Does your dog seem lethargic lately?
Started gaining weight all of a sudden? Did you notice any behavior changes?
Your dog is your best friend – believe me, I get it – and you have every reason to worry when something’s not quite right with your canine companion.
If the things I just explained ring a bell, there’s a chance that your dog might be suffering from an underactive thyroid gland, also known as hypothyroidism.
Today, it’s all about helping you understand this life-long condition – from the early symptoms to the actual diagnosis – and pick out the best dog food for hypothyroidism, too.
Whether your pup likes it or not, there are going to be some dietary changes around here!
In a hurry? After 29 Hours of Research, I Recommend:
91/100
My Score
Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Original
Why I chose it as the best?
- It’s a protein-focused formulation with a 34-percent protein content
- Contains natural, high-quality ingredients with two animal-based protein sources and vegetables
- It’s 100-percent grain-free
- Doesn’t include artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, meat by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
- Infused with Omega fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and glucosamine
How I Picked:
Reviews considered in making a decision
The consumer opinions matter, and I pick through those thoroughly.
Sources inspected & researched
I gauge the source authenticity & authority before checking the opinions.
Hours spent comparing & researching
I spent the time so you don’t have to. The products are reviewed with utmost care.
Products considered
My selection included all the popular entries from popular sources, and was narrowed down to the finest seventeen.
Last Updated: [todaysdate format=”F 1, Y”]
By Michael T.This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding Best Dog Food for Hypothyroidism available for those who are interested in taking care of their pet the best. The best 5 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best dog food for hypothyroidism currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Best Dog Food For Hypothyroidism – Comparison Table
Top 5 Best Dog Food for Hypothyroidism On The Market Reviewed
Treating hypothyroidism in dogs isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach – and neither is choosing the best dog food for hypothyroidism. Still, the kibble I picked out for you might be an excellent place to start your search.
So, without further ado, let’s find your dog something healthy to eat!
1. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Original – Top Pick
My Rating: 91/100
If your dog shows signs of sensitivity – or even allergy – to grains, on top of having thyroid problems, picking the best dog food for hypothyroidism is a bit more complicated.
Pay special attention to the ingredients list to avoid anything that could further agitate your dog’s condition.
That’s where Wellness Core comes in:
It’s a high-protein, grain-free formula that features wholesome, natural ingredients only – and the best dog food for hypothyroidism, too!
The Wellness Core is an entirely grain-free formula that opts for real meat – both turkey and chicken – and veggies like kale, spinach, and broccoli as its main ingredients, and focuses on protein-based nutrition.
It’s no wonder that it incorporates such a high protein level!
You won’t find any low-quality fillers, meat by-products, or artificial additives and flavors in it, either, which is yet another thing that sets it apart from a lot of cheaper dog food alternatives.
Plus, it’s packed with a few health-boosting extras, including Omega fatty acids – from a combination of salmon oil and flaxseed – probiotics, and antioxidants, all essential for your dog’s overall health.
Pros
- It’s 100-percent grain-free with above-average protein levels
- Contains Omega fatty acids and antioxidants
- Doesn’t contain fillers, artificial additives, or meat by-products
- Medium-sized kibble coated with probiotics
- Very easy to digest, even for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Cons
- Not exactly budget-friendly
Conclusion:
The Wellness Core dog food is very easily digestible, even for dogs with sensitive tummies and allergies.
Besides keeping their digestive system happy and healthy, it can help improve the skin and coat health, which, as you know, often fall victim to thyroid problems in dogs.
If the price is not a problem for you, this is a no-brainer!
2. CANIDAE All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food with Whole Grains – Budget Pick
My Rating: 88/100
I know that you think that feeding your god the best food for hypothyroidism isn’t exactly an option when you have a somewhat limited budget. However, that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.
That’s where the CANIDAE All Life Stages scores some significant points and deserves a spot in my round-up of the best dog food for hypothyroidism:
Its multi-protein formula can provide all the necessary nutrients to your dog without burning a hole in your pocket!
The exciting thing about this particular dry dog food is right there in the name – “All Life Stages.” That means that the recipe was vet-formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages.
As such, it’s considered to be an excellent all-round formula and one that’s highly recommended for households with more than one dog.
