McNab Health

Health Issues in the McNab Shepherd: The Role of Full Testing

The McNab Shepherd is a hardy, intelligent working breed developed for stamina, agility, and versatility. To maintain that legacy, breeders must take health testing seriously. Comprehensive evaluation—including full genetic panels and orthopedic screenings through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)—is essential to ensure dogs remain sound, capable, and free of preventable health concerns.

The Value of Genetic Testing

DNA panels have become a cornerstone of responsible breeding. These tests screen for inherited disorders common in herding breeds, including eye conditions like Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), neurological issues such as degenerative myelopathy (DM), and other breed-relevant markers.

Results identify dogs as clear, carrier, or at risk for each condition.

A crucial concept in breeding is that carriers still have a role. Removing all carriers from breeding programs would drastically shrink the McNab gene pool, leading to inbreeding and loss of important working traits. Instead, responsible breeders pair carriers with clear dogs, ensuring that no affected puppies are produced while preserving diversity and desirable characteristics. Over time, this approach can reduce mutation frequency without sacrificing the health of the breed as a whole. Adding in a non-breeding contract to all puppies sold ensures that accidental and irresponsible breeding practices do not happen.

Understanding the DCM2 Marker

One of the most discussed markers on modern DNA panels is DCM2, associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Embark, the leading canine genetic testing company, emphasizes that this mutation is only clinically relevant in the Doberman Pinscher breed. In Dobermans, having one or two copies of this marker correlates with increased risk of developing DCM, a serious heart condition.

It is important to understand that Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a general term describing a disease state of the heart muscle. DCM can be caused by multiple factors, including:

Nutritional deficiencies such as insufficient taurine or carnitine in the diet.
Genetic mutations, which vary from breed to breed. For example, Dobermans and Boxers both suffer from genetic forms of DCM, but the mutations involved are not the same.
Environmental or congenital factors, including toxins or trauma.

Any specific genetic test that identifies a correlation between a mutation and DCM must be validated within that breed. At present, there are no herding breeds with a proven genetic relationship between any form of DCM and any identified gene. This means that while McNabs may test as carriers or “at risk” for the DCM2 mutation, there is no evidence that this marker causes disease in McNab Shepherds or other herding breeds【Cornell Vet Reference: Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Cornell Riney Canine Health Center】.

For McNab breeders, the presence of the DCM2 marker should be interpreted as informational only and not as a health disqualification. Transparency in explaining this to buyers is essential, so families understand that the marker has no proven connection to disease in herding breeds.

Lundehund Syndrome in McNab Shepherds

Another important health condition to consider is Lundehund Syndrome (LS), a severe gastrointestinal disorder most commonly associated with the Norwegian Lundehund but identified in other breeds, including the McNab Shepherd. Lundehund Syndrome is a protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), meaning affected dogs lose protein through their intestines due to chronic digestive malfunction. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, malnutrition, and in severe cases, life-threatening protein deficiency.

Genetic Component
Lundehund Syndrome has a strong genetic basis, and while research is ongoing, it is believed to be caused by a mutation that affects the dog’s ability to properly absorb nutrients. In the McNab Shepherd, this disorder has been confirmed through DNA testing and is considered a dangerous condition to pass through breeding lines.

Why It Matters in McNabs
Because McNabs have historically been bred with multiple herding breeds, they have inherited not only desirable working traits but also genetic vulnerabilities. The presence of Lundehund Syndrome in McNab bloodlines represents a hidden but serious risk. Dogs carrying this mutation may not show symptoms themselves but can pass the condition on to future generations, leading to devastating health outcomes in affected puppies.

Testing Availability
Currently, Embark is the only canine DNA company that tests for Lundehund Syndrome. Other testing services, such as Wisdom Panel, do not include this marker in their panels, meaning breeders who use only partial or alternative genetic testing may miss it entirely. This makes full Embark DNA testing especially critical for the McNab Shepherd, ensuring breeders can identify carriers and prevent the spread of this lethal disorder.

