What’s The Best Dog Food For Hypothyroidism? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide
If your dog looks extremely tired or has been struggling with skin conditions or hair issues, chances are he could be suffering from hypothyroidism. Fortunately, thyroid problems in canines are quite easy to manage. Even with a proper diagnosis, your pup can live a long and healthy life.
The most common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in canines include lethargy, weight gain, skin problems, and intolerance to extremely low temperatures. Certain breeds are more vulnerable to hypothyroidism than others.
Families with German Shepherds, Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers should watch out for any of these symptoms. This condition is also more common in medium or large breeds.
Feeding your dog a high-quality diet and giving him daily medication is essential for fighting hypothyroidism successfully. In this article, you’ll see our honest reviews of the best dog food for thyroid problems.
Moreover, we’ll take a closer look at the subject of hypothyroidism in dog to determine the underlying causes, the symptoms, and the correct treatment methods. You’ll also learn about the relationship between hypothyroidism and various types of dog food to help you pick the right dog food for your canine companion.
Every product on our list is certainly worth considering, and the best dog food for hypothyroidism is grain-free, rich in protein, and packed with antioxidants. It is also readily available at Amazon and other trusted stores, unlike some holistic formulas.
Contents
- Our 8 Best Dog Food For Hypothyroidism
- 1. TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef
- 2. Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula
- 3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Food for Dogs, Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe
- 4. Gather Free Acres Recipe with Organic Free-Run Chicken
- 5. Forza10 Nutraceutic Sensitive Digestion Plus Grain Free, Wild Caught Anchovy Meal
- 6. Victor Grain Free Yukon River Canine with Salmon & Sweet Potato
- 7. Solid Gold Love at First Bark Grain Free Puppy Food - Chicken, Potato & Apple Recipe
- 8. Wellness Core Ocean Grain Free - Whitefish, Herring Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe
- What Is Hypothyroidism?
- Hypothyroidism Vs Hyperthyroidism
- Important Features To Consider
- 4 Ingredients To Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
We already did all the research for you. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the best dog food for hypothyroidism, here are our top choices.
PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Crunchy beef kibbles offer ample of protein
- Beef-focused composition makes it amongst the top dog foods for hypothyroidism
- Herring oil improves skin complexion and brain health due to omega fatty acids
- Quality meaty cuts loaded with natural protein sources
- Offers weight, diet, and dental management, all through a "beefy" diet
- A short ingredients list
- Lean meat acts as the main ingredient
- Contains added vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure balanced nutrition
- Contains no chicken, dairy, wheat, corn, or soy, making it ideal for dogs showing sensitivities to these ingredients
- Provides omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Food for Dogs, Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe
- Uses farm-raised chicken as its first ingredient
- Additional vitamins and minerals
- Real recipes from Rachel Ray’s kitchen
- Promotes healthy skin and shiny coat
- Contains no wheat gluten or poultry byproducts
Our 8 Best Dog Food For Hypothyroidism
1. TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef
With a staggering protein content of 41% and fat content of 28%, this recipe brings immense value to dogs who are victims of hypothyroidism. Apart from the meaty dominance, the presence of fish oil acts as a nutrient enhancer and increases the already-vast range of benefits offered by this recipe.
Pet owners can find everything ranging from ground beef bone, beef kidney, beef liver, beef heart, and even beef lung and fat in this recipe. As long as your dog has no allergens that come from beef, this mix will prove to be a gamechanger for your dog’s lifestyle.
The sight of the kibbles will seduce the taste buds and scent-catching abilities of your pet. This assures that these treats never go wasted and that their consumption consistently helps in the growth of your dog’s immunity and physical features.
PROS
- Premium meat constituents
- Raw superfood offered in a freeze-dried state
- Beef ingredients are not fused with any hormones, flavors, or colors
- Herring oil will substantially improve digestion capabilities
- Being cooked at controlled temperatures, 99% of nutrients are preserved
CONS
- Seniors with teeth issues may find it hard to chew
2. Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula
If your pooch has hypothyroidism, it’s important to be very careful when choosing the best dog food for dogs with hypothyroidism to avoid upsetting their stomach. Feeding your dog a limited ingredient diet that is enriched with natural ingredients and a quality source of animal protein is recommended.
This dry food formula contains lean turkey as its main source of animal proteins and includes a limited number of main ingredients. It offers 18% fat and 31% protein with added vitamins and chelated minerals for complete and balanced nutrition.
It’s a bit high in calories than many other formulas, so follow the feeding recommendations. However, you can rest assured that it is a complete and balanced diet for your pet’s benefit.
