Chronic Diseases & Special Conditions
Dog Liver Disease: Dietary Support & Care
The liver is key for detox. Support your dog's liver disease with a gentle, moderate protein diet, and avoid copper-rich foods. Consult your vet for guidance.
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Liver Disease in Dogs
Principles of a Liver Diet
1. Moderate, High-Quality Protein 15-20% on a dry matter basis. High biological value (eggs, cottage cheese, chicken). Avoid red meat.
2. Copper-Restricted Diet Some breeds (Bedlington, Westie, Doberman, Labrador) are prone to copper storage disease. Avoid liver and shellfish.
3. Antioxidants Vitamin E, Vitamin C, SAMe, milk thistle extract (silymarin).
4. Easily Digestible Carbohydrates White rice, pumpkin.
5. Zinc Supplementation Zinc binds excess copper (consult your vet).
Recommended Foods
- Hill's l/d (Liver Care)
- Royal Canin Hepatic
- Eukanuba Veterinary Hepatic
Treats
- Cottage cheese in small amounts
- Cooked white rice
- Pumpkin
- Egg whites (cooked)
- Never: liver, shellfish, chocolate, alcohol
Symptoms
- Jaundice (gums, eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy, confusion (hepatic encephalopathy!)
- Dark urine, light-colored stool
- Abdominal fluid (ascites)
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Neurological symptoms caused by high blood ammonia levels. Urgent. Special protein intake, only to be adjusted by a professional.
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References
- 1.Center SA — Nutritional support for dogs and cats with hepatobiliary disease. The Journal of Nutrition 128(12):2733S–2746S, 1998. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/128.12.2733S (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