Breeding Implications
As with other genetic concerns, the key is responsible pairing:

Carriers should only be bred to clear dogs to prevent producing affected offspring.
Any dog found to be affected or producing affected puppies should be removed from breeding programs.
Transparency is essential—breeders should clearly disclose Lundehund Syndrome results to buyers and fellow breeders to protect the health of the breed as a whole.

Epilepsy in McNab Shepherds

Another serious concern in herding breeds, including McNabs, is epilepsy. Epilepsy refers to recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can range from mild episodes to severe, life-threatening events. In addition to being distressing for both the dog and the owner, epilepsy often requires lifelong medication and management.

The Genetic Component
Idiopathic epilepsy (epilepsy with no known external cause) is widely considered to have a genetic basis. Studies in Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and related breeds show that epilepsy can be inherited, though its mode of inheritance is complex. A single “epilepsy gene” has not been identified; rather, epilepsy is thought to be polygenic (influenced by multiple genes) and can be influenced by environmental triggers.

Border Collie Connection
Historically, McNabs have been bred with Border Collies to expand working ability and maintain herding instincts. While this cross strengthened many desirable traits, it also introduced the risk of epilepsy, which is more prevalent in Border Collies than in McNabs. As a result, McNab breeders must remain vigilant, as epilepsy has been documented in certain McNab lines.

Inheritance and Skipped Generations
One of the greatest challenges with epilepsy is that it may skip generations. A dog may never show seizures itself but still pass the genetic predisposition to offspring. This makes pedigree analysis and transparency essential in breeding programs. If epilepsy is identified in a line, breeders should take care not to repeat that cross or concentrate those genetics further. Open communication among breeders and long-term health tracking are critical for preventing the silent spread of this condition.

Why Epilepsy Matters
Epilepsy not only impacts quality of life, but also the reputation of the breed. For a working dog like the McNab Shepherd, seizures are particularly devastating, as they interfere with the dog’s ability to perform tasks safely. Responsible breeders must acknowledge the risk, monitor pedigrees closely, and avoid doubling up on lines where epilepsy has been seen.

Orthopedic Health: OFA and PennHIP Testing

Beyond genetics, orthopedic health is vital for McNabs, who are often used in herding, agility, and other physically demanding activities. Hip and elbow dysplasia can cause pain and limit performance, reducing both quality of life and working ability.

Two widely recognized screening methods are used to evaluate orthopedic soundness:

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): Provides standardized hip and elbow radiographs, scored by expert radiologists. OFA assigns ratings (Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, Severe) that help breeders determine whether a dog is suitable for breeding.
PennHIP (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program): Uses a different radiographic technique to measure laxity (looseness) in the hip joint, which is one of the strongest predictors of future hip dysplasia. Unlike OFA, PennHIP can be performed as early as 16 weeks of age, giving breeders earlier insight into hip quality.

Using one or both of these methods allows breeders to identify sound breeding candidates and reduce the incidence of dysplasia in future generations. Combining PennHIP’s early predictive power with OFA’s standardized grading system provides the most complete picture of joint health. For the McNab Shepherd—a working breed that relies heavily on athleticism—maintaining orthopedic integrity is essential to preserving the breed’s function and quality of life.

The Health of the Breeding Bitch

The health and well-being of a breeding female is just as critical as genetic and orthopedic testing. Carrying and raising a litter is physically demanding; it taxes a bitch’s body, immune system, and energy reserves. Repeated pregnancies without adequate recovery time can shorten her lifespan and compromise both her health and that of her puppies.

Most veterinary reproductive experts recommend that a female dog should not be bred more than three to four times in her lifetime. Breeding beyond this limit increases the risk of uterine complications, nutritional deficiencies, and long-term health decline. An overbred bitch may also produce weaker litters with lower survival rates. Responsible breeders prioritize the mother’s health, ensuring she has sufficient rest between litters, excellent nutrition, and veterinary care before, during, and after pregnancy. Protecting the bitch is not only an ethical responsibility but also guarantees that puppies are born healthy and strong.

