Veterinarians Warn Pet Owners About Dangers of Too Much Copper in Dog Food
Veterinary health experts at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine are sounding the alarm about excess copper in the canine diet.
Dr. Sharon Center, who specializes in liver disease in dogs and cats, says that too much copper in commercial dog food can cause a serious and potentially fatal disease called dietary-induced copper-associated hepatopathy (CAH).
The incidence of CAH in dogs is increasing, with one study finding it in 30% of dog liver biopsies. CAH used to be more of an inherited health problem in a few breeds, but it is becoming more widespread.
Copper is a necessary nutrient in your dog’s diet. Not enough copper in the diet can cause its own set of health issues.
Too much copper in the diet will accumulate in a dog’s liver, where it can cause severe inflammation and organ damage, eventually leading to cirrhosis and liver failure.
What are the signs of CAH?
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Decreased appetite
- Increased thirst
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Lethargy
How do vets treat CAH?
Vets orally administer a compound called d-penicillamine, which binds to copper and helps remove it from the system. Low copper/liver care veterinary diets plus antioxidant supplements are also recommended. It can take several months to treat liver damage.
How do you know if your dog’s food has too much copper?
The recommended amount of copper in dog food is 7.3 milligrams per kilogram. Unfortunately, this information is not commonly listed on labels. Currently, there is no maximum limit for copper in dog food.
Low copper dog foods are generally not recommended unless your dog has been diagnosed with CAH. You can contact dog food manufacturers and ask about copper content in their food if it is not printed on the label.
If your dog was diagnosed with CAH, you and your vet can report it to the FDA. Dr. Center is urging the FDA to establish maximum limits of copper in commercial dog food and reconsider the current recommended amount. Consumer and veterinarian reports to the FDA can help this process.