Feeding: The Foundation for Health
For dogs with liver disorders, an adapted diet is essential to relieve the liver and support its regeneration. Here are various factors and rule-of-thumb guidelines that should be considered when feeding dogs with liver-related dietary needs:
1. Protein Quality and Quantity
- High-Quality Proteins: Choose highly digestible, high-quality protein sources such as easily digestible meat - no offal - or eggs, cottage cheese, or insects. The recommended digestibility of dietary protein should be ≥ 80%. It's best to ask the manufacturer directly; if you receive an answer, you know you're in the right place:)
- Protein Amount: The amount should be moderated to avoid overloading the liver. The exact amount depends on the severity of the liver disease; common recommendations are 2.5 to 4.5 g of protein per kilogram of the dog's body weight per day, but this should be adjusted individually. The Dietetic Feedstuffs Act makes the following recommendation: Moderate protein content: Crude protein ≤ 27.9% for complete feed with a moisture content of 12% (Dry dog food). This corresponds to approx. ≤ 6.97% for wet dog food.
2. Fats
- Easily Digestible Fats: Fats are an important energy source. Use easily digestible sources such as fish oil, algae oil, or flaxseed oil, which also provides anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Adjustment for Fat Intolerance: For some dogs, a reduction in fat may be necessary, especially if there is fat intolerance. According to the Dietetic Feedstuffs Act, no information is given on fat content. However, we recommend the following: Low crude fat content: Crude fat ≤ 15% for complete feed with a moisture content of 12% (Dry dog food). This corresponds to approx. ≤ 7% for wet dog food.
3. Carbohydrates
- Easily Digestible Carbohydrates: Offer easily digestible carbohydrates like tapioca, amaranth, or quinoa to meet energy requirements without straining the liver.
Feeding Techniques and Food Quantity
Nutrition plays a central role in the treatment and support of dogs with liver disorders. A well-considered feeding strategy can relieve the liver, support regeneration, and improve the animal's well-being. The challenge lies in finding the right balance of nutrients without coatther straining the already compromised liver. Here are some key points that should be considered when feeding dogs with liver-related dietary needs:
Feeding Techniques
Several small meals: Digesting large meals can be strenuous for a dog with liver-related dietary needs. Instead, smaller, easily digestible meals should be offered throughout the day to support the liver's metabolism and prevent overload. This can mean dividing the food into 3-4 meals for adult dogs and 4-5 times a day for young dogs up to 6 months of age.
Gentle dietary change: A sudden change in diet can lead to gastrointestinal problems in dogs. If a diet adjustment is necessary due to liver disease, it should be done gradually over a period of up to 7 days. This gives the dog's digestive system time to adapt to the new food.
Food Quantities
The amount of food depends on several factors, including the dog's weight, the severity of the liver disease, and the specific composition of the food. Generally:
Assessing energy requirements: Dogs with liver disorders may have altered energy requirements. Often, the energy requirement is increased as the body tries to fight the disease. However, the dog's ability to absorb and digest food may be limited. A veterinarian can help determine the individual energy requirement and recommend the appropriate amount of food. More Information
Adjustment based on observation: The dog's reaction to its diet should be continuously monitored. Changes in weight, behavior, and general well-being are indicators that can help adjust the amount of food accordingly. Weight loss can be a sign that the dog needs more food, while weight gain may require a reduction in portions.
Supporting Liver Health through Nutritional Supplements
The following food supplements can be helpful in supporting liver function:
- Milk Thistle: Protects and promotes the regeneration of liver cells
- Turmeric: Curcumin promotes liver function through its anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidants: Protect the liver from damage caused by free radicals
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Have anti-inflammatory effects and promote liver health
- B Vitamins: Especially Vitamin B12 and B6 play an important role in metabolism and can support liver function by helping to reduce fatigue and provide energy.
- Green Tea Extract: Contains polyphenols that have antioxidant properties and can promote liver health.
- Dandelion (Dandelion Root): Traditionally used to support liver health, as it stimulates bile flow and aids in detoxification.
How BugBell Helps
Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health of a dog's liver. A high fat or protein content in food can overload the liver and lead to metabolic disorders.
With our dog biscuits for a healthy gut flora, you help your coatry friend detoxify and strengthen their immune and digestive system in a balanced way.
All our insect-based products have a moderate protein content of less than 25% crude protein and a required digestibility of ≥ 80%.
The ingredients are precisely balanced to primarily detoxify and stabilize the liver and kidneys.
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