Avoiding Repeated Pairings of the Same Male and Female

Another often overlooked aspect of responsible breeding is avoiding repeated use of the same male-female pairing. While it might be tempting to repeat a successful cross, doing so repeatedly narrows the gene pool and reduces genetic diversity within the breed.

Genetic Bottlenecking: Continuously producing litters from the same pair can saturate the population with the same set of genes, increasing the risk of recessive, and often currently untestable, disorders appearing in future generations.
Loss of Diversity: McNabs already have a relatively small breeding population compared to larger AKC-recognized breeds. Overusing the same crosses accelerates the loss of genetic variation, which is essential for long-term breed health and adaptability.
Limited Evaluation: Using multiple pairings with different dogs allows breeders to better evaluate how traits are inherited and to identify strong, consistent producers. Breeding the same pair repeatedly hides that genetic information.
Ethical Concerns: Overbreeding the same pair can also place unnecessary strain on the bitch if done back-to-back without regard to her recovery and long-term health.

Responsible breeders instead focus on pairing different combinations of dogs, thoughtfully balancing strengths and weaknesses, while spreading genetic influence across the breed. This practice preserves diversity, avoids overrepresentation of certain lines, and strengthens the overall resilience of the McNab Shepherd.

Responsible Breeding Practices

Maintaining a healthy McNab population means balancing vigilance with perspective:

Run full DNA panels to identify inherited disorders.
Breed carriers to clears to prevent affected offspring while keeping genetic diversity strong.
Educate about DCM2—clarify that while the marker may appear on McNab DNA tests, that specific marker is only a proven health concern in Dobermans. If there is a genetic basis for DCM in McNabs, the marker for that form has not yet been identified.
Acknowledge epilepsy risk—track pedigrees, communicate openly, and avoid repeating affected lines.
Use OFA hip and elbow screenings to preserve orthopedic soundness.
Protect breeding females—limit to 3–4 litters, allow full recovery, and provide excellent care.
Avoid repeated pairings of the same male and female to preserve diversity and strengthen the breed.

Conclusion

The future of the McNab Shepherd depends on careful, informed breeding. Full genetic testing ensures that heritable conditions are identified, while OFA evaluations protect the breed’s working ability. The DCM2 marker, though harmless in McNabs, demonstrates the importance of interpreting DNA results in the correct breed-specific context. Epilepsy, however, represents a more serious inherited concern—especially given McNabs’ shared history with Border Collies—and requires vigilance to prevent its spread. Just as importantly, breeders must protect the health of the breeding bitch and avoid repeating the same pairings, both to ensure the welfare of the parents and to safeguard genetic diversity. By breeding responsibly, McNab breeders can ensure the health, resilience, and working ability of the breed for generations to come.

Accepting That Health Issues Can Still Occur

Even with the best planning, testing, and careful pairings, no breeder can guarantee that every puppy will be free of health problems. Some conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, can occur despite clear parentage and normal OFA results, because these disorders are influenced by both genetics and environment. Factors like diet, growth rate, exercise, and even injury during puppyhood can affect how joints develop. Likewise, non-genetic defects—such as birth defects or developmental irregularities—sometimes occur with no clear explanation.

The Role of Responsible Breeders
What separates a responsible breeder from an irresponsible one is how they handle these situations. A responsible breeder is:

Transparent with puppy buyers, openly sharing any issues that arise in their litters or breeding program.
Proactive in gathering information, such as requesting updated health results from owners and recording them for long-term evaluation of their lines.
Committed to adjusting breeding plans when necessary. If dysplasia, epilepsy, or other significant issues are identified in offspring, ethical breeders make the difficult choice to remove one or both parents from future breeding programs, even if those dogs are otherwise excellent workers.
Supportive of owners, offering guidance, education, and often financial or replacement considerations when unforeseen health problems occur.

This transparency builds trust with the community, strengthens the breed’s health in the long run, and ensures that difficult discoveries lead to better decision-making in the future. Ethical breeders recognize that their responsibility does not end when the puppy leaves their home; it extends across generations, guided by the health of every dog they produce.

