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Should I give my dog milk thistle for a healthy liver? Is it safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 7 months old

I do take supplement SILYMARIN MILK THISTLE tablets 400mg twice daily for my healthy liver so will it be safe to give this to bruno for his liver to remain healthy in future ? He weigh 34 kg if yes then how much dose will be good ? Can silymarin cause any harm to dogs liver or any other organ or part of dog body ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 15th, 2017

Dogs are typically given milk thistle in combination with Vitamin E, Zinc and s-adenosyl methionine for liver disease. The dose is usually lower when used with these other supplements. Doses ranging from 5 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg per day have been reported to likely be safe, so 400 mg twice daily would be within this dose range. I do not typically recommend giving this supplement unless there is evidence of underlying liver disease because it is not likely to be helpful. There does not seem to be evidence of kidney disease or other problems when milk thistle supplements are used long term in dogs, but there are no studies in dogs without liver disease. I would recommend checking with your veterinarian before starting this supplement since it can potentially cause problems when given in conjunction with some other medications.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 21st, 2017

    Silymarin is a safe supplement and is indeed frequently used to promote liver health and function. Side effects are typically GI in nature such as soft stool, nausea or vomiting. You should discuss an appropriate dose with your veterinarian. He or she may even have a preferred source, brand or vendor. Be very careful when buying and using supplements as quality and amount can vary greatly by manufacturer.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 14th, 2017

    Milk thistle is sometimes used as a supplement in dogs with liver disease, so if your veterinarian has concerns about Bruno's liver and recommended this product, then I would use it at their recommendation. I have attached an article with a little more info on the supplement here: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1779 There haven't been many studies done in dogs with this supplement, so most information is extrapolated from human data. The most common side effect at higher doses would be diarrhea. Other reported side effects in humans include stomach upset, headache, joint pain, and weakness.

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    Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 8th, 2017

    Liver enzymes can be elevated for a variety of reasons, some of which don't even have to do with the liver. Depending on the reason they are elevated, your veterinarian may recommend medications or supplements, one of which includes milk thistle. Milk thistle is typically well tolerated and safe, and is used to protect the liver cells.

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