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Nutrition for Liver Failure in Dogs

by Penny Eims

Overview

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A properly functioning liver is essential to dog health. Unfortunately, diagnosing liver failure is difficult because the liver can function even when extensively damaged. Providing proper nutrition is critical for dogs who have received a diagnosis of liver failure.
Causes

Liver failure can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Damage and subsequent failure of the liver can occur from: Hepatitis (bacterial or viral), toxins, parasites, fungal infections, Tuberculosis and Leptospirosis. A condition known as Copper Storage Disease can affect certain breeds of dogs, including Doberman Pinchers, Beddlington Terriers, and White West Highland Terriers. Copper Storage Disease is a genetic disease that causes improper storage of copper in the liver and subsequent liver damage and/or failure.

Symptoms

Dogs experiencing liver failure may present with one or several of the following symptoms: bloated stomach (Ascites), pale stools, orange urine, lethargy, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, jaundiced eyes and gums, increased water consumption and possibly, mental confusion. A thorough exam by a veterinarian, including physical examination, blood work, liver biopsy, and possibly x-rays and/or ultrasound can confirm liver disease and/or failure.
Diet

Proper nutrition is critical to the health and well-being of dogs with liver damage. Damaged livers do not process protein correctly. Providing high quality, easily digestible protein is critical. Veterinarians recommend a mixture of animal and plant based proteins which are to comprise 20% of the daily caloric intake. An excellent source of protein for dogs with liver failure is cottage cheese. A higher concentration of fats is well tolerated, and recommended for dogs with liver failure. Fats provide an excellent source of energy and necessary calories, especially in dogs that are experiencing chronic weight loss and lethargy. The addition of both soluble and insoluble fibers helps excess ammonia from dogs with liver failure. Complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice or potatoes, are another source of good energy (calories) for dogs with compromised livers. Avoid the following: potassium, sodium, and copper.
Supplements

Herbs and vitamins that reduce free-radicals in the bodies are beneficial to dogs with a compromised liver. Vitamins B, C, E and K are recommended for dogs following a diet for liver health. Milk Thistle is a supplement shown to assist with toxicity and to reduce free-radicals. Zinc supplementation can help reduce dangerous copper levels and can also assist dogs who are already suffering from certain brain abnormalities. Finally, SAMe, which is normally produced by the liver, can provide both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory help to liver impaired dogs.
Warnings

It is important to have your dog thoroughly evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the level of liver damage. Dogs who have extremely advanced liver damage, including Hepatic Encephalopathy (neurological dysfunction), should not be put on the high protein diet. Additionally, over-use of Vitamin C should be avoided as it can increase the levels of copper.