Reading the label, you’ll notice that the first three out of five ingredients are all sources of animal-based protein, which is an essential part of its optimal, multi-protein formulation. It includes chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish, combined with both brown and white rice.
Pros
- It includes four different sources of animal protein
- Suitable for all breeds, sizes, and ages
- Fortified with probiotics, fatty acids, and antioxidants
- A relatively affordable option
Cons
- It’s not grain-free
Conclusion:
The kibble is further fortified by adding probiotics for improved digestion, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for an overall health boost, and essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy-looking. The fact that it doesn’t include any wheat, soy, or corn is a plus here. However, keep in mind that it still contains whole grains, and might not be the best choice if your dog has a sensitive tummy.
This is an amazing budget food for hypothyroidism!
3. Taste of the Wild High-Protein Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food – Premium Pick
My Rating: 90/100
One thing you should know about this particular dog food for hypothyroidism is that it’s more expensive than the rest of the options included in my list. Then again, there are things that you can’t put a price tag on – and your dog’s vitality and well-being are one of them.
I’ll be sure to give you a few solid reasons why this dry dog food formula might be the premium-grade choice for your pup – despite being a bit costly.
The idea behind this recipe is to satisfy your dog’s instinctual cravings by putting a strong focus on lean sources of animal-based protein – and in high levels, too – coming from roasted bison and venison. And yes, it’s as flavorful as it sounds!
Now, dogs with hypothyroidism do require carbohydrates in their diets, but should mostly avoid grains. That’s why Taste of the Wild included a healthy dose of carbohydrates through sweet potatoes and peas – with fruits and veggies adding fibers.
You won’t find any artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers in this particular formulation, either, only natural, highly-digestible ingredients combined to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
The food is packed with essential nutrients, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, that will help keep your dog’s skin healthy and their coat shiny. Also, it’s fortified with canine-specific live probiotics that support and promote digestive health.
Pros
- Source of premium animal protein and fatty acids
- Supplemented with fruits and vegetables to add critical nutrients
- Grain-free formulation, free of fillers and additives
- Fortified with canine-specific probiotics
- Easily digestible and suitable for dogs with sensitivities
Cons
- Canola oil is listed as a source of fat
- Slightly more expensive than the competing dog food brands
Conclusion:
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better grain-free, protein-rich, all-natural combination of nutrients in any dog food for hypothyroidism, so you might as well give this one a shot!
4. Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend With Probiotics Adult Dry Dog Food
My Rating: 90/100
I don’t think that Purina needs any introduction here. I mean, it’s one of the most widely known and accepted dog food brands around the globe!
The Pro Plan SAVOR is a premium blend of meat and rice, available in four different flavors, with real meat listed as the number one ingredient.
It’s specially formulated to help your dog maintain a healthy weight and proper energy levels, while the addition of vitamin A, linoleic acid, and Omega-6 fatty acids ensure a healthy, shiny coat.
The included ground rice is a way to provide a gluten-free source of carbohydrates. And second, it’s believed that ground rice can help alleviate some of the gastrointestinal problems that your dog might experience due to hypothyroidism.
And yes, it does contain grains – pretty much everyone knows that Purina is a massive advocate for including grains in your dog’s diet. I understand that this may raise quite a few eyebrows, but here’s the thing:
Purina made sure to control both the quality and the quantity of the included grains.
It’s the right choice for dogs with hypothyroidism that is used to eating grains and don’t experience digestion issues.
On that note, this Purina formulation is fortified with live probiotics and prebiotic fibers that will support your dog’s digestive health and ensure better nutrient absorption.
Plus, your dog’s going to love the unique texture combination of dry, crunchy kibble and the meaty, shredded pieces. I know mine does!
Pros
- Combination of real meat and rice
- Vitamin A, Omega-6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid for healthy skin and coat
- Fortified with live probiotics and prebiotic fibers for better digestion
- Interesting texture combines hard kibble and tender pieces
- Comes in four different flavors
Cons
- Contains some controversial ingredients
Conclusion:
This combo of a trusted brand, amazing ingredients, 4 different tastes, vitamins, and live probiotics makes Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend with Probiotics a no-brainer. If there’s a lack of stock of one of the previous picks, you won’t go wrong with this one.
