INSIDE SCOOP TAKEAWAYS

by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker

https://insidescoop.pet/

Elevated liver enzymes are one of the most common questions we hear from pet parents.

The tricky part is that bloodwork changes often show up years before pets seem sick, and by then, a dog or cat may have already lost up to 70% of liver function.

Here are a few key takeaways we shared in last week’s episode about supporting liver and gallbladder health.

Elevated liver enzymes is a growing problem

Many pets with elevated enzymes look completely healthy while the liver is under stress.

Common contributors include:

• Environmental chemicals (pesticides, lawn sprays, household exposures)

• Veterinary medications like NSAIDs or steroids

• Excess copper in some pet foods

• Highly processed foods

• Mold toxins (mycotoxins) in feed-grade ingredients

This doesn’t mean panic, but it does mean proactive support matters.

Detox doesn’t start in the liver

Detoxification actually begins in the gut and microbiome.

Supporting gut health can reduce how many toxins reach the liver in the first place.

Helpful strategies include:

• Choosing fresh, minimally processed foods when possible

• Supporting the microbiome with probiotics or fermented foods

• Reducing unnecessary chemical exposures around the home

Think of it as reducing the liver’s workload before it becomes overwhelmed.

Nutrients that support liver detox pathways

There are several well-studied compounds that support liver function:

• Milk Thistle – supports liver cell repair

• N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) – boosts glutathione, a key detox antioxidant

• Sulforaphane (broccoli sprouts) – supports cellular detox pathways

• Chlorella – helps bind certain toxins and heavy metals in the gut

Together these support the liver’s Phase I and Phase II detox systems.

Gallbladder health matters too

A sluggish gallbladder can create bile sludge, slowing digestion and detoxification.

Supporting bile flow helps the body eliminate toxins more efficiently.

Helpful nutrients:

• TUDCA

• Taurine

• Phosphatidylcholine

• Digestive enzymes with lipase

Track your pet’s bloodwork

One of the simplest proactive steps: Always ask your veterinarian for a copy of your pet’s bloodwork.

Watching trends over time helps catch changes long before symptoms appear.

The big takeaway...

Our pets live in a more chemically complex world than ever before.

Supporting their detox systems isn’t about fear — it’s about giving their bodies the tools to handle modern exposures. Small steps done consistently can make a big difference for long-term health.