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Dog supplements are everywhere, from joint care and allergy relief to gut health and calming support. Often overlooked by pup owners (unless a problem arises) is our furry friends’ liver health. However, if you want your pup to live their best and longest life, do they actually need a liver supplement?
Table of Contents
Whether your pup needs liver support depends on their unique health needs. These supplements can be a game-changer or not needed at all. I’ve teamed up with our vet partner to help break it all down and will also share my top picks for the best liver supplements for dogs.
| Top Vet-Recommended | Customer Favorite | Budget-Friendly | Best Liquid |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| Nutramax Denamarin | Coco and Luna | Wanderfound Pets | Pet Wellbeing |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Why Is Liver Health So Important For Dogs?
I’ll back up a bit to first explain what the liver does for a dog’s body. In a nutshell, it serves the same purpose for dogs as it does for humans.
- Removes toxins from the body.
- Stores vitamins and minerals and provides energy in the form of glycogen and fat.
- Creates bile that is necessary for digestion.
- Breaks down medications for the body to absorb them properly.
- Produces specific proteins that enable blood clotting and maintain healthy blood pressure.
How Do Liver Supplements Benefit Dogs?
Liver supplements are designed to support and protect your dog’s ideal liver function. Here’s what liver supplements can do for dogs:
- Antioxidant Protection: Many include ingredients that protect liver cells from damage and support regeneration.
- Boost Liver Enzymes: Certain supplements may help bring elevated liver enzymes levels in dogs closer to normal.
- Aid Digestion & Metabolism: The liver plays a key role in breaking down fats, carbs, and proteins, so supporting it can improve overall digestion.
- Immune Function: A healthy liver also supports immune health by filtering out harmful pathogens in the bloodstream.
- Detox Support: They help the liver process and eliminate toxins more efficiently, especially after exposure to medications, chemicals, or poor-quality food.
Does Your Dog Need A Liver Supplement?
I spoke with Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed, BSAVA, PGCertSAM, MRCVS, to gain insights from a practicing veterinarian regarding the use and need for liver supplements for dogs. Dr. MacMillan is a veterinarian and surgeon at a small animal clinic in the U.K.
Good Candidates For Liver Supplementation
- Dogs with liver disease
- Those with elevated liver enzymes
- Dogs who are being fed a homemade diet
- Those who have ingested certain toxins
- Dogs who have recently been on certain medications or regularly take medication
“Liver supplements aren’t necessary for healthy animals, as a normal liver will produce enough S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) on its own,” explains Dr. MacMillan. “SAMe acts as a natural antioxidant and supports liver function, amongst other things.”
However, she says that for dogs with liver disease or those who must be on a long-term medication that is potentially harmful to their liver, then it’s worth discussing supplements with your vet.
“SAMe supplements can be beneficial in patients who have eaten something poisonous and damaging to their liver. It can help in the detoxification process of several different types of poisoning, including xylitol,” Dr. MacMillan says.
“We can also use these supplements as part of our treatment plan for many other liver diseases, as well as in animals that are on long-term medications that could have negative effects on their liver.”
Dr. MacMillan shares, “I have used SAMe in several patients with liver disease, but this is usually alongside other medications or therapies. Liver supplements containing SAMe have minimal side effects in most dogs, so there is usually no disadvantage in using them to support your pet.”
Which Dogs Shouldn’t Take Liver Supplements?
Although these supplements are nutraceuticals and not prescription drugs, we need to take care when using them if a dog is on medication like Tramadol or antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine or amitriptyline).
That is because there is a theoretical risk of developing excessive serotonin activity in the body, which can be dangerous. Affected animals can develop serotonin syndrome, with dilated pupils, breathing difficulties, elevated blood pressure, and fever.
– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, Veterinarian
What Should I Look For In Canine Liver Supplements?
Below are some of the key ingredients in liver supplements for dogs to consider when choosing a product.
- SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine): A natural compound that supports liver function and may aid in regenerating liver cells. It also boosts glutathione levels—an antioxidant that helps detoxify the liver.
- Milk Thistle: Rich in silymarin, a plant compound that protects liver cells and may help lower elevated liver enzymes.
- S-acetyl-glutathione (SAG): A potent antioxidant that protects liver cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
- L-Arginine: An amino acid that helps detoxify the liver and may reduce liver cell damage.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA): Found in fish oil, these healthy fats help ease liver inflammation.
- Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant that promotes healthy liver function.
- Choline: Helps in the metabolism and transport of fats and cholesterol, supporting healthy liver function and potentially preventing fatty liver syndrome.
Best Liver Supplements For Dogs
I chose these products based on veterinarian recommendations, high-quality ingredients, pup owner feedback about efficacy, pricing, and more.
Note: Not all dogs need liver supplements, and specific ingredients can be harmful for some dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pup canine liver supplements — or any supplement.
