Hypothyroidism In Dogs Diet

Providing proper nutrition to a dog with hypothyroidism is an important part of supporting overall thyroid health.

Hypothyroidism in dogs diet.

With hypothyroidism the gland doesn t make enough of that hormone. The thyroid gland is in the neck. Hypothyroidism is an abnormality of the thyroid gland leading to a reduction in the dog s metabolic state. Millet pine nuts peanuts etc.

This can cause many systemic changes including weight gain hair loss lethargy and susceptibility to infections most noticeably of the skin and ears. Treatment is oral thyroid hormone replacement and is lifelong. For the most part the best diet for dogs with hypothyroidism is one made from wholesome natural ingredients that is highly digestible and formulated to provide balanced nutrition. Humans ate fish wild game fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and starchy plants. Treatment for hypothyroidism involves boosting the low hormone with a synthetic manufactured hormone called levothyroxine. Luckily most commercial dog foods are formulated to provide for a dog s basic nutritional requirements but not all dog foods are created equal. Sweet potatoes cassava peaches strawberries etc.

Dogs with hypothyroidism need to be supported by food that contains balanced levels of amino acids iodine probiotics for gut health antioxidants and the right amount of calories that contribute to a healthy weight. Your veterinarian will probably give your dog a prescription for thyroxine a replacement hormone compound to offset your dog s low thyroid function. There was no grain based dog food. Commercial pet food is also commonly high in salt and preparing a diet at home including fresh vegetables rice and lamb or chicken will reduce your dog s salt intake and potentially prevent the dog s condition from worsening.

The point is that for centuries domesticated dogs ate hormone and chemical free meat and table scraps. You may prefer to make your own homemade food to include in your dog s hypothyroidism diet. This way you ll know what ingredients are included since you ll be preparing it yourself. It s a common disease in dogs it affects all breeds but it is often found in golden retrievers labrador retrievers doberman pinschers irish setters dachshunds boxers and cocker.

It makes a hormone called thyroxine that controls metabolism the process of turning food into fuel. Neither humans nor dogs suffered from the immune disorders so rampant now. Ask your vet for nutritional recommendations for your dog. Your dog can also benefit from digestible carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables to provide dietary fiber for digestive support.

Diagnosis is made by a series of blood tests.