VetExpert Hepatiale Forte 170 mg, 40 capsules is a supplement to support and restore liver function in cats and small-breed dogs from the Polish manufacturer VetExpert. Each capsule contains 85 mg of phosphatidylcholine from soy phospholipids and 85 mg of L-ornithine as L-ornithine L-aspartate. It's recommended for liver insufficiency, fatty and fibrous liver changes, hepatic encephalopathy, while taking liver-taxing medication and after prolonged fasting.
How the ingredients work
Phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine) are incorporated into damaged liver cell membranes and restore their integrity, speeding up hepatocyte regeneration and normalising their function. According to the manufacturer, they also slow liver fibrosis by reducing collagen production, and help digest fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Ornithine regulates the urea cycle: it helps convert toxic ammonia into urea and reduces its harmful effects. This matters especially for cats — they rely heavily on amino acids for energy and produce a lot of ammonia. That's why ornithine is indicated for cats with confirmed or suspected hepatic encephalopathy and for cats after a long period without food.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Per capsule | phosphatidylcholine 85 mg, L-ornithine L-aspartate 85 mg |
| For | cats and small-breed dogs |
| Cats | 1 capsule a day |
| Small dogs | 1 capsule per 5 kg a day |
| Course | 1–3 months, up to 6 months for chronic conditions |
| Pack | 40 capsules |
Pros
- Two proven ingredients. Phospholipids for liver cells and ornithine against ammonia.
- Tailored to cats. Ornithine matters in hepatic encephalopathy and after fasting.
- Dose stated per capsule. 85 + 85 mg — you know exactly what your pet gets.
- A simple regimen. One capsule a day for a cat.
- Designed for courses. From 1 to 6 months depending on the condition.
Cons
- Small pets only. Dogs over 10–15 kg would need many capsules — there's a separate version for large dogs.
- Price. A daily course isn't cheap.
- Not a substitute for treatment. Liver disease needs a vet's diagnosis and therapy.
- Soy phospholipids. Worth noting in the rare case of soy intolerance.
How to give it
Cats get 1 capsule a day; small-breed dogs get 1 capsule per 5 kg of body weight a day. The course lasts 1 to 3 months, or up to 6 months for chronic conditions. The manufacturer advises consulting a vet before starting or extending the course, as the vet may adjust the dose and method of administration. Make sure your pet always has fresh water. Store the pack in a dry place at no more than 25 °C. A pack of 40 capsules lasts a cat more than a month and a 10 kg dog 20 days.
Why fasting is dangerous for cats
If a cat doesn't eat for several days — because of stress, illness, a move or an abrupt food change — the body starts breaking down fat rapidly and the liver can't keep up: hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, develops. Overweight cats are especially at risk. So a cat that hasn't eaten for more than a day or two needs to see a vet, and you should never put a cat on a crash diet — more in overweight cats and dogs. On feeding older cats, see caring for a senior cat.
If you need an alternative
If a liquid is easier to give or you need a more affordable course, see our HepatoLik suspension review with silymarin and phospholipids. From the same VetExpert range we've reviewed ArthroVet for the joints.
Who it suits
Cats and small-breed dogs with liver disease, on liver-taxing medication, after prolonged fasting and with hepatic encephalopathy — as a course agreed with a vet. More supplements are in the vitamins and mineral supplements section.
Verdict
Hepatiale Forte 170 mg is a well-designed liver supplement for cats and small dogs: phosphatidylcholine restores liver cells and ornithine helps clear ammonia, which is especially important for cats. The dosing is clear and the course lasts a month or more. Large dogs are better served by the higher-strength version, and the course should be agreed with a vet.
FAQ
What's in Hepatiale Forte?
85 mg of phosphatidylcholine and 85 mg of L-ornithine L-aspartate per capsule.
How is it given to a cat?
1 capsule a day.
How is it dosed for a dog?
1 capsule per 5 kg of body weight a day — for small-breed dogs.
How long is the course?
1–3 months, up to 6 months for chronic conditions.
Why do cats need ornithine?
It helps convert ammonia into urea; cats produce a lot of ammonia, especially with liver disease and fasting.
How many capsules are in the pack?
40 capsules.
Is it suitable for large dogs?
This version is for cats and small dogs; a higher-strength version is available for large dogs.
