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Dog Liver Health Supplement Guide: Top Picks in Canada 2026
- Max Wu
- Nov 3
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 4
The liver performs over 500 vital functions in your dog's body, from processing nutrients to filtering toxins. Recognising early warning signs and understanding common causes of liver problems helps you protect your pet's health.
Signs Of Liver Problems In Dogs
Digestive symptoms often appear first when liver function declines. Dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite as their liver struggles to process food properly.
Behavioural changes can signal serious liver issues. Lethargy, confusion, or unusual aggression may indicate toxins aren't being filtered from the bloodstream effectively.
Physical symptoms become more obvious as liver problems progress:
Yellowing of the gums, eyes, or skin (jaundice)
Swollen abdomen from fluid buildup
Increased thirst and urination
Weight loss despite normal eating
Neurological signs occur when the liver can't remove ammonia from the blood. Dogs may seem disoriented, walk in circles, or have seizures.
Early detection is crucial because the liver has remarkable regeneration abilities. Liver cell regeneration can help restore function when problems are caught early.
Importance Of Veterinary Consultation First
Never start liver health supplements for dogs without consulting your veterinarian first. Some conditions require specific treatments that supplements can't provide alone.
Your veterinarian will run blood tests to establish a baseline. These measure enzymes such as ALT and ALP that help detect liver injury and cholestasis
Some liver supplements can interact with medications. Your veterinarian will review all current treatments to avoid dangerous combinations.
Top 8 Liver Health Supplements for Dogs
Zentonil® Advanced Chewable Tablets (400 | 200 | 100)
Zentonil Advanced is a specialized, dual-action veterinary liver health supplement formulated to provide high-level support for both the structure and function of your dog's liver cells.
Main Uses: Supporting liver function in cases of chronic or acute liver insufficiency, protecting against cellular damage caused by toxins or disease, and promoting hepatocellular regeneration.
Key Ingredients: S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which increases the liver's primary antioxidant, and Silybin complexed with phosphatidylcholine to boost its absorption and liver protection.
Pricing: $48 - 116 CAD per 30 Tablets
Product Highlights: Zentonil’s exclusive microencapsulation technology ensures the active ingredients' bioavailability even if the palatable tablet is split, crushed, or chewed for easy administration.
Things to Consider: Give on an empty stomach for best absorption; tablets are palatable and can be split (a small bite of food is acceptable if needed). Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage and to determine if it is right for your pet's condition.
Denamarin Liver Health Supplement (90mg | 225mg | 425mg)
Denamarin, from the #1 veterinarian-recommended liver health supplement company Nutramax, is a high-quality, patented formula that delivers a two-pronged approach to supporting the critical functions of your dog’s liver.
Main Uses: Supporting healthy liver function in both acute and chronic cases, increasing antioxidant levels to protect cells from toxins, and promoting cellular repair and regeneration.
Key Ingredients: Contains S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which markedly raises liver glutathione, and a bioavailable Silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex, which supports liver function and bile flow.
Pricing: $37 - 85 CAD per 30 Tablets
Product Highlights: The original tablets are enteric-coated to protect the sensitive SAMe from stomach acids, ensuring optimal absorption.
Things to Consider: The enteric-coated tablets must be given whole (not split or crushed). It is essential to administer on an empty stomach.
Denosyl is a pure, stabilized S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) supplement from Nutramax, to provide essential, stand-alone support for compromised liver function in dogs
Main Uses: Increasing hepatic glutathione levels, the liver’s most potent antioxidant, to protect cells from toxins and death. Also used to support cell regeneration and may help cognitive function in aging dogs.
Key Ingredients: Contains a purified, stabilized salt of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). Available in three strengths: 90 mg (cats/small dogs), 225 mg, and 425 mg.
Pricing: $30 - 50 CAD per 30 Tablets
Product Highlights: The tablets are enteric-coated and individually sealed in specialized blister packs to protect the extremely sensitive SAMe from moisture, stomach acid, and degradation, ensuring the bioavailability of the active ingredient.
Things to Consider: Enteric-coated tablets should be given whole on an empty stomach; do not split or crumble.
ProLiv is a nutritional liver supplement for dogs that provides comprehensive support by combining key ingredients known to protect and enhance liver function.
Main Uses: Helping to support overall liver function, detoxifying and protecting liver cells from damage, and potentially aiding in cellular regeneration.
Key Ingredients: A blend of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) to boost the protective antioxidant glutathione, and Silybin complexed with Phosphatidylcholine.
Pricing: $32 - 75 CAD per 30 Tablets
Product Highlights: Comes in three sizes (Small, Medium, and Large) to provide weight-based dosing.
Things to Consider: Should be administered on an empty stomach
Aventi Liver Complete is a comprehensive nutritional supplement, delivering multiple antioxidants and liver-support agents in an easy-to-use, palatable format.
Main Uses: Supporting dogs with primary and secondary liver diseases, promoting healthy liver metabolism and function, detoxification, and providing robust antioxidant protection to liver cells.
Key Ingredients: Contains S-acetyl glutathione and Siliphos® for enhanced absorption. Also contains high concentrations of Zinc, Vitamin E, and a complex of essential B Vitamins.
