A high liver enzyme count in dogs is a sign of liver damage or malfunction. This can be caused by many things, such as infections, toxins, certain medications, or even cancer. It is important to be aware of the causes and to address them quickly, as the damage can be severe. But what about the food? What food should you feed a dog with high liver enzymes?
What Causes High Liver Enzymes in Dogs?
High liver enzymes in dogs are caused by a variety of things, and often the exact cause is unknown. The most common causes include infections, toxins, certain medications, and even cancer. Other causes may include nutritional deficiencies, injury, or a genetic disorder. The liver enzymes most commonly tested are alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). If either of these enzymes is elevated, it is a sign of liver damage or malfunction.
What To Feed Dogs With High Liver Enzymes
When a dog has high liver enzymes, the first step is to determine the cause and address it. Once that is done, the next step is to give the dog the proper nutrition to help the liver heal. The best food to feed a dog with high liver enzymes is a low-protein, low-fat diet. This type of diet helps reduce stress on the liver and can help it heal. Some good sources of low-protein, low-fat foods for dogs with high liver enzymes include:
- Boiled chicken or turkey breast with the skin removed
- Boiled fish such as cod, flounder, or trout
- Boiled eggs
- Steamed vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or spinach
- Rice or oatmeal
- Low-fat yogurt
- Low-fat cottage cheese
It is important to note that some dogs may have an intolerance to certain foods, so it is important to watch for any signs of an allergic reaction. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.
What Not To Feed Dogs With High Liver Enzymes
In addition to feeding the right foods, it is important to avoid certain foods that can be harmful to dogs with high liver enzymes. High-protein, high-fat foods should be avoided, as these can increase stress on the liver. Some foods to avoid include:
- Organ meats such as liver or kidney
- Raw meat
- High-fat dairy products such as whole milk and cheese
- Processed foods such as hot dogs, bacon, and sausages
- Table scraps
- Foods high in sugar and salt
It is also important to avoid giving the dog any supplements or vitamins without consulting with your veterinarian first. Some supplements can be harmful to dogs with high liver enzymes.
Additional Tips For Feeding Dogs With High Liver Enzymes
In addition to feeding the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones, there are a few other tips to keep in mind when feeding a dog with high liver enzymes. First, it is important to feed the dog small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. This helps reduce stress on the liver and can also help the dog absorb the nutrients more easily. Second, it is important to stick to a set feeding schedule. This helps the dog’s body get into a routine and can help the liver heal more quickly. Third, it is important to make sure the dog has access to plenty of clean, fresh water throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food to feed a dog with high liver enzymes?
The best food to feed a dog with high liver enzymes is a low-protein, low-fat diet. Some good sources of low-protein, low-fat foods for dogs with high liver enzymes include boiled chicken or turkey breast with the skin removed, boiled fish such as cod, flounder, or trout, boiled eggs, steamed vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or spinach, rice or oatmeal, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cottage cheese.
Are there any foods to avoid when feeding a dog with high liver enzymes?
Yes, it is important to avoid certain foods that can be harmful to dogs with high liver enzymes. High-protein, high-fat foods should be avoided, as these can increase stress on the liver. Some foods to avoid include organ meats such as liver or kidney, raw meat, high-fat dairy products such as whole milk and cheese, processed foods such as hot dogs, bacon, and sausages, table scraps, and foods high in sugar and salt.
What are some additional tips for feeding a dog with high liver enzymes?
In addition to feeding the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones, there are a few other tips to keep in mind when feeding a dog with high liver enzymes. First, it is important to feed the dog small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. Second, it is important to stick to a set feeding schedule. Third, it is important to make sure the dog has access to plenty of clean, fresh water throughout the day.
What should I do if I suspect my dog has high liver enzymes?
If you suspect your dog has high liver enzymes, the first step is to take your dog to the veterinarian for a physical exam and a blood test. The blood test will measure the levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST, and if either of these is elevated, it is a sign of liver damage or malfunction. The veterinarian can then determine the cause and help you create a plan to address it.
Can supplements help a dog with high liver enzymes?
It is important to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements or vitamins. Some supplements can be harmful to dogs with high liver enzymes, so it is important to get professional advice before giving any supplements.
Is a low-protein, low-fat diet the only type of diet for a dog with high liver enzymes?
A low-protein, low-fat diet is the best type of diet for a dog with high liver enzymes, but it is not the only type. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog, as each dog is different and may have an intolerance to certain foods.
What are the symptoms of high liver enzymes in dogs?
The symptoms of high liver enzymes in dogs can vary, but some of the most common signs include jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, increased thirst, and increased urination. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a physical exam and a blood test.
What is the treatment for high liver enzymes in dogs?
The treatment for high liver enzymes in dogs depends on the cause. The first step is to determine the cause and address it. Once that is done, the next step is to give the dog the proper nutrition to help the liver heal. In some cases, medication may be necessary as well. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog.