When you decide to adopt and own a dog, that possession comes with many duties and responsibilities. And like any other member of the family, you must keep your canine buddy healthy and safe. From regular medical check-ups to well-balanced and nutritious diets as well as frequent exercises, you must do everything it takes to keep your dog fit.
Just like humans, our canine buddies are prone to certain medical conditions, some of which can be life-threatening if overlooked. One of these maladies is hypothyroidism – a hormonal imbalance where the thyroid gland is unable to produce an adequate amount of hormones.
If you are looking for the best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism, you came to the right place. It thrills me how much you care about your doggie friend. But does this medical terminology mean?
Hypothyroidism Facts
Located in the neck next to the windpipe is the thyroid gland, one of the most crucial glands in the body. The thyroid gland consists of two lobes found on each side of the windpipe and is regulated by the pituitary gland (found at the base of the brain).
Since the thyroid gland controls the body’s metabolic rate, being overactive causes an elevation in metabolism and vice versa.
Hypothyroidism in dogs results from either idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy (replacement of thyroid tissue with fat) or lymphocytic thyroiditis (thyroid attacking the immune system) diseases. These two ailments cause over 95% of hypothyroidism cases in canines.
How Can You Tell If Your Dog has Hypothyroidism?
Slowed metabolism affects every organ in the body and these are the symptoms that you will see if your canine buddy suffers from hypothyroidism:
- Decreased appetite and weight gain
- Inability to tolerate cold
- Slow heart rate
- Thin hair coat
- Dry hair with extreme shedding
- Libido loss & infertility – males
- Miscarried, decreased heat periods & infertility – females
- Feet dragging, and more!
Lucky for you, certain foods and medication helps keep your dog healthy and in high spirits. Like many other cases, though, there are ingredients that should be omitted in your dog’s meals and those that will be increased in quantity.
3 Nutritional Needs for Dogs with Hypothyroidism
Dogs with hypothyroidism have specific nutritional needs that take care of these special conditions in dogs. If you want your dog with hypothyroidism to remain healthy and nourished, he must eat foods with these contents:
- Proteins
Proteins are vital in dog food for canines with hypothyroidism. With sources such as plants and animals, protein helps in the growth and support of lean muscle that allows easy movement. Make sure that protein makes up 18% of your dog food.
- Fruits & Veggies
Fruits and veggies are important ingredients in food for dogs with hypothyroidism. They are useful in nutritional balance by providing your canine buddy with micro and macronutrients. These ingredients are also a rich source of minerals and vitamins.
- Fats
Fat is crucial in dog food recipes as they are a great source of fatty acids that help maintain a healthy dog skin and shiny coat. Some common and rich sources of fats include fish, meat, and certain legumes.
Check out the list below on the best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism.
7 Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Hypothyroidism
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Table of Contents
Reviews of the 7 Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Hypothyroidism
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey, Chicken Liver
$44.28 in stock
Free shipping
Our top-best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism is the Grain-Free Turkey, Chicken Liver & Chicken Liver Formula Dog Food from Wellness. This dog food comes fully packed with all the nutritional and dietary needs of a dog with thyroid conditions.
With chicken, turkey, chicken broth, chicken meal, and chicken meal as the first five ingredients, nothing comes close to this dog food in terms of palatability. Healthy for dogs with hypothyroidism, this dog food includes all mineral levels needed to support the overall metabolic function.
This easily digestible dog food has other ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil, as well as fruits and veggies like blueberries, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, and more. That makes it a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and good for all-size dogs.
Pros:
- Healthy dog food option
- High-quality food rich in proteins
- Vet recommended
- Healthy skin & shiny coat
Cons:
- *
Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Adult Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for a dog food that has been formulated with premium ingredients, you can never go wrong with Halo Holistic. Their Chicken & Chicken Liver dry dog food recipe for adults is a nutritious option for dogs with hypothyroidism.
This dog food is a blend of veggies, cage-free chicken, and healthy oils which makes it a perfect choice for dogs with thyroid problems. For your dog’s digestive health, the food is free from preservatives, synthetic ingredients, and rendered meat. It includes omega-3 & 6 fatty acids that help maintain your pooch’s skin and coat.
The chicken liver helps in balancing hormone levels, while fruits and veggies like carrots, cranberries, and more are rich in fiber content. It is ideal for adult canines.
Pros:
- Palatable
- Good for dogs with a sensitive stomach
- Rich protein source
- Easily digestible
Cons:
- Reported quality issues with the upgraded formula
- Overpriced
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Adult Farm-Raised Chicken
Our third-best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism from Nutro is yet another perfect choice. This healthy dog food recipe includes farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient. A rich source of protein, it helps build lean muscles for easy movement.
On top of palatability, this recipe comprises natural glucosamine and chondroitin source and vital antioxidants such as vitamin E that supports a healthy immune system. Dogs with hypothyroidism need omega fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and shiny coat. This Nutro Wholesome Essentials chicken recipe includes that and has no fillers.
It is a perfect choice for large dog breeds.
Pros:
- High-quality protein
- Affordable pricing
- Palatable
Cons:
- Reports on decreased quality
- Complaint on anal gland issues
- Reported mold on food
Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Do you prefer to feed your dog with a high-quality beef meal? Our fourth-best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism is an ideal choice and holistic nutrition for your dog. This protein-rich dog food is made with real pasture-raised beef to give your pooch lean, strong muscles.
For optimal health of dogs with hypothyroidism, this beef meal & rice recipe includes fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Other ingredients include fruits and veggies that provide your dog with minerals and vitamins and probiotics that assist digestion. Antioxidants are also available to support healthy immune and it is highly-digestible.
That is all the natural ingredients needed for a disorder such as hypothyroidism.
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Healthy food choice
- Healthy immune
- Rich in protein
Cons:
- Food reported having mold
- Reported packaging issues
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our fifth-best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism is Taste of the Wild High with roasted bison and venison real meat as the first ingredient. This grain-free dry dog food is a great choice for dogs with hypothyroidism as it contains high-quality proteins for lean, robust muscles
This recipe includes fruits and minerals that offer vital fiber content that make this dog food highly-digestible and healthy. Other ingredients include vitamins and minerals for useful antioxidants. Since dogs with hypothyroidism tend to loose skin and fur quality, the fatty acids help maintain healthy skin and glossy coat.
The nutrients rich roasted bison and venison real meat recipe is highly-digestible with proprietary probiotics which are essential for dogs with hypothyroidism. It contains no fillers.
Pros:
- Suitable for dogs with ear infections
- Rich in proteins
- Grain-free
- Quality ingredients
Cons:
- Reported from the FDA on chronic heart disease
- Unsuitable for allergy-sensitive dogs
- The reported drop in food quality
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our sixth-best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism, grain-free dry dog food chicken recipe from Blue Buffalo crafted with ancestral wolves’ diet in mind. This dog food comes with deboned chicken as the first ingredient for quality protein source for lean muscle development.
This grain-free recipe includes balanced protein and carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes that help boost your canine friend’s active lifestyle. Hypothyroidism in dogs causes a dull coat and this dog food from Blue Buffalo includes omega fatty acids that improve skin and coat health.
If you are looking for a dog food that is prepared for your pooch’s vitality, this is the best option. It has no fillers, by-products, or flavors.
Pros:
- Good for diabetic dogs
- Great taste
- High-quality animal-based protein
Cons:
- Reported foreign objects on the food
- Complaints on the declining quality
- Reported loose bowels
Merrick Grain-Free Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Does your canine friend extremely dislike seafood or meat and you are looking for another option? Our seventh-best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism from Merrick is a fantastic choice. This grain-free dry dog food includes deboned chicken as the first ingredient for high-quality proteins that help build muscle mass.
This chicken & sweet potato recipe dry dog food recipe is rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and shiny coat. Other ingredients include peas, chicken meal, and turkey which are great food ingredients for dogs with hypothyroidism. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
It is a gluten-free formula that supports sensitive digestion and is palatable even for canines who are picky eaters. It is crafted for adult dogs and has no artificial flavors or by-products.
Pros:
- High-quality dog food
- Good for senior dogs
- High protein content
- Reliable customer service
Cons:
- Complaints on cost degraded value
- Reported gas issues
- Causes sensitive tummy
3 Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food for Dogs with Hypothyroidism
There are certain ingredients that must be omitted in dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism. This helps to maintain the dog’s hormonal balance and prevents him from suffering from any symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- Grains
Grains are known to cause bloat which is detrimental to your canine friend’s nutritional health. So, dogs with hypothyroidism should be fed with grain-free dog foods.
- Beef Products
If you are looking for major causes of thyroid problems in canines, beef products, and by-products are the culprits. If you need a healthy dog, avoid these ingredients completely.
- Synthetic Preservatives
Synthetic or artificial preservatives, flavors, and fillers are lethal to your canine friend’s overall health. The chemicals present in these preservatives are unfit for consumption. So, keep off!
Buying Guide: 4 Things to Consider in Dog Food for Dogs with Hypothyroidism
As we mentioned earlier, a diet for a canine with hypothyroidism must include all the vital nutrients to ensure optimal health. As a dog owner, you should be familiar with the nutritional needs of dogs with these thyroid conditions.
Check this buying guide for the 4 things to consider when choosing this food:
- Dog Breed
Some dog breeds, including Dachshunds, Irish Setters, Airedales, Miniature Schnauzers, and Boxers are more susceptible to hypothyroidism. These breeds are more vulnerable to this disorder. So, make sure their diets contain the necessary ingredients. Other breeds that might develop hypothyroidism are Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels.
- Grain-Free Recipe
Some dogs can put up with grains compared to others. Lots of commercial dog foods include genetically modified organisms (GMO) and grains which are detrimental to your dog’s hormonal balance. If your dog suffers from hypothyroidism, feed him with grain-free recipes.
- Nutritional Value
Dogs with hypothyroidism should eat foods that are rich in animal proteins, animal-based fats, fruits & veggies, iodine, as well as liver. For animal-based proteins, choose dog foods with liver (rich in Vitamin A&B, iron, and folic acid) as ingredients. It can perform functions of the thyroid gland.
- Digestibility
Dogs with hypothyroidism must be fed with foods that are easily digestible. Make sure you choose foods with animal-based ingredients as they are highly digestible. Dog foods with supplements such as probiotics and prebiotics are also a fantastic choice.
It is also worth mentioning that when buying dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism, check where the manufacturer is based. Do not buy dog food from countries that have no strict regulations on food safety. They are unhealthy for your dog as they are made from GMO-based ingredients and include by-products or unnamed meat sources.
Buy dog foods manufactured in these countries: the US, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Australia. Here, there are very strict rules on food quality and safety that ensure dogs live healthy lives.
FAQs
Can Dog Foods Cause Thyroid Problems?
Yes, dog foods can cause thyroid problems. If they, especially, consume diets with thyroid hormones as an ingredient, they may develop hyperthyroidism.
Can Hypothyroidism Cause Anxiety in Dogs?
Yes, hypothyroidism can cause anxiety in dogs. The condition reveals itself as a shrank mental function that substitutes thinking with fear. Hypothyroidism becomes more visible, especially via separation anxiety when your adult pooch is anxious.
How Can I Help My Dog with Hypothyroidism?
First things first, hypothyroidism has no permanent cure. There is a medication for this which involves giving oral replacement hormone till your dog’s life ends. At first, a dog with hypothyroidism gets the hormone twice a day and then once when the coat shows recovery.
Can Hypothyroidism Kill My Dog?
No, hypothyroidism cannot kill your dog on its own. It just requires medication combined with a nutritious, balanced diet for healthy living. If you overlook treatment, your canine will suffer life-threatening conditions like heart disorders.
Wrap-Up
Hypothyroidism in dogs is rare, but that does not mean they cannot get it. If you have one of the cited dog breeds above, you need to be ready for these responsibilities should it occur. Lucky for you, we have reviewed the best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism and they have all ingredients. You now have an idea of how to care for a dog with this thyroid ailment.
Just remember the food ingredients to avoid and your doggie friend will live a happy, healthy life. The reviewed dog foods come even in small packages so try several brands before settling on one.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
