Dog Liver Disease Diet

Liver disease is one of the leading causes of death in dogs.



The liver works by removing waste material from the body, detoxifying the blood and secreting bile. If liver damage is not treated early, the functioning of the liver can become impaired and result in dog liver failure. The liver is a strong organ and can regenerate itself. Therefore if the condition is treated properly, there should be no cause for concern.

There are many causes of dog liver disease.



These include bacterial infection, ingestion of toxic substances, genetic factors and other health conditions. The toxins may be derived even from the food the dog consumes such as commercial dog foods, additives, pesticides and preservatives. In some cases, prescribed medications may also have an adverse effect. In order to prevent liver damage from occurring in dogs, it is important to avoid feeding your dog commercial dog foods which contain harmful substances.



The symptoms of dog liver disease include weight loss, increased consumption of water and urination, appetite loss, lethargy, diarrhea, abdominal distension, jaundice, bacterial or viral infection and heart disease. Diagnosis of liver disease must take place early. With the right kind of diet and proper care, liver disease in dogs can be managed effectively.  

Modification in the diet for dogs with liver disease is an important part of treatment. Such a modified diet includes prescribed amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fat. Such a diet helps to ease the symptoms and promote regeneration of the affected liver cells. Discuss with your veterinarian and plan a healthy and natural dog diet. Your vet may prescribe a special dog liver disease diet which supplies the necessary amount of animal protein sources. This is because the damaged liver may be unable to produce sufficient protein. Foods must be cooked and prepared at home. This will ensure that your dog is not consuming excessive grains and harmful preservatives and fillers that are found in most commercial dog food products. An important step in recovery from liver disease is discontinuation of unhealthy commercial foods. If you do need to buy dog food, ensure that you only buy the highest quality. Dog supplements that contain greater celandine, burdock and milk thistle are also believed to be beneficial. Consult your vet before adding these to your dog’s diet. With proper dietary therapy, your dog’s chances of improvement and recovery from liver disease will increase significantly.