What to Feed a Dog With Jaundice: A Complete Nutritional Guide

Jaundice is a serious condition that affects the liver and causes yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin in dogs. Proper nutrition is one of the most important parts of your pup's recovery journey if it has been diagnosed with jaundice.

At RXSciences, we specialize in pet health and wellness, so we’ve put together a friendly yet detailed guide to help you understand what to feed a dog with jaundice and how to support its liver naturally.

Understanding Jaundice in Dogs

Jaundice is not a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells. Common causes include:

• Liver disease or hepatitis

• Bile duct obstruction

• Hemolytic anemia

• Toxins or infections

For recovery, a liver-supportive diet is essential.

Top Nutritional Guidelines for Dogs With Jaundice

Feeding a dog with jaundice involves providing easily digestible, low-fat, nutrient-rich foods to reduce liver stress and promote healing.

1. Choose High-Quality, Lean Proteins

Dogs with liver issues still need protein, but from the right sources.

• Chicken (boiled, skinless)

• Turkey

• White fish (like cod or tilapia)

• Eggs (cooked)

Avoid red meat or high-fat cuts, which can burden the liver.

Tip: Our RX Liver Support Formula contains milk thistle and SAMe to aid liver detox and function.

2. Add Easily Digestible Carbohydrates

Complex carbs provide energy without stressing the liver.

• White rice

• Oatmeal

• Sweet potato (boiled, plain)

• Pumpkin (plain, canned, or cooked)
  

Pumpkin and sweet potato also offer gentle fiber support for digestion.

3. Limit Fats and Avoid Toxins

Dogs with jaundice should eat low-fat meals. Fatty diets make it harder for the liver to do its job.

• Avoid fatty meats, cheese, or oils

• Eliminate table scraps and processed treats

See our dog health tips article for more ideas on clean feeding practices.

4. Support With Liver-Friendly Supplements

In addition to diet, certain natural supplements can help protect and heal liver tissue.

• Milk Thistle: A powerful antioxidant that supports liver regeneration

• SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine): Helps detoxify the liver and reduce inflammation

• Vitamin E & C: Offer antioxidant protection

Explore our vet-approved RX Liver Support Formula—specifically formulated for dogs with liver conditions like jaundice.

5. Keep Them Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen liver issues. Ensure clean, fresh water is always available. You can also add water to meals to boost moisture intake.

6. Feed Small, Frequent Meals

Smaller meals are easier on the liver and aid digestion. Feed 3–4 small meals throughout the day instead of 1–2 large ones.

Foods to Avoid for Dogs With Jaundice

To protect your dog’s liver, avoid these foods entirely:

• Fatty cuts of meat (beef, lamb)

• Processed treats

• Onions and garlic (toxic to dogs)

• Grapes and raisins

• Foods with artificial colors or preservatives
  

When to Consult Your Veterinarian

Always talk to your vet before making changes to your dog's diet, especially with jaundice. Blood work and diagnostics can help determine the underlying cause and severity.

Your vet may recommend:

• Prescription liver diets

• Medications or antibiotics

• IV fluids or hospitalization in severe cases
  

Final Thoughts

Feeding a dog with jaundice requires care, consistency, and a liver-friendly approach. By choosing the right foods and adding natural supplements like RX Liver Support Formula, you can help your dog recover and feel like their tail-wagging self again.

Visit RXSciences to explore our full line of nutraceuticals designed to support your pet’s health from the inside out.