Foods to Avoid to Keep A Dog’s Liver Healthy

A dog’s health is highly dependent on its diet. It is essential that you provide your pup with the right nutrients and avoid foods that can be damaging to their liver. Understanding which foods to avoid to keep a dog’s liver healthy will help you keep your furry friend healthy for years to come.

I know some people think dogs are like a goat and will eat anything or like a chicken that will REALLY eat anything – but that simply isn’t true. Let’s take a look at foods to avoid to keep a dog’s liver healthy and your best friend thriving.

Fatty Foods

Foods high in fat like certain treats, cheese, processed meats, or fast food should be avoided because they can cause a buildup of fatty acids in the liver. This buildup can lead to inflammation in the organ that can cause scarring and permanent damage. Limit treats with high-fat content to occasional snacks as opposed to regular meals.

Sugary Foods

Sugar might be an occasional treat, but it should not be a part of your dog’s regular diet. Dogs, just like humans, have a limited capacity to process sugar, and too much sugar in the body can lead to long-term damage to the liver. This includes sugary treats like candy, cakes, and cookies. If you regularly give your pup sugary snacks, it is important to limit how much they eat or even cut them out completely from their diet.

Xylitol Sweetener

Xylitol sweetener is a natural sugar substitute found in many products such as gum or candy. It’s highly toxic for dogs if ingested—even just a small amount—so it’s important to always double check labels before giving your pup something new to eat. If you suspect your pup has eaten something containing xylitol sweetener, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a big one. Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines that can damage the liver if ingested in large quantities. In small doses, chocolate is not usually toxic and won’t necessarily cause any harm; however, it’s still best to avoid giving chocolate altogether as it can cause other issues such as stomach upsets or an increased heart rate. If your pup does eat chocolate, contact your vet immediately.

Grapes

Grapes are also toxic to dogs and are known to cause kidney failure due to their high levels of acidity. Grapes have been linked with liver failure in dogs due to their ability to damage the organ over time and should be kept out of reach from curious pups at all times. If your dog does consume grapes, seek medical attention right away.

Uncooked Meat

Raw meat contains bacteria that can cause illness in dogs, including salmonella and E. coli which can both damage the liver over time. Make sure that any meat you give them has been cooked through before they eat it – never feed them raw meat!

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic for dogs when ingested in large amounts. While small amounts may not be deadly, they still can cause problems with the liver over time. It’s best to avoid giving these vegetables to your pup altogether as a precautionary measure.

Salty Snacks

Another food item that should be avoided when caring for a pet’s liver health is salty snacks. Too much salt will increase water retention in the body which leads to an accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream and eventually affects the functioning of the liver.

This includes salted pretzels, chips, crackers, popcorn, and other unhealthy snacks that contain added sodium and preservatives. If you must give treats to your pet opt for natural ones such as vegetables or fruits instead.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages contain ethyl alcohol which is highly toxic for dogs and can cause serious damage to their livers over time if ingested in large amounts. If you ever see your pup drinking out of an alcoholic beverage – or even eating food that has been soaked in alcohol – make sure to take them away from it immediately! 

Canned Food

Canned food isn’t necessarily bad for your pup’s liver; however, it can contain high levels of sodium which may cause dehydration in some breeds of dogs due to their inability to process salt efficiently or because they drink less water when eating salty foods. It’s best to feed canned food occasionally or as a last resort if your pup refuses other types of food or if there’s no other option available at home.

Toxic Plants

There are several common plants that are toxic to dogs because they contain chemicals that can damage their livers when ingested. These include plants like Lilies, Rhododendrons, Sago Palms, Oleander, and Azaleas. Make sure you keep these plants away from your pup and make sure no one else near your pup does either! 

Final Thoughts on Foods to Avoid to Keep A Dog’s Liver Healthy

Keeping your pup’s health in check means being aware of what type of food is suitable for them and what type of foods to avoid to keep a dog’s liver healthy. Being mindful about ingredients when buying pet food and limiting human junk food will go a long way towards keeping your dog’s liver healthy over time. Remember that small changes over time make all the difference when it comes to taking good care of our furry friends!