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6 Best Dog Foods for Liver Disease of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

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By Nicole Cosgrove

kibble dog food

So, you were just told by your veterinarian that your dog suffers from liver disease. Now what? You are probably scrambling around to familiarize yourself with this condition so you can help your pooch in the best way possible. Even though this will likely be quite the adjustment for you both, you’ve come to the right place.

When it comes to finding the most appropriate diet to manage their ailment, we have done the hard work for you. We have found the top six dog foods for liver disease and written detailed reviews so you can find the best fit for your situation.

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hill's Prescription Liver Care Dog Food Hill's Prescription Liver Care Dog Food
  • Regenerates tissues and cells
  • Helps flush toxins
  • S+OXSHIELD for urinary health
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Halo Vegan Dry Dog Food Halo Vegan Dry Dog Food
  • Affordable
  • Non-GMO
  • Plant-based protein
  • Third place
    ROYAL CANIN Hepatic Dog Food ROYAL CANIN Hepatic Dog Food
  • Low in copper and sodium
  • Vegetable protein-packed
  • Manages neurological symptoms
  • Best for Puppies
    The Honest Kitchen Turkey Recipe Dog Food The Honest Kitchen Turkey Recipe Dog Food
  • Completely natural
  • Human grade food
  • Soft for a sensitive palette
  • Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
  • Grain-free
  • All-natural
  • The 6 Best Dog Foods for Liver Disease

    1. Hill’s Prescription Liver Care Dog Food – Best Overall

    Hills Pet Nutrition

    Check Price on Chewy

    This Hill’s Prescription Diet l/d Liver Care Canine Dry Dog Food is our number one pick because it is the most fitting, nutritionally balanced commercial food we can find. It was a recipe specifically for liver disease in dogs. It was formulated to regenerate the body and reverse the issue.

    The recipe helps to remove toxins from the blood and buildup in the system to allow digestion to flow naturally and effortlessly. It is designed to regrow vital tissues, avoid nutritional deficiencies, and promote healthy immunity.

    It has a component called S+OXSHIELD, which helps reduce calcium oxalate crystals in the urinary tract. Overall, we could not find a better fit to benefit every aspect of your pet’s condition. While it is exceptionally healthy for liver disease, it may be lacking a bit in taste, as some dogs seem not to enjoy the flavor.

    All in all, we think this is the best dog food for liver disease.

    Pros
    • Specially formulated for liver disease
    • Regenerates tissues and cells
    • Helps flush toxins
    • Reduces nutritional deficiencies
    • S+OXSHIELD for urinary health
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not like the taste

    2. Halo Vegan Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Halo

    Halo Vegan Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for liver disease for the money. As the name implies, it’s utterly plant-based with no animal byproducts. It’s available in a few different bag sizes so you can purchase as much as you need.

    Because liver disease sufferers can be sensitive to animal-based proteins, this food offers a great alternative. Halo delivers the same percentage of necessary protein while being totally digestible. It’s all-natural, non-GMO, and grain-free. There are no preservatives or added artificial flavors.

    Especially for vegan recipes, this dog food is much cheaper in comparison and delivers the same fantastic nutrition. It may need supplementation with other additives recommended by your vet. However, it is the best value on the list due to its high quality and affordability.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Non-GMO
    • Plant-based protein
    • Cheaper than other vegan options
    Cons
    • Vegan food may not be suitable for all specialized diets

    3. ROYAL CANIN Hepatic Dog Food

    ROYAL CANIN

    If you don’t mind dishing out a little extra on their new diet, this ROYAL CANIN Canine Hepatic Dry Dog Food is one of our choices. It is a recipe specifically formulated to support liver recuperation, symptom management, and optimal nutrition.

    This kind has all the goodies your pup needs. With lower sodium and copper content, it will aid in lower blood pressure and metal buildup in your dog’s system. It has a boost of zinc, fiber, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. That will help to reduce inflammation and support healing.

