I’ve read numerous articles on what to feed a pooch with a high liver count and the overall consensus is a quality protein, simple carbs like potatoes, brown rice and fiber. Carbohydrates that don't fully digest will produce ammonia. And as in any dog diet, the fiber should come from vegetables, which can enhance the elimination of toxins from the dog’s system.
While protein is actually hard for the liver to digest, it is also important for building new liver tissue. Varieties of white low-fat fish have amino acids that actually help heal the liver. Dairy and chicken are also easier than red meat on their system, but a high-grade red meat will be okay for the occasional mix. The diet should also have very low levels of sodium and fat. Sodium can cause fluid build-up and high blood pressure in the vessels of the liver.
The protein levels should be around the 20-25% mark and a little lower for older dogs. It’s better to feed them 3 or 4 smaller meals a day so it puts less stress on the liver. The only time you shouldn't give your dog a high protein diet is if they have been diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy, meaning the liver disease has progressed enough to affect your pet's brain.
Below is a liver-cleansing diet that I like by Dr. W. J. Dodds, DVM
Dr. Dodds recommends a formula of 2 cups of cod fillet to 6 cups of veggies and potatoes, or 25% cod fillet to 75% veggies and potatoes.
1 and 1/2 cups new white potatoes
1 and 1/2 cups sweet potatoes
1 and 1/2 cups of zucchini
1 and 1/2 cup string beans, celery or summer squash
2 cups cod fillet
Wash the potatoes well and cut them up crosswise into 2" pieces so the skin circles the potatoes. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour and remove the skins.
Wash the zucchini and cut up with string beans, celery or squash and steam or cook until very tender.
2 cups cod fillet poached in a frying pan with water until fish is white.
Mix all ingredients together until it is well blended. This will give you approximately 8 cups of food. Depending on the size of your dog, you can double or triple the recipe.
Dr. Dodds recommends a formula of 2 cups of cod fillet to 6 cups of veggies and potatoes, or 25% cod fillet to 75% veggies and potatoes.
1 and 1/2 cups new white potatoes
1 and 1/2 cups sweet potatoes
1 and 1/2 cups of zucchini
1 and 1/2 cup string beans, celery or summer squash
2 cups cod fillet
Wash the potatoes well and cut them up crosswise into 2" pieces so the skin circles the potatoes. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour and remove the skins.
Wash the zucchini and cut up with string beans, celery or squash and steam or cook until very tender.
2 cups cod fillet poached in a frying pan with water until fish is white.
Mix all ingredients together until it is well blended. This will give you approximately 8 cups of food. Depending on the size of your dog, you can double or triple the recipe.
And…. as always, talk to your vet.
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