Owners often hear that “starving cancer of sugar” is the answer, leading to interest in ketogenic-style feeding. Across cancer contexts, the evidence base is complicated, and even in human literature there are challenges in combining and interpreting trials (Hunter, 2024). For dogs, the bigger issue is usually feasibility: strict carbohydrate restriction can reduce palatability, and any diet that lowers total intake can worsen weight and muscle loss.
A more useful question is whether the current plan supports consistent calories and protein without gastrointestinal fallout. If a veterinarian recommends a lower-carbohydrate approach, it should be implemented gradually with close monitoring of stool, appetite, and energy. If the bernedoodle refuses the diet, the “perfect” macros are irrelevant. The household goal remains a more orderly routine that the dog can sustain.