Discovering that your dog's veterinarian has flagged a liver concern can be overwhelming. The liver plays a central role in filtering toxins and waste, and supporting it well is an important part of your dog's overall wellness.

Signs Worth Mentioning to Your Vet

If you notice changes in your dog's energy, appetite, thirst, or overall condition, it's worth mentioning to your veterinarian at your next visit. Catching changes early gives your vet the best chance to understand what's going on and recommend a plan.

Always work with your veterinarian before making any dietary or supplement changes, especially if they've flagged any concerns about your dog's liver health. The information below is general nutrition education, not a substitute for your vet's guidance.

Foods and Nutrients Commonly Discussed for Liver Health

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a flowering herb commonly discussed for its role in supporting normal liver function in people and pets alike. Its active compounds, silymarins, are a class of flavonoids studied for their role in supporting liver cell health and helping maintain normal oxidative balance.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral and antioxidant involved in more than 300 processes in the body. It plays a role in copper metabolism, which is relevant to liver wellness, some integrative veterinarians discuss zinc and copper balance as part of a broader nutrition plan. Copper is found in organ meat, salmon, pork, and duck. Talk to your vet about whether zinc levels are relevant to your dog's specific case.

Artichoke

Artichoke leaf shares some properties with milk thistle and is commonly discussed for its role in supporting normal liver function.

Turmeric

Turmeric's key active compound, curcumin, supports a healthy inflammatory response and is commonly discussed for its role in supporting normal GI and liver function.

Dandelion Root

Dandelion root is commonly discussed for its role in supporting normal bile production and circulation in the liver, which plays a part in the body's normal detoxification process.

Burdock Root

Burdock root is a nutrient-dense herb commonly discussed for its role in supporting the body's normal detoxification processes and nutrient absorption.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal's soluble fiber can help bind ammonia in the gut, which may reduce the liver's processing load.

Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is a source of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are thought to support the liver's normal metabolic workload. Coconut oil is a healthy fat in moderation but should be introduced gradually.

B Vitamins

B-complex vitamins support normal liver function. B1 and B9 are both involved in the liver's normal detoxification process, and B9 in particular can be hard to get from diet alone.

Blueberries

Oxidative stress can affect overall liver wellness, especially as pets age. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which help support a healthy balance against oxidative stress.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are rich in vitamins and minerals that support the liver's natural detoxification enzymes. Detoxification is nutrient-intensive, and leafy greens help supply what the body needs to do that work.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of choline, a nutrient the liver relies on to help metabolize fat and cholesterol. Adequate choline intake is an important part of supporting normal liver function.

Other foods and nutrients commonly discussed alongside liver health include amino acids, plain Greek yogurt, spirulina, and antioxidant-rich fruits.

Nutrition plays a meaningful role in supporting your dog's liver wellness, but every dietary and supplement change should be made under your veterinarian's supervision.

Support Your Pet's Health the Natural Way

At Fera Pets, we're committed to using only the most natural, high-quality ingredients to keep your furry family members healthy and happy for as long as possible. We'd love to hear from you, what do you want to learn about next? Reach us at hello@ferapets.com.