Full article created and published by Brittany Brauer of Vanir McNab Shepherds

References

Embark Veterinary – DCM2 mutation and breed relevance: Embark FAQ on DCM2
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) – Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Testing: OFA Screening Info
AKC Canine Health Foundation – Genetic testing and breeding strategies: AKC CHF Breeding & Genetics
The Kennel Club (UK) – Genetic diversity and avoiding the popular sire effect: Kennel Club Genetic Diversity Guide
Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine, Royal Canin Reproduction Specialist – Limits on breeding bitches: How Many Litters Can a Dog Have?
PetMD – Responsible breeding and health of the dam: PetMD on Dog Breeding Practices

Additional References on Canine Epilepsy

Berendt, M. et al. (2009). Epilepsy in Border Collies: Clinical Manifestation, Mode of Inheritance, and Risk Factors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. PubMed Abstract
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). Canine Epilepsy Resources. canine-epilepsy.net
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Consensus Statement on Canine Epilepsy Classification, Diagnosis, and Management. ACVIM Consensus Statement PDF
Hülsmeyer, V.I. et al. (2015). Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy: Clinical Characteristics, Breed Distribution, and Risk Factors. BMC Veterinary Research. Full Text

Copper Toxicosis ATP7B Variant

The Functional Breeding Podcast

Dr. Hille Fieten on Copper Toxicosis

ATP7B & Copper Toxicosis in Dogs

What Is Copper Toxicosis?

Copper toxicosis (also called copper - associated hepatopathy or copper storage disease) is a condition where copper builds up in the liver because it isn’t processed and excreted properly. Over time, this can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, and in severe cases liver failure. ([Embark Vet][1])

Copper is essential for normal body function (e.g., formation of red blood cells, immune system support), but too much and the liver’s inability to get rid of it leads to toxicity. ([Embark Vet][1])

The ATP7B Gene Variant encodes a copper-transporting protein that helps remove copper from liver cells. A mutation in this gene (often annotated as the canine ATP7B variant) impairs copper excretion. ([Embark Vet][1])

In Labrador Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers, this mutation has been associated with increased hepatic copper levels and a higher risk of copper toxicosis. ([Embark Vet][1]) The variant has been studied most extensively in Labs; less is known in other breeds, including McNab Shepherds, so its actual risk is currently uncertain outside studied breeds. ([Embark Vet][1])

The variant behaves in an incompletely dominant manner:

0 copies (N/N): baseline risk

1 copy (N/7B): moderately increased risk

2 copies (7B/7B): higher risk of copper accumulation and clinical disease ([Embark Vet][1])

Importantly, it is incompletely penetrant—meaning not all dogs with one or two copies will get liver disease; but they are at higher risk than dogs without the variant. ([Embark Vet][1])

Studies in Labrador retrievers showed that dogs with two copies of the mutation had abnormally elevated hepatic copper levels . Labrador retrievers with just one copy of the mutation had intermediate elevation compared to dogs without the mutation. ([PubMed][2])

Research in Dobermanns also ties the ATP7B variant to elevated liver copper levels, supporting that the variant influences hepatic copper across breeds. ([PubMed][3])

Genetic, Environmental & Nutritional Factors

The ATP7B variant increases risk but is not a guaranteed trigger; many dogs with one copy never develop clinical liver disease. ([Embark Vet][1])

Other genes (like ATP7A* or *RETN) have been identified that may attenuate (reduce) copper accumulation when present alongside ATP7B in Labs. Their presence may slightly protect against buildup, though these benefits are not fully protective. ([Embarkvet][4])

Research in breeds outside Labs and Dobermanns, such as McNabs, is limited; the variant’s effect may differ or be influenced by other genetic factors not captured by current tests. ([Veterinary Genetics Laboratory][5])

Environmental and Nutritional Factors

Dietary copper intake is a major modifiable factor. Many commercial dog foods contain copper well above minimum nutritional requirements for healthy dogs, which may contribute to toxic accumulation in predisposed dogs. ([Today's Veterinary Practice][6])

