Standard Process Canine Hepatic Support: A Holistic Veterinarian’s Therapeutic Review

I understand that the canine hepatic support is essential, yet often overlooked. The liver isn’t just an organ that filters and detoxes; its functionality is as complex as it is vital. Beyond its role in detoxification, it is integral in digestion, nutrient absorption, blood pressure regulation, inflammation control, and the metabolism and storage of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It even plays a role in managing itching and allergy conditions by participating in red blood cell recycling.

Our dogs are facing an unprecedented level of exposure to toxins in today’s environment. Chemicals and carcinogens permeate the air, while the food they consume is often laced with pesticides and preservatives. Traditional veterinary practices, unfortunately, fall short in providing adequate solutions for liver ailments. Prescription diets often contain substances like glyphosate and GMO ingredients, while synthetic isolates from herbs like milk thistle offer minimal absorption and can lead to gastrointestinal issues.

In the realm of holistic animal care, the focus is on using nature’s resources to address the root causes of liver disease. The goal is to minimize the liver’s workload and alleviate the chronic inflammation that often hampers its function. Over the years, my search for effective liver supplements for dogs led me to Standard Process Canine Hepatic Support. This product stands out for its efficacy in promoting liver health and functionality.

It’s paramount for pet owners to recognize the warning signs indicating the need for canine hepatic support. Being informed and proactive can make a significant difference in the life and well-being of your canine companions. Standard Process Canine Hepatic Support is not just a supplement; it is a tool that stimulates overall health, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes of liver dysfunction.

A healthy dog

The following information is a summary and review based on Dr. Candy’s professional experience and recommendations. Any summary or statement has not been provided nor influenced by the manufacturer.

Some Potential Causes of Liver Disease in Dogs

Liver disease in dogs can be attributed to a variety of factors. It’s crucial for pet owners to recognize these potential triggers to mitigate risk and ensure the overall well-being of their beloved pets. Being informed about the possible causes can lead to preventive measures and early interventions, significantly enhancing the quality of life for our canine companions.

  • Ingestion of Toxic Plants
    • Some plants can be poisonous to dogs, leading to liver damage when ingested.
  • Medications
    • Especially pain meds and anti-fungals, can sometimes adversely affect the liver’s functionality.
  • Household Toxins
    • Cleaners, chemicals, and other substances around the home can be harmful to pets.
  • Genetically Modified and Moldy Corn Ingredients
    • Often found in pet foods, these can have a negative impact on liver health.
  • Severe Heat Stroke or Dehydration
    • Elevated body temperatures and lack of fluids can lead to liver issues.
  • Autoimmune Disorders
    • Conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, including those of the liver.
  • Cancer
    • Tumors and cancerous cells can develop within or spread to the liver.
  • Contaminated Food
    • Foods contaminated with harmful bacteria, chemicals, or toxins can lead to liver problems.
  • Blood Transfusions
    • In some cases, transfusions can lead to complications or reactions affecting the liver
  • Chemical Sprays on Lawns
    • Chemicals used for lawn care can be toxic to pets if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
  • Glyphosates (Round Up)
    • This common herbicide can be harmful to dogs, leading to liver damage.
  • Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications
    • While essential for preventing parasites, some medications can be hard on the liver.
  • Vaccines
    • Especially multiple at once, can sometimes overwhelm the dog’s system and affect liver health.

Awareness of these potential causes is a pivotal step in preventive care. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and a safe environment free from toxins play a significant role in safeguarding the liver and overall health of our dogs.

Common Signs That Your Dog May Benefit from Standard Process Hepatic Support

Recognizing the signs that your dog may need additional hepatic support is crucial. Early intervention can significantly enhance the quality of life and health of your pet. Standard Process Canine Hepatic Support is specifically designed to aid dogs exhibiting symptoms of liver stress or dysfunction. Below are common signs that your dog might benefit from this targeted nutritional supplement.

  • Diarrhea
    • Frequent, loose, or irregular bowel movements can indicate liver stress.
  • Yellow Coloration of Skin and Eyes
    • A noticeable yellowing, also known as jaundice, often signals liver issues.
  • Gassiness
    • Excessive gas can sometimes be linked to liver dysfunction.
  • Itchiness
    • Skin irritations and itchiness can be associated with liver problems.
  • Weight Gain/Weight Loss
    • Unexplained changes in weight might indicate liver disease.
  • Bad Breath
    • A persistent foul odor can be a sign of underlying liver issues.
  • Stiff Movement
    • Liver problems can sometimes manifest in reduced flexibility and stiffness.
  • Excessive Shedding
    • Loss of hair at an abnormal rate can be a symptom of liver disease.
  • Drinks a Lot of Water / Pees a Lot
    • Changes in water consumption and urination can be indicative of liver issues.
  • Inappetence or Picky Eater
    • Changes in appetite, especially a reduction, can signal liver stress.
  • Bloody or Black Tarry Stools
    • An indication of internal bleeding, often associated with liver disease.
  • Lethargy / Weakness
    • Decreased energy levels and weakness can be symptoms of liver dysfunction.
  • Fluid in Abdomen
    • The accumulation of fluid can indicate severe liver disease.
  • Abnormal Color of Urine
    • Changes in the color, especially darkening, can be a sign of liver issues.

