Top 10 Best Dog Food For Hypothyroidism
If your four-legged friend was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your veterinarian may recommend switching to a more appropriate food for your dog’s needs. Hypothyroidism is a condition that directly affects your dog’s metabolism and energy levels, so following a healthy diet is important. Depending on your dog’s symptoms, you might also need to switch to a formula for sensitive skin to alleviate itching and rashes.
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Learning that your dog has a chronic condition — even one that’s easily managed like hypothyroidism — is never easy. But the sooner you begin to manage your dog’s symptoms, the sooner you can both get back to everyday life.
Your vet should always be the number one source for treating your dog’s hypothyroidism. When it comes to choosing the right food for your pooch, though, there’s a good chance you’ll be making that decision on your own. To help alleviate some of the stress that comes along with caring for your best friend, we’ve put together reviews of some of the best dog foods for hypothyroidism.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Hypothyroidism
Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food — Best Value
| Protein: | 26% |
| Calories: | 379/cup |
| Fat: | 16% |
| First ingredient: | Salmon |
With live cultures of probiotics for easy digestion, Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for hypothyroidism for the money. Dogs with hypothyroidism will benefit from the high protein content from real salmon.
The blend includes tender, shredded, protein-packed pieces, along with crunchy kibble, for an enticing flavor. The omega fatty acids, vitamin A, and linoleic acid in this recipe work to support skin and coat health. Skin will be nourished from the inside, helping dogs with dull or damaged coats.
This affordable, balanced nutritional food does have salmon as the primary protein source, but poultry by-products are added along with beef fat. If your dog has allergies to poultry or beef, this won’t be suitable for them. If this food isn’t stored in an airtight container, there is a chance that it could mold in the bag before your dog has a chance to finish it all.
Spot & Tango Turkey & Red Quinoa Dog Food — Best Overall
| Protein: | 13.69% |
| Calories: | Varies for each recipe |
| Fat: | 5.86% |
| First ingredient: | Turkey |
Dogs with hypothyroidism need wholesome food with nutritious ingredients. They should avoid any fillers or artificial additives because these can make their condition worse. Fresh ingredients can help support thyroid function, making Spot & Tango Turkey & Red Quinoa Dog Food the best overall dog food for hypothyroidism.
Spot & Tango is a dog food delivery service, bringing fresh, quality ingredients right to your doorstep, so having to go out and buy the right dog food is one thing that can be eliminated from your to-do list. The food is prepared with limited, fresh ingredients. There are different recipes to choose from, depending on your dog’s preferences. The turkey and red quinoa recipe is filled with spinach, carrots, apples, eggs, and a mix of vitamins and minerals to keep your dog energized and satisfied.
These recipes include lower fat contents than most commercial dog foods, and you can trust that your dog is eating high-quality ingredients. This fresh dog food looks like human-grade food and will give your dog the nutrition that they need. This food, combined with a veterinary-prescribed medication, can help keep your dog’s hypothyroidism manageable and controlled.
Wellness CORE Dry Dog Food — Premium Choice
| Protein: | 34% |
| Calories: | 414/cup |
| Fat: | 15% |
| First ingredient: | Whitefish |
A blend of ocean whitefish, herring, and salmon in Wellness CORE Dry Dog Food gives this food its high protein content and provides natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. Omega fatty acids and antioxidants support skin, coat, and immune health.
This is a high-quality food choice for any dog, but dogs with hypothyroidism will greatly benefit from the wholesome fruits and vegetables. Apples, blueberries, spinach, and broccoli give your dog natural vitamins and minerals without any fillers. No preservatives, soy, corn, or artificial colors are found in this recipe. The easily digestible carbohydrates support healthy weight management. This food is designed for lean body mass and whole-body health.
