The Possible Problems

Elevated liver enzymes, as might be seen through blood test results, are best evaluated by your veterinarian. Sometimes, a toxic load being dealt with by the liver can cause elevations in enzymes. Liver shunts, copper storage disease and a host of other problems can affect liver function. Supporting liver function through dietary modification, often shows positive results. The reading material noted here, should be helpful in providing information that you can put to good use right away. We've also included a liver friendly diet to get you started.

The Goal of Dietary Changes

Although the liver has many important functions, one of the most stressful is the elimination of protein byproducts. This might lead us to believe that feeding less protein would be helpful but, in fact, the liver requires protein for regeneration. The key is to offer proteins of high biological value that leave less "waste" for the liver to have to dispose of.

In addition, certain supplements can be helpful. Milk Thistle protects liver tissue and helps to regenerate damaged liver tissue. Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish body oils like Wild Salmon Oil, help cell function. Vitamin K, for proper blood coagulation, can be found in green foods such as Alfalfa. The B-Complex vitamin group is required for healthy cells throughout the body. While dogs produce their own Vitamin C, it may in shorter supply when the liver is compromised. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that has a sparing effect on Vitamin C.

Acidophilus helps to improve immune system function, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Ellagic acid and tannins (see Antioxidant Booster ) have liver protective properties.

For Further Reading

Optimal Nutrition by Monica Segal

This book includes discussion, explanations and diet samples for dogs with compromised liver function.

Liver-Friendly Diet by Dr. W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Monica Segal

Nutritional Management of Liver Disease by Dr. C Leveile-Webster
Reviews the requirements of a liver-compromised dog and its diet

Compromised Hepatic Detoxification by Dr. N Scanlan
Vitamin E, selenium, gluathione and taurine all provide benefits for the liver

Current Concepts in the Treatment of Canine Chronic Hepatitis
by Dr. A Honeckman
Liver disease is caused by several conditions. Selecting the right treatment depends on determining the right cause.

The Hepatoprotective Action of Ellagotannins by Dr. ND Buniatian et al
A component of ellagotannins (Altan) helps to protect the liver

Diagnosing Liver Disease in Dogs: What Do the Tests Really Mean?
by Jill Maddison
The title says it all

Milk Thistle to Help The Liver
All about Milk Thistle from a database of supplements

Probiotics-Acidophilus
All about Probiotics from the same database of supplements