PROS
- Lean turkey is the primary ingredient for a high protein diet
- Limited ingredient diet
- Contains amino acids, added vitamins and chelated minerals fora complete nutrient profile
- Contains no wheat products
CONS
- Includes pea protein (plant-based protein) that may not be ideal for dogs with allergies
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Food for Dogs, Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe
Dry dog food for hypothyroidism must be chosen carefully to support optimal nutrition. That’s why the Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Food is rated by veterinarians as one of the best dog foods for dogs with hypothyroidism. This premium quality dry dog foods come in large amounts and can be used over a long period of time.
It contains a good combination of wholesome natural ingredients, which have been used in the right quantities to meet the nutritional needs of your dog. Moreover, this hypothyroidism dog food contains real chicken meal as its primary ingredient since dogs require plenty of protein to stay active and develop lean muscle mass.
For proper digestion, the best dog foods contain natural prebiotics. This natural dry dog food formulation is recommended for all canines, especially those with hypothyroidism and other medical issues since it is all-natural and free from artificial colors and artificial preservatives.
PROS
- Formulated for all life stages and breeds
- Animal protein is the main ingredient
- Contains no by-product meals, gluten, or artificial additives
- Contains probiotics and omega fatty acids
CONS
- Includes soybean and corn
- Relatively high glycemic content
4. Gather Free Acres Recipe with Organic Free-Run Chicken
Another wonderful option for hypothyroidism dog food is the Gather Free Acres Recipe with Organic Free-Run Chicken dry dog food. This meal contains free-run chicken as its main source of high-quality animal lean protein.
The formula for dogs with hypothyroidism includes natural fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, cranberries, lentils, and peas, all of which provide powerful antioxidants and ensure great flavor.
With healthy krill, this dry food formula is an excellent source of fatty acids, which boosts heart and brain function which supporting your dog’s skin and coat. This formula is enriched with chelated minerals and essential vitamins to ensure balanced nutrient and optimal absorption of nutrients.
Moreover, it is high in fiber to support regular and healthy digestion. Generally, it is an excellent choice for all canines but particularly dogs with hypothyroidism.
PROS
- Made with high-quality natural ingredients
- Contains non-GMO, fresh fruits and vegetables for a balanced nutrient profile
- Chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption
- Provides essential fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat
CONS
- More expensive than your average kibble
5. Forza10 Nutraceutic Sensitive Digestion Plus Grain Free, Wild Caught Anchovy Meal
Forza10 Nutraceutic Sensitive Digestion is specially formulated to deal with the digestive issues of dogs with sensitive stomachs and health issues like hypothyroidism. Optimal digestion is a key component of good health in dogs with hypothyroidism.
This formula achieves due to its no grains composition, which is high in healthy fruits and vegetables. The main ingredients in this dog food include anchovy meal, which is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and ensures balanced nutrition.
Forza10 hypothyroid dog food is full of flavor and has been formulated to help dogs with a range of complications, including thyroid problems. Although it focuses on supporting the overall wellbeing of your dog, it is still flavorful, making it one of the best foods for dogs with hypothyroidism.
PROS
- Includes high-quality ingredients like anchovy meal
- Rich in essential fatty acids for joint, skin and coat support
- Contains no corn, wheat, soy or grains
CONS
- This a fairly expensive food
6. Victor Grain Free Yukon River Canine with Salmon & Sweet Potato
This grain-free dry food is ideal for dogs in various life stages. It is rated as one of the best dog foods for hypothyroidism. It contains 33% animal protein and a reasonable proportion of omega fatty acids since it includes salmon and menhaden fish meal.
Moreover, this dog food formula contains pea protein and sweet potatoes for carbohydrates. The recipe also includes dried vegetables for extra fiber. It also contains probiotics for proper digestion.
Thanks to essential vitamins and minerals, the Victor Grain-Free dry dog food helps to ensure balanced and complete nutrition. That’s why it is perfect for dogs in all life stages. However, pet parents should keep in mind that the primary source of fat is plant-based (canola oil).
PROS
- Grain-free dry dog food containing only wholesome natural ingredients
- Supports healthy digestion
- Supports the immune system
- Well balanced and complete nutrition
CONS
- Has a strong odor
7. Solid Gold Love at First Bark Grain Free Puppy Food - Chicken, Potato & Apple Recipe
If you’re searching for dog foods for hypothyroidism that are made with organic ingredients, consider this grain-free diet. The food is designed to ensure optimal nutrition and easy digestibility.
The formula is high in protein and can be a great addition to your dog s diet since it contains ocean fish meal to maintain healthy body weight and the strength of your dog’s muscles. However, it may be a bit costly for any dog lover to feed their pets as a staple diet.
It provides canines with omega fatty acids, and this meal is a great choice for your dog s body, skin, and coat support. Additionally, it contains up to 20 superfoods, including broccoli, blueberries, and pumpkin.
These help to ensure your dog benefits from natural sources of minerals and antioxidants. It contains no grains, artificial colors, or preservatives. This dog food recipe also contains some plant protein.
PROS
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Contains ocean fish meal for muscle maintenance
- Contains natural sources of vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants for nutritional balance
- Formulated for optimal nutrients and healthy digestion
CONS
- Contains plant protein
- Might be a bit expensive to feed your pooch as a stable diet
8. Wellness Core Ocean Grain Free - Whitefish, Herring Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe
The Wellness CORE Grain-Free recipe is ideal for easy digestibility. Although it is more expensive than many other dog foods currently available on the market, you need to know that the quality and nutrition offered by this high protein recipe are truly worth every penny you will pay for it.
Firstly, it contains no grains, which could aggravate the symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are ideal for dogs having hypothyroidism. You should also rest easy knowing that this dry dog food has no fillers or artificial flavors.
Since this dog food for hypothyroidism is free of grains, you will only be feeding your pup a great dietary meal containing chicken, turkey, and vegetables as the key ingredients. Also, it includes vitamins to help boost the overall health of your furry friend.
Finally, Wellness CORE Grain-Free ocean whitefish formula is receiving a lot of recommendation because it also contains probiotics for maximum digestibility; proteins that are suitable for building lean muscle; and fresh fruits and vegetables for supplying antioxidants and quality nutrition.
PROS
- Grain-free diet
- Made in the USA
- Rich in proteins, vitamins, and omega fatty acids and amino acid for nutritional balance
- Contains no fillers, beef byproducts or artificial additives
CONS
- Contains canola oil, which is a plant-based fat source
What Is Hypothyroidism?
The thyroid is a tiny gland found in the neck and it is responsible for producing hormones that regular a number of important bodily functions. If the thyroid gland doesn’t secrete enough hormones, it leads to dog hypothyroidism or low thyroid issues. This implies that the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, which can result in a variety of symptoms.
Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism In Dogs
As a responsible dog owner, you should watch out for various signs of dog hypothyroidism. The most common hypothyroidism symptoms in dogs include:
- Less coat hair
- Fur loss
- Heavy shedding
- Weight gain
- Ear infections
- Lethargy
- Reduced ability to tolerate extremely low temperatures
You can carry out different blood tests to check whether your dog is suffering from hypothyroidism. Nonetheless, blood testing should be done as part of different tests to improve accuracy since the precision of a blood test can be influenced by other diseases.
Hypothyroidism Vs Hyperthyroidism
Before choosing the best dog food for hyperthyroidism or the best food for hypothyroidism, it is important to understand the difference between these two thyroid problems.
The thyroid is found in the neck area and resembles a butterfly in shape. In other words, it is a control area for various bodily functions [1]. The hormones produced in the thyroid influence the actions of the brain, heart organs, and various muscles. Proper thyroid function helps to ensure that the body spends energy properly.
The main difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is the hormones secreted. When it comes to hypothyroidism in humans or dogs, the thyroid gland is under-active.
For instance, the pituitary gland doesn’t secrete enough TSH. In other words, thyroid problem in dogs is characterized by an underproduction of various thyroid hormones. As such, its functionality starts to slow down, which causes a negative impact on processes such as metabolism.
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Important Features To Consider
You cannot treat hypothyroidism in dogs through diet, but feeding a dog with thyroid problem – with high-quality dog food can help make it easier for the dog to manage the condition and boost their overall health. You should feed your dog based on his size, age, and activity level.
A well-balanced diet is important to minimize various health risks, prevent a quick reduction in weight, and prolong your dog’s lifespan. Both fat and protein are extremely important for your dog’s health. Your pet’s body does best when digesting animal protein fat sources such as meat, poultry, and fish.
Generally speaking, there should be at least 18% protein and 5% fat in your dog s diet. Although there’s no specific requirement for carbohydrates, the easily digested whole-grain carbohydrates like brown rice can help provide fiber content and extra energy while maintaining the overall health of your pup.
Here are some important features to consider when considering what to feed a dog with hypothyroidism:
Protein
High-quality protein sources like fish, poultry, and meat should form the foundation of any diet for both puppies and senior dogs with thyroid problems. Animal proteins are extremely beneficial to dogs and other pets because they allow you to meet their dietary requirements.
These complete proteins include all the essential amino fatty acids that your dog needs. Lean proteins such as turkey and chicken are ideal if your dog has gained weight because of hypothyroidism or any other condition.
Fats
Since hypothyroidism affects the skin and coat of a dog, the dog needs animal fat sources like chicken fat and salmon oil/fish oil. These ingredients help with the healing of scaly and dry sin. Fats are a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and do not cause illness or side effects like weight gain.
Other Minerals & Vitamins
Make sure you choose a high-quality diet containing essential fatty acids, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Such high-quality ingredients can help increase your dog’s energy levels while improving their overall health.
Your dog can benefit from eating foods that contain fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables like chicory root, tomatoes, and raspberries are excellent sources of other minerals and vitamins for your dog to stay healthy.
