A-F Betafood® for Dogs by Standard Process: Liver, Gallbladder & Digestion Care

When I work with dogs who struggle with digestion, fat metabolism, or liver stress, I often look upstream at bile flow and gallbladder function. Those pieces are easy to overlook, but they play a huge role in how well a dog processes food and removes waste. That is where A-F Betafood® by Standard Process can be a helpful tool.

This supplement is designed to support the biliary system, which includes the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. In simple terms, it helps the body handle fats, move bile efficiently, and support normal detox pathways.

What Is A-F Betafood® for Dogs by Standard Process?

A-F Betafood® is a whole-food based supplement originally developed for humans and widely used in veterinary practice. It combines organic beets, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and glandular ingredients to support liver and gallbladder function.

I like this formula because it focuses on function, not just symptoms. It supports how bile is made, stored, and released, which directly affects digestion, stool quality, and nutrient absorption.

What the Liver and Gallbladder Do for Your Dog

The liver and gallbladder work together every day.

• The liver produces bile, which helps digest fats and carries waste out of the body.

• The gallbladder stores bile and releases it when your dog eats, especially meals containing fat.

When bile flow is sluggish or inefficient, dogs may show signs such as poor fat digestion, loose stools, constipation, inconsistent appetite, skin issues, or difficulty maintaining weight.

How A-F Betafood® Supports the Biliary System

A-F Betafood® provides nutritional support for:

• Gallbladder health and healthy bile flow

• Liver health and normal liver function

• Healthy fat and lipid metabolism

• Normal bowel function

This support matters because bile is essential for absorbing fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Key Nutrients in A-F Betafood®

Each serving size of two tablets contains:

• Total Carbohydrate: less than 1 g

• Total Sugars: less than 1 g

• Vitamin A: 450 mcg RAE

• Vitamin B6: 0.3 mg

• Iodine: 40 mcg

These nutrients support metabolism, immune signaling, thyroid function, and tissue health.

Whole Food and Glandular Ingredients

The proprietary blend combines whole foods and traditional glandular ingredients to support digestion and organ function, including:

• Organic beet root and beet leaf

• Organic Swiss chard juice powder

• Organic carrot and organic sweet potato

• Organic oat flour

• Calcium lactate and magnesium citrate

Additional ingredients include:

• Organic flaxseed oil and organic alfalfa (aerial parts)

• Bovine liver, prostate, kidney, orchic extract, and liver fat extract

• Nutritional yeast, sunflower lecithin, and vitamin E (sunflower sourced)

Other ingredients include honey, organic acacia fiber, iodine, vitamin C, vitamin A palmitate, and vitamin B6.

Why Beets Matter in This Formula

Beets are a cornerstone of A-F Betafood®.

They contain betalains, which are antioxidant plant compounds, and betaine, a nutrient involved in fat metabolism and liver support. Research links these compounds to antioxidant activity and protection against oxidative stress.

This is especially relevant for dogs who struggle with fat digestion or show signs of liver stress.

Gallbladder Support and Research Context

Gallbladder wall thickness is one indicator of gallbladder health. Thickening may be associated with digestive and liver concerns.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults, supplementation with A-F Betafood® for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in gallbladder wall thickness compared to placebo. While this research was conducted in humans, it helps explain why this formula is commonly used to support biliary function in dogs under veterinary guidance.

When I Consider A-F Betafood® for Dogs

I often consider this supplement when dogs present with signs such as:

• Poor fat digestion or greasy stools

• Inconsistent bowel movements

• Sluggish digestion or bloating

It may also be helpful for dogs with:

• A history of gallbladder or liver stress

• Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight despite an appropriate diet

This supplement does not replace diagnostics or medical treatment, but it can be a supportive part of a comprehensive care plan.

How A-F Betafood® Works in the Body

A-F Betafood® supports the body through multiple pathways:

• Betaine from beets supports bile production and fat metabolism.

• Whole food fiber supports normal stool formation and waste elimination.

• Antioxidant compounds help protect liver cells from oxidative stress.

• Glandular ingredients provide nutritional signals that support organ function.

Dosage and How to Give A-F Betafood® to Dogs

General guidelines I commonly use include:

• Small dogs: 1 tablet daily

• Medium dogs: 2 tablets daily

• Large dogs: 3 tablets daily 

They can be crushed and mixed into meals if needed.

Always individualize dosing and consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has known liver disease or is taking medications.

Possible Side Effects and Safety Considerations

A-F Betafood® is generally well tolerated. Some dogs may experience mild digestive changes when starting, such as loose stool or temporary appetite changes. These usually resolve as the body adjusts.

Stop use and consult your veterinarian if vomiting, persistent diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss occurs.

Use caution in dogs with complex medical conditions or those taking prescription medications.

Why I Trust A-F Betafood®

I value this supplement because it uses whole-food nutrition to support normal function rather than forcing outcomes. It fits well into holistic and integrative care plans focused on digestion, liver health, and long-term metabolic balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A-F Betafood® for dogs by Standard Process?
A-F Betafood® is a whole-food based supplement designed to support liver health, gallbladder function, bile flow, fat digestion, and normal bowel function in dogs.

How does A-F Betafood® support the liver and gallbladder?
It provides nutrients from beets, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and glandular ingredients that support bile production, bile flow, and healthy fat metabolism.

Can A-F Betafood® help with digestion?
Yes. By supporting bile flow and fat digestion, it may help improve stool quality, nutrient absorption, and overall digestive comfort.

How should I give A-F Betafood® to my dog?
It is typically given with meals. Tablets can be crushed and mixed into food. Dosing depends on your dog’s size and individual needs.

Are there side effects with A-F Betafood®?
Most dogs tolerate it well. Mild digestive changes may occur when starting. Stop use and consult your veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.

Where can I purchase A-F Betafood® for dogs?
A-F Betafood® is available through authorized practitioners and trusted online retailers that carry Standard Process supplements, like us here at Journeys Holistic Life.