As with other types of ailments, the diet of a dog suffering from liver disease must be specifically adapted.
Disorders associated with organ malfunction must be treated with special care. In the case of a dog suffering from liver disease , one of the best remedies we have at our disposal is to control his diet. Here are some nutritional guidelines that will help your pet.
Symptoms of a dog suffering from liver disease
A dog’s liver, like ours, is one of the most important “control centers” in the body. Numerous functions are carried out in it, including the metabolism of nutrients, the production of bile – necessary for the correct processing of fatty acids – the elimination of toxic and harmful substances, digestion and metabolism of drugs.
As we can easily guess, the liver is an indispensable organ . This is why, when it doesn’t work as it should, the first symptoms do not take long to appear. The most common are usually:
- Lethargy and lack of appetite .
- Vomiting and diarrhea appear frequently, accompanied by an increase in thirst.
- One of the most specific symptoms of liver disease is jaundice , which is nothing more than the yellowish color of the gums and other tissues.
- Sometimes there may be lack of coordination in movements and excess salivation, in the most acute cases of hepatic encephalopathy .
The protein contribution
Being a fundamental organ in the processes of nutrition and digestion, it is clear that the diet in dogs with this type of disease must be controlled at all times. In this sense, the caloric intake of our pet’s daily diet varies from the usual one.
Although proteins must continue to be present in the diet, it is important that they are of quality. If the caloric intake we give to our dog is not suitable for him, it will be more difficult for the liver to do its job.
A good idea is to cut down on animal -based proteins and replace them with plant-based or dairy-based proteins. Of course, before doing this, it is good to consult your vet to confirm that your pet is not intolerant to this type of food.
Today it is easy to find specific feeds to feed a dog suffering from liver disease, although they are not very affordable as regards the price. If you choose the home diet , know that tofu is an excellent protein supplement.
Other tips
As we have already mentioned, a dog suffering from liver disease will also suffer from associated gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea. Therefore, the supply of soluble fiber – such as that contained in beets – is a good way to help the intestinal flora.
In addition, the fiber regulates the transit and frees the body of endogenous toxins , eliminating part of the work normally done by the liver.
Fruits and vegetables are not at odds with this type of diet, so you may want to include foods such as carrots. Additionally, carbohydrates, such as rice, in moderate amounts are also a good idea.
The supply of some vitamins, especially B, C and K must be strengthened. And as for minerals, you need to make sure they don’t lack zinc and potassium, among others, as they act as antioxidants. Finally, we must try to reduce the intake of foods rich in sodium or copper, as they negatively impact the liver.