If your dog is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian for a thorough evaluation. Standard Process Canine Hepatic Support could be a beneficial adjunct to a comprehensive care plan, addressing nutritional needs and supporting liver function to restore your pet’s vitality and health. Always remember, early detection and intervention are key in managing liver health effectively.

standard process canine hepatic support

Standard Process Canine Hepatic Support Suggested Uses:

  • Frequent vomiting
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Allergies
  • Arthritis
  • Leptospirosis
  • Cancer
  • Autoimmune Disease – especially IMHA
  • Long-term medication administration
  • Use of steroids
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Seizures

Ingredients: Bovine liver PMG™ extract, bovine and ovine spleen, porcine duodenum, bovine kidney, porcine stomach, veal bone PMG™ extract, porcine jejunum, wheat germ oil, mushroom, bovine liver, bovine heart PMG™ extract, bovine orchic extract, ribonucleic acid, alfalfa juice, defatted wheat germ, calcium lactate, Ginkgo biloba, nutritional yeast, rice bran, black currant seed oil, beet leaf juice, beet root, oat flour, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, bovine liver fat extract, buckwheat leaf juice and seed, high selenium yeast, calcium glycerophosphate, L-glutamine, zinc rice chelate, Brussels sprouts, para-aminobenzoate, Perna canaliculus, carrot, Tillandsia usneoides, bovine pituitary PMG™ extract, porcine brain, allantoin, bovine thyroid PMG™ extract, magnesium lactate, betaine hydrochloride, inositol, chlorophyll extract, choline bitartrate, and ascorbic acid.

