Liver disease is not necessarily a death sentence for your dog. A diet geared specifically toward treating your dog's liver and his symptoms could add years to his life. Some foods should be avoided while others will be important to give him the nutrients and energy he needs to battle the disease.
-
Symptoms and Diagnosis
-
If you suspect your dog has liver disease, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with your veterinarian. Some of the symptoms of liver disease include depression, excessive thirst, weight loss, jaundice and a lack of appetite. If your dog displays these symptoms, veterinary assistance will be needed; you do not want to start your dog on a special diet without first consulting an expert, and you do not want to treat something your dog might not have. Your vet can also help you treat the disease itself, as your dog's diet is not the only factor you will need to change.
The Right Diet
-
Once you have a positive identification of liver disease, it is time to start feeding your dog accordingly. Diet therapy can give your dog the means for adequate liver regeneration and repair, while also treating some of the side effects of this disease. You want your dog to have all of the nutrients he needs, while also making it possible for the liver to not work as hard.
Protein will be most likely be an important part of this diet, unless your dog's disease has affected the brain. Dairy, eggs and white fish may be better tolerated by your dog during this time. Choose high quality foods, and opt to feed several smaller meals throughout the day, rather than one or two larger meals. Certain grains, such as oatmeal or beet pulp, are good to add to this diet, and they will help the body remove ammonia instead of forcing the liver to process it. Opt for healthy fats, which will provide energy for your dog and will be more easily tolerated by her system.
You will want to make sure your dog is not eating any foods that are high in copper, such as lamb, pork or organ meat, and try to avoid potassium and sodium as well.
Veterinary Assistance
-
It is important to work with your veterinarian to treat your dog's liver disease; he can help you determine what levels of protein, fat and fiber will be best for your particular dog with his specific degree of liver disease. Make sure you follow all instructions for any medications your vet prescribes, and make sure he has access to clean, fresh water at all times. With the right balance of diet and medicine, hopefully you and your vet will be able to keep your dog's condition under control.
-