The liver disease diet must be carefully planned to contain only fresh, organic food with quality proteins and low fats if you want to make sure the liver can regenerate and he will have a good liver function for years to come.
Liver Disease in Cats
Liver is a complex organ with multiple functions such as:
- Regulating the level of most chemicals in the blood and removing the toxins from the blood
- Producing protein for the blood plasma
- Producing bile, essential in the digestion process
- Regulating the distribution of fat in the body
- Regulating the level of amino-acids
Liver disease is more frequent in older and overweight cats and it is difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat.
Some symptoms of liver disease are:
- Abdominal swelling
- Reduced appetite
- Loss of weight
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Epilepsy
- Lethargy
- Jaundice(yellowing of the eyes, ears and gums)
Some cats have only vague symptoms. Lab-tests, X-rays, ultra-sound and liver–biopsy can give a more precise confirmation of the disease.
When the liver itself causes the problem medication therapy is not indicated, as drugs contain toxins, which means that these will require the function of the liver. A carefully planned diet with high-quality proteins and carefully balanced vitamins and minerals will be the best treatment for the liver. The liver needs to rest and a liver-sparing diet will allow your pet’s liver recovery.
Diet to Cleanse the Liver
The liver cleansing diet has to contain bland foods without too many toxins to lessen the work of the liver. When you plan a detoxification diet you have to think of your pet’s age and health condition. Some recommended liver cleansing diets include:
- Olives and olive-oil. Olive-oil contains mono-saturated fat, lots of anti-oxidants, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which support the immune system as well.
- Nuts, which contain omega 3 fatty acid, unsaturated fats and anti-oxidants
- Flax seed oil, which has the same properties as the olive-oil
- Wheat products
- Oatmeal; the fiber in oat absorbs toxins
- Lean meat (i.e. chicken and turkey) as well as eggs, cheese, rice which are a good source of protein.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in protein and fiber but low in fat, in particular leafy vegetables which are rich in carotenoids, folic acid and vitamin C
The organic foods are recommended because they don’t contain many toxins. Foods causing allergies or any other kind of intolerance in your pet should be avoided.
Fish and foods containing fish extracts have to be avoided as they contain purin, which facilitate the production of the uric acid, which can’t be processed by a damaged liver.
Carbohydrates must be avoided.
Ready Made Foods
You can also buy ready made foods, which have to contain one or more of the above-mentioned liver cleansers. Make sure the foods contain natural ingredients only.
Liver Support Supplements
A supplementation of minerals, vitamins, amino-acids and probiotics will be helpful in the regeneration of the liver.
You can find herbal or homeopathic remedies which contain these vital nutrients.