Looking for the best dog food for liver disease? You’ve come to the right place. In this quick comparison, we’ll take a look at 10 of our favorite options. Each of these foods is specifically designed to support dogs with liver problems, and they all have high-quality ingredients that will help keep your pup healthy and happy. So, which one is right for your furry friend? Let’s take a closer look.
A Quick Look at Our Top Picks for 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hill’s Prescription Diet Dry Dog Food
Made with high-quality ingredients
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
15% protein content
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Best Value
Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Dry Dog Food
Made with high-quality ingredients
Reduced protein and fat content
Contains whole beets, blueberries, cranberries and apples
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Premium Choice
JustFoodForDogs Veterinary Diet Dog Food
Made with high-quality ingredients
Specifically designed for dogs with kidney problems
11% protein content
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Eukanuba Fit Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Made with high-quality ingredients
22% protein content
11% fat content
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Royal Canin Hepatic Dry Dog Food
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
23% protein content
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Liver Disease
Hill’s Prescription Diet l/d Liver Care Chicken Dry Dog Food is the best overall dog food for liver disease. This food is specifically designed to support dogs with liver problems, and it is made with high-quality ingredients that will help keep your pup healthy and happy. The main ingredients in this food are chicken, brewers rice, cracked pearled barley, and whole-grain wheat. This food has a protein content of 15%, a fat content of 11%, and 360 calories per cup. Unfortunately, it can be pricey as it’s a prescription diet.
Main ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Wheat
Protein content: 15%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 360 per cup
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Pros
Made with high-quality ingredients
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
15% protein content
11% fat content
Cons
Available by prescription only
Pricier than non-prescription food
Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for liver disease for the money. This food is not specifically designed for dogs with liver problems, but it is made with high-quality ingredients and a reduced protein and fat content, making it an excellent option for dogs with liver disease. The main ingredients in this food are chicken, oatmeal, peas, and potatoes. It is also less expensive than many prescription foods, making it a great option for dog owners on a budget.
Made with high-quality ingredients
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
15% protein content
11% fat content
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
- 15% protein content
- 11% fat content
Available by prescription only
Pricier than non-prescription food
- Available by prescription only
- Pricier than non-prescription food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Oatmeal, Peas, Potatoes
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 350 per cup
Pros
Made with high-quality ingredients
Reduced protein and fat content
Contains whole beets, blueberries, cranberries, and apples
Contains prebiotics and probiotics
Cons
Not specifically designed for dogs with liver disease
May be difficult to find in stores
- JustFoodForDogs Veterinary Diet Dog Food – Premium Choice
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Main ingredients: Pork, Carrots, Peas, Potatoes
Protein content: 11%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 400 per cup
JustFoodForDogs Veterinary Diet Renal Support Low Protein Fresh Frozen Dog Food is our third pick for the best dog food for liver disease. Although this food is specifically designed for dogs with kidney problems, it is made with a reduced protein and fat content, making it a win for dogs with liver disease. The main ingredients in this food are pork, carrots, peas, and potatoes. This food has a protein content of 11%, a fat content of 12%, and 400 calories per cup. It can be pricey and hard to locate, which could be a dealbreaker for food not specifically designed for liver disease, but its nutrient profile is appropriate for both diseases.
Made with high-quality ingredients
Reduced protein and fat content
Contains whole beets, blueberries, cranberries, and apples
Contains prebiotics and probiotics
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Reduced protein and fat content
- Contains whole beets, blueberries, cranberries, and apples
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics
Not specifically designed for dogs with liver disease
May be difficult to find in stores
- Not specifically designed for dogs with liver disease
- May be difficult to find in stores
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Main ingredients: Pork, Carrots, Peas, Potatoes
Protein content: 11%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 400 per cup
Pros
Made with high-quality ingredients
Specifically designed for dogs with kidney problems
11% protein content
12% fat content
Cons
Available by prescription only
Pricier than non-prescription food
May be difficult to find in stores
Not specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Large Breed Dry Dog Food is our fourth pick for the best dog food for liver disease. This food is not specifically designed for dogs with liver problems, but it is made with a high-quality protein source and a reduced fat content, making it an excellent option for dogs with liver disease. The main ingredient in this food is chicken, and it also contains whole grain sorghum and dried beet pulp. This food has a protein content of 22%, a fat content of 11%, and 360 calories per cup. It is also less expensive than many prescription foods, making it a great option for dog owners on a budget.
