Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
Should I give my dog milk thistle for a healthy liver? Is it safe?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 7 months old
I do take supplement SILYMARIN MILK THISTLE tablets 400mg twice daily for my healthy liver so will it be safe to give this to bruno for his liver to remain healthy in future ? He weigh 34 kg if yes then how much dose will be good ? Can silymarin cause any harm to dogs liver or any other organ or part of dog body ?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 15th, 2017
I do not typically recommend giving this supplement unless there is evidence of underlying liver disease because it is not likely to be helpful. There does not seem to be evidence of kidney disease or other problems when milk thistle supplements are used long term in dogs, but there are no studies in dogs without liver disease. I would recommend checking with your veterinarian before starting this supplement since it can potentially cause problems when given in conjunction with some other medications.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on March 21st, 2017
Silymarin is a safe supplement and is indeed frequently used to promote liver health and function. Side effects are typically GI in nature such as soft stool, nausea or vomiting. You should discuss an appropriate dose with your veterinarian. He or she may even have a preferred source, brand or vendor. Be very careful when buying and using supplements as quality and amount can vary greatly by manufacturer.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 14th, 2017
Milk thistle is sometimes used as a supplement in dogs with liver disease, so if your veterinarian has concerns about Bruno's liver and recommended this product, then I would use it at their recommendation. I have attached an article with a little more info on the supplement here:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1779
There haven't been many studies done in dogs with this supplement, so most information is extrapolated from human data. The most common side effect at higher doses would be diarrhea. Other reported side effects in humans include stomach upset, headache, joint pain, and weakness.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA
Veterinarian
Published on July 8th, 2017
Liver enzymes can be elevated for a variety of reasons, some of which don't even have to do with the liver. Depending on the reason they are elevated, your veterinarian may recommend medications or supplements, one of which includes milk thistle. Milk thistle is typically well tolerated and safe, and is used to protect the liver cells.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful