I call the base diet that I recommend for dogs know to have cancers that are malignant or potentially malignant "The Gawler Diet" named after Ian Gawler. Dr Ian Gawler is a veterinary surgeon who has experienced malignant bone cancer. Ian had his right leg amputated but unbeknown to him at that time the cancer had already spread elsewhere. The cancer reached that stage where it had spread throughout his body despite traditional western allopathic chemotherapy and yet he recovered and has subsequently devoted his life to helping others with cancers and so-called incurable diseases. His work has been recognised by him being awarded the Order of Australia. Aspects of his life and his advice are documented in his books "You Can Conquer Cancer" and "Peace of Mind". He can be contacted via The Gawler Foundation, PO Box 77, Yarra Junction, Victoria. He included The Gawler diet for dogs" as an appendix in "You Can Conquer Cancer".

I quote Ian Gawler from the above book: "It has not cured anything yet, although it has been instrumental in several remissions (as at 1984). I do feel, however, that it has prolonged life in many cases and I am certain it has made the most of a difficult situation. It has also eased many peoples' minds when they want to do something constructive instead of just watching their animals die. Many owners comment on how fit and active their animals are despite the presence of tumours. Also, when the diet is followed, it is frequently noted that the animal's demise, when it comes, is rapid. Rather than drawn out, steady deterioration frequently associated with cancer, the animal remains well, often fitter than usual, until there is a sudden collapse. Then, if a decision regarding euthanasia is required, it is usually easily made.

Overall the diet has many positive attributes. The principles are to detoxify the body, correct mineral imbalances, restore the digestion and to develop and maintain a positive attitude. The diet recognises that we are dealing with carnivores, but that protein intake should be restricted. No salt is added to the diet but potassium and iodide usually is, in the form of 3 drops of Lugol's iodine per 15 kg body weight added to the stew or drinking water.

I recommend "The Gawler diet for dogs" for mature dogs with cancer or other chronic illnesses that suggest to me a serious dysfunction of the immune system. Examples of these include severe arthritis, eczema and recurrent infections. For less severe problems I recommend a similar diet that I refer to as the "Billinghurst Diet" as described by Dr Ian Billinghurst in his book "Give Your Dog a Bone". This book is available directly from his veterinary practice in Bathurst NSW.

The Gawler diet. Basic components: 40% stewing steak meat by volume, 40% vegetables by volume concentrating on yellow one's eg pumpkin, carrot and green ones, cooked as little as possible consistent with the dog eating them; brown rice well cooked 20% by volume. Present the food as a stew; with meat and vegetables cooked as little as acceptance dictates, e.g. generally well cooked to begin with and as palate adapts cook less - especially carrot and greens good if given raw - just grate finely. Feed according to appetite demands once daily. Fast one day per week.

There are a range of supplements to this diet that I vary according to individual circumstances and concurrent health problems. I do recommend as does Ian Gawler that 1 teaspoon of sodium ascorbate powder (from health food shops or chemists or direct from CSR Chemicals in 5 kgm lots) or 8 Vita Glow Enteric coated Vitamin C 500mg Tablets given per 30 Kg body weight once daily in or with the meal.

Dogs generally accept the diet readily, cats more reluctantly.

I advise that this diet be supplemented with a range of nutraceutical products that can be obtained via me through personal consultation. I also suggest and offer other approaches to favouring health over disease during personal consultations if interest is expressed in learning about these.