Individual Ingredient Benefits of Standard Process Hepatic Support

Bovine Liver PMG™ ExtractBoosts the health of liver cells by giving them the exact proteins they need to repair without scar tissue (cirrhosis), improves detoxification pathways, great levels of iron, magnesium and phosphorus, packed with vitamin A, antioxidants and vitamin B-complex, and neutralizes potential liver autoimmune attack
Bovine and Ovine SpleenProvides cellular materials to create red blood cells and important immune system white blood cells.  Supports circulation and boosts the immune system.
Bovine KidneyHelps repair kidney cells to maintain normal kidney function – since a diseased liver puts greater stress and demand on the other primary detox organ, the kidney.  Improves detoxification pathways.
Porcine StomachImproves digestion, assists in breaking down proteins before they get to the liver, heals digestive tract mucous membranes.
Veal Bone PMG™Supports bone marrow health, improves production of red and white blood cells, assists in production of proteins which can help stabilize blood pressure, helps power the infection fighting
Porcine JejunumImproves digestion, protects mucous membranes, decreases pancreas and GI tract inflammation, protects your pet’s body proteins and heals the gastrointestinal tract.
Wheat germ oilRich source of the complete vitamin E complex, beneficial to stable metabolism and tissue protection. Helps repair damaged liver tissue.
MushroomPacked with antioxidants, provides whole vitamin C complex which can restore gut-liver functions also contains tyrosinase which speeds healing, protects delicate tissues such as newly regenerated cells and important biomembranes.
Bovine LiverBoosts the health of liver cells – as some studies indicate that organ ingestion can result in 80% of those specific proteins ending up in the same organ in the digestor. Improves detoxification pathways, contains high levels of iron, magnesium and phosphorus, provides vitamin A complex, antioxidants and vitamin B complex.
Bovine Heart PMG™ ExtractSupports optimal heart muscle oxygenation and repair.  Improves whole body circulation and oxygenation and repair. Provides electrolytes and balances electrophysiology.
Bovine Orchic Cytosol™ ExtractImproves absorption and distribution of vitamins and nutrients.  Supplies hyaluronidase and valuable minerals like magnesium.
Ribonucleic AcidSupports healthy tissue regeneration, provides general circulation support and directly improves microcirculation which is extremely important in the functioning of the liver.
Alfalfa JuicePacked with vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting if clotting proteins produced in the liver are decreased. Contains manganese. Balances blood sugar and serves as an excellent source of vitamin C complex.
Defatted Wheat GermPacked with nutrition. The fat portion is removed which can compromise product freshness and shelf life.  Acts as powerful antioxidant, dense in vitamin E, balances blood sugar, contains essential minerals such as selenium, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium. Protects muscle health and stabilizes blood pressure.  Provides vitamin B complex.  Could aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Calcium LactateBioavailable source of calcium, improves the performance of many white blood cells, prevents secondary infections, balances electrolytes, and strengthens muscle contractions – especially in the heart, boosting circulation and perfusion to the liver.
Ginko bilobaUsed for thousands of years for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant purposes. Strengthens blood vessels, boosts platelet formation which is important for clotting and blood pressure maintenance. Boosts circulation which provides oxygen to liver cells.
Nutritional YeastProvides whole vitamin B-complex, source of chromium, zinc for immune system boost and enzyme production, magnesium balances stress hormones, also source of manganese.
Rice BranProvides whole vitamin B-complex, important for energy production while the liver heals, healthy fats help stabilize blood pressure. Contains vitamin E and other antioxidants.
Black Currant Seed OilContains water soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, tons of beneficial antioxidants, contains vitamin C complex, boosts the immune system, antibacterial and antiviral.
Beet leaf JuiceNamed by some as a top 20 healthiest food of all time and used for thousands of years.  Extremely high in iron and huge source of vitamin A.
Oat flourSource of vitamin A, an important fat-soluble vitamin, which is an important vitamin in the structure and protection of the liver.
Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle)Well known herb beneficial for liver disease, protects liver cells from toxins, improves blood flow to the liver to remove dangerous inflammation.  Stimulates production of cells within the liver that ‘clean’ liver cells.
Taxacum officinale (Dandelion)A natural diuretic, flushes fluids through the liver, which flushes inflammation and exits through the kidneys.
Bovine Liver Fat ExtractProven to increase blood flow to the liver and to increase the number of liver cells in animals.  Unknown mechanism. May also improve removal of histamine.
Buckwheat leaf juice and seedSource of an extremely wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals including manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, iron, selenium and vitamin B-complex. Contains multiple antioxidants, such as rutin, which strengthens arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Flaxseed OilOmega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation, naturally balances previous poor nutrition, poor digestion or poor absorption of nutrients.  Protects nerve cells, reduces anxiety, normalizes digestion speed, potential natural cancer treatment and prevention.
High-selenium yeastA direct and large source of bioavailable selenium, which is important in healing your pets’ body.  Also, this nutrient deficiency is on the rise in the US due to our soils being depleted.
Calcium glycerophosphateHelps to neutralize acids which pass from the stomach to the small intestine, the alkaline compound is needed in bile.
L-glutaminePreferred energy source for enterocytes, the cells that line the digestive tract mucous membranes.  Keeps these mucous membranes healthy and helps prevent leaky-gut syndrome.
Zinc Liver ChelatePromotes normal digestion, acts as antioxidant, has antiviral properties, balances hormones and is involved in enzyme production and cycling.
Brussel SproutsPacked with healthy compounds that protect cells from damage.  Improves healthy and structural integrity of arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Potassium para-amino benzoate (PABA)Supports the stability of gut bacterial microbiome, protects fragile cells, modulates the production or destruction of abnormal fibrous tissue (may prevent liver cirrhosis).
Strombus gigas (Conch)Packed with protein, magnesium and potassium.  Also contains iron and calcium, helps maintain a healthy blood pressure.
CarrotProvides vitamin A complex in natural form, contains multiple antioxidants which had multiple body tissues.
Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish Moss)Tons of naturally occurring minerals, contains most of the B-vitamin complex.  Chloryphyll speeds up tissue healing and body detox, over 6 types of antioxidants, lowers blood sugar levels and potentially decreases secondary effects of diabetes.
Bovine Pituitary PMG™Enhances support and communications between the pituitary and other body tissues.  Has been proven to improve pancreas insulin secretion.
Porcine BrainProvides fats for membrane creation. These membranes protect the nervous system and the cells of the liver.
AllantionHelps promote natural cellular regeneration in organs and fetuses.
Bovine Thyroid PMG™ ExtractSupplies exact proteins needed for thyroid health, balances metabolism, could increase thyroid hormone production and cycling.  Neutralizes potential autoimmune reactions.
Magnesium LactateSource of magnesium, which is an important mineral in cellular communication and enzyme pathways.
Betaine hydrochlorideActs as an acid in the stomach, contributing to protein break down.  Helps regulate the pH of the whole digestive tract.
Chlorophyll ExtractSupports daily detoxification, contributes vitamin K necessary for blood clotting which can be compromised in situation of liver damage. Promotes tissue health and regeneration.
Choline bitartratePart of vitamin B-complex, protects liver function.

