The Liver Critical to Your Dog’s Health 

The liver is the second largest organ and the largest gland in the dog’s body. The liver performs about 1,500 essential functions in your dog’s body. These are some of its most important functions: 

  • Makes nutrients and controls their release into the body
  • Produces plasma proteins and blood clotting factors
  • Stores vitamins A, D, K, and B12. As well as the minerals iron and copper and releases them when needed
  • Breaks down medications and exits toxic substances from the body

The Liver Removes Toxins from the Body 

The liver helps the body with detoxification by: 

  • Filtering out fat-soluble toxins circulating in the body. These toxins are then converted into water-soluble substances for removal.
  • Using enzymes to break down chemicals and medications.

The liver is one of the four major organs that remove toxins from your dog. The other three organs that assist in this process are his kidneys, intestinal tract, and his skin. 

Toxins That Cause Damage to the Liver 

The harder your dog’s liver has to work to break down toxins the more likely it is to become damaged. Unfortunately, your dog’s liver is stressed every day with toxins, such as: 

  • Heartworm drugs
  • De-wormers
  • Flea & tick pesticides
  • Vaccines
  • Medications
  • Chemical cleaners
  • Flame retardants in furniture & carpet
  • Pesticides & herbicides
  • Processed foods
  • Food additives
  • Mycotoxins from grain & peanut products

It’s ironic that conventional health care for dogs actually stresses his liver leading to degeneration and premature aging. The liver has an extraordinary ability to regenerate itself when it’s damaged. This protects the body because the liver plays so many fundamental roles in its health. But this ability means that you’re not likely to see any signs of damage in your dog until it’s too late. Usually, by the time you see any signs of disease the damage has happened and is irreversible. 

Symptoms of Liver Disease  

Knowing your dog and what is his “normal” will help you spot some symptoms of liver disease: 

  • Digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhea, gas or bloating)
  • Dry, brittle or infected nails
  • Dull eyes
  • Eye discharge or a pinkish eye
  • Corneal or retinal disorders
  • Sinus issues
  • Dark urine
  • Poor appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Ligament and tendon issues
  • Irritability or aggression

How to Prevent Liver Damage 

1.         Remove the Toxins from Your Dog’s Environment - Avoid unnecessary vaccinations, pesticides, chemicals, and drugs and using natural alternatives. 

2.         Remove Toxic Foods from Your Dog’s Diet - Synthetic vitamins and minerals in most pet foods add stress to the liver and kidneys. And most grains found in kibble can contain cancer-causing molds called mycotoxins. Processed foods also contain toxic byproducts. 

Liver-friendly diets include: 

  • a fresh, raw diet
  • a fresh gently cooked diet
  • food that’s free of synthetic vitamins
  • high-quality protein diet

3.         Add Liver-Healthy Supplements to Your Dog’s Diet 

·         Glutathione - Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that can detoxify the liver. It can also boost your dog’s immune system.   

·         Milk Thistle - Milk Thistle is also known as silymarin. It protects cells from toxins and oxidation and helps liver cells regenerate. Milk thistle can help with acute support and if your dog already has existing liver disease. It should be reserved for use when the liver is already under abnormal stress, not as an everyday supplement.    

·         Fresh Fruits and Veggies - Including certain fresh fruits and vegetables will help cleanse and support your dog’s liver.  

Foods with great antioxidant support include: 

  • Sprouts (clover, alfalfa or radish)
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Celery
  • Asparagus
  • Lemons and apple cider vinegar
  • Fermented vegetables

Note: Greens should be pureed or lightly steamed so that they’re easily digestible for your dog. 


Source: Dana Scott, Dogs Naturally