Nutramax Denamarin for Dogs Review

When liver enzyme levels come back elevated, many dog owners start researching supplements — and quickly run into milk thistle, SAMe, and Denamarin. The problem is figuring out what’s actually different, what’s necessary, and whether the higher price is justified.



We started using Nutramax Denamarin with our 12-year-old Labrador after bloodwork showed elevated liver enzymes. After researching milk thistle and other liver supplements, we ultimately chose Denamarin because of its specific ingredient combination — even though it costs more than basic alternatives.

Quick Verdict

Best for:
• Dogs with elevated liver enzymes
• Dogs needing targeted liver support
• Owners looking for a researched, dual-ingredient formula

Not ideal for:
• Dogs without liver-related concerns
• Owners looking for the lowest-cost supplement

Form: Tablet

Bottom line: A higher-priced liver supplement that combines two key ingredients many owners would otherwise try to piece together separately.

What Denamarin Is Used For

Denamarin is designed to support normal liver function and cellular health. It’s commonly used when bloodwork shows elevated liver values or when veterinarians recommend targeted liver support as part of a broader care plan.

This is not a general wellness supplement. Denamarin is typically considered when there’s a specific reason to support liver health, rather than something added casually to a routine.

Why Liver Support Sometimes Becomes Necessary

As dogs age, liver enzyme levels can increase for a variety of reasons. When this happens, many owners begin researching milk thistle, since it’s widely discussed as a liver-supportive ingredient.



That’s exactly where we started — looking into milk thistle supplements — before realizing that many liver-focused products differ significantly in formulation and purpose.

Ingredient Breakdown: What Makes Denamarin Different

Denamarin stands out because it combines two specific ingredients that are often discussed separately.

SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine)

SAMe is a compound naturally produced in the body and involved in cellular processes, including those related to liver function. In supplement form, it’s commonly used to support liver cells and overall liver health.

Denamarin uses a stabilized form of SAMe, which is important because SAMe is sensitive and can degrade if not properly formulated.

Silybin (Milk Thistle Extract)

Silybin is the primary active compound found in milk thistle. Many basic milk thistle supplements contain the plant in powdered or less concentrated forms.

Denamarin uses silybin, a more refined extract of milk thistle, rather than generic milk thistle powder. This is one of the main reasons Denamarin is priced higher than simple milk thistle supplements.

The Milk Thistle Connection

Milk thistle is widely discussed in liver support conversations, but not all milk thistle supplements are the same. Some products rely on whole herb powder, while others focus on standardized extracts like silybin.

Understanding this difference was a key factor in why we chose Denamarin for our senior dog with elevated liver enzymes.

Why We Chose Denamarin Over a Basic Milk Thistle Supplement

After researching milk thistle supplements, we decided Denamarin made sense specifically for our older dog with elevated liver values because:

• It combines SAMe and silybin in one product
• It uses a refined milk thistle extract rather than whole herb powder
• It’s designed for targeted liver support, not general wellness

That said, the price is noticeably higher than basic milk thistle supplements.

How We Use It in a Real-World Feeding Routine

Denamarin is given on an empty stomach, which is something owners should plan for when adding it to their routine.

Because of the cost, we made a practical decision:

• Denamarin for our senior dog with elevated liver enzymes
• A basic milk thistle supplement for our other dog, who did not have elevated levels

This approach allowed us to target support where it was needed most, without using an expensive supplement across the board unnecessarily.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Combines SAMe and silybin in one formula
• Uses a refined milk thistle extract
• Well-established product from Nutramax
• Designed specifically for liver support

Cons

• Higher price point
• Requires empty-stomach dosing
• Not intended for casual or preventative use



Our Take at Fido’s Bowl

Denamarin isn’t inexpensive, and it’s not something we’d automatically give every dog. But once we understood the difference between basic milk thistle supplements and a product that combines SAMe and silybin, the price made more sense for our situation.



For our senior Lab with elevated liver enzymes, Denamarin felt like a purposeful choice. For our other dog, a simpler milk thistle supplement felt more appropriate. That distinction — using the right tool for the right dog — is what ultimately guided our decision.

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