Canine Hepatic Support Complementary Supplements:

Important Mineral Measurements:

  • Calcium 2.5 mg / 1/2 teaspoon
  • Manganese 800 mcg / 1/2 teaspoon

Supplement Dosing Chart:

1-10 lbs1/8 teaspoon once per day
11-20 lbs1/8 teaspoon twice per day
21-40 lbs¼ teaspoon twice per day
41-60 lbs½ teaspoon twice per day
61-80 lbs¾ teaspoon twice per day
> 80 lbs1 teaspoon twice per day
standard process canine hepatic support

Important Supplement Information:

  • These supplements should all be given twice a day.
  • Most clients sprinkle it on their pet’s food.
  • Because these supplements are made from whole foods, and not chemicals, doses are highly palatable.  In fact, it often seems like animals instinctively know what their body needs and gobble it up quickly.

When beginning supplementation, I recommend the following taper-up process. This is only because these ingredients are so nutrient-dense. We can decrease your pet’s adjustment period, which may result in a soft stool. This adjustment phase is generally 1-2 days long and normal consistency of stool will return to normal without treatment.

  • WEEK 1                1/8 teaspoon
  • WEEK 2                ¼ teaspoon
  • WEEK 3                ½ teaspoon
  • WEEK 4                1 teaspoon

Once you get to your pet’s maintenance dose, based on the dosage chart, continue at this dose.

For example: If your pet weighs 35 lbs –

  • WEEK 1                1/8 teaspoon
  • WEEK 2                ¼ teaspoon
  • WEEK 3                Stay at ¼ teaspoon as a maintenance therapeutic dose

Standard Process Canine Hepatic Support Side Effects

Since these nutritional supplements are made from food, there is little to no risk of side effects. The only side effect I’ve ever seen is diarrhea if the pet gets a gigantic dose. For example, if a pet eats a whole bottle. If I had a dollar for every time one of my pets ate a whole bottle, I’d have a pretty full piggy bank. Since pets love these products so much, we recommend keeping them in a cabinet or someplace that your pet cannot get to.

Supplement Size Variations

SizeProduct ID#
30g – CanineA1500
110g – CanineA1550
90 tab – FelineA5205

How do I order Standard Process Supplements? 

Ordering Standard Process supplements online is simple and secure. Dr. Candy Akers has an authorized premier practitioner account.  You can buy all of your favorite products online, with no exam, consultation or approval required. Check out the store below and be sure to bookmark the page so you can come back anytime!

buy standard process online

Have More Questions about Standard Process Supplements?

Click here to check out our commonly asked questions about Standard Process Supplements and how to administer them to your pet.

A Note From the Manufacturer: 

Standard Process Solutions

“Standard Process Canine Hepatic Support is designed to support the liver at multiple levels. This support is provided through the combination of whole food nutrients, gland and organ extracts and concentrates, along with botanical ingredients. It is important to recognize that the liver is a complex organ with numerous interactions between the intestinal tract, cardiovascular system, kidney, and autonomic nervous system. Therefore, broad support for the liver can only be accomplished with combinations of nutrients that facilitate optimal function of these related areas. With this synergistic grouping of factors, Hepatic Support can be used in a wide range of hepatic conditions. In addition, Hepatic Support can be beneficial for reducing hepatic metabolic stress when used in situations when pharmaceuticals like phenobarbital or glucocorticoids are used long-term.

The liver is a complex organ that interacts with many other organs in the body, including the intestinal tract, the heart and lungs, the kidneys, and the autonomic nervous system. Canine Hepatic Support and Feline Hepatic Support assist and maintain the liver’s response to metabolic demands and the liver’s ability to regenerate. This support is provided through the combination of whole food nutrients. Capitalizing on the complexity of food, Standard Process has provided broad-spectrum coverage for the liver, which can only be accomplished with combinations of nutrients that facilitate optimal function of these related areas.

Canine Hepatic Support or Feline Hepatic Support may be recommended for general liver support, in patients with increased metabolic demand such as during long term medication use, when laboratory tests shows evidence of increased stress on the liver and kidneys or even during intestinal disease.”

Check out our other articles for even more knowledge to keep your pet healthy and happy!

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Dr. Candy Akers, DVM

Holistic Veterinarian, Veterinary Clinic Owner, Veterinary Medical Supervisory Board Leader, Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist, and Author Dr. Candy completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Delaware and graduated veterinary school in 2009 from Oklahoma State University. In high school, she was drawn to wildlife rehabilitation. Wildlife rehab gave her unparalleled experience in animal healing in a field that has limited resources and a wide variety of conditions to treat. Before vet school, Dr. Akers spent two years working full time providing oil spill response for wildlife all over the country. Since graduating with her Degree of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2009, Dr. Candy has specialized in companion animal nutrition. Extensive education in nutrition has made her a firm believer in species specific-biologically appropriate diets. One of her passions is educating pet parents about the natural alternatives that actually work. She brings the best of holistic health and conventional medicine together in a unique approach to pet health. This approach is often applied to chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. She started her own veterinary practice 9 years ago in Colorado. Overall, she has dedicated her entire life to improving the health and happiness of animals everywhere.

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