The objective of this thesis was to present liver functioning and liver diseases, and how the diet for dogs with liver disease differs in the needs for individual nutrients compared to diets for healthy adult dogs. Important physiological functions of the liver include the intermediate metabolism of nutrients, coagulation, vitamin storage, bilirubin metabolism, and drug metabolism. A major advantage of the liver is also the ability to regenerate and create new tissue. Liver disease can be very dangerous and even fatal for dogs, if we do not take timely action. Some breeds are genetically more susceptible to liver disease. In addition to breeds, there are other important factors that can affect a dog’s health. Hepatic impairment can be acute or chronic. Early clinical signs include anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, polydipsia, polyuria (increased urine output), and jaundice. Meals are divided into several smaller ones, optimally 3-6 per day. Each meal should contain the recommended amounts of individual nutrients, and we must not forget about fresh water, which must be available to the dog at all times.
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