Highly Digestible
An easily digested dog food will enable your pet to enjoy optimal nutrition. Dog hypothyroidism foods containing animal-based ingredients are great choices for that, but you should also choose dog foods containing supplements such as prebiotics and probiotics.
Grain-free Formula
Some pups can tolerate grains better than others. Many commercial pet foods contain grains and GMO ingredients that can have a negative impact on your pet’s hormone balance. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to choose grain-free dog food to help keep your dog healthy.
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4 Ingredients To Avoid
Here are some ingredients to avoid when looking for the best dog food for hypothyroidism:
1. Fillers
You should choose dog foods without fillers, especially if your dog is suffering from any health problem. They do not provide any nutrition (and add little, if any) healthy benefit to dogs.
2. Beef By-products
Choose dog food without any byproducts, especially beef ones. Hypothyroidism is sometimes associated with eating beef byproducts, such as gullets and cow glands.
3. Gluten-rich Grains
Many dogs have trouble digesting grains. Therefore, you should avoid gluten-rich grains even if your pup doesn’t experience this problem. This will help make digestion easier for your best friend.
4. Artificial Additives
Ingredients such as artificial additives, flavors, and colors can have a negative impact on a canine’s thyroid function. Therefore, make sure the dog food formula you buy is preserved naturally (e.g mixed with citric acid or tocopherols) without any artificial preservatives, flavors, or additives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thyroid problems in dogs are very serious and therefore, should be taken seriously. As a responsible pet parent, you should take all the necessary steps to ensure your dog remains healthy and happy. Here are a few frequently asked questions about dog food and the thyroid condition in dogs:
What causes hypothyroidism in dogs?
Hypothyroidism in dogs is caused by little thyroid hormone in the blood. In most cases, hypothyroidism in dogs is caused by a damaged thyroid gland, which makes it impossible for the proper hormone levels. Damage to the thyroid glands can be caused by shrinking or inflammation and two health problems are often responsible. These are:
- Lymphocytic thyroiditis – Refers to an immune system disease whereby a dog’s body considered the thyroid gland to be a threat and starts to attack. When the lymphocytes or white blood cells start to respond, swelling occurs.
The bigger it becomes, the less capable it is to produce thyroxine. As fewer amounts of the hormone are secreted, the thyroid responds by secreting more of it. This continues until their ability to produce thyroxine is exhausted.
- Idiopathic thyroid atrophy – Although this health issue is less common than lymphocytic thyroiditis, secretion of thyroxine reduces as the thyroid tissue is constantly depleted and reduced by fat or fatty tissue. As a result, the thyroid gland atrophies or shrinks. The ‘idiopathic’ word means that cause of this replacement is not yet known.
Although the majority of underactive thyroid issues are caused by these two problems, their causes are not actually known.
What dog breeds are prone to hypothyroidism?
Boxers, Airedales, Dachshunds, Irish Setters, Miniature Schnauzers, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Cocker Spaniels are some of the dog breeds that are more prone to hypothyroidism. Since these breeds are more susceptible to hypothyroidism, their diet should be changed accordingly.
Can a dog with hypothyroidism lose weight?
Yes, a dog with hypothyroidism can lose weight. Although hypothyroidism in dogs is often associated with weight gain even without an increase in their appetite, untreated hypothyroidism can result in weight loss and many other health complications.
Can hypothyroidism kill a dog?
No, hypothyroidism alone cannot kill a dog. In fact, hypothyroidism in dogs is not a life-threatening condition. However, it is a lifelong condition that requires synthetic hormone treatment (e.g. with levothyroxine). Drugs should be taken together with a well-balanced diet.
If left untreated, canine hypothyroidism can result in more serious issues such as sudden weight loss and a variety of secondary ailments such as anemia, corneal ulcers, and megaesophagus. Certain pups can also suffer from adult-onset issues such as heart disorders, seizures, and infertility.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read the best dog food for hypothyroidism review and learned more about hypothyroidism in dogs, it is probable that you have a good idea of what dog food is a good fit for your canine companion. The products discussed in this review tick all the right boxes when it comes to the ingredients and the effect desired by dog owners.
All the above products are the best dog foods for dogs with hypothyroidism because they are packed with various nutrients that can help get rids of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
Your pet will definitely thank you for feeding him any of the above products, but we of course suggest our top choice that is TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef.
Most of these foods are available in small bags, so you may also want to try several brands in order to choose something that you and your pooch will benefit from.
Editor's Choice
TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef
- Crunchy beef kibbles offer ample of protein
- Beef-focused composition makes it amongst the top dog foods for hypothyroidism
- Herring oil improves skin complexion and brain health due to omega fatty acids
- Quality meaty cuts loaded with natural protein sources
- Offers weight, diet, and dental management, all through a "beefy" diet
