Best Liver Supplements for Dogs: Supporting Your Dog’s Liver Health

If you’re looking for the best liver supplements for dogs, we’ve got you covered! Liver problems in dogs can show up as loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst, and urination. Liver supplements for dogs support their liver functions so they can live healthy lives.

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 What Are Liver Supplements for Dogs?

Liver supplements for dogs support liver function by helping the liver regulate its many functions. Liver supplements detoxify the liver and help it perform better, removing toxins and metabolizing fats and proteins.

 “A complete and balanced commercial diet provides most healthy dogs with all the nutrients they need,” says Elliott Garber, DVM and founder of Creatures. “Supplements should be viewed as exactly that – supplemental to an already sound nutrition plan, not as a replacement for good nutrition or proper veterinary care.”

Always talk to your veterinarian before giving your canine companion a new supplement. Look for these common ingredients used in liver supplements for dogs.

Milk Thistle For Dogs

Milk thistle for dogs (known as silymarin) is a nutritional supplement used to treat the liver. Milk thistle for dogs is used as an antioxidant for liver support and to fight cancer.

But if you’re wondering, “Can I give my dog milk thistle for humans?” the answer is always no. The human supplement has a higher dosage and would be too much for your canine companion.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps liver health, cell function, the immune system, and skin and coat health.

Dandelion root

As the name says, dandelion root comes from the root of the dandelion. Dandelion root is a diuretic that helps the liver, improves digestion, and improves the immune system. It may even help with joint pain.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e)

S-adenosylmethionine is made in the body by an amino acid that regulates cell function. SAM-e is turned into glutathione by the body, which is used to detoxify the liver.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are often used in dog supplements. Omega-3s help support joints, skin, coat health, kidneys, and brain health.

Liver Supplements for Dogs: Our Top Picks

Read on to find the best liver supplements for dogs on the market and what to look for as you shop.

• Best Overall Liver Supplement for Dogs: Denamarin Liver Supplement for Dogs
• Best Budget-Friendly Liver Supplement: Rx Vitamins Hepato Support
• Best Liver Supplement for Multipet Households: VetriScience Liver Supplements for Dogs and Cats
• Best Flavored Liver Supplement: Zesty Paws Liver Support Bites
• Best Soft Chew Liver Supplement: ThorneVET Liver Support
• Best Powdered Liver Supplement for Dogs:  Fera Pet Organics Liver Supplement for Dogs and Cats
• Best Liquid Liver Supplement: Animal Essentials Liver Defense Support Dog and Cat Supplement

Best Overall Liver Supplement for Dogs

Our Pick: Denamarin Liver Supplement for Dogs

Denamarin for dogs uses antioxidants S-adenosylmethionine and silybin-phosphatidylcholine to support healthy liver function. Made in the USA by Nutramax, Denamarin for large dogs liver supplements are available as chewable and non-chewable tablets. The tablets are coated for easy absorption. Reviewers reported elevated liver enzymes in dogs going down after using Denamarin supplements.

Highlights

• Denamarin is available for small and large dogs, so it supports breeds of all sizes
• Veterinarian-recommended and formulated

Things to Consider

• It is not an inexpensive product
• Tablets need to be given to dogs an hour or two before meals

Best Budget-Friendly Liver Supplement

Our Pick: Rx Vitamins Hepato Support

Rx Vitamins Hepato Support includes milk thistle extract and vitamins B1, B2, and B6 that support liver function and overall digestive health.

Highlights

• Gluten-free
• Works for both dogs and cats
• Veterinarian formulated

Things to Consider

• Some pets don’t like capsules

Best for Multi-Pet Households

Our Pick: VetriScience Liver Supplements for Dogs and Cats

Solving liver problems in dogs and cats just got much easier with one supplement you can give both pets. This liver supplement for dogs and cats supports liver function in your precious pets so that you can feed them simultaneously. The VetriScience liver supplements for dogs and cats contain SAM-e and glutathione.

Highlights

• Flavorless means no artificial flavors or colors, so the taste won’t put off dogs and cats
• It can be used for both dogs and cats

Things to Consider

• This must be given on an empty stomach an hour before feeding

Best Flavored Liver Supplement

Our Pick: Zesty Paws Liver Support Bites

Zesty Paws Liver Support Bites are chicken flavored so that dogs will enjoy every savory bite. Made in the USA without artificial flavors or preservatives, these liver supplements for dogs support liver and kidney function. With dandelion root, milk thistle extract, turmeric extract, and other active ingredients, Zesty Paws Liver Support Bites work for breeds of all ages and sizes.