Because no regulatory maximum exists for copper in U.S. dog foods, levels vary widely and often exceed amounts that nutritionists believe would be safer for dogs at risk for copper accumulation. ([Whole Dog Journal][7])

Water, especially from copper plumbing, can contribute variable amounts of copper—though food remains the primary source. ([Today's Veterinary Practice][6])

Actionable Steps

1. Diet monitoring: choose lower copper foods and treats.

2. Veterinary monitoring: periodic liver panels.

3. Avoid excess copper exposure: limit high copper ingredients.

4. Breeding caution: aim to pair with clear mates if possible.

Dietary Management & Nutrition Guidance

Goals For a dog with one copy of ATP7B, the general approach is minimizing copper intake and absorption while ensuring adequate nutrition:

Reduce dietary copper

Avoid high-copper treats and foods

Monitor liver health over time

Foods/Treats to Avoid or Minimize (High in Copper)

These have higher copper content and can accelerate hepatic accumulation:

Organ meats (especially beef liver, kidney, heart) — very high copper levels. ([Cornell Vet Med][8])

Shellfish (e.g., shrimp, oysters) — high in copper. ([Hemopet | A Healthy Pet For A Happy Home][9])

Lamb, duck, pork — higher copper meats. ([Hemopet | A Healthy Pet For A Happy Home][9])

Mushrooms and dark leafy greens (kale, spinach) — elevated copper compared to other veggies. ([Today's Veterinary Practice][6])

Soy and legumes (e.g., tofu, peanut butter in large amounts) — moderate-to-high copper. ([Hemopet | A Healthy Pet For A Happy Home][9])

Foods/Treats to Prefer (Lower in Copper)

Ingredients lower in copper that can help keep dietary copper down:

Lean poultry: skinless chicken breast, turkey. ([Cornell Vet Med][8])

Eggs and dairy (moderate protein treats like cottage cheese, cheese). ([Hemopet | A Healthy Pet For A Happy Home][9])

Rice, pasta, cooked grains — low copper carbohydrate sources. ([Hemopet | A Healthy Pet For A Happy Home][9])

Vegetables low in copper: carrots, green beans, squash (avoid dark leafy greens). ([Today's Veterinary Practice][6])

Commercial & Therapeutic Diets Veterinary diets formulated for liver support / low copper typically contain:

~<1.2 mg copper per 1000 kcal (much lower than many commercial diets). ([Today's Veterinary Practice][6])

Examples commonly used in copper accumulation cases:

Hill’s Prescription Diet l/d

Royal Canin Hepatic Support

Monitoring & Veterinary Care

What to Track

Annual or semi-annual blood work (liver enzymes ALT, ALP, bile acids)

Ultrasound or liver imaging if elevations occur.

Liver biopsy with copper quantification remains the gold standard to diagnose true copper storage disease. ([Cornell Vet Med][8])

Working With Your Vet

Discuss risk and testing results.

Consider repeating blood panels often.

When liver enzyme elevations are seen, your vet may suggest more direct diagnostics (e.g., biopsy).

Breeding Considerations

Experts recommend breeding dogs with one copy to dogs clear of the ATP7B variant to reduce risk of producing puppies with two copies. ([Embark Vet][1])

Because many breeds (Labs, Dobermanns) carry the variant at high frequency, eliminating it completely may not be realistic—but lowering two-copy outcomes is prudent. ([Embark Vet][1])

Summary: What One Copy Means for a McNab Shepherd

Risk

Having one copy increases the risk of copper accumulation compared to dogs with none. It does not guarantee copper toxicosis—many dogs with one copy remain healthy. ([Embark Vet][1])

The exact risk in McNabs remains unknown due to lack of breed-specific research. ([Veterinary Genetics Laboratory][5])

Bottom line: This genetic finding is a risk factor, not a definitive diagnosis. Being proactive with diet and monitoring can reduce the risk and catch issues early. ([Today's Veterinary Practice][6])

Why the Science Is Limited for McNab Shepherds (and Many Other Breeds)

