5 Beneficial Liver Supplements for Dogs

The liver is a powerful organ that performs many functions, such as filtering out toxins from the blood, metabolizing drugs, and helping with digestion. It can even regenerate itself and continue functioning when many of its cells, called hepatocytes, have suffered damage.

However, factors like old age and exposure to toxins can take a toll on the liver.

Liver supplements for dogs help support the liver when it is not working as well as it used to. The market for these supplements continues to grow, giving dog parents a wide (and sometimes bewildering) variety of liver supplements from which to choose. 

We’re here to help you understand how liver supplements work, why your dog might need one, and what to consider when selecting a liver support supplement for your dog.

How Liver Support Supplements Help Dogs

Dog supplements for liver disease contain active ingredients, such as S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and milk thistle, that support the liver in the following functions:

• Detoxification
• Protein synthesis
• Digestion
• Antioxidant activity 

A normal-functioning liver produces antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, which are substances that damage cells and lead to disease. Liver supplements with antioxidant activity protect liver cells against this damage and promote cellular repair.

Liver supplements also support good overall nutrition by providing additional nutrients like vitamins and probiotics.

Like human supplements, dog supplements for the liver are not curative and do not reverse liver disease. Instead, they support the liver and can help manage the symptoms of liver disease.

Why Your Vet Might Recommend a Dog Liver Supplement

Generally, a liver supplement is unnecessary for a healthy dog with no liver problems. However, veterinarians might recommend liver supplements for:

• Dogs with medical conditions like liver cancer, liver infection, and liver failure
• Dogs with digestion issues (the liver plays a key role in digestion)
• Dogs who eat a homemade diet, because they may lack or be deficient in nutrients necessary for proper liver functioning
• Senior dogs and dogs on medication

A liver supplement is typically given for long-term liver support, but your veterinarian can determine how long your dog would need to take the supplement.

Only your veterinarian can determine if a liver supplement is appropriate for your dog. 

5 Veterinarian-Prescribed Liver Supplements for Dogs

Searching for liver supplements for dogs online can be overwhelming. We’ve selected a few dog liver supplements to consider and discuss with your veterinarian.

Each of these supplements is taken by mouth and is available in multiple doses according to a dog’s weight.

Denamarin

Denmarin contains two active ingredients: SAMe and silybin. SAMe is produced naturally in the liver and gets converted into glutathione, a chemical that plays important roles in detoxification and antioxidant activity. A liver supplement helps increase SAMe levels that have been reduced because of liver disease. 

SAMe can also support brain health by improving cognition, which is especially important in senior dogs who may be experiencing cognitive decline.

Silybin is an extract of milk thistle, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. 

Highlights

• Contains two active ingredients to support liver health
• Reduces inflammation
• Promotes detoxification
• Antioxidant activity
• Supports brain health
• Available as a tablet or a chewable tablet
• Only available from your veterinarian

Note: There is also a formula called Denamarin Advanced with improved absorption, which means you don’t have to give your pet as many tablets per day compared to the original.

Denosyl

Denosyl contains SAMe as its active ingredient. Like Denamarin, Denosyl supports liver health in several ways, including detoxifying, protecting liver cells, and promoting cellular repair. Denosyl can also support healthy brain functioning.

Highlights

• SAMe is the active ingredient
• Helps with detoxification 
• Antioxidant activity 
• Supports cognitive function
• Only available through your veterinarian

Vetri SAMe Tablets

Vetri SAMe tablets combine SAMe and glutathione to promote detoxification and carry out antioxidant activity. They have a special coating (enteric coating) to protect them from stomach acid, ensuring that they make it to the small intestine and are fully absorbed.

Highlights

• Contains SAMe and glutathione as its active ingredients
• Promotes detoxification 
• Antioxidant effects
• Enteric coating to maximize absorption in the small intestine
• Has earned the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval
• Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Should be given on an empty stomach, about one hour before mealtime 

Vetri-Liver Support Soft Chew for Dogs

Vetri-Liver Support soft chews for dogs have an appealing chicken flavor and contain 15 ingredients, including glutathione and vitamin E, that work in two phases to support liver health. Phase 1 converts toxins into less dangerous substances, and phase 2 makes these substances water soluble so the body can easily eliminate them. These ingredients also support fat metabolism and antioxidant activity.

Highlights

• Contains 15 active ingredients that support liver health
• Helps with detoxification and fat metabolism
• Antioxidant effects 
• Has earned the NASC seal of approval

Rx Vitamins Hepato Support Capsules

Rx Vitamins Hepato Support capsules contain silymarin, which is extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant, plus B vitamins and alpha lipoic acid to help support normal liver function. Silymarin boosts glutathione levels and helps protect the liver from toxins. One capsule contains 100 milligrams of milk thistle extract. If you have trouble giving your dog pills, it is also available in liquid format.

Highlights

• Contains several active ingredients to support liver function
• Promotes detoxification
• Antioxidant activity
• Has earned the NASC seal of approval

Dog Liver Support Supplements: Tips and Safety

Here are some things to consider before giving your dog a liver supplement:

Talk with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be your best source of information about liver supplements for dogs. They will be able to determine if your dog needs a liver supplement and advise you on which liver supplement would be best for your dog. 

Consider your dog’s current medications. Liver supplements may interact with other medications and potentially decrease a medication’s effect. Discuss your dog’s medication history with your veterinarian.

Consider cost. Liver supplements can be expensive, especially when given long-term. Your veterinarian can help you identify budget-friendly liver supplements and advise you on how long your dog may need the supplement.

Follow label instructions. The label contains key information on dosing and storage. Please read this information closely to ensure you give your dog the correct dose according to their weight and safely store the product away from pets and children. 

Identify the lot number. Make sure the supplement has a lot number on its label. The lot number indicates that the product has undergone strict quality control to ensure its safety. 

Research the manufacturer. Don’t believe the marketing hype. Research the manufacturer by reading through their website or contacting them by phone to determine whether they put their products through independent safety and efficacy testing.

Do not give human supplements to your dog. Human supplements may contain ingredients that are harmful to your dog. Also, the dose for humans could lead to an overdose in dogs.