- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Whether they’re filtering, detoxifying, or metabolizing, livers are a pretty vital organ in humans—and it’s just as important in our dogs. But does your dog need a liver supplement in addition to the nutrition in their food? Read on to learn more about liver supplements for dogs.
Do You Need Liver Supplements for Dogs?
- Your dog needs vitamins and organic compounds for balanced nutrition and normal growth. Dogs (like other animals and people) cannot produce vitamins and minerals naturally, so they have to consume them, and these vitamins and minerals also help with proper organ function, including the liver.
According to Dr. Gary Richter, award-winning vet and member of Rover’s Dog People Panel, “All dogs are of the species Canis familiaris and as such have very similar nutritional needs.” Commercial dog food is specifically formulated to meet those needs. If your dog’s food is labeled “complete and balanced,” it contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog requires.
So, generally speaking, a well-balanced diet that includes a good-quality dog food is going to cover your dog’s liver needs. But, a number of factors can affect proper liver function such as genetics, the aging process, and the side effects of medication, so it’s best to consult a vet to determine the best course of action.
When to Give Liver Supplements to Your Dog
Dogs experiencing liver dysfunction—causes can include liver disease, infections, and cancer—may benefit from liver supplements. Signs to watch out for include (but are not limited to): jaundice, vomiting, weight loss, signs of weakness, confusion, and seizures. Depending on what’s affecting your dog, it may be helpful to add milk thistle, S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe), and vitamins E and C. Other liver problems may require a vegetarian diet that derives protein from eggs and dairy. Since there is a myriad of possible reasons why dogs experience liver dysfunction, it’s best to consult a veterinarian first and foremost.
Another consideration is whether your dog consumes a homemade, whole food diet (highly recommended by Richter). If so, you may not have full access to the specific vitamins and minerals your pet needs. That’s where additions, such as liver supplements, can also come in handy for your dog.
“It is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian regarding any questions about nutrition,” Richter notes. This is especially important when feeding your dog a homemade diet. Your vet may even refer you to a veterinary nutritionist to determine the best course of vitamins for your dog.
How to Choose Liver Supplements for Dogs
- As noted, you should always talk to your veterinarian about what, if any, supplements your pet needs. In general, be aware that ingredients in some herbal supplements can interact with medication. Always keep careful tabs on your dog’s supplement dosage.
Richter has some general guidelines on choosing supplements for dogs:
- Look for brands that have commissioned clinical studies of their products.
- Read labels carefully to ensure quality and safety.
- Look for a lot number on the product. This is a sign that the company uses quality control checks.
- Choose brands with confirmed expertise.
- Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true. Vitamin supplements are just that—supplements. They are not cure-alls or medications.
- Do not give human supplements to dogs, as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
- In general, the best options will be available through your veterinarian.
The bottom line about liver supplements for dogs: Talk to your vet first before introducing any nutritional supplement into your pet’s diet.
Liver Supplements for Dogs
To address a health condition, ask your veterinarian about prescription liver supplements that can help. The over-the-counter supplements below are primarily for maintenance or prevention.
These tablets not only help support a troubled liver, but also support brain health as well with SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), an ingredient that increases glutathione levels in the liver and acts as a neuroprotector in the brain. It also contains the milk thistle extraction silybin, which promotes oxidative balance in the liver. The above is for medium dogs, but you can find dosages for other breed sizes here.
Chicken liver flavored to help the medicine go down, these chews are comprised of 15 different ingredients that help support liver function. It works in two phases of detoxification: the first phase helps convert toxins in the liver into less damaging matter, and the second converts those substances into water-soluble chemicals that can be more easily expelled by the body.
Made in the USA, this powder also contains SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) to assist with liver and brain function. This formula is free of GMOs and artificial flavors, preservatives, colors and binders.
These grain-free chews maintain the effectiveness of their ingredients with a no-heat process and primarily feature milk thistle and curcuminoids to help the liver detoxify and to support its regular function.
As always, be sure to check with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your dog’s diet. And read on for more articles on how to best balance your dog’s nutrition in a variety of ways.
Further Reading
Featured image by Ludwig Willimann/Pixabay