Made with high-quality ingredients
Specifically designed for dogs with kidney problems
11% protein content
12% fat content
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Specifically designed for dogs with kidney problems
- 11% protein content
- 12% fat content
Available by prescription only
Pricier than non-prescription food
May be difficult to find in stores
Not specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
- Available by prescription only
- Pricier than non-prescription food
- May be difficult to find in stores
- Not specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Main ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Beet Pulp
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 360 per cup
Pros
Made with high-quality ingredients
22% protein content
11% fat content
Less expensive than prescription foods
High fiber
Cons
Not specifically designed for dogs with liver disease
May be difficult to find in stores
Can cause gas
Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
Royal Canin Hepatic Dry Dog Food is our fifth pick for the best dog food for liver disease. This food is specifically designed for dogs with liver problems and is made with high-quality ingredients. The main ingredient in this food is chicken meal, and it also contains brown rice and brewers’ dried yeast. This food has a protein content of 23%, a fat content of 12%, and 360 calories per cup. It is also more expensive than many non-prescription foods and is sometimes difficult to find in stores.
Made with high-quality ingredients
22% protein content
11% fat content
Less expensive than prescription foods
High fiber
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- 22% protein content
- 11% fat content
- Less expensive than prescription foods
- High fiber
Not specifically designed for dogs with liver disease
May be difficult to find in stores
Can cause gas
Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
- Not specifically designed for dogs with liver disease
- May be difficult to find in stores
- Can cause gas
- Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
Main ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Dried Yeast
Protein content: 23%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 360 per cup
Pros
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
23% protein content
12% fat content
Cons
More expensive than many non-prescription foods
May be difficult to find in stores
Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Dry Food is our sixth pick for the best dog food for liver disease. This food is specifically designed for dogs with liver problems and is made with high-quality ingredients. The main ingredient in this food is hydrolyzed chicken, and it also contains corn starch and dried beet pulp. This food has a protein content of 20%, a fat content of 11%, and 360 calories per cup. It is also more expensive than many non-prescription foods.
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
23% protein content
12% fat content
- Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- 23% protein content
- 12% fat content
More expensive than many non-prescription foods
May be difficult to find in stores
Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
- More expensive than many non-prescription foods
- May be difficult to find in stores
- Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
Main ingredients: Hydrolyzed Chicken, Corn Starch, Dried Beet Pulp
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 360 per cup
Pros
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
20% protein content
11% fat content
Cons
More expensive than many non-prescription foods
May be difficult to find in stores
Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites With Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food is our seventh pick for the best dog food for liver disease. This food is specifically designed for dogs with liver problems and is made with high-quality ingredients. The main ingredient in this food is chicken meal, and it also contains ground whole grain barley and brown rice. This food has a protein content of 22%, a fat content of 11%, and 360 calories per cup. It is also more expensive than many non-prescription foods.
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
20% protein content
11% fat content
- Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- 20% protein content
- 11% fat content
Main ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Brown Rice
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 360 per cup
Pros
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
22% protein content
11% fat content
Cons
More expensive than many non-prescription foods
May be difficult to find in stores
Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Low Fat/Low Calorie with Fresh Caught Alaskan Pollock Adult Dry Dog Food is our eighth pick for the best dog food for liver disease. This food is specifically designed for dogs with liver problems and is made with high-quality ingredients. The main ingredient in this food is fresh caught Alaskan pollock, and it also contains sweet potato and chickpeas. This food has a protein content of 20%, a fat content of 11%, and 340 calories per cup. It is also more expensive than many non-prescription foods.
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
22% protein content
11% fat content
- Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- 22% protein content
- 11% fat content
Main ingredients: Fresh Caught Alaskan Pollock, Sweet Potato, Chickpeas
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 340 per cup
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is our ninth pick for the best dog food for liver disease. This food is specifically designed for dogs with liver problems and is made with high-quality ingredients. The main ingredient in this food is deboned chicken, and it also contains brown rice and oatmeal. This food has a protein content of 27%, a fat content of 12%, and 347 calories per cup. It is also more expensive than many non-prescription foods.
Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Oatmeal
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 347 per cup
Pros
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
27% protein content
12% fat content
Cons
More expensive than many non-prescription foods
May be difficult to find in stores
Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
Wellness CORE Grain Free Dry Dog Food is our tenth pick for the best dog food for liver disease. This food is specifically designed for dogs with liver problems and is made with high-quality ingredients. The main ingredient in this food is deboned turkey, and it also contains chicken meal and peas. This food has a protein content of 34%, a fat content of 12%, and 388 calories per cup. It is also more expensive than many non-prescription foods.
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
27% protein content
12% fat content
- Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- 27% protein content
- 12% fat content
Main ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Peas
Protein content: 34%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 388 per cup
Pros
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
34% protein content
12% fat content
Cons
More expensive than many non-prescription foods
May be difficult to find in stores
Protein and fat content may not be appropriate for some dogs with liver disease
Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
Made with high-quality ingredients
34% protein content
12% fat content
- Specifically designed for dogs with liver problems
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- 34% protein content
- 12% fat content
Signs Your Dog Has Liver Disease
If you’re worried that your dog may have liver disease, there are a few signs to look out for. Dogs with liver disease may have a loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for a checkup.
