As our beloved senior Labrador Retrievers age, their health becomes a top priority. Recently, we addressed mildly elevated liver enzyme levels detected in their blood work. Our veterinarian recommended Nutramax Denamarin, a supplement containing S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and Silybin, both known for their liver-supporting properties. She stated that this was a good first step before adding a prescription drug.
Product Information: A Quick Look
Product Name: Nutramax Denamarin
Company: Nutramx
Price: ~$75.99 for 30 pills for large dogs.
About Nutramax Denamarin
- Active Ingredients: Denamarin boasts a unique blend of SAMe and Silybin, targeted to promote liver health in dogs.
- Dosage and Administration: The product comes in tablets (chewable or non-chewable) and requires administration on an empty stomach for optimal results.
My Dog's Experience
We observed mixed results with Denamarin on our senior Labs:
- Success Story: Our female Lab readily accepted the tablets (though not enthusiastically). After a month of consistent use, her follow-up blood work showed a significant improvement – her liver enzyme levels returned to normal!
- Picky Eater Challenge: Unfortunately, our male Lab is a master at detecting and rejecting hidden pills. Attempts to sneak the tablets in his food proved futile. While we haven't seen improvement with the powdered milk thistle alternative he's currently on, we're hopeful the chewable Denamarin will be the answer.
- Continued Use: We have elected to continue using Denamarin since one dog's bloodwork has shown lower liver enzyme levels.
Where to Buy Nutramax Denamarin
A 30 pill pack for large dogs costs approximately $75.99 and is available online through both Chewy and Amazon.
The Verdict
- Pros: Effective in improving our female dogs liver enzyme levels, contains well-regarded liver-supporting ingredients (SAMe & Silybin), available in chewable and non-chewable options.
- Cons: Relatively expensive compared to some alternatives, requires administration on an empty stomach which can be inconvenient.
- Would I Recommend? Yes, For senior dogs with liver concerns, Denamarin is a valuable option, especially if they readily accept the tablets. However, the price tag is a consideration. We found no improvement from our other dog who is on a different liver supplement.
Building Trust: Additional Considerations
- Nutramax is a well known dog supplement brand.
Final Thoughts
- Consult your vet: As always, consult your veterinarian before introducing any supplements to your dog's diet.
- Do your research: Read reviews from other dog owners, compare ingredients of different supplements, and ensure the chosen product comes from a reputable brand.
- Consider your dog: While our experiences with are valuable, remember every dog has unique needs, research and choose the supplement that best suits your dog.