Source: DogsNaturally.com

Antioxidants

Vitamin C could be the most important antioxidant for the liver. Even though dogs and cats produce their own, a little extra help during a toxic exposure or a cleanse is prudent and easy.

Mixed ascorbates are buffered, very absorbable and economical. Whole food Vitamin C from plant sources such as camu camu and acerola berries are very absorbable.

Related: How To Give Your Dog Vitamins

Milk Thistle

The most well-known darling of liver support is silymarin (milk thistle) for both humans and canines. It’s said that ancient Rome used plenty of this flowering Aster plant – it was a party city after all!

Silymarin protects the liver cells against toxins and their oxidative effects, helps regenerate liver cells and stimulate protein synthesis.

Many herbalists suggest it not be used unless there is an acute exposure, and for short periods only. Many formulas also contain this herb with Vitamin C for added antioxidant help.

Related: Milk Thistle For Your Dog!

Glutathione Precursors

Glutathione, the most potent antioxidant made by the body, important for both phases of liver detox. Cats cannot make glutathione in large amounts, leaving them vulnerable to acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity and death.

It’s estimated that up to 45 percent of liver disease in dogs is caused by low glutathione levels. Because of it’s expense to produce, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid serve as precursors for it’s production in the body.

N-acetylcysteine can also fight infections and alpha-lipoic acid can help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.

Related: Spot The Early Signs Of Liver Disease In Dogs

Amino Acids

A high protein diet usually insures the body of these protein building blocks; but a little more will ensure adequate detox flow. If your formula has taurine and glycine, even better.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine, is known as SAMe, is produced naturally in the body by amino acids and is another precursor to glutathione. SAMe improves detoxification, reduces inflammation and serves as an antioxidant.

The B’s

The B-complex vitamins are used to produce energy, a lot of energy, for the detox process. B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, folate/folinic acid (not folic acid) are involved in methylation (see Phase I detox). Use a B-complex unless they are in your detox formula.

Flavonoids

Bioflavonoids such as …

From citrus

Pycnogenol/pine bark

Grape seed extract

Green tea

Quercetin

Rutin

In a field study at the labeled dose in dogs with osteoarthritis, the half-life was highly variable and averaged approximately 19 days (harmonic mean 15.8 days).. That means 50% is gone in 19 days, 75% is gone in 38 days, and so on.

COMING SOON!