There are many different causes of liver disease in dogs, including infections, cancer, exposure to toxins, and genetics. Liver disease is often diagnosed with blood tests, ultrasounds, and biopsies. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease and may include antibiotics, surgery, chemotherapy, or a special diet.
Is Liver Disease in Dogs Fatal?
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, the prognosis for dogs with liver disease varies depending on the underlying cause of the disease and how early it is diagnosed and treated. In general, liver disease is more difficult to treat in older dogs and dogs that are already sick or have other health problems. However, with prompt diagnosis and treatment, many dogs with liver disease can go on to live long and happy lives.
How Is Liver Disease in Dogs Treated?
Treatment for liver disease in dogs depends on the underlying cause of the disease. If the disease is caused by an infection, treatment may include antibiotics. If the disease is caused by cancer, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. If the disease is caused by exposure to toxins, treatment may involve removing the source of the toxin and providing supportive care. If the disease is caused by genetics, treatment may include a special diet and supplements.
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Dog Food for Liver Disease
When you’re looking for the best dog food for liver disease, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose a food that is specifically designed for dogs with liver problems. This will ensure that the ingredients are of high quality and that the food will be effective in supporting your dog’s health. You’ll also want to look for a food with a high protein content, as this is essential for dogs with liver disease. Finally, make sure to choose a food that is within your budget.
Do I Have to Use a Prescription Dog Food?
While there are some great prescription dog foods on the market, you may not necessarily need to use one. If your dog is diagnosed with liver disease, your veterinarian will likely recommend a food that is specifically designed for dogs with this condition. However, if your dog’s liver disease is mild, you may be able to find a non-prescription food that is also effective. Talk to your veterinarian about what food would be best for your dog’s individual needs.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
The amount of food you should feed your dog will depend on their individual needs. If your dog is diagnosed with liver disease, your veterinarian will likely recommend a specific amount of food based on their weight and health condition. However, in general, most dogs with liver disease will need to eat a little more than they did before they were diagnosed. This is because the liver is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, so dogs with liver disease may not be able to absorb all of the nutrients from their food. Talk to your veterinarian about how much food your dog should be eating.
When Should I Feed My Dog?
The best time to feed your dog will also depend on their individual needs. If your dog is diagnosed with liver disease, your veterinarian will likely recommend a specific feeding schedule based on their health condition. However, in general, it is best to feed dogs with liver disease multiple small meals throughout the day, rather than one large meal. This is because the liver may not be able to process a large amount of food at once, and smaller meals are easier for the body to digest. Talk to your veterinarian about what feeding schedule would be best for your dog.
How Much Does It Cost to Feed a Dog With Liver Disease?
The cost of feeding a dog with liver disease will vary depending on the type of food you choose and how much your dog needs to eat. Prescription dog foods are usually more expensive than non-prescription options, but they are specifically designed for dogs with liver problems. If your dog is diagnosed with liver disease, your veterinarian will likely recommend a food that is within your budget. Talk to your veterinarian about what food would be best for your dog’s individual needs.
What Causes Liver Disease in Dogs?
There are many potential causes of liver disease in dogs, including:
Inherited conditions
Exposure to toxins
Viral infections
Bacterial infections
Parasitic infections
Cancer
If your dog is showing any signs of liver disease, the first step is to take them to the vet for a physical examination.
- Inherited conditions
- Exposure to toxins
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Parasitic infections
- Cancer
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs?
The signs and symptoms of liver disease in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the disease.
However, common signs and symptoms include:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Excessive thirst
Increased urination
Fatigue
Muscle wasting
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet for a physical
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Excessive thirst
Increased urination
Fatigue
Muscle wasting
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- Muscle wasting
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has Liver Disease?
If you think your dog has liver disease, the best thing to do is to take them to the vet for a check-up. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for dogs with liver disease.
The vet will then likely recommend some or all of the following tests:
A complete blood count
A biochemical profile
Urinalysis
An abdominal ultrasound
How Is Liver Disease Treated in Dogs?
After the vet has diagnosed your dog with liver disease, they will recommend a treatment plan that is specific to your dog’s individual needs.
A complete blood count
A biochemical profile
Urinalysis
An abdominal ultrasound
- A complete blood count
- A biochemical profile
- Urinalysis
- An abdominal ultrasound
Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment may include:
Dietary changes
Medications
Surgery
Liver transplant
If your dog has liver disease, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to create a treatment plan that is right for them. With the proper treatment, many dogs with liver disease can live long and happy lives. Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful. If you have any
Dietary changes
Medications
Surgery
Liver transplant
- Dietary changes
- Medications
- Surgery
- Liver transplant
Lifestyle Changes:
In addition to treatment for your dogs liver disease, your vet will work with you to develop an ongoing, life-long treatment plan, including lifestyle changes such as:
Dietary changes: Your vet will recommend a diet that is easy for your dog to digest and rich in nutrients.
