When your faithful four-legged friend suffers from liver problems, the focus inevitably shifts to their diet.
The liver is a crucial organ that performs multiple vital functions, and its impairment requires a targeted and careful nutritional approach.
In this blog post, we will dive into the world of specific feeding for dogs with liver issues.
We will discuss how an appropriate diet can not only support liver function but also help to improve the quality of your dog's life.
From easily digestible proteins to controlled fats, to the importance of specific nutrients, we will explore together the most effective dietary strategies for managing liver disorders.
At the end of the article, you will also find a list of allowed foods, the best dry and wet food for dogs with liver problems, and some examples of healthy and tasty recipes to keep your four-legged friend healthy.
How does a dog's liver work?
The liver is a very important organ that performs several essential functions and has a very particular task.
It helps to eliminate waste produced by the digestion of food, absorbs nutrients, and produces important proteins to keep the blood at the right consistency and to help it clot when necessary.
It also produces other substances fundamental for the body's proper functioning. However, if the liver is affected by disease, its cells can progressively damage and stop working correctly.
This can lead to a serious condition called liver failure, where the liver can no longer perform its vital functions.
When the liver starts to get damaged, some enzymes present in its cells can end up in the blood.
If a blood test shows an increase in these liver enzymes, it could mean there's a problem with the liver, but it doesn't tell us if the liver is completely compromised.
To better understand how the liver is functioning, veterinarians measure some substances that the liver produces in the blood, such as sugar, cholesterol, bilirubin, and albumin.
If these substances decrease, it could be a sign that the liver is not working well.
Sometimes special tests, like the bile acids test, are also done to get a clearer idea of the liver's health.
If a liver disease is diagnosed, changing the dog's diet can help prevent further damage and improve the situation.
What are the common liver problems in dogs?
Dogs can suffer from various liver problems, each with specific causes and symptoms. Here are some of the most common liver disorders in dogs:
Chronic Hepatitis: Chronic Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that persists over time. It can lead to scarring and damage to the liver tissue, compromising liver function. Often, it can result in more severe liver damage, such as Cirrhosis.
Cholangitis: This is the inflammation of the bile ducts and surrounding liver tissue. It can be caused by bacterial infections and can lead to an alteration in bile flow.
Hepatic Lipidosis: This occurs in the case of excessive accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This condition can lead to liver inflammation and, if untreated, can cause liver damage.
Liver Tumors: These can be benign (such as adenomas) or malignant (such as hepatocellular carcinoma).
Liver Failure: Occurs when the liver is no longer able to perform its vital functions due to extensive damage. It can be an acute or chronic condition and can lead to severe and potentially lethal symptoms.
Copper Storage Disease: In some dog breeds, such as the Bedlington Terrier, Dobermann, Labrador Retriever, and West Highland White Terrier, there is a genetic predisposition to the accumulation of copper in the liver, which can eventually cause liver damage.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: It is a neurological condition that occurs when the liver fails to remove toxins from the blood, leading to an accumulation of these substances in the brain.
Not all these problems can be resolved with a substantial change in diet, and obviously, each case is unique, but any dog suffering from these conditions can benefit from a diet aimed at promoting proper liver function.
Homemade Diet for Dogs with Liver Problems
Given that the ideal diet depends on the individual's condition, the underlying pathology, and a series of factors that can vary from dog to dog, we can still outline some guidelines that may be useful for improving the diet of your dog with liver problems.
Firstly, the diet of a dog with liver problems must be highly digestible, but at the same time tasty enough to properly stimulate the dog's appetite.
Moreover, a low-protein diet is recommended, where the proteins administered are healthy and lean. But let's see in detail how to divide and administer the various categories of food:
Proteins
For dogs with severe chronic liver diseases or vascular anomalies, a low-protein diet can be useful, and is generally the one recommended in most cases.
If the dog responds well, you can subsequently increase the proteins gradually, preferring sources like tofu, dairy, or white chicken meat.
Proteins (Moderate Quantity):
Tofu: 0.25-0.5 g/kg per day, or anyway in moderate quantity
Dairy (yogurt, ricotta, cottage cheese): Moderate quantities as part of meals
White chicken meat (without skin): 0.25-0.5 g/kg per day
Lean beef meat, 0.25-0.5 g/kg of body weight per day,
Turkey (white meat, without skin): 0.25-0.5 g/kg per day
Carbohydrates
Among carbohydrates, those that are more digestible should be preferred, but it can vary to stimulate the dog's appetite.
Recommended carbohydrates:
White or brown rice: moderate portions as the base of the meal
Potatoes (without skin): well-cooked and mashed (better if new and always fresh!)
Pasta: cooked and without sauces
Vegetables
Vegetables must be low in fat and easy to digest, and if necessary can be pureed.
Recommended vegetables:
Zucchini: cooked and cut into pieces
Carrots: cooked and cut into pieces
Peas: cooked and mashed, without exceeding
Pumpkin: cooked and mashed
Fats
Generally, it is not necessary to overly limit fats in the diet of animals with liver diseases, as they provide essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
However, there are exceptions, such as animals with chronic bile duct obstruction or gallbladder mucocele, where it might be necessary to modify fat intake.
Of course, we are talking about healthy fats as part of a balanced diet, not junk food or fats from industrial products.