If your dog can eat grains and doesn’t have digestion issues, this is the food to get!
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
My Rating: 87/100
It was years ago that I first discovered the concept of holistic dog food, and it was this brand, Blue Buffalo, that introduced me to it. And to this day, it’s the dog food brand that I recommend to anyone who has concerns about their pet’s diet.
The Life Protection line is only one of the many dry dog food recipes that the brand offers, but it’s the one that I consider the best suited for dogs with hypothyroidism due to several reasons. Even a glance at the ingredients list will tell you that this is, by no means, your average kibble:
The focus is on combining real ingredients in a way that ensures optimal, life-stage-specific nutritional benefits, with essential real-meat proteins, carbohydrates, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
The list of ingredients starts with real deboned lamb, whole grains, garden veggies, and antioxidant-rich fruits. Plus, each bag of Blue Buffalo Life Protection dry dog food contains not only dry kibble but LifeSource Bits, as well.
What’s that, you ask?
It’s a carefully selected, BLUE-exclusive blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that work to support your dog’s immune system, vitality, and overall well-being.
Oh, and I think that you and your four-legged companion will be happy to learn that the adult formula comes in three different flavors, too.
So, give your dog a chance to be picky about this one – the flavors may change, but the nutritional benefits remain the same!
Pros
- Combination of real meat and rice
- Vitamin A, Omega-6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid for healthy skin and coat
- Fortified with live probiotics and prebiotic fibers for better digestion
- Interesting texture combines hard kibble and tender pieces
- Comes in four different flavors
Cons
- Contains some controversial ingredients
Conclusion:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is all about combining fresh, real ingredients and enhancing them with antioxidants, minerals & vitamins. They’re all about your pet’s health & wellbeing.
If you’re all about holistic dog food, this is the brand for you.
Hypothyroidism in Dogs – The Ultimate Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Diet Changes
Before we start talking about dog food, I’d like to take a moment to go over the basics of hypothyroidism in dogs.
Why?
Well, to help you better understand this condition, learn how to recognize symptoms of dog hypothyroidism – and hopefully start treating your pup’s thyroid problems as soon as possible.
Plus, I’ll share a few essential tips on choosing the highest-quality dog food for hypothyroidism, too!
Canine Hypothyroidism: Understanding Thyroid Problems in Dogs
The thyroid is a two-lobed, butterfly-shaped gland in your dog’s neck that’s responsible for producing hormones that play a crucial role in regulating essential bodily functions, including metabolism.
In essence, you can view the thyroid gland as the body’s control center.
When it stops working correctly, things can go two ways:
Either it starts producing too much or too little thyroid hormones. That can lead to two common thyroid problems in dogs – hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
The latter is a result of the underproduction of these hormones:
An underactive thyroid gland causes your dog’s metabolism to slow down, along with the rest of the bodily functions.
Luckily, you can check for symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs, and see whether your dog may be suffering from an underactive thyroid gland. That way, you’ll know if that’s something that should be brought up during your next trip to the vet.
So, if you want to know what hypothyroidism in dogs looks like, you can go through this dog hypothyroidism symptoms checklist for more info:
- Weight gain without a noticeable increase in appetite
- Low energy levels and lethargy
- Lack of interest in playing and exercise
- Intolerance to cold
- Dry and dull hair accompanied by excessive shedding
- Thinning hair with potential bald spots
- Increased skin pigmentation
- Frequently occurring skin and ear infections
- Slow heart rate
- High blood cholesterol levels
Can Hypothyroidism Cause Anxiety in Dogs?
Besides the common physical symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs, some canines experience behavioral changes, too.
After all, your dog is experiencing severe hormonal imbalance, which can result in what’s considered abnormal – or at the very least, unexpected – behavior for your pet.
Some dogs with hypothyroidism will experience irritability, unprovoked aggression, erratic behavior, mood swings, phobias, and even seizures.
And yes, anxiety is commonly listed as one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs, too.
Pick Your Kibble: How to Find the Best Dog Food for Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism in dogs can’t be treated through diet alone. The primary way of treating canine hypothyroidism is TRT, or thyroid replacement therapy, through orally administered drugs.
