Dogs with liver disease have specific nutritional requirements, namely an increase in the need for protein and a decrease in the levels of copper and sodium. Meeting these needs can be accomplished by understanding why diet is so important to managing the disease. The liver's job is to filter out toxins from the blood, and to aid in digestion. Proper dietary support of the liver can help prevent further damage as well as promote the regeneration of the damaged tissue, helping the dog live a longer, quality life.
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Goals
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A diet for a dog with liver disease should supply enough nutrients to meet his requirements, reduce the amount of copper and free radicals consumed, and provide the necessary additional nutrients to help heal the liver.
Nutritional Requirements
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Dogs in liver failure need high-quality proteins as the damaged liver can no longer extract enough protein from a normal diet for proper nutrition. It is not necessary to provide additional proteins as long as the ones being offered are high-quality and are easily digestible such as lamb, duck, chicken, etc. It is also recommended that animal protein sources be combined with plant protein sources such as soy and dairy products.
Non-protein products will also play a part in managing your dog's disease. Carbohydrates keep the body from using protein as an energy source by converting quickly to glucose. This process also relieves the liver from having to produce protein, reducing the demand on the liver and preventing additional damage.
Antioxidants will help reduce the levels of harmful free radicals in the blood. These include: B vitamins, C vitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and Zinc. Vitamin supplements are available at any pet health care facility.
Avoid giving your dog any supplements that contain potassium, copper, and sodium. These will further damage the liver and potentially cause hepatic encephalopathy.
Sources
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Some commercially prepared diets are geared toward dogs with liver disease. Hill's Science Diet l/d has been specially formulated for such a purpose. The product is easily digestible and provides proteins in the combinations recommended by veterinarians (animal protein, plant protein, and diary). Hill's has already provided antioxidant supplementation to the diet as well, making feeding your dog a snap. Otherwise, you can create a diet at home under the guidance of your veterinarian.
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