Click to Skip Ahead
If your dog is dealing with elevated liver enzymes, it can leave you and your vet trying to figure out what’s going on. Is it coming from the dog food, supplements, due to underlying infections, inflammation, metabolic disorders, medications, or something else in their environment?
If your dog has elevated liver enzymes shown on a blood chemistry profile, your vet will work with you to diagnose and, where possible, to treat the condition. The causes of elevated liver enzymes are numerous and do not always correlate with how the liver is functioning so more testing is likely to be needed.
Can Dog Food Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Yes, it is possible for elevated liver enzymes to result from food, but not common.
On occasion, dog foods may become contaminated with a mold toxin called aflatoxin. Once this is discovered, the food will be recalled. Aflatoxins can cause liver impairment and have sadly resulted in multiple deaths of dogs. This is why it’s extremely important to keep up to date with current recalls of dog foods. If the batch you’re feeding your pup is contaminated, you must stop feeding them the food as soon as possible.
If your dog has an underlying liver problem, foods that are high in copper may make it worse for them. Breeds such as the Bedlington Terrier are predisposed to this type of liver problem.
Can a Dog’s Food Cause Liver Problems?
It is not common for a dog’s food to cause liver problems, but food is commonly used to help lessen the effects of liver disease.
Obesity can contribute to fat accumulation in the liver, which can worsen existing liver issues. Sudden loss of appetite may also exacerbate liver problems in dogs.
Some human foods can cause liver problems in dogs due to toxicity. These include chewing gum, candy, toothpaste, or anything with xylitol. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.
Signs of Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs
If you don’t know what to look for, your pup might have liver problems, and you won’t even know about it. According to Pet MD, these are the most common signs associated with elevated liver enzymes in dogs.
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Weight loss
- Confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Build up fluid in the belly (ascites)
- Unstable walk
If your pet is experiencing any of the signs on this list, we highly recommend taking them to a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How Can You Lower Your Dog’s Liver Enzymes?
This is a question your veterinary surgeon will help you to answer, as it depends on the cause of the changes. The most common treatments include dietary changes, liver supplements, hepatic prescription diets, sometimes antibiotics if there is an underlying infection, and, in some cases, if there is a tumor or a shunt, surgery.
What Foods Should Dogs With Liver Disease Avoid?
If your dog has liver disease, your veterinarian has likely recommended a specific diet, often a prescription liver-support formula, also called a hepatic diet. If a prescription diet is not feasible, your vet may suggest avoiding foods high in copper or purines and choosing protein sources that are gentler on the liver, such as chicken or turkey, rather than red meats or certain fish like salmon.
Always consult your vet before making dietary changes, as they can help you select a food that balances your dog’s nutritional needs, your budget, and your pet’s preferences.
How Long Does It Take for Liver Enzymes to Normalize in Dogs?
The liver has a good capacity for regeneration, but it really does depend on the cause of the elevated liver enzymes. If there has been a temporary problem, such as xylitol ingestion, depending on the dose and severity, it may take anywhere from a couple of weeks for all to return to normal, while in some cases, the levels may stay elevated for longer. If there is an ongoing medical problem, such as Cushing’s syndrome or a hepatic tumor, the enzymes may stay elevated.
Conclusion
If you suspect that your dog has liver disease, take them to a vet for a full checkup and diagnosis. They can run tests to let you know what’s going on and to help you get it under control if possible.
The problem could be coming from their food, but this is not commonplace. If you suspect that’s the case for your dog, discuss it with your vet first. They may advise you to switch their food if they need a special liver support prescription diet. Furthermore, if you do find that your dog’s food has a problem, reach out to the FDA to report it.
See also:
- 13 Dog Breeds Prone to Liver Disease: Vet Reviewed Facts
- My Dog Ate Gum! Here’s What to Do (Our Vet Answers)
Featured Image Credit: Przemek Iciak. Shutterstock
