Brenda Khan
A hepatic diet is a carefully chosen diet for dogs with liver disease or problems. It contains easily digestible ingredients and a clever balance of food groups that nourish the dog and its liver while putting minimal pressure on the organ. The diet is typically high in fat and calories, copper-restricted, and low in protein. It is also supplemented with water-soluble vitamins. The type of protein fed to the dog is important, with eggs, poultry, and fish being good sources. Complex carbohydrates in grain form are usually avoided, and ingredients should be of high quality. In addition to the hepatic diet, exercise is important for dogs with liver problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet type | Easily digestible, highly palatable, calorie dense, frequent small meals, well-balanced |
| Protein | Low, but not too low; fresh, bioavailable, and moderate |
| Protein sources | Eggs, poultry, fish (e.g. sardines, salmon, cod), lean meats (e.g. venison, ostrich, kangaroo) |
| Carbohydrates | Unrefined, complex (oats, quinoa) |
| Vitamins | Water-soluble, fat-soluble, B-vitamins |
| Minerals | Zinc, Copper |
| Other | Blueberries, peanut butter, milk thistle |
| Exercise | Daily walks of approximately 30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
A hepatic diet should be low in protein
A hepatic diet is a carefully balanced diet for dogs with liver disease or problems. It is designed to nourish the dog and its liver while putting as little pressure on the organ as possible.
Protein restriction is appropriate when HE (Hepatic Encephalopathy) is suspected, ammonium biurate crystalluria is observed in a dog with suspected hepatic insufficiency, or when imaging studies confirm portosystemic shunting. In these cases, the protein allowance should maintain a positive nitrogen balance, avoiding tissue catabolism. The maintenance of lean body mass (muscle) provides a temporary respite from ammonia toxicity, so it is important to regularly monitor body condition to ensure muscle mass is maintained.
It is important not to add too many extras to a hepatic diet, as this may cause the diet to become deficient or excessively high in fat or low in protein. For example, fish skins may have too high a protein level for a dog on a hepatic diet.
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Avoid commercial dog food
If your dog has liver problems, it's important to avoid commercial dog food, especially cheap brands, as they often contain preservatives, sugars, and filler ingredients that can be harmful to your dog's liver. Instead, opt for a carefully chosen hepatic diet that supports your dog's liver health. Here's why you should avoid commercial dog food and what alternatives you can consider:
- Preservatives and Fillers: Cheap commercial dog food often contains preservatives and filler ingredients that serve no nutritional value and can even be detrimental to your dog's liver health. These additives are used to extend the shelf life and improve the appearance of the food but offer little to no benefit to your dog's health.
- Sugar Content: Commercial dog foods may also contain high levels of sugar, which can be harmful to dogs with liver problems. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, affecting your dog's overall health and exacerbating liver issues.
- Lack of Specialisation: Most commercial dog foods are designed to meet the nutritional needs of the average dog. However, dogs with liver disease have specific dietary requirements that may not be adequately addressed by standard commercial dog food. A hepatic diet, on the other hand, is specifically formulated to support liver function and promote your dog's health.
- Protein Sources: Commercial dog foods often use red meat or offal as their primary protein sources. However, for dogs with liver issues, it is advisable to minimise red meat consumption. Instead, a hepatic diet recommends protein sources that are easier for your dog's body to digest, such as fish, eggs, cottage cheese, or plant-based proteins like peas.
- Copper and Zinc Content: Liver health is closely linked to copper and zinc levels in the body. Commercial dog foods may not have the optimal ratio of low copper to high zinc content, which is crucial for managing liver disease. Prescription hepatic diets are specifically formulated with restricted copper content and an appropriate zinc-to-copper ratio to support liver health.
- Individualised Approach: Every dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary based on their specific liver condition, weight, breed, and overall health. Commercial dog food takes a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not cater to the specialised needs of your dog. Consulting a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist can help you design a tailored hepatic diet that meets your dog's individual requirements.
Now, let's explore some alternatives to commercial dog food for a hepatic diet:
- Prescription Hepatic Diets: In countries like Australia and New Zealand, you can find prescription hepatic diets such as Hill's Prescription Diet l/d (canned and dry) and Royal Canin Hepatic (canned and dry). These diets are high in fat for weight maintenance, copper-restricted, and low in protein.
- Veterinary Food for Liver Disease: Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on specialised dog food for liver disease. For example, Pooch & Mutt offers a vet-recommended, grain-free dog food that follows a hepatic diet for healthy liver function.
- Homemade or Raw Food (BARF Diet): If you prefer a homemade approach, a biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet may be an option. However, preparing a hepatic diet at home can be challenging as it requires careful balancing of nutrients. Consult a pet nutritionist to ensure your homemade meals meet your dog's specific needs.
- Supplements and Treats: In addition to a hepatic diet, certain supplements and treats can support your dog's liver health. Blueberries, for instance, are packed with antioxidants and Vitamin K, which boost liver function. Sweet potatoes are another excellent source of B vitamins, supporting liver function. Just remember to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods or supplements to your dog's diet.
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Include nutrient-rich foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables
A hepatic diet for dogs should contain nutrient-rich foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. This diet should be carefully chosen to ensure that your dog receives the right balance of ingredients to support their liver health and overall functioning. Here are some specific examples of nutrient-rich foods to include:
Lean Proteins
Protein is essential for dogs with liver disease, but it should be derived from lean sources rather than high-fat options. Chicken, turkey, lean beef, and fish are excellent sources of lean protein that provide essential amino acids for liver health. Whitefish, such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or trout, is a particularly good choice due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health. Other sources of lean protein include eggs and peas. It is important to opt for cooked or boiled meats and remove any excess fat or skin to minimize fat intake.