Fats (Moderate Quantity):
Olive oil: Small amounts to provide essential fatty acids
Fish oil (check vitamin A and D content): As a supplement, in doses recommended by the veterinarian
Micronutrients and Vitamins
Incorporate water-soluble vitamins, especially in subjects with hepatic lipidosis, who may be susceptible to vitamin deficiencies such as thiamine, cobalamin, and vitamin K1. However, avoid vitamin C supplements in dogs with copper accumulation or large iron reserves in the liver.
Vitamins:
Water-soluble vitamins: Integrate according to needs and under the supervision of a veterinarian
Vitamin K1: If necessary, administered in injectable form
Vitamin C: Avoid vitamin C supplementation in dogs with copper accumulation, and administer with the veterinarian's consent.
NB:
There are dogs for whom an increase in liver enzymes alone does not justify a radical change in diet.
In some cases, if liver enzymes are consistently elevated, the animal may benefit from additional antioxidants in addition to their usual diet.
Some veterinarians specialized in canine nutrition suggest the use of supplements such as vitamin E, vitamin C, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a substance naturally produced in the body that helps protect and regenerate liver cells, and silymarin (milk thistle), but studies regarding dosage, efficacy, and administration methodology are not yet complete.
For the administration of supplements to dogs with liver problems, always consult with the veterinarian.
Low Copper Foods
In dogs with copper storage disease, or in predisposed individuals, a diet favoring low copper content foods may be useful.
Low Copper Foods:
Chicken: A common source of protein low in copper
Rice: An easily digestible carbohydrate
Vegetables: Such as zucchini, carrots (cooked)
For dogs with this type of liver problem, zinc may be an important mineral to supplement in the diet, as it can help reduce the absorption of copper in the liver.
Some foods that are naturally high in zinc include:
Lean red meat, such as beef
Lean turkey meat
Certain types of fish, such as salmon and sardines
Eggs, in moderation
Low-fat dairy
Beans and lentils, in moderation
It is important to note that while zinc supplementation can be useful in some cases of liver disease, an excess of zinc can be harmful.
Therefore, any supplementation should be done under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Dog Croquettes for Liver Issues
HILL'S Prescription Diet Liver Care Canine l/d Dry Dog Food 10 kg
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hepatic HP Dog Croquettes 12kg
Royal Canin Hepatic 12 kg Adult Rice Vegetable
Exclusion Diet Hepatic Pork & Rice And Pea M/L Pack.12 KG
Wet Food for Dogs with Liver Issues
Veterinary Hepatic Mousse | 12 x 200 g
Trovet Hepatic HLD Wet Food for Dogs
Hill’s LD Wet Food in Can
How often should a dog with hepatitis eat per day?
If your dog suffers from severe liver issues or is recovering from an illness, instead of the usual two meals, provide your friend with at least 4 or 5 small meals a day to avoid overburdening the stomach.
Later, you can return to two, or even better, three meals a day if possible.
Daily Diet Plan Examples
Breakfast: Tofu or cooked chicken with rice and cooked vegetables
Lunch: A small portion of cottage cheese or yoghurt with rice, or just a few spoons of dairy to break the hunger
Dinner: Cooked chicken with vegetables and a small amount of olive oil
Or
Breakfast: Cooked chicken with white rice and cooked carrots
Lunch: Tofu with cooked peas and a bit of olive oil
Dinner: Cooked turkey with pumpkin and a small amount of fish oil
Important Notes:
The caloric and protein intake should be adjusted to the dog's ideal body weight.
Start with smaller portions and gradually increase, monitoring the dog's response.
Ensure the dog always has access to fresh, clean water.
This diet plan is just a generic example and might not be suitable for all dogs with liver issues.
It's crucial to work with a vet to create a customised feeding plan that considers your dog’s specific needs.
Other Tips for Managing a Diet for Dogs with Liver Issues
Choose minimally processed, high-quality foods similar to what a health-conscious human would eat. This approach ensures your dog receives natural, unprocessed nutrients.
Prefer cooked food, which is generally gentler on the digestive system than raw food, such as with the BARF diet. This is especially important for dogs with liver issues, as easier to digest food reduces liver stress.
Opt for foods that support not just the liver, but also the stomach and spleen. These foods should be beneficial and suited to your dog’s specific needs.
If possible, consult a veterinary nutritionist. Each dog has a medical history, and no generic diet is perfect for all.
Be wary of dry or canned foods, including prescription ones, as they are industrial products and can be pro-inflammatory. Choose only those of quality and recommended by vets.
Instead of large meals, opt for small, frequent meals, which are easier to digest and less taxing on the liver.
Avoid dairy and high-fat foods, which can be difficult to digest and burdensome on the liver.
Avoid junk food and foods not recommended for dogs, even if not considered toxic to animal consumption.
When can I go back to normal food?
Unfortunately, this question can only be answered by a vet. While acute episodes can sometimes be resolved, chronic conditions often require a long-term dietary change.
What if the dog doesn’t improve with the new diet?
In most cases, diets for dogs with liver problems are aimed at managing the condition, not curing it.
If you notice issues with the new dietary regime, consult with your trusted vet.
Other Articles You Might Find Interesting
Pork for dogs: they can eat it, but be very careful!
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