1. Embark’s ATP7B Test Is New and Based on Research in a Few Specific Breeds

Embark’s copper toxicosis test identifies the ATP7B gene variant that has been associated with copper accumulation in certain breeds — especially the Labrador Retriever and also the Doberman Pinscher (and to some extent Black Russian Terriers and Bedlington Terriers according to other research) — but this variant was originally discovered and studied in those breeds. ([Embark Vet][1])

The *ATP7B variant* has been most closely linked to elevated liver copper and copper-associated hepatitis in Labradors, where research has shown a correlation between this mutation and elevated copper in the liver. ([PubMed][2])

In Dobermans, studies also show a statistical association between the ATP7B variant and hepatic copper accumulation, suggesting this variant plays a role in their increased risk for copper-associated liver disease. ([PubMed][3])

Some other breeds show the variant on DNA screens, but no comprehensive clinical studies have been done to evaluate whether it actually leads to disease in those breeds. ([Veterinary Genetics Laboratory][4])

In other words: the variant wasn’t discovered because it causes disease in every breed, it was identified in breeds where researchers already knew copper toxicosis was a problem. DNA testing in other breeds, like McNabs, is essentially extrapolating that knowledge without yet having the science to back it up. ([Embark Vet][1])

2. No Breed-Specific Clinical Data for McNab Shepherds

For many breeds that aren’t traditionally studied (including McNab Shepherds), there is, no published veterinary research showing how often this variant leads to: elevated liver copper, or clinical copper-associated liver disease in that breed.

Embark’s own guidance states that “the risk of this variant in breeds other than the Labrador and Doberman is currently unclear.” ([Embark Vet][1])

That means: We don’t know how penetrant or pathogenic the variant is in McNabs — i.e., whether one copy actually leads to a meaningful elevation of copper in the liver of a McNab. We don’t have longitudinal studies showing whether McNabs with one copy go on to develop liver disease more often than those without. We don’t yet understand breed-specific modifiers, metabolism differences, or environmental interactions unique to McNabs that could increase or decrease risk. In short: there’s a lot of uncertainty simply because no dedicated research has yet been done in this breed, and veterinary genetics research tends to prioritize more common breeds first. ([Embarkvet][5])

3. Testing vs. Disease: A Big Gap

It’s important to clarify: A genetic test is not a diagnostic test. Just because a dog has one copy of the ATP7B variant doesn’t mean it has copper toxicosis, or even that it will ever have abnormal copper build-up. The test indicates risk, not disease. ([Embark Vet][1])

Veterinary genetics research separates these concepts:

Genotype: the genetic variants present

Phenotype: the actual biological outcome (e.g., liver copper levels, clinical signs)

Most of the strong genotype-phenotype correlations for ATP7B have only been established in a few breeds — Labs and Dobermans — where large numbers of dogs, liver biopsies, and copper measurements were available. That’s how researchers confirmed that dogs with two copies had significantly higher hepatic copper. ([PubMed][2])

In unstudied breeds like McNabs: We don’t have liver copper data to correlate with the ATP7B genotype. *We don’t know whether one copy results in any meaningful increase in liver copper accumulation. We don’t know whether the disease physiology — if it occurs — resembles what’s seen in Labs or Dobermans. This inability to link genetics to outcomes in McNabs is the key reason Embark’s own documentation says the risk is “currently unclear.” ([Embark Vet][1])

4. Embark’s Database Is Large but Not the Same as Formal Scientific Evidence

Many owners see ATP7B show up in breeds with no clinical history of copper storage disease — including breeds like French Bulldogs, Cavaliers, Collies, and others based on community reports and curious findings. ([Reddit][6])

This highlights two realities:

Embark’s dataset is enormous and can detect variants that are simply common in the canine population without clear disease association.

Presence of a genetic variant in a population does not establish causation. Proper science requires: controlled comparisons clinical outcomes (e.g., liver function tests, biopsies) peer-reviewed replication studies Those comprehensive data simply don’t exist for McNabs yet.