Highlights

• Chicken flavored
• Milk thistle
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Chewable supplements may not work for pets who have problems chewing

Best Soft Chew Liver Supplement

Our Pick: ThorneVET Liver Support

ThorneVET Liver Support soft chews are made with vitamin B12, milk thistle, methionine, and other natural ingredients. These liver supplements for dogs and cats have the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval. The product is made in the USA.

Highlights

• Gluten-free
• Make in the USA

Things to Consider

• Soft chews work for both cats and dogs

Best Powdered Liver Supplement

Our Pick: Fera Pet Organics Liver Supplement for Dogs and Cats

The Fera Pet Organics Liver Supplement for Dogs and Cats is made with milk thistle, zinc, dandelion root, artichoke leaf, burdock root, turmeric curcumin, and chicken bone broth. Just scoop powder and sprinkle it into wet or dry pet food. Since you scoop according to body weight, you can easily use this powder for multiple pets in your home.

Highlights

• Veterinarian formulated
• Carries the National Animal Supplement Council Quality seal
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers noted that it was too expensive

Best Liquid Liver Supplement

Our Pick: Animal Essentials Liver Defense Support Dog and Cat Supplement

The Animal Essentials Liver Defense Support Dog and Cat Supplement is a great choice for any pet parent who needs to sneak extra support for their pet without making them eat a chewable pill. Drop this liver supplement into your pet’s mouth or add it to their food.

Highlights

• Made in the USA
• No preservatives
• Works for all breeds, sizes, and ages
• Carries the National Animal Supplement Council Quality seal

Things to Consider

• Powder will be visible on their food

Liver Supplement Buying Guide

When purchasing liver supplements for dogs, you should consider consulting a veterinarian and monitoring your dog for any negative side effects. Liver supplements for dogs do not replace a balanced diet or veterinary care. Look for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval for added peace of mind.

What conditions or signs indicate a need for liver supplements?

Liver issues in dogs can appear through weight loss, excessive thirst, or urinating.

Liver problems cause elevated liver enzymes in dogs. High liver enzymes in dogs can be caused by liver inflammation. Your veterinarian can determine why your dog’s liver function test is high. If a veterinarian discovers high bilirubin levels, they can take action, including prescribing supplements.

“We typically consider liver supplements when we see specific changes in blood work or when dogs show symptoms like decreased appetite, digestive issues, or lethargy,” says Elliott Garber, DVM. “However, it’s crucial to understand that these symptoms can indicate many different conditions – some quite serious – which is why proper diagnosis should always come before supplementation.”

Liver disease in dogs can also cause behavioral changes like irritability or lethargy. If you notice something new, tell your veterinarian right away.

How do ingredients like SAM-e, milk thistle, and dandelion root support liver health?

SAM-e, milk thistle, and dandelion root are used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the liver. Studies have shown positive health effects, including that dandelion root helps prevent acute liver injury, and milk thistle improves animal performance. SAM-e has been found to increase glutathione levels and inhibit inflammation.

Are supplements suitable for puppies, seniors, or specific breeds?

Supplements are created for specific sizes of breeds. Some supplements are geared toward large dogs, while others are for small breeds.

What should pet parents know about dosage, potential side effects, or medication interactions?

Follow the dosing instructions on the label. Store supplements that are out of reach for any pets. Ask your veterinarian before giving your dog liver supplements or before combining them with other dog medication.

How important is veterinarian approval before introducing a supplement?

Always ask your veterinarian before giving your dog a new supplement. Supplements can have side effects or interact negatively with other dog medications.

“While supplements may seem harmless, they can actually interact with some medications, mask symptoms of underlying conditions, or even be harmful if given unnecessarily,” says Elliott Garber, DVM. “Some liver supplements contain herbs that can affect blood clotting or interfere with certain medications. Having your veterinarian’s oversight ensures the supplement is both safe and appropriate for your dog’s specific situation.”

Causes of liver problems in dogs

Several things can cause your dog to need liver supplements. Dogs may experience liver disease, which can be hereditary or be caused by certain medications. Liver problems can develop because of different medications, like antibiotics or steroids. Fungal and parasitic infections can also lead to liver disease. Your veterinarian may discover high bilirubin levels or a dog liver tumor during a routine checkup, which can be caused by liver disease in dogs.

If your dog has an elevated alt enzyme, they may need liver supplements to lower it. Liver disease can go on to cause high bilirubin in dogs (when a dog’s system breaks down red cells too rapidly)

How long does ursodiol take to work?

In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe ursodiol for dogs. Ursodiol is a prescription medication for treating liver and gallbladder diseases in pets.

Tips for Supporting Your Dog’s Liver Health

It’s important to have a veterinarian check out your dog regularly with bloodwork and exams. Liver problems can be detected through blood panels. If you notice behavioral or physical changes in your dog, ask your veterinarian for guidance.