The liver is an organ that performs very important functions in the body, therefore, when its work is altered, the dog will manifest various symptoms that will require veterinary treatment. Within this, food is going to be a basic pillar.
A suitable diet for dogs with liver problems will help maintain a good quality of life. For this reason, in this article on our site, we will review the best options, which we should always contrast with our veterinarian to guarantee an optimal state of he alth in our dogs.
The importance of the liver
The liver performs essential functions for life, such as the synthesis of substances, the elimination of toxins from the blood or the manufacture of coagulation factors. In addition, it produces bile, which accumulates in the gallbladder until it is released into the duodenum, where it helps digest fats. We must not lose sight of this aspect when preparing a diet for dogs with liver problems.
When the liver fails, we will see nonspecific clinical signs, such as anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water intake and elimination of urine, but also other characteristics of liver failure, such as jaundice, ascites or hepatic encephalopathy, which presents with lack of coordination, changes in behavior or hypersalivation and is a consequence of the high level of toxins that are not eliminated in the blood.
Within these toxins, ammonia stands out, which comes from protein metabolism. For this reason, these, in addition to loss of appetite and digestive problems, are other elements to take into account in the diet for dogs with liver problems. Liver failure can be due to different causes. It will be the veterinarian who, after the pertinent tests, arrives at the diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment, which will combine drugs and diet.
Why adapt the diet of a dog with liver problems?
As we have seen, the liver is involved in multiple functions of the body, such as the synthesis of substances or the elimination of toxins. For this reason, part of the treatment consists of controlling the substances that this organ will have to metabolize or discard Hence, it is important to act directly on the diet of these dogs. Otherwise, maintaining your usual diet or neglecting this aspect can lead to overexertion of the liver or increase the amount of toxic substances that will accumulate in the blood.
This situation can cause serious injuries to the dog, for example, if he suffers hepatic encephalopathy. For this reason, in liver problems, putting the dog on a diet adapted to this disorder is just as important as giving it the pharmacological treatment prescribed by the veterinarian. You need specific, high-quality nutrition, controlling both the composition and the percentages of each selected ingredient. You have to know that sometimes the change in diet is temporary, but there will be cases in which it will be for life, as some dogs will suffer irreversible liver damage.
Food for dogs with liver problems
Aware of the need to have a food for dogs with liver problems, there are several brands that offer commercial diets designed for them, both wet food and feed. But how to feed a dog with liver problems? We see it through the example of NFNatcaneTheir Special Care line has a product created to support liver function, so that it is suitable for dogs with acute or chronic liver failure, which are the ones that should consume this type of food throughout their lives.
It is considered super premium and is made for adult dogs. It is characterized by a low protein content, in a percentage of 18%, which is important to control the presence of ammonia, derived from its metabolism. In this way the liver is not overloaded. This protein is also easily digestible, high quality and of animal origin, coming from chicken, tuna and duck. It also contains a combination of botanicals with a choleretic effect, that is, that activates the production of bile, and cholagogue, which helps expel the bile retained in the gallbladder.
As a source of carbohydrates we find sweet potatoes, potatoes and rice. The recipe also includes fruits, vegetables and salmon oil, rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which contribute to the maintenance of he althy skin and coat. The natural probiotics and prebiotics present help take care of the digestive system.
The meats are added hydrolysed and the dehydrated vegetables, which favors digestion even more and guarantees that the food maintains its nutrients as much as possible. If your dog suffers from liver problems, don't hesitate to try Special Care by NFNatcane, it is a high-quality food at a more than competitive price.
Considerations to take into account in special cases
Remember that this type of food is not for he althy dogs and can only be administered if prescribed by the veterinarian after examining and diagnosing the dog. It is important to take this fact into account, not only because we could harm a he althy dog, but also because some dogs with liver problems will need an even more specific food.
An example is those suffering from hepatic encephalopathy, who will require proteins, but not of animal origin, but vegetable or from milk. You also have to know that some dogs with liver problems may reject the feed, since they will feel loss of appetite. In these cases we can resort to a wet option or to soak the feed with water for a few minutes so that it acquires a more appetizing soft consistency. In addition, if we serve the food warm we increase its aroma and make it more attractive to the sick dog.
It is recommended offer the food several times a day and in small portions. Specifically between 3 and 6, as indicated by the veterinarian.
Homemade diet for dogs with liver problems
Veterinarians recommend giving sick dogs a commercial liver feed for dogs because they consider that it is easier to control the nutrient intake that we are offering, not to mention that it is an easy option to administer and to conserve But if our dog does not accept the feed, we can think of resorting to a homemade diet. The important thing, always, is that you eat, even if it is not the most appropriate.
If we opt for this option, following the advice of the veterinarian, we will have to choose low-fat meats, such as chicken or turkey. They must represent approximately 20%, but the contribution must be assessed based on the evolution of the dog. They can also plant-based protein or dairy, soy, or corn gluten.
To the recipe, without s alt, you can add, for example, beet pulp, which incorporates fiber, andcarbohydrates , not more than 45%. Cooked white rice is widely used in these cases. Vegetables can also be part of the recipe and we can dress the dish with vegetable oil. With fats you have to be careful, especially if the dog suffers from cholestasis, in which there is an obstruction of the bile duct that prevents the normal flow of bile from the liver to the duodenum. Finally, add the vitamins indicated by the vet. This professional will also be in charge of setting the quantities according to the needs of our dog.
Prohibited foods for dogs with liver problems
More than talking about prohibitions, we have to insist that the food offered to the dog be of quality. Prohibiting or limiting the consumption of some when preparing the diet for our dog with a liver problem, will depend on the specific disorder that he suffers from. For example, in cases where the food should have a limited copper content, we should avoid foods that have a high amount of copper, such as lamb, pork, organ meats, beans, lentils, wheat germ or mushrooms.