However, choosing to feed your dog with high-quality food can contribute to your dog’s overall health, and help manage their thyroid condition more quickly, too.
The healthier your dog’s diet, the better the chances of their body healing and restoring optimal function.
Now, I know that, as a loving dog owner, you had probably learned the basics of nutritional requirements for dogs a long time ago. However, if your four-legged buddy is diagnosed with dog hypothyroidism, a healthy, nutrient-rich, and above all, a well-balanced diet is imperative.
So, without further ado, here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing the best dog food for hypothyroidism!
High-Quality Ingredients Only
The first – and arguably most important – factor to consider is the ingredients list. Even if your dog were healthy, you would still try your best to feed them only the highest quality food, right?
So, imagine how much more important this becomes if your dog is suffering from hypothyroidism!
Now, here’s the thing:
A list of ingredients that’s long and overly complicated – as in, it contains a ton of words that seem made up to you – is usually a sign of trouble. With some of those foods, your dog would’ve probably been better off eating grass.
A shorter list is what you’re after when it comes to the best dog food for hypothyroidism:
It’s best to keep the list as short and straightforward as possible and focus on finding high-quality, wholesome, natural ingredients. On that note, a well-balanced diet for a dog should be based on animal proteins and fats but has to be followed by carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals, as well.
That’s where fruits and vegetables come in:
They provide the fibers that keep the digestive system healthy, the carbohydrates that can boost your dog’s energy levels, and vitamins that contribute to their overall health.
High Animal Protein Content (And a Bit of Fatty Acids)
We’ve already established that high-quality protein – sourced from chicken, turkey, fish, and meat – should be the foundation of your dog’s diet. I cannot stress this enough:
Animal proteins are easily digestible and biologically valuable for dogs, and unlike plant-based proteins, they contain all essential amino acids that your canine companion needs to stay healthy.
Similar reading; Can Dogs Eat Ham?
That’s particularly true if your dog packed on some pounds due to thyroid problems. After all, weight gain is one of the main physical symptoms of canine hypothyroidism. Quality animal proteins can give your dog the support they need to maintain lean muscle mass and go down to healthy body weight.
Despite what you might think, it’s not enough to find the dog food with the highest protein levels, though. You still have to check where the proteins are coming from, and whether they’re sourced from real meat or meat by-products.
Also, don’t forget about animal-based fat – your dog’s food should include essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Many of the symptoms of canine hypothyroidism are coat and skin-related, and the inclusion of healthy sources of animal-based fats – chicken fat and salmon oil, for example – can play a vital role in recovery.
Easily Digestible
Your dog’s favorite kibbles can be enriched will all sorts of healthy nutrients, but they have to be easily digestible, too.
I mean, what good are all these nutrients if your dog isn’t able to digest them properly?
There are a few ways to ensure that your dog’s food is easily digestible – and avoiding gluten-rich grains is one of them.
Hypothyroidism or not, your dog’s diet should only ever include small quantities of gluten-free, non-GMO grains. When in doubt, always go with animal-based ingredients, as these are most easily digestible for dogs.
That said, your dog could still benefit from the inclusion of digestion-supporting supplements, such as probiotics and prebiotic fibers.
Food Enriched with Thyroid-Supporting Nutrients
The fewer the ingredients on the list, the better the dog food for hypothyroidism – you’ve probably noticed that high-quality dog food typically has a concise list of ingredients.
Still, you need to make sure that your dog gets nutrient-dense food so that they can combat the metabolic changes caused by thyroid problems. Certain ingredients can help keep your hypothyroid dog energy levels up and improve their overall health.
So, besides the already recommended protein and healthy fats, you should look for dog food for hypothyroidism that’s enriched with the following:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Iron
- Folic acid
- Probiotics
Also, try finding a dog food that contains iodine, a thyroid-supporting nutrient that can stimulate the production of thyroid hormones. If you can’t find anything suitable, know that you can still purchase an animal-friendly iodine supplement to add to your dog’s food for hypothyroidism.
Stay Away from the Following Ingredients
“What should you feed a dog with hypothyroidism?”
