Does copper in dog food cause liver damage?

In May 2024, groundbreaking research by Embark Veterinary uncovered a new genetic disease in dogs: copper toxicosis.

This condition, which impairs the liver’s ability to process copper effectively, can lead to a dangerous buildup of copper in the body over time.

Since copper is found in most all dog foods, it’s important to understand the nature of this new finding.

The discovery has significant implications for dog breeders, particularly those of us in the Dire Wolf Project, as we continue to prioritize health and longevity in the American Dirus breed.

So, what exactly is copper toxicosis?

Copper toxicosis is an incomplete dominant trait, meaning that a dog carrying at least one allele for the condition may (or may not) develop the disease.

However, dogs with two copies of the gene (homozygous for the condition) are at a higher risk of developing symptoms.

Symptoms of copper toxicosis typically manifest later in life, making it difficult to trace the condition to a genetic cause without advanced testing.

The disease’s impact on the liver can be severe, leading to chronic health issues if not carefully managed.

Affected dogs must be monitored closely to ensure their diet contains minimal copper to avoid exacerbating the condition.

But therein lies the problem.

There are very few foods on the market today that do NOT use copper.

Both copper sulfate and copper proteinate are often used to stop fungi and mold from growing on the food as it sits on the shelf.

And we certainly don’t want our dogs ingesting MOLD AND FUNGUS!

Unfortunately, foods with low copper have many more troubling issues, so I haven’t found a recommendation that I would endorse for you yet.

Please do not go out and buy Hill’s Science Diet adult hepatic for $140/bag because it has low copper.

There are so many other terrible ingredients in that food that would be bad for your dog’s health over time.

I am still researching what good options are out there.

I will let you know when I find the best choice for the overall health of our dogs.

At the time of the copper toxicosis discovery last May, we were aware of only one breeding dog in the Dire Wolf Project with the copper toxicosis allele.

However, recent Embark DNA results have revealed that Grace, one of our established breeding dogs, must also carry at least one allele for the condition.

This revelation came after her puppy, Pumpkin Patch, tested homozygous for copper toxicosis, making him the first known American Dirus dog with two copies of the gene.

This discovery is both alarming and enlightening.

It indicates that copper toxicosis has likely been present in the breed for longer than initially thought, predating recent crossbreeding with Labrador and Shepherd lines.

The fact that the disease’s effects accumulate slowly over time adds another layer of complexity to identifying and addressing the issue.

So, what happens next?

The next step is to work with Embark Veterinary to analyze the genetic makeup of our breeding dogs and trace the extent of the copper toxicosis gene within the population.

This vital information will help us make informed decisions about future breeding plans and ensure we minimize the risk of passing on this disease.

While we wait for those results, changes will be planned to our breeding program.

Dogs previously slated for breeding may be replaced by others who do not carry the gene.

These decisions are never easy, as they often involve balancing health priorities with the breed’s appearance and temperament ideals.

This discovery underscores why health and longevity are the top priorities in the Dire Wolf Project.

Building a new breed of dog is a meticulous, multi-generational effort.

While consistent physical traits like wolfish looks are a long-term goal, they will never come at the expense of health or temperament.

For example, a shorter dog with a black mask and less ideal temperament might take precedence over a taller, perfectly-tempered dog with a wolf mask if the former is free of copper toxicosis.

These sacrifices reflect our steadfast commitment to creating a breed that thrives in health and companionship.

Unlike breeds that achieve rapid physical consistency at the cost of genetic diversity and health, the American Dirus stands out for its foundation of integrity.

Even after 35+ years, we continue to refine the breed without compromising the principles that guide us.

This revelation about copper toxicosis requires us to adapt, but it also strengthens our resolve to create a breed that is as healthy and long-lived as it is beautiful and loving.

Changes to our breeding plans will unfold in the coming weeks as more information becomes available.

We thank you for your continued support and trust in the Dire Wolf Project.

We are committed to transparency and will share updates as we learn more.

Together, we can ensure that the American Dirus remains a healthy, loyal, and cherished companion for generations to come.

For more information about our upcoming liters, check out our future litters page here:

https://direwolfdogs.com/dogs-for-sale/future-litters/

Stay tuned for more news on how we’re tackling this new challenge with the integrity and dedication that define the Dire Wolf Project.

Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.