Top Vet-Recommended: Nutramax Laboratories Denamarin Review
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Among the most frequently recommended by veterinarians for dogs with liver problems, over-the-counter Denamarin contains S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) and silybin A+B. These active ingredients help increase levels of the antioxidant glutathione — one of the liver’s main detoxifying agents.
The well-respected manufacturer, Nutramax Laboratories, third-party tests all its products for strict safety and efficacy quality. Nutramax says the silybin (milk thistle extract) found in Denamarin is more bioavailable than standardized extracts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top vet-recommended product | On the pricey side |
| Uses ingredients proven effective in studies | Must give at least 1 hour before mealtime – difficult to give tablets without food for some dogs |
| Third-party tested | Some complaints that the small dog tablets are too large |
| Comes in 3 strengths for small, medium, and large dogs | |
| Also available in chewable tablets | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- Starts at $31.99 ($1.07 / Count) (30 tablets)
Vet-Recommended Runner-Up: VetriScience VETRI SAMe Review
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This liver supplement for dogs, developed by VetriScience, combines SAM-e and L-glutathione to support liver health. The tablets have an enteric coating to enhance absorption in the small intestine, and they carry the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal for safe manufacturing practices.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vet-formulated and recommended | Coating contains red dye 40* |
| Excellent active ingredients | Must give on an empty stomach 1 hour before feeding or 2 hours after a meal |
| NASC quality seal | Some complaints that the tablets are too large |
| Comes in 2 strengths | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- Starts at $20.00 ($0.67 / Count) (30 tablets)
Vet-Recommended Third Place: Rx Vitamins Hepato Support Review
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Rx Vitamins’ Hepato Support capsules are an excellent choice for senior dogs to maintain liver health as well as those with elevated liver enzymes (without liver disease). This nutrient-rich liver supplement features milk thistle extract as the primary active ingredient.
It’s also enriched with other active ingredients ideal for senior dogs, such as choline, inositol for metabolic health, DL-methionine for urinary tract health, a blend of B vitamins, and more.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vet-formulated and recommended | DL-methionine may not be safe for some dogs with liver disease |
| Contains 80% milk thistle | A few reports of diarrhea and vomiting |
| NASC quality seal | |
| Affordable pricing | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- $44.79 ($0.25 / Count) (180 capsules)
Customer Favorite: Coco and Luna Liver & Kidney Milk Thistle Review
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This Coco and Luna supplement is notable for the common feedback I found on Reddit, Amazon, Chewy, and other online sites. Many pup owners say this supplement was more effective than Denamarin and other commonly vet-recommended liver supplements in reducing elevated liver enzymes in their dogs — and less expensive to boot.
This supplement combines 80% milk thistle with other liver-friendly active ingredients, such as L-Arginine, EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids), choline, a blend of B vitamins, and more. It has a natural bacon flavor that many owners say their dogs love.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many positive reviews from customers saying this supplement is highly effective | Not as widely vet-recommended as some other products but still well-respected |
| Contains 80% milk thistle and some holistic herbs for liver health | Several complaints that the tablets and soft chews are rock hard and not chewable at all |
| Focuses on quality and safe products (NSF and GMP certifications) | |
| Affordably priced for tablets | |
| Available in soft chews (on the pricey side) | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- $24.90 ($0.21 / Count) (120 tablets)
Budget-Friendly: Wanderfound Pets SAMe 100 Review
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If your vet has recommended a SAMe supplement for your pup, this Wanderfound Pets product is a fantastic alternative to pricier brands. Each chewable tablet contains 100mg of SAMe as its sole active ingredient.
You can also use this concurrently with Wanderfound’s Milk Thistle supplement for more comprehensive liver support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | Uses artificial flavoring |
| Uses clinically proven ingredient | Must administer on an empty stomach |
| Salmon and bacon flavor | Several user reports that it smells bad and is too hard |
| Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility |
Price
- Starts at $16.98 ($16.98 / Count) (30 tablets)
Best Liquid: Pet Wellbeing Milk Thistle Review
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This all-natural, herbal liquid supplement uses only organic milk thistle seed extract for holistic liver support. The only other ingredients are deionized water, natural bacon flavor, and vegetable glycerin.
Many owners report significantly reduced liver enzyme levels from this product. They also say it’s much easier to administer than tablets or capsules.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vet-formulated | On the pricey side |
| Uses organic milk thistle seed | A few reports of diarrhea |
| Every batch undergoes rigorous safety and quality testing | |
| Natural bacon flavor | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- Starts at $40.95 ($20.48 / Fl Oz) (2 fl-oz bottle)
What Are The Signs Of Liver Disease In Dogs?
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s essential to have your veterinarian conduct an examination and measure your pup’s liver enzymes.
Does Your Dog Have Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Many of these products can be used to lower high levels of liver enzymes in dogs. What causes abnormal levels, and what are the symptoms of liver problems? See my in-depth guide on elevated liver enzymes in dogs to learn more.
