Best Homemade Food For Dogs With Liver Disease : Recipes, Diet & Nutrition Guide

The liver is one of the most important organs in a dog’s body, just like in humans. It handles a ton of essential functions, from filtering toxins to helping with digestion and metabolism. In fact, a healthy liver performs around 1,500 biochemical processes to keep your pup feeling good.

Unfortunately, liver disease is a major health issue for dogs. It’s one of the top five causes of non-accidental death in canines and ranks even higher in older dogs.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about your dog’s liver—how it works, signs of liver disease, and, most importantly, how you can support your furry friend through proper nutrition. We’ll cover the best homemade food for dogs with liver disease, what to feed, what to avoid, helpful supplements, and more.

Nutritional Requirements For Dog Food For Liver Disease

Just like in humans, a dog’s liver plays a vital role in overall health. It aids in digestion, detoxifies harmful substances, and regulates blood circulation. Liver disease in dogs can be caused by various factors, including infections, genetics, and exposure to toxins.

If your dog has been diagnosed with liver disease, you’re likely aware that proper nutrition is crucial for managing their condition. A specialized canine hepatic diet is designed to support liver function while minimizing stress on the organ. This type of diet includes easily digestible dog food with a balanced blend of high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and liver-friendly carbohydrates.

Key elements of a liver-supportive diet include: 

1. Lean Protein Sources – Opt for high-quality, easily digestible proteins such as turkey, chicken, or cottage cheese to support liver function without overburdening it. Avoid red meat and processed proteins.
   
2. Complex Carbohydrates – Incorporate slow-digesting carbs like brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes to provide steady energy and prevent blood sugar spikes that may stress the liver.
   
3. Healthy Fats in Moderation – Reduce overall fat intake but include small amounts of liver-friendly fats such as olive oil, flaxseed oil, or fish oil, which provide essential omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
   
4. Fiber-Rich Vegetables – Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, green beans, and pumpkin aid digestion, help eliminate toxins, and support gut health, which is crucial for liver function.
   
5. Liver-Supporting Supplements – Consult your veterinarian about adding beneficial supplements such as B-complex vitamins, milk thistle, SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine), antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids to enhance liver detoxification and repair.
   
6. Smaller, Frequent Meals – Instead of large portions, offer smaller, well-balanced meals throughout the day to ease the liver’s workload and support steady metabolism. Adjust serving sizes based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
   
7. Avoid Harmful Foods – Keep your dog away from toxic foods like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, and artificial additives, as these can worsen liver damage.
   
8. Ensure Proper Hydration – Provide access to fresh, clean water at all times to help flush out toxins and maintain overall health. Bone broth can also be a beneficial hydration source for liver support.
   

Causes Of Liver Disease In Dogs

Liver disease in dogs can result from various factors, including:

• Toxins & Poisoning – Ingesting toxic plants, human medications, pesticides, or chemicals can harm the liver.
• Liver Tumors – Though rare, tumors (benign or malignant) can affect liver function.
• Infections – Bacterial (leptospirosis), viral (canine hepatitis), or parasitic (liver flukes) infections can damage the liver.
• Secondary Organ Diseases – Issues in the gallbladder or pancreas can impact liver health.
• Fatty Liver – High-fat diets can lead to hepatic lipidosis, impairing liver function.

Foods To Avoid For Dogs With Liver Disease

Fatty Meats – High-fat content puts extra stress on the liver.

Organ Meats – Giblets contain excessive protein, which can overwhelm liver function.

Onions & Garlic – These are toxic and can cause serious health issues.

Excess Salt – High sodium intake can strain the kidneys and worsen liver damage.

Homemade Food For Dogs With Liver Disease​ -1

Ingredients:

Chicken Breast/ (1 lb / 2 cups) – High-quality, easily digestible protein.

Sweet Potato (2 cups) – Rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.

Eggs (2) – Excellent protein source with Vitamin E and choline.

Kale (1 cup, cooked) – Supports liver health with antioxidants and quercetin.

Sunflower Oil (1 tbsp) – Provides essential Vitamin E.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (1500mg) – Helps reduce liver inflammation.

Calcium Supplement (½ tsp ground eggshell / 1000mg) – Supports bone health.

Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Canine Health Formula (2 scoops) or 1 multivitamin tablet – Ensures balanced nutrition.

Preparation & Feeding:

Cook all ingredients, chop chicken, mix with sweet potato, eggs, and kale. Let cool, then add vitamins and supplements. Feed 1-1½ cups per 20 lbs of body weight daily.

Homemade Food For Dogs With Liver Disease​ -2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, shredded lean chicken or turkey
• ½ cup cooked brown rice
• ¼ cup mashed sweet potatoes
• ¼ cup steamed, chopped green beans
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for healthy fats)
• Canine multivitamin & mineral supplement (consult your vet)

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken/turkey and rice separately, without seasoning or oil.
2. Steam or boil vegetables until soft.
3. Mix shredded meat, brown rice, mashed sweet potatoes, and green beans.
4. Add olive oil for extra healthy fats.
5. Let the food cool to room temperature before serving.
6. Consult your veterinarian for proper supplement recommendations.

Important Note:

Each dog’s liver condition is unique. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet plan based on your dog’s specific health needs.

Best Commercial Diets For Dogs With Liver Disease

If your dog has liver disease, choosing the right diet is crucial for their health. Many commercial brands offer Hepatic Support formulas, which you can easily find on Amazon. Top-rated options include Hill’s Prescription Diet l/d, Royal Canin Hepatic, and Blue Buffalo KS, all designed to support liver function. Non-prescription alternatives like Nutro Ultra and Purina Pro Plan NF also offer liver-friendly nutrition. Shopping on Amazon provides convenience, customer reviews, and discounts through Subscribe & Save for ongoing care.

Hill’s Prescription Diet l/d

Support your dog’s liver health with Hill’s Prescription Diet l/d Liver Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food. This veterinary-formulated diet helps manage liver conditions while providing a delicious chicken flavor dogs love.

Blue Buffalo KS

Give your dog the protein-packed nutrition they crave with Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Wet Dog Food! 🐶🥩 Made with real duck and chicken, this grain-free recipe supports strong muscles and overall health. Perfect for your adventurous pup!

Royal Canin Hepatic