i've had a couple of dogs die early from cancer. does anyone else think it might be the dog food?
Definitely; dogs (carnivores) can't process grains.
For the last ~4 years I was buying the grain-free salmon canidae-
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=2039&cat=3
But even the best dry food is processed crap.
For the last year (after cancer diag.), I was baking chicken thighs once week, and doing rice and broccoli in the rice cooker every few days. No comparison, and it works out the same/cheaper than the $80 bag of the best dry S*&^; no brainer!
The F*ing Vets push that Science Diet which is the worst you can buy because they get it for nothing (huge profit).
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=127&cat=all
My Vet confirmed they know nothing about nutrition, in college they take and one hour class on it and its conducted by Iams!!!
I thought holistic vets were crap, but after the first visit and getting some nutritional guides I now know better. She noted our guy had a really white tongue (sounded like crap at the time) but I was amazed when his tongues color returned once he was eating whole food/homemade meals.
Please give it some consideration and research!
Some Pointers-
No Grain, Low Carbs, High Protein & Fat Diet
Chicken/Fish, Eggs, Broccoli/ShiitakeMushrooms (Cruciferous Vegetables), & Garlic