What This Means for Your McNab

Because of the lack of breed-specific research:

A McNab with one ATP7B copy is at theoretically increased risk based on what we know in other breeds — but we don’t yet know how strong that risk is in McNab Shepherds, and it’s entirely possible that many McNabs with one copy will never develop elevated liver copper or symptoms. This is exactly why both Embark and veterinary geneticists recommend interpreting this finding as a risk factor — not a diagnosis — and using it to guide monitoring and dietary caution rather than assuming disease will occur. ([Embark Vet][1])

Veterinary Prescription & Therapeutic Diets (Best Low-Copper Options)

These are the most reliable options because they are formulated to contain significantly lower copper levels (often ~1.2-1.3 mg/1000 kcal in hepatic diets and generally low compared with regular diets). ([Cornell Vet Med][2])

Gold Standard Prescription Diets

Hill’s Prescription Diet l/d (Liver Care)- one of the most recommended low copper diets.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hepatic Support — also widely used and studied, including in breeds prone to copper storage issues.

Just Food For Dogs Hepatic Support Low Fat — specialty cooked diet option with low copper content.

These diets are used clinically to help control copper intake in dogs with liver disease or high genetic risk and are generally the first choice recommended by many veterinary nutritionists. ([Today's Veterinary Practice][1])

Commercial Diets with Relatively Lower Copper (Not Prescription) Some commercial diets don’t add extra copper during manufacturing or are formulated with lower-copper ingredients. Even so, these may still have more copper than true prescription liver diets and should be used with veterinarian guidance: ([K9 Pie][3])

Lower-Copper Commercial Options

Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dry — often recommended by vets because it has no added copper and is relatively lower than many other commercial foods. ([Reddit][4])

Annamaet Small Breed (sample data shows relatively lower copper content) — values around 12.6 mg/kg (dry) on some databases; check with manufacturer for updated values. ([K9 Pie][3])

The Scoop Chicken Variety— just under ~7.4 mg/kg dry in a sampled analysis; lower than many comparable foods. ([K9 Pie][3])

Important: Most commercial foods still contain higher copper than prescription hepatic diets, because AAFCO requires a minimum amount but does not impose an upper limit on copper in dog food. ([AAFCO][5])

Foods to avoid or limit because they are high in copper:

Organ meats (especially liver), shellfish, mushrooms, beans/legumes, nuts, and dark leafy greens. ([Hemopet | A Healthy Pet For A Happy Home][8])

Supplementation

Work with your vet if you use home-prepared diets — a balanced vitamin/mineral supplement is often required, and some low-copper supplement products exist specifically for such diets.

Air-Dried & Natural Foods With Lower Copper Notes

While not always verified by nutrient panels, some air-dried or minimally processed foods are also discussed by owners managing liver health:

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food— naturally lower in copper based on minimal copper additions; however not officially labeled as “low copper.” ([Top Dog Tips][9])

Be cautious: even foods perceived as natural can vary widely in copper content depending on batch and ingredients — always verify with manufacturers when possible.

Key Tips When Choosing a Low-Copper Food

Ask the manufacturer for copper content per 1000 kcal or per kg dry matter before feeding. ([K9 Pie][3])

Prefer diets formulated to be lower in copper (especially prescription liver diets). ([Today's Veterinary Practice][1])

Avoid foods with added copper sulfate or copper proteinate supplements — these boost copper concentration. ([Dog Food Advisor][10])

Limit organ meats and other natural high-copper ingredients even as treats. ([Hemopet | A Healthy Pet For A Happy Home][8])

Final Notes

Prescription hepatic diets (Hill’s l/d, Royal Canin Hepatic, Just Food for Dogs Hepatic) are the most trustworthy for low copper content. ([Today's Veterinary Practice][1])

If your dog cannot or will not eat prescription diets, carefully selected lower-copper commercial foods or vet-formulated homemade diets are alternatives. ([Tufts University][6])

Copper content varies widely between products — the best approach is to confirm values directly with the manufacturer or veterinary nutritionist. ([K9 Pie][3])