How to Give Your Dog N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Did you know the global NAC supplement market will be worth more than $1 billion by 2030?1 Read on to discover NAC's many potential health benefits and how you can give your dog NAC.

Key Takeaways

N-Acetylcysteine, or NAC, is a powerful supplement with numerous potential health benefits.
One of NAC's main benefits is that it helps the body produce glutathione, an antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress.
Research shows that NAC can also help support normal liver, immune, and heart function.
NAC is also used to reduce the viscosity of mucus.
You can give your furry friend NAC supplements, like our groundbreaking Liposomal Glutathione liver detox system for dogs.

What Is N-Acetylcysteine?

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), sometimes called N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, is a precursor to two important molecules: glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, and L-cysteine, an essential amino acid.

It's widely used with pets, including dogs. In some cases, it's injected, but is often taken as an oral supplement.

In fact, NAC supplements are rapidly growing in popularity. The global market size was a whopping $616 million in 2023, and is predicted to surpass $1 billion by the end of the decade.¹

So, what's all the hype about?

person holding happy dog acetaminophen toxicity liver disease amino acid chronic kidney disease chronic bronchitis lipid peroxidation

Potential Beneficial Effects of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

NAC provides multiple potential health benefits. In some cases, those potential benefits come from NAC itself. And in other cases, the potential benefits come from the molecules that NAC helps the body produce, like glutathione.

Oxidative Stress

You've likely heard of antioxidants. Glutathione is a particularly powerful antioxidant.

Antioxidants are important because they help protect the body from damage caused by molecules called free radicals. In effect, glutathione is a free radical scavenger. It neutralizes them before they can cause damage, a process known as oxidative stress.²

Protecting your dog's body against oxidative damage is important. That's especially true if your dog is ill.

In one study, ill dogs given NAC supplements demonstrated stabilized levels of glutathione, while dogs in the placebo group experienced decreases in glutathione concentrations.³

The same study also showed that NAC supplements increased levels of cysteine, which itself has powerful antioxidant properties.⁴

Another study from 2023 found that supplementation with NAC (and resveratrol and ascorbic acid) reduced markers of oxidative stress and helped support a healthy gut.⁵

Detoxification

Acetaminophen, often sold under the brand name Tylenol, can be dangerous for dogs, especially in high doses.⁶

Fortunately, NAC can help protect dogs against acetaminophen toxicity. According to research, it does this by supporting glutathione levels. The glutathione helps to neutralize the dangerous molecules generated by the acetaminophen.⁷

Antioxidants are generally important for normal liver function. Research suggests NAC can help maintain normal liver function.⁸

The liver is especially important because it helps the body eliminate toxins. Dogs can be exposed to many different toxins, from household cleaners to environmental pollutants.

Bonus: How Milk Thistle Can Benefit Your Dog

dog with snot coming out of nose liver disease cystic fibrosis veterinary medicine systemically ill dogs stomach ulcers

Help for Ill Dogs

NAC also has mucolytic properties. That means it can help break up mucus. It does this by disrupting the disulfide bonds that help make mucus viscous.⁹

In one study, mucus treated with NAC became significantly less viscous.¹⁰ Another study found that NAC caused mucus to become less rigid, making it easier to clear with coughing.¹¹

Generally, to achieve this effect, NAC has to be administered directly into the respiratory tract as an aerosol. That said, at least one study suggests that oral NAC supplements can help support respiratory health.¹²

Other Potential Benefits

NAC has various other potential benefits, too. For example, research suggests it might help support normal cardiovascular and immune function.¹³

NAC Supplementation

So, we've established that NAC has plenty of potential health benefits. But how do we give NAC to our furry friends?

One great option is our groundbreaking Liposomal Glutathione. It's the first product of its kind to deliver glutathione encased in liposomes, small bubbles of fat that help the body absorb and use the antioxidant.

Plus, it combines that glutathione with NAC, milk thistle, and other beneficial active ingredients to promote liver detoxification and much more.

dog with tennis ball degenerative myelopathy liver damage

Conclusion

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a powerful molecule with plenty of potential health benefits. Perhaps most notable is its ability to support the body's production of glutathione, an antioxidant that can protect our furry friends from dangerous oxidative damage.

While NAC can be administered in different ways, one simple and common method is through oral supplementation. That's exactly what our Liposomal Glutathione is for. If you’re ready to try something else, we also recommend our natural CBD oil for pets or calming dog treats made with CBD.

Keep Reading: Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat CBD Gummies?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Give a Dog NAC?

Yes! Dogs may benefit from NAC in various ways. One great option is our Liposomal Glutathione, which combines NAC with glutathione, milk thistle, and other useful ingredients to promote liver detoxification and more.

What Happens if a Dog Eats NAC?

That depends on a few things. At recommended dosages, NAC is a great supplement to add to your dog's diet.

But like most supplements, there is the possibility of having too much of a good thing. How much is too much varies depending on your dog's size, weight, NAC tolerance, and other factors. But generally, it's recommended for dogs to avoid having more than 250mg of NAC per pound of body weight.¹⁴

If you think your dog's eaten more than that, consult your vet or call animal poison control. They'll be able to help you take the next steps to support your pup.

Who Cannot Take NAC?

While most dogs may benefit from NAC, it's not for everyone. In rare cases, dogs may be allergic to NAC, in which case it should be avoided.

Consider consulting with a vet before giving NAC to dogs who are pregnant, nursing, or have stomach issues. NAC might interact with other medications or supplements, so it's a good idea to ask your vet if you're unsure.¹⁵

Sources

–

Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements for dogs, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

How to Give Your Dog N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Key Takeaways

What Is N-Acetylcysteine?