Cushing's Syndrome in Dogs: Nutrition for Fatty Liver and Lipid Metabolism Disorders

Table of Contents:

• Cushing's Syndrome in Dogs: Symptoms and Causes
• Nutrition for Cushing's and Fatty Liver in Dogs
• Nutrients to Support Liver Function
• BugBell BellyVital: Low-Fat Formula for Nutritional Liver Relief

Cushing's syndrome in dogs leads to an increased production of cortisol – an endogenous stress hormone. In the long term, this can lead to fatty liver in dogs, disorders in lipid metabolism in dogs, and other stresses on the organism. In addition to veterinary therapy, a targeted low-fat diet can help to relieve the metabolism and provide the dog with all essential nutrients as needed.

Cushing's Syndrome in Dogs: Symptoms and Causes

Hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing's syndrome, is a hormonal disease that often affects older dogs. Typical signs include:

• Greatly increased thirst and frequent urination
• Increased appetite with simultaneous muscle loss
• Hair loss, thin skin, poor coat condition
• Pot belly due to fat redistribution
• Fatigue and reluctance to move

An excessive cortisol level often leads to fatty liver in dogs and coatther stresses lipid metabolism. Therefore, adapted feeding for Cushing's is particularly important.

Nutrition for Cushing's and Fatty Liver in Dogs

A low-fat, liver-relieving diet supports dogs with Cushing's syndrome in nutrient absorption and can help regulate lipid metabolism. At the same time, the food should be easily digestible and contain high-quality protein sources.

Dog food for fatty liver or Cushing's should have the following characteristics:

• Reduced fat content to relieve lipid metabolism
• Moderate protein content with high digestibility (≥ 85%)
• Functional ingredients to support liver function in dogs
• Copper controlled
• Sodium adapted

Nutrients to Support Liver Function

The goal of nutrition is the nutritional support of liver function in chronic insufficiency – especially in dogs with Cushing's or fatty liver. EU regulation (VO (EU) 2020/354) recommends for this:

• Crude protein ≤ 279 g/kg (at 12% moisture content)
• Protein digestibility ≥ 85%
• Copper in limited quantity
• Sodium in appropriate concentration

Additionally, traditional botanicals such as milk thistle and dandelion can contribute to liver-related feeding.

BugBell BellyVital: Low-Fat Formula for Nutritional Liver Relief

Our BugBell BellyVital line was specially developed for dogs with sensitive livers, lipid metabolism disorders, or Cushing's syndrome. The formula combines high-quality ingredients with a targeted reduction of fat and copper.

• Low-fat energy content for relief from fatty liver
• Crude protein ≤ 279 g/kg (12% moisture)
• Digestibility ≥ 85%
• Copper moderately contained
• Sodium balanced
• With milk thistle and dandelion – herbal companions for the liver
• Well-tolerated insect protein as a monoprotein source

Note: BugBell BellyVital is not a diet or medicinal feed. It is a complete feed with a specifically tailored composition for the nutritional support of liver function in dogs.

We are happy to help you find the right food for your dog with Cushing's syndrome or liver sensitivity.