    It has vegetable proteins for dogs who have neurological issues because of liver disease. This is a very healthful, nutrient-packed, specialized recipe to help your dog thrive and recover. While high-priced, this food seems to deliver in all the areas it should. If money is no object, it would be worth it, which is why it is our premium choice pick for the best dry dog food for liver disease.

    Pros
    • Specialized for hepatic issues
    • Low in copper and sodium
    • Vegetable protein-packed
    • Full of nutrients and added vitamins
    • Manages neurological symptoms
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. The Honest Kitchen Dog Food – Best For Puppies

    The Honest Kitchen

    While the Honest Kitchen Food for Dogs is geared toward adults, many find it is an excellent recipe for puppies as well. It is so much within proper parameters for food safety that they consider it a human grade. It is a dehydrated selection, so you just add warm water and stir it to make a mouth-watering meal.

    Because of the softness, it is perfect for dogs with decaying or developing teeth. It won’t be hard on the gums, either. It’s completely non-GMO, has no preservatives, no byproducts, and low in protein. It is made from turkey and free-range chicken.

    It is simple to prepare, but it can take some extra time out of your schedule as opposed to pouring kibble into a bowl. If you don’t mind spending a few minutes warming and hydrating the meal for your dog, it is a delicious, fresh choice that is both tasty and healing for their liver.

    Pros
    • Completely natural
    • Human-grade food
    • Soft for a sensitive palette
    • Suitable for puppies and adults alike
    Cons
    • Longer meal prep

    5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness

    The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Dry Dog Food is a good selection, as it is grain-free and packed with essential nutrients for healing. However, because of the high protein content, check with your veterinarian before trying this. Typically, you will want dog food that has whole protein content but is higher in quality than quantity.

    Blue Buffalo is known for having premium ingredients. This recipe is designed to help your dog retain a healthy body mass, coat, and bone structure. It supports immunity and is balanced to meet all life stage nutritional requirements.

    If your dog suffers from liver disease and also requires a higher protein diet, this may be a fit. Your vet should verify that it is safe for their overall well-being.

    Pros
    • Grain-free
    • All-natural
    Cons
    • Protein content may be too high
    • Vet approval required

    6. Instinct Original Dry Dog Food

    Instinct

    The Instinct Original Dry Dog Food is another all-natural, grain-free recipe. It is made from cage-free chicken. They have introduced raw-coated kibble into the dog food world. Each piece has a coating to protect the meat but is uncooked and unprocessed.

    This food is made for all stages of life. However, there is a notice on the bag showing that it’s not intended for large puppy consumption. So, if you have a large adolescent breed, another selection may be a better fit for liver health.

    Some dogs show sensitivity to the proteins used in this dog food, so it may not be right on every stomach. Transition with caution and keep a watchful eye on digestion changes. There have been three added proteins since this recipe was first released, so it is essential to note.

    Pros
    • Raw-coated diet
    • Grain-free and all-natural
    Cons
    • Not for larger breed puppies
    • Possible digestive sensitivity
    • Recent recipe change

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    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Foods for Liver Disease

    Before you can buy dog food, you may want an all-around understanding of exactly what liver disease is and how to handle it. Your vet may have explained it to you, but let’s go back over some key points. That will help you understand what is happening with your dog inside and why diet is so important.

    What Is Liver Disease?

    The liver breaks down and eliminates toxins and waste within the body. It also secretes bile to help aid in digestion. When the blood passing through can no longer filter correctly, it leads to bigger problems.

    The liver is such a primary part of the body’s natural flow, and many issues can lead to liver disease. Some of these pre-existing issues include:

    • Canine hepatitis
    • Infectious disease
    • Cirrhosis
    • Hypertension
    • Vessel abnormalities
    • Endocrine diseases

    What Are the Signs?

    Because of its multi-functionality, it can cause a spiraling array of misfires and issues in your pet’s system. Some of them may be easily recognizable, while others you will have to pay attention to. Since they can’t speak, they need us to be extra aware and responsive when something isn’t right.

    Jaundice

    Jaundice is often very noticeable because the first sign you notice is the yellowing in the white portions of the eye. You can also see this color in the gums, skin, and ears.

