The liver is one of the largest organs of a dog s body with numerous essential functions that help the dogs to be healthy and hearty.
Dog liver disease diet.
For some an increased amount of protein is necessary but for others it will be a lesser amount.
One common misconception about cld is that dogs cannot be fed protein if their liver is unwell.
The exception to this is if your dog has hepatic encephalopathy a condition in which the liver disease has advanced so far that the brain has become affected.
In this case a low protein diet is recommended.
When it comes to nutrients some people are confused about whether feeding a high protein diet is a good idea or not.
Now a dog with liver disease will have a limited diet.
Many believe that feeding a raw diet can help dogs with liver disease.
Liver disease in dogs and specific diet requirements.
The canine liver disease diet should contain normal amounts of high quality protein at least 20 of daily calories.
Compare that to a dog who at age 10 is diagnosed with excess liver copper and has been eating a high copper diet her whole life but has no clinical signs.
That said it all depends on the specific diagnosis.
I m a huge fan of a raw diet and i recommend them all the time however this page is dedicated to feeding a homecooked diet for dogs diagnosed with liver disease.
While this is the complete opposite of what you ll find here i don t believe that it s not possible.
Let s be clear about one thing.
Dog liver disease diet depends on the specific liver problem that your dog is suffering from.
Imagine a 2 year old dog with too much liver copper showing signs of clinical disease who has been eating a lower copper diet already dr.
There s a list of food items that fall off the menu since they promote toxin build up.
Read the following article to learn the basics of planning a diet for dogs with a liver disease.
Homemade canine liver disease diet keep in mind that the ideal amount of protein a pup with liver disease should have depends on how advanced their canine liver disease is.
Protein is not a problem for dogs with liver related health issues.
It is an essential nutrient that boosts proper liver function.
Diet for canine liver disease.
Your veterinarian will help you develop an evidence based plan to alleviate the symptoms which will likely involve tests medication and diet.
If your dog s liver condition has progressed to hepatic encephalopathy you should avoid giving him a high protein diet.
Since some ingredients present in commercial food products increase liver damage it s important to read product labels and only feed the pet meals that promote good health.
Many dogs with liver disease can discontinue medications and eat regular life stage maintenance food once their liver issue is resolved.
