My puppy has a liver shunt. Should I feed low protein for upset tummy?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 3 days old | 40 lbs
My puppy was diagnosed with a liver shunt. Surgery is 7/10. He keeps getting upset tummy, should we be switching to a low protein food in the meantime? Our vet has given us zero advice.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 24th, 2020
Hello and thank you for contacting PetCoach. Yes, low protein diet is very important in managing puppies with liver shunts. There are prescription diets for dogs with liver shunts, for example by Hill's or Royal Canin, alternatively low protein food can be prepared at home. Here you have good articles on feeding pupps with shunts: https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/vmc/SmallAnimalHospital/Documents/Shunts/MVD-Brochure.pdf - from page 12 https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/07/liver-shunts/#:~:text=Egg%2C%20dairy%2C%20and%20soy%20protein,%2C%20organ%20meats%2C%20or%20fish. Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 1st, 2017
Typically in dogs with liver shunts I would recommend a low protein diet. Typically a prescription diet called Hills L/D but purina and royal canine makes these food too. I would talk to your vet about which food might be best. Also consult a surgeon to see if liver shunt surgery is possible for Pako.. Hope that helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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