Exercise: Dogs with liver disease should not over-exert themselves, but moderate exercise is important for overall health.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for dogs with liver disease.
Stress reduction: Managing stress is important for all dogs, but especially those with liver disease.
Each dog is different, so the treatment plan will be based on your dog’s individual needs. With the right treatment, many dogs with liver disease can live long and happy lives.
Dietary changes: Your vet will recommend a diet that is easy for your dog to digest and rich in nutrients.
Exercise: Dogs with liver disease should not over-exert themselves, but moderate exercise is important for overall health.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for dogs with liver disease.
Stress reduction: Managing stress is important for all dogs, but especially those with liver disease.
- Dietary changes: Your vet will recommend a diet that is easy for your dog to digest and rich in nutrients.
- Exercise: Dogs with liver disease should not over-exert themselves, but moderate exercise is important for overall health.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for dogs with liver disease.
- Stress reduction: Managing stress is important for all dogs, but especially those with liver disease.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat liver disease, including:
Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections.
Anti-inflammatories: Used to reduce inflammation.
Pain relievers: Used to manage pain.
Your vet will work with you to determine which medications are right for your dog’s individual needs.
Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections.
Anti-inflammatories: Used to reduce inflammation.
Pain relievers: Used to manage pain.
- Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections.
- Anti-inflammatories: Used to reduce inflammation.
- Pain relievers: Used to manage pain.
What Supplements Should I Give My Dog?
There are a variety of supplements that can be used to treat liver disease, including:
Vitamins: Used to improve overall health.
Minerals: Used to improve overall health.
Amino acids: Used to improve overall health.
Antioxidants: Used to protect the liver from damage.
Your vet will work with you to determine which supplements are right for your dog’s individual needs.
These are just a few of the most common supplements used to treat liver disease in dogs. Your vet will work with you to determine the best supplement for your dog. Never give supplements to your dog without consulting with your vet, as some supplements can further damage the liver, kidneys, and urinary tract, especially if not given at the correct dosages.
Vitamins: Used to improve overall health.
Minerals: Used to improve overall health.
Amino acids: Used to improve overall health.
Antioxidants: Used to protect the liver from damage.
Your vet will work with you to determine which supplements are right for your dog’s individual needs.
- Vitamins: Used to improve overall health.
- Minerals: Used to improve overall health.
- Amino acids: Used to improve overall health.
- Antioxidants: Used to protect the liver from damage.
- Your vet will work with you to determine which supplements are right for your dog’s individual needs.
Will My Dog Need Surgery?
In some cases, your dog may need surgery to remove tumors or blockages. This is typically only done if other treatment options have failed and if your dog is healthy enough to undergo both anesthesia and a lengthy recovery.
How Long Do Dogs With Liver Disease Live?
The prognosis for dogs with liver disease depends on the severity of the disease and how early it is diagnosed and treated. With proper treatment, many dogs with liver disease can live long and happy lives.
Is There a Cure for Liver Disease in Dogs?
There is no cure for liver disease, but with proper treatment, many dogs can live long and happy lives.
Additional Questions About Liver Disease
How Can I Prevent Liver Disease in Dogs?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent liver disease in dogs.
However, some things you can do to reduce your dog’s risk include:
Feeding them a nutritious diet
Keeping them at a healthy weight
Avoiding exposure to toxins
Regular vet check-ups
How Much Exercise Should My Dog Get?
Dogs with liver disease should not over-exert themselves, but moderate exercise is important for overall health.
Feeding them a nutritious diet
Keeping them at a healthy weight
Avoiding exposure to toxins
Regular vet check-ups
- Feeding them a nutritious diet
- Keeping them at a healthy weight
- Avoiding exposure to toxins
- Regular vet check-ups
What Breeds Are Most Prone to Liver Disease?
There are many breeds of dogs that are prone to liver disease.
Some of the most common breeds include:
Cocker spaniels
Dalmatians
Poodles
Labradors
Beagles
Do Dogs With Liver Disease Have a Good Quality of Life?
Many dogs with liver disease can live long and happy lives with the proper treatment. Dogs with liver disease may need to make some lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and exercise restrictions, but many are still able to enjoy a good quality of life.
Cocker spaniels
Dalmatians
Poodles
Labradors
Beagles
- Cocker spaniels
- Dalmatians
- Poodles
- Labradors
- Beagles
Conclusion
Liver disease is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated properly. However, with the right treatment, many dogs with liver disease can live long and happy lives. If you think your dog may have liver disease, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to a successful outcome.
Sources
veterinary Ireland journal hillspet.com petmd.com
Featured Image Credit: Laura Beach, Shutterstock
Sources
veterinary Ireland journal hillspet.com petmd.com
- veterinary Ireland journal
- hillspet.com
- petmd.com