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, quinoa, and barley provide fiber and essential nutrients. These grains are gentle on the liver and help regulate blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of slow-release carbohydrates, which boost energy levels without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar. However, it is important to use grains sparingly as they are calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain if overconsumed.
Fruits
Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries, and watermelon are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support liver health and overall wellness. Blueberries, in particular, contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that protect the liver from oxidative stress, and Vitamin K, which is specifically beneficial for liver function. When offering fruits, remember to remove any seeds or pits and provide them in moderation to avoid overconsumption of natural sugars.
Vegetables
Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, are nutrient-dense and provide an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support liver health. It is recommended to steam or lightly cook these vegetables before serving to make them easier for your dog to digest. Other beneficial vegetables include carrots and cruciferous options like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
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Consider prescription diets
A hepatic diet for dogs with liver disease should be carefully chosen to ensure it is tailored to support a damaged liver. It should contain easily digestible ingredients and a clever balance of food groups that will nourish your dog and its liver while putting as little pressure on the organ as possible.
Prescription canine diets for liver disease deliver better-tolerated proteins and decrease protein intake to 2.0-2.5 g protein/kg. Prescription diets are very low in protein, which is unnecessary for dogs with elevated liver enzymes or dogs with portosystemic vascular anomalies (with no clinical signs of hepatic encephalopathy). Dogs with liver disease should be fed as much protein as they can tolerate without becoming clinically encephalopathic. Sufficient protein in the diet helps preserve lean muscle mass, which decreases the liberation of ammonia from tissue catabolism and lowers the risk of hepatic encephalopathy developing.
In Australia and New Zealand, the two main options for prescription diets are Hill's Prescription Diet l/d (canned and dry) and Royal Canin Hepatic (canned and dry). Both diets are high in fat to help with weight maintenance, are copper-restricted, and are low in protein. The canned diets are high in moisture, which may help reduce the risk of ammonium urate urolithiasis secondary to reduced hepatic function.
It is important not to add too many extras to the hepatic diet as this may cause the diet to become deficient or excessively high in fat or low in protein. If you are adding extras, keep it to a minimum of 1-2 teaspoons per meal, depending on the size of the dog.
Energy allowance for animals with hepatic disease should be estimated based on ideal body weight, with modified diets gradually introduced. Initial intake should be no greater than 50% of the calculated daily energy requirement on day one, increased to 75% on day two, and then to 100% by days three to five. Energy allowances may require adjustment after the diet is accepted, and the animal is stable, with weight and body condition reassessments confirming a need for higher or lower intake.
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Exercise is important for liver health
A hepatic diet for dogs with liver disease should contain easily digestible ingredients and a clever balance of food groups that will nourish your dog and its liver, while putting as little pressure on the organ as possible. This means that the diet should be low in protein, as processing protein is challenging for a damaged or struggling liver. However, protein is still an essential food group, so it is recommended to include small amounts of fish, eggs, or peas as an alternative to red meat or offal. It is also important to avoid cheap commercial dog food, as it often contains preservatives, sugars, and filler ingredients that serve no value to a dog's liver. Instead, consider a premium specialist hepatic food prescribed by your vet.
Additionally, exercise is important for liver health. Regular exercise helps to improve blood flow and circulation, aiding the liver in filtering toxins and transporting nutrients to vital organs. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related liver conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which can help reduce stress levels and improve mental health. Mental health is closely linked to liver health, as stress and anxiety can contribute to liver dysfunction. Therefore, ensuring your dog gets enough exercise can indirectly support liver health by promoting mental well-being.
When creating a hepatic diet for your dog, it is important to consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has specific allergies or dietary restrictions. They can provide guidance on the appropriate balance of nutrients and help you choose a diet that is palatable and easily digestible for your dog. Exercise routines should also be discussed with your veterinarian, who can advise on the type and duration of exercise suitable for your dog's breed, age, and health status.
Including supplements or herbal remedies in your dog's diet is another aspect to consider. Some supplements can provide additional support for liver health, such as milk thistle, which is known for its beneficial effects on the liver. However, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any supplements or herbal remedies, as they can have potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
Remember, the liver is crucial for digesting food, filtering toxins, and regulating blood in dogs, so maintaining its health is of utmost importance. By providing your dog with a well-balanced hepatic diet, regular exercise, and any necessary supplements, you can help support their liver health and overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
A hepatic diet is a diet tailored to support a dog's damaged liver. It contains easily digestible ingredients and a clever balance of food groups that will nourish your dog and its liver while putting as little pressure on the organ as possible.
Nutrient-rich foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can be given to your dog. These foods can help detoxify the liver, reduce inflammation, and boost their immune system. Good sources of protein include eggs, poultry, and fish such as sardines, salmon, and cod. Complex carbohydrates in grain form are recommended. Blueberries are also recommended for boosting liver function in dogs.
Cheap commercial dog food should be avoided as it often contains preservatives, sugars, and filler ingredients that serve no value to your dog's liver. Processed food such as dry and canned dog food is pro-inflammatory and is particularly hard on the liver. Red meat is generally higher in fat and often best avoided. Unprocessed peanut butter is not recommended for liver disease as it contains aflatoxins, a cancer-causing mycotoxin that often targets the liver.
The energy allowance for dogs with hepatic disease should be estimated based on ideal body weight, with modified diets gradually introduced. Initial intake should be no greater than 50% of the calculated daily energy requirement on day one, increased to 75% on day two, and then to 100% by days three to five. It is recommended to keep additional food to a minimum of 1-2 teaspoons per meal, depending on the size of the dog.
Exercise is particularly important for dogs with liver disease. Daily walks of approximately 30 minutes per day are recommended, depending on their energy levels. It is also important to consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