That seems to be the question that’s bothering most owners of dogs with hypothyroidism, and I get it. However, it’s equally important that you’re aware of ingredients to avoid, too.
Here are a few examples of ingredients that shouldn’t have a spot in your dog’s hypothyroidism-friendly diet:
- Artificial Additives and Preservatives – It’s best to stick with dog food for hypothyroidism that includes only real ingredients. Things like preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors have no place in your dog’s diet and should be avoided at all costs. Their health and internal system are already messed up due to thyroid problems, and you don’t want to include anything in their food that might disrupt their thyroid function any further.
- Low-Quality Fillers – Such fillers are never a welcome ingredient in dog food, even more so when your dog is experiencing health issues. They have no nutritional benefits, yet they make your dog feel full sooner, because, well, that’s what fillers are meant to do. That, in turn, can cause them to consume less food in general – and ingest far less beneficial ingredients, too. You can probably guess how this can be an issue for any dog, let alone one suffering from hypothyroidism.
- Beef By-Products – It would be best if you could avoid any by-products in dog food for hypothyroidism. If that’s not an option, though, you should at least make sure that you don’t include beef by-products in their diet. Cattle by-products often contain glands and gullets, which are believed to interfere with the normal functioning of your dog’s body, and are typically linked to thyroid problems in dogs.
You’ll probably have to read the ingredient labels more carefully from now on, but it will be worth it in the long run!
Dog Food for Hypothyroidism – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can dog food cause thyroid problems?
A:Generally speaking, thyroid problems in dogs are a result of genetic issues, although some environmental factors, including regular consummation of low-quality, highly-processed foods, can trigger a hormonal response in the thyroid gland.
Dietary hyperthyroidism in dogs, for example, can be brought on by the consumption of dog food and treats that include livestock gorges as ingredients, because they may contain thyroid hormones. Such prolonged, diet-related exposure to thyroid hormones has been linked to thyroid problems in dogs.
Q: What happens if hypothyroidism is left untreated in dogs?
A: Hypothyroidism in dogs is a very treatable condition. However, the bad news is that it cannot be cured. But just because there’s no cure for hypothyroidism in dogs, doesn’t mean that you should forgo treatment altogether.
The condition isn’t life-threatening when managed accordingly; however, if it’s left untreated, it can severely impact your dog’s quality of life. That’s reasoning enough for you to take your dog to the vet if you’re suspecting any thyroid problems.
But more importantly, not treating hypothyroidism in dogs can lead to a host of other complications, including anemia, corneal ulcers, infertility, and seizures. In severe cases, it could cause death.
Q: What dog breeds are prone to hypothyroidism?
A: There are two main forms of canine hypothyroidism, classified as primary and secondary. It’s the former that accounts for the majority of diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism in dogs.
And while pretty much any dog – including mixed breeds – can develop primary hypothyroidism, certain kinds seem to have a higher risk of thyroid problems.
These breeds include Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, Rottweiler, and Dachshunds.
Q: How is canine hypothyroidism diagnosed?
A: If you have reasons to suspect that your furry companion might be dealing with canine hypothyroidism, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
The diagnostic process for hypothyroidism in dogs is quite similar to the detection methods used in humans and will involve blood testing as a means of detecting hormonal imbalances.
Low levels of thyroxine (T4) are often first indicators – aside from the physical symptoms, that is – of hypothyroidism. Another way to confirm canine hypothyroidism is to check the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. These can often be increased due to this condition.
After All Is Said & Done, I Recommend:
91/100
My Score
Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Original
Why I chose it as the best?
It’s a protein-focused formulation with a 34-percent protein content
Contains natural, high-quality ingredients with two animal-based protein sources and vegetables
It’s 100-percent grain-free
Doesn’t include artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, meat by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
Infused with Omega fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and glucosamine
Conclusion
The Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Original is, by far, the absolute best dog food for hypothyroidism:
It’s rich with animal-based proteins, grain-free, and loaded with antioxidants, probiotics, and fatty acids!
However, I picked and tested every kibble you’ve seen today, and I’m confident enough that each one of them is worth giving a shot. It’s all about finding what works for your furry canine companion. Also, you can find some human foods that are safe for dogs here, too!
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