The liver is the second largest organ in the body. It is responsible for more than 1500 essential biochemical functions, including its role in drug metabolism, removing toxins, and synthesizing vital substances such as blood clotting factors. The liver also significantly influences your dog’s nutritional status by influencing protein metabolism.

The liver’s function is to maintain homeostasis (balance in the body). It has a tremendous storage capacity for glycogen, triglycerides, vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, and other B vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc. The liver also has impressive regenerative capabilities. 

With the liver playing a significant role in your dog’s body, you must recognize clinical signs of liver disease to promptly initiate appropriate treatment.

Liver disease includes reactive hepatitis, chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis, portosystemic shunts, liver tumors (primary and metastatic), malignant lymphoma, and extrahepatic cholestasis. 

Copper toxicity is a common cause of hepatitis due to high levels of copper in commercial diets. Many dog breeds are predisposed to copper toxicity. While the recommended levels in the feed are NRC 6 mg/kg/DM/day and AAFCO 7.3 mg/kg/DM/day, the average commercial dog food contains 15-25 mg/kg/DM/day. You can purchase formulated liver diets that contain 4.9 mg/kg/DM/day if your dog has been diagnosed with liver disease.

Several medication classifications are known to be toxic to the liver. Anti-seizure medications, chemotherapeutic agents, pain relief medications such as carprofen or NSAIDs, dewormers, and heart medications are all commonly prescribed to dogs. If your dog is prescribed these medications, you must watch for signs of liver disease.

Exposure to toxins also puts your dog at risk for liver disease. If your dog is kibble-fed, the toxin of concern is aflatoxin, a carcinogenic and poisonous toxin produced by the mold fungus Aspergillus flavus. The mold fungus can grow on pet food ingredients such as corn, peanuts, and other grains. The presence of aflatoxin in dog food has been the cause of many pet foods recalls.

Copper toxicity can lead to severe liver disease. Dog breeds predisposed to copper toxicity are Labrador Retrievers, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinschers, English Springer Spaniels, American and English Cocker Spaniels, Bedlington Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Cairn Terriers. 

Breed predisposition for other liver diseases includes Irish Wolfhounds, Deerhounds, Australian Cattle Dog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Old English Sheepdogs, Cairn Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Jack Russell Terrier, Dachshunds, Havanese, Dandie Dinmont, Miniature Schnauzer, West Highland WhiteTerrier, Shih Tzu. Pug, Papillon, and Toy Poodle.

Many of the clinical signs of liver disease are non-specific, making it difficult to narrow down the cause.  However, liver disease should be considered when several of the signs are present. 

Common clinical signs include lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, weight loss with low body condition, polydipsia/polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating), diarrhea, reduced endurance, and neurologic abnormalities.  

Signs more specific to liver disease are ascites (fluid collection in the abdominal cavity), icterus/ jaundice (yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin), and light-colored stools due to their lack of bile.

Malnutrition is often associated with liver disease due to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Impaired nutrient digestion, absorption, metabolism, which requires increased energy, and protein degradation to release energy are all impaired with liver disease.

Your veterinarian will perform a variety of tests to diagnose liver diseases. Blood tests will include a complete blood count with a blood cell differential and serum biochemistry. Urine is tested for the presence of bilirubin. 

Your dog will need to stay well hydrated.  A filtered or bottled water source is best, as tap water often contains fluoride, residual pesticides and fungicides, and many other toxins that will need to be processed by the liver.

Homemade chicken or bone broth can be used as an alternative to water to encourage your pet to stay hydrated. 

Fresh, organic foods that are low in phosphorus are essential. Because red meat is high in phosphorus, it should only be fed in small amounts to add variety to your dog’s diet and provide B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

Other high-quality protein sources are eggs, poultry, and fish such as sardines, salmon, and capelin. Lightly steamed green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts, cooked starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, and an assortment of berries, including cranberries, can add variety to your dog’s bowl.

Providing a 4:1 ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 is essential when your dog is experiencing liver disorders. Hemp oil, phytoplankton, and whole fish are good sources of Omega-6 and Omega-3.

Vitamin supplementation, especially B complex vitamins, as they are essential in the detoxification processes within the liver, should also be included in your dog’s diet. 

Creating meals that are enticing to your dog is critical. Anorexia, commonly seen with liver disease, makes keeping your dog well-nourished challenging. Rather than feeding large meals once or twice a day, try enticing your dog to eat small meals and treats from the food list.  

Don’t forget to inform all household members about your dog’s nutritional requirements. Let everyone know that all tablescapes are off-limits!! 

The liver is responsible for over 1500 essential biochemical functions in the body. 

Copper toxicity, a common cause of liver disease, is associated with commercially manufactured dog foods because they often contain 2-4 times the recommended levels of copper.

Feeding high-quality fresh food and filtered or bottled water will help your dog recover from liver diseases.

Possible diet‐related increase in copper‐associated liver disease in dogs  

ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs 

Ultimate Natural Guide for Pets: Liver Disease 

“Hepatobiliary Disease” in Mark Morris Institute 

The liver is the second largest organ in the body. It is responsible for more than 1500 essential biochemical functions, including its role in drug <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/metabolism">metabolism</a>, removing toxins, and synthesizing vital substances such as blood clotting factors. The liver also significantly influences your dog’s nutritional status by influencing protein metabolism.

How to Feed Dogs with Liver Disease

Feed Real Institute

Services

Summit

We help with