Using TCM, Fresh Foods and Herbs to Support Your Dog’s Liver Health

If your dog struggles with itchy skin, ear infections, allergies, digestive upset, or mood swings, their liver health and Wood Element balance may be the missing piece.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Wood Element represents growth, movement, and detoxification, making it closely linked to the Liver and Gallbladder. When imbalanced, this can lead to toxin buildup, poor digestion, and inflammation.

Modern factors—like processed kibble, environmental toxins, overuse of medications, and chronic stress—overload the liver, leading to poor detoxification, inflammation, and frustrating health issues.

Let’s break down what this means, how to help your dog’s liver naturally with real food, herbs, and supplements, and exactly how much to give.

Signs Your Dog’s Wood Element (Liver & Gallbladder) Is Out of Balance

The Liver and Gallbladder in TCM are responsible for detoxification, digestion, and emotional stability. When they’re overworked or stagnant, symptoms start appearing in your dog’s health.

Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms:

✔ Irritability, anxiety, or aggression – Your dog seems on edge or easily agitated.
✔ Hyperactivity or difficulty settling – Restless, pacing, or excessive barking.
✔ Obsessive behaviors – Excessive licking, chewing, or frustration.

Physical Symptoms:

✔ Excessive itching, hot spots, or chronic skin issues – The liver clears toxins, and when overloaded, toxins exit through the skin.
✔ Ear infections or constant head shaking – Linked to yeast overgrowth, which is worsened by a sluggish liver.
✔ Eye discharge, redness, or sensitivity to light – In TCM, the liver directly governs eye health.
✔ Bloating, gas, loose stools, or vomiting bile – The liver produces bile for fat digestion, so imbalances affect digestion.
✔ Stiffness, arthritis, or tendon injuries – Liver health affects joints and tendons, leading to stiffness or pain.

Helping Your Dog’s Liver with Fresh Foods & Herbs

Step 1: Start with Fresh Liver-Supportive Foods

Dogs need bitter, cooling, and detoxifying foods to support the liver. These foods help flush toxins, improve bile flow, and reduce inflammation.

🐾 Leafy Greens (Dandelion, Kale, Spinach) – Detoxifies the liver and provides chlorophyll.
🐾 Beets & Carrots – High in antioxidants to protect liver cells and promote bile production.
🐾 Apples & Blueberries – Provide fiber and pectin to bind toxins and remove them.
🐾 Pasture-Raised Organ Meats (Liver, Kidney, Heart) – Nutrient-dense sources of vitamin A and minerals to regenerate liver cells.
🐾 Eggs – Provide choline, which helps with fat digestion and reduces liver stress.
🐾 Fatty Fish (Sardines, Salmon, Mackerel) – Rich in omega-3s, which reduce inflammation in the liver.

💡 Dosage Guide:
✔ Leafy greens & veggies: 1 tsp – 2 tbsp per 20 lbs of body weight, mixed into meals.
✔ Organ meats: Start with 1 tsp per 20 lbs and gradually increase. Too much too fast can cause loose stools.
✔ Eggs & fish: ½ egg or 1 small sardine per 20 lbs, 3-4 times per week.

Step 2: Add Liver-Supportive Herbs & Supplements

Certain medicinal herbs have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support liver detoxification, aid digestion, and reduce inflammation.

🐾 Milk Thistle – Regenerates liver cells, helps detox after medications/vaccines.
🐾 Turmeric – Reduces liver inflammation and supports bile flow.
🐾 Dandelion Root & Leaf – Stimulates bile production and aids digestion.
🐾 Burdock Root – Supports blood cleansing and toxin elimination.
🐾 Ginger – Aids digestion, reduces nausea, and protects liver cells.

💡 Dosage Guide:
✔ Milk Thistle Powder: ¼ tsp per 20 lbs, once daily.
✔ Turmeric: ⅛ – ¼ tsp per 20 lbs, mixed with a fat like coconut oil.
✔ Dandelion Root (Tea or Powder): ¼ tsp per 20 lbs, 2-3x per week.
✔ Burdock Root Powder: ¼ tsp per 20 lbs, mixed into food.
✔ Ginger Powder: Tiny pinch for small dogs, ¼ tsp for larger dogs, added to meals.

Step 3: Add Bone Broth for Extra Healing

Bone broth is one of the best foods for liver health and overall detoxification in dogs. It provides:

✔ Amino acids like glycine & proline – Helps flush toxins.
✔ Collagen & gelatin – Supports gut lining repair & joint health.
✔ Hydration & easy-to-digest minerals – Reduces inflammation.

💡 Dosage Guide:
✔ Small dogs: ¼ cup per day
✔ Medium dogs: ½ cup per day
✔ Large dogs: ¾ – 1 cup per day

🦴 Want to make your own liver-supporting bone broth? Get my Healing Bone Broth for Dogs Guide—on sale right now!

How Long Should Your Dog Be on a Liver Detox?

🐶 If your dog has chronic allergies, skin issues, or yeast infections, start with a 4-6 week detox protocol including fresh foods, herbs, and bone broth.
🐶 For maintenance and long-term liver health, include leafy greens, organ meats, and detox herbs weekly in meals.
🐶 Rotate nutrients – Switching up proteins, veggies, and herbs keeps the liver nourished and prevents stagnation.

What to Try First & How to Mix Ingredients Together

If your dog has never had fresh liver-supportive foods or herbs, start slowly and introduce one thing at a time.

✅ Week 1: Add leafy greens (1 tsp – 1 tbsp) to meals.
✅ Week 2: Introduce small amounts of bone broth.
✅ Week 3: Add a tiny pinch of herbs like dandelion root or milk thistle.
✅ Week 4: Introduce small amounts of pasture-raised organ meats (1 tsp per 20 lbs).

💡 Tip: Mix liver-supporting foods into raw or gently cooked meals, kibble toppers, or blend into bone broth for extra absorption!

Best Supplements for Liver Health & Detox Support

For dogs needing extra liver support, these holistic supplements can make a big difference:

✔ Yeast Guard – Helps cleanse yeast overgrowth, common in dogs with liver overload.
✔ Harmony Powder – Regulates histamine and reduces seasonal allergies.
✔ Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics – Supports digestion and liver detox pathways.

💡 Dosage is based on weight, so check packaging for correct amounts!

You can find all of these products at Four Leaf Rover’s website!

Bringing Balance to Your Dog’s Wood Element & Liver

🐶 Daily movement – Liver energy needs to flow, so make sure your dog is getting enough exercise & playtime.
🐶 Reduce stress – Dogs prone to frustration or anxiety need a structured, calming environment.
🐶 Massage & Acupressure – Gentle liver meridian massage helps release stagnation and tension.

By feeding liver-supportive foods, adding medicinal herbs, and making lifestyle shifts, you can naturally restore your dog’s liver health and bring balance back to their Wood Element!