventional treatment because they make normal cells more resilient to stress. Mushroom supplements help cells recover a lot faster from harsh chemicals used during treatment.

The three main ingredients found in medicinal mushroom supplements include reishi, maitake and turkey tail. Reishi, in particular, is praised for its anti-inflammatory effects. This is important for sick pets because cancer stems from chronic low-grade inflammation. Maitake can stunt tumor growth and prevent viral infections in immunocompromised pets.

2. Immune support

Pets with cancer suffer from a suppressed immune system. For that reason, an immune support supplement is essential alongside conventional treatment. They contain organic herbs that boost the lymphatic system and help immune cells fight malignant growth. A healthy immune system also improves resiliency against oxidative damage. These supplements use antioxidants to protect healthy cells because oxidative damage is a driving factor behind cancer.

Astragalus root is a primary ingredient among immune support supplements due to its immune-boosting capabilities. It’s accompanied by other herbs like blessed thistle, sheep sorrel and burdock root, all of which support organs involved in the detoxification process. Ginger is often thrown into the mix because it soothes nausea and stimulates appetite, which is necessary after undergoing chemotherapy.

3. Antioxidant blend

Cancer is mostly seen among middle-aged and senior pets. The risk of cancer increases with age because the body gets less efficient at using antioxidants to fight free radical damage. Free radical levels will rise, contributing to the type of inflammation associated with cancer. If the body accumulates too many free radicals, these dangerous molecules can mutate DNA and turn normal cells into cancerous growth. Antioxidant supplements replenish the body with vitamins and minerals that protect against cellular damage.

Supplements designed to fight cancer have a diverse range of antioxidants like L-carnitine tartrate, pectins, vitamin A and broccoli sprout extract. L-glutathione is an especially important ingredient because it repairs DNA and lowers inflammation. It can even break down carcinogens and help the body process toxins. Additional ingredients like algae and fish collagen produce cancer-fighting immune cells such as cytokines, antibodies and white blood cells.

4. Detox formula

Toxins are at the root of cancer growth. They enter your pet’s body via artificial preservatives, air pollution, herbicides and household cleaners. These harsh chemicals overwhelm the immune system, making it difficult to kill cancerous cells. Help your pet’s battle against cancer by giving them an occasional detox supplement. All-natural herbs purify the organs responsible for processing toxic loads, which reduces stress on the immune system.

Among the detox supplement’s many ingredients, nettle provides immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and histamines. It also supports the lungs, skin and urinary tract, all of which make up the detox system. Blessed thistle cleanses these organs, as does burdock root, red clover and sheep sorrel. Slippery elm bark absorbs toxins to alleviate strain on the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.

5. Healthy digestion

All pets need a well-balanced diet, but it becomes even more important when they’re diagnosed with cancer. The right blend of nutrients can support various systems within the body, making your pet more resilient to cancer growth. But feeding them good food isn’t enough—your pet needs a healthy digestive system to reap the benefits of those nutrients. That’s why a supplement for proper digestion should coincide with conventional cancer treatment.

Digestion supplements are packed with probiotics and prebiotics that help create a balanced, healthy gut microbiome. They protect immunocompromised pets from illness by killing pathogens and bad bacteria. Digestion supplements provide readily absorbed phytonutrients derived from blueberries, spinach, carrots and broccoli. A range of digestive enzymes break down fat, protein and carbs that are then used as a cellular energy source.

Conventional treatments focus solely on attacking cancer cells. While these treatments are effective, pets also need a well-balanced diet to help them win the battle against cancer. A simple way to improve their diet is by incorporating the supplements mentioned here. Not only do they inhibit cancer growth, these supplements support the body’s natural functions for long-term health!