    Jaundice is caused by a high level of bilirubin in the system. When the liver doesn’t function as it should, it causes a buildup of this waste substance and doesn’t excrete it as it should.

    Neurological Changes

    A brain degenerative condition that takes place due to liver disease, otherwise known as hepatic encephalopathy, shows a wide range of physical symptoms. One of the responsibilities of the liver is to filter anomia in the body. When it can no longer do this, it backs up, causing neurological problems.

    That can cause a dog to have abnormal personality traits, seizures, depression, head pressing, and blindness.

    Gastrointestinal Issues

    Concerning their diet, the gastrointestinal issues shown in dogs are another telltale sign. They typically will have problems with digestion including diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, increased urination, and weight loss.

    Another direct indication of liver issues can be abdominal swelling. This is otherwise referred to as ascites, and it occurs when the stomach retains fluid. It will likely require draining from your veterinarian.

    sad puppy

    Why Is Diet So Important?

    As you can see, many of these signs are directly related to the digestive system. A properly balanced maintenance diet is essential for your pet to thrive with its condition.

    Depending on the root cause, recommendations or special dietary needs may be given by your vet. You’ll need food that will help the liver to regenerate while providing adequate nutrition at the same time.

    No Appetite

    You will want to tailor-make a diet that appeals to your pet’s appetite. A big issue with liver disease is that it decreases their desire to eat. Making sure the food you select is enticing to them will be a huge determining factor in success.

    Vital Nutrients

    Having the proper balance of nutrients is step one. Diet is all about managing the signs they have and allowing the body to heal. If your dog’s food is loaded with unnatural fillers or harmful chemicals, it can even make the situation much worse than it needs to be.

    Lower Intake

    While it may seem odd, protein can be a massive trigger in liver disease. For this reason, a lot of veterinarians will cut out animal-based proteins, substituting them for plant-based proteins instead. You will also want to make sure calorie and carbohydrate content is not too high.

    Types of Diets

    You won’t want to make the rules up as you go. Getting to the root issues of your pet’s liver disease with a licensed professional is absolutely vital to their health. Don’t hesitate to work diligently with your veterinarian to formulate the precise diet they need to restore their bodies to a good state.

    Prescribed Dry Dog Food

    Depending on your dog’s underlying issues, your vet may prescribe a specialized diet for them. Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution and each situation spawns from other conditions or illnesses, it may require very specific ingredients or lack thereof. There are plenty of the best dry dog foods for liver disease on our list, but a prescribed diet may be what you need.

    Homemade Dog Food

    You can also try to make the dog food yourself. You can work with your vet to obtain a detailed ingredients list and become your dog’s very own chef. Just be certain you measure out nutrients correctly, so they get precisely what they need.

    Commercial Dog Food

    Like the options listed in our top six, commercial dog foods can be a great selection. These recipes are designed by years of research and have scientific backing. You can even add homemade or prescribed dog food diets to commercial foods to get the exact dietary delivery necessary.

    Combination Diets

    The combination diet is also standard. It may be that your pet requires half-homemade, half-commercial, or half-prescription, half-homemade. It strictly depends on what is the best dietary route for your dog.

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    Final Thoughts

    Some terrific choices for your sensitive pooch’s diet landed on our top six. However, our number one, Hill’s Prescription Diet l/d Liver Care Canine Dry Dog Food, is the all-around best choice for the best dry dog food for the liver disease we could find. It is completely formulated for this issue and touches all the critical nutrient necessities.

    If price is a concern for you, trying the Halo 37026 Vegan Dry Dog Food to see if it is a good fit is your next best choice. It is affordable and has holistic vegan ingredients with no animal byproducts. It is successful in treating ailments at a decent cost.

    If money is no object, ROYAL CANIN 460477 Canine Hepatic Dry Dog Food is another specialty recipe for liver problems. It targets symptomatic issues while promoting overall health for your canine friend. Scientific research is also there, so it has precise measurements if you want to foot the bill.

    Liver disease is nothing to brush off. Your dog needs you to help them through this trying time. We hope this list has alleviated some anxiety so you can get them on the road to recovery.

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