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My dog was diagnosed with liver disease. Can he stay on a vegan diet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 11 years and 1 month old | 76 lbs

My dog was just diagnosed with liver disease, cirrhosis. Is it possible to continue to feed him a vegan diet and still meet his dietary needs.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Britni Miller, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 12th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear about Frank. Dogs are omnivores, meaning that they need a mix of plant and animal food sources. Occasionally, we do recommend a vegetarian diet if the dogs has certain food sensitivities, but in general, vegan diets are not recommended. There are certain veterinary prescription diets for dogs with liver disease. There are also homemade diets that can be made for dogs with liver disease, but they contain animal products. The prescription diets are made by Royal Canin, Purina, and Science Diet. You can find homemade diets by searching Google, but I would recommend to go over the diet with your veterinarian to ensure that all nutritional needs are met. Good luck!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on September 5th, 2019
Unfortunately, there is not an over the counter dog food formulated to help with liver problems. There are a few prescription diets that will help with liver issues. Also, before starting a liver specific diet, I recommend to ask your vet is this is needed? Dogs who have elevated enzyme levels but normal bile acids don't always need a diet change. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 19th, 2019
Hi. The best food would be to go on the liver protective diet. Both Hills and Royal canin make the prescription food for liver disease. In addition, there are liver protective medications that could help from ypur veterinarian as well. Good luck
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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