Pricing: $63 - 120 CAD per bottle (45 tablets | 90 tablets | 120 tablets)
Product Highlights: It is one of the few liver supplements that directly provides ready-to-use Glutathione. The chewable tablets are palatable, making them easy to give as treats.
Things to Consider: Initial administration is typically for a period of 4-6 weeks. The tablet can be divided into two doses
Denamarin Advanced Chewable is the latest evolution of the #1 veterinarian-recommended liver supplement, provide bioavailability and easier administration for dogs.
Main Uses: Providing liver support for acute or chronic cases, protecting liver cells from toxins by boosting glutathione, promoting cell repair and regeneration, and supporting a healthy oxidative balance.
Key Ingredients: Combines a proprietary, NMXSS75A™ S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) salt with a Silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex for absorption. The advanced formula requires a lower administration level than the original Denamarin.
Typical Pricing: $75 per 30 tablets
Product Highlights: It is smaller, less bitter, and scored for accurate administration, making it easier to give to dogs. It also provides greater bioavailability and quicker uptake than the original formula.
Things to Consider: Recommended to administer on an empty stomach.
Rx Vitamins Liquid Hepato is a professional-grade, easy-to-deliver liquid liver support formula specifically designed for dogs, particularly those who are difficult to give pills to.
Main Uses: Promoting normal liver function and metabolism, protecting the liver from damage caused by toxins or long-term medications, reducing oxidative stress, and assisting with elevated liver enzymes.
Key Ingredients: Contains a premium Milk Thistle Extract (80% silymarin and 30% silybinin). Includes a complex of B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12), Lecithin (a phospholipid source), and the potent antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Pricing: $46 per bottle (120 ml)
Product Highlights: Its palatable liquid format (available in chicken or bacon flavor, non-animal origin) and graduated dropper ensure accurate, simple dosing by mouth or when mixed with a small amount of food.
Things to Consider: The liquid formulation is less messy than powders and an excellent option for small dogs.
Rx Vitamins Hepato Support is a professional veterinary formula available in capsule and soft chew formats, support for normal liver function in dogs.
Main Uses: Promoting normal liver function, protecting liver cells from damage by toxins, assisting with elevated liver enzyme levels, reducing oxidative stress, and aiding in the growth of new liver tissue.
Key Ingredients: Contains high-quality Milk Thistle Extract (80% Silymarin and 30% Silybinin). Includes a complete complex of B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12), Choline, Inositol, DL-Methionine, and Alpha Lipoic Acid for comprehensive support.
Product Highlight: It is easy-to-dose capsules that can be opened and sprinkled onto food.
Pricing: $45 - 81 CAD per 90 or 180 capsules.
Things to Consider: Recommended to give this supplement with meals. An examination from a veterinarian is recommended before starting use.
Supporting Liver Health Beyond Supplements
Diet Considerations
A balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to support your dog’s liver health. Choose high-quality, easily digestible proteins such as egg, dairy, or white-meat chicken, which provide essential amino acids without overloading the liver. For dogs with more advanced liver conditions or hepatic encephalopathy, veterinarians may recommend limiting red meat and fish proteins at first to help reduce ammonia buildup. Always consult your veterinarian to determine the right protein type and amount for your dog’s individual needs.
Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods to naturally aid your dog’s detoxification process and protect liver cells from oxidative stress.
Other liver-friendly nutrition tips include:
Reducing sodium to help prevent fluid retention
Moderating fat to minimize digestive stress
Adding complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes or oatmeal for steady energy
Including fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and green beans for natural antioxidants
Avoid giving table scraps or processed human foods, especially those that are greasy or high in fat, as they can worsen liver strain and inflammation.
Hydration
Adequate water intake supports your dog's natural detoxification processes through the liver and kidneys. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times to help flush toxins from your pet's system.
Most dogs need approximately 30-60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight. A noticeable increase can indicate a medical issue.
Weight Management
Maintaining an optimal body weight reduces fatty deposits in the liver. Excess weight can lead to hepatic lipidosis, where fat accumulates in liver cells and impairs function.
Regular exercise supports circulation and helps the liver process nutrients more efficiently. Daily walks and appropriate play activities keep your dog's metabolism active.
Avoiding Toxins
Common household items pose significant risks to your dog's liver health. Xylitol, found in sugar-free gum and candies, causes severe liver damage and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Remove these liver toxins from your pet's environment:
Cleaning products containing ammonia or bleach
Pesticides and herbicides on lawns and gardens
Certain human medications like paracetamol
Mouldy food containing aflatoxins
Choose natural cleaning products when possible. Store all medications and chemicals in secure cabinets away from curious pets.
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Annual blood work helps detect liver enzyme changes before clinical symptoms appear. ALP/ALT levels indicate liver function status.
Senior dogs benefit from twice-yearly examinations. Age-related changes can affect liver efficiency, making early detection crucial for treatment success.
Discuss any supplements or dietary changes with your veterinary team. They can recommend appropriate monitoring schedules based on your dog's individual health status and risk factors.
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