AvoDerm Turkey & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food
| Protein: | 8% |
| Calories: | 338/can |
| Fat: | 4.5% |
| First ingredient: | Turkey broth |
The grain-free recipe in AvoDerm Turkey & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food is suitable for both puppies and adult dogs. It’s filled with healthy levels of protein and fat. Antioxidants from cranberries and blueberries are added for immune health and support. Turkey broth, turkey, and turkey liver are the first ingredients for a healthy protein that encourages lean muscle mass.
Avocado is added, which is rich in omega fatty acids, for skin and coat health. You won’t find any corn, soy, or artificial colors in this formula. Whole foods and real protein sources promote gentle digestion. Dogs like the flavor, and some dog owners have reported that their dogs stopped itching after eating this food.
Some dogs experienced constipation with this food, however.
Halo Holistic Dry Puppy Food — Best for Puppies
| Protein: | 28% |
| Calories: | 421/cup |
| Fat: | 18% |
| First ingredient: | Chicken |
Halo Holistic Dry Puppy Food is a healthy choice for any puppy up to 1 year old. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that hypothyroidism is most common in dogs that are 4–10 years old. But if your puppy is experiencing an underactive thyroid, Halo food has the fruits, vegetables, and healthy protein that puppies need for balanced nutrition.
The ingredients are easily metabolized to work well with your vet’s suggested treatment plan. Healthy fats, antioxidants, and quality protein give your puppy energy while supporting their development and growth. Whole meat from cage-free chickens is the first ingredient. No artificial additives are included, so your puppy shouldn’t have trouble digesting this food.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Freeze-Dried Raw Dry Dog Food
| Protein: | 24% |
| Calories: | 447/cup |
| Fat: | 21.5% |
| First ingredient: | Lamb meal |
The simple but essential nutrition that Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Freeze-Dried Raw Dry Dog Food offers will benefit dogs with hypothyroidism by not overloading their digestive systems with unnecessary ingredients. There is only one animal protein and one vegetable in this recipe, also making it ideal for dogs with food allergies.
Grass-fed lamb is the protein source in this recipe, giving your dog the necessary amino acids while being gentle on digestion. This freeze-dried raw meat diet includes omegas for skin and coat health and antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
A freeze-dried raw-coated diet might not be what most dogs are used to, and some have refused to eat this food. When switching your dog’s food, always introduce new food slowly by mixing it in with their old food, both to get them used to it and to avoid digestive upset.
Whole Earth Farms Salmon & Whitefish Dry Dog Food
| Protein: | 27% |
| Calories: | 371/cup |
| Fat: | 14% |
| First ingredient: | Salmon meal |
The grain-free formula in Whole Earth Farms Salmon & Whitefish Dry Dog Food provides high-quality protein without fillers. This food was developed by veterinarians to give your dog everything that they need. Dogs with hypothyroidism will benefit from the salmon and whitefish protein, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids.
A Wholesome Harvest Blend of veggies, like sweet potatoes, carrots, and dried beet pulp, offer antioxidants and fiber, along with vitamins and minerals. These ingredients are easily digestible and provide the energy that your dog needs when their hypothyroidism is depleting it. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for joint health.
This food does contain chicken, so it won’t be a good option for dogs with poultry allergies. The kibble size is also reported to be too large for some dogs to eat.
Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food
| Protein: | 31% |
| Calories: | 382/cup |
| Fat: | 14% |
| First ingredient: | Trout |
Keeping an eye on your dog’s weight is even more important when they have hypothyroidism. Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food is filled with nutrients, so if your dog requires less food per day to keep their weight under control, you can be sure that the food that they do eat is nutritionally complete.
This grain-free recipe is made with trout and salmon as the main protein sources, which also add omega fatty acids, vitamin B12, and phosphorus to the mix. No potential allergens are included in the ingredients. It’s also poultry-free, making it an ideal choice for dogs that are allergic to chicken.
Some dogs appeared to have increased thirst after eating this food.
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Dry Dog Food
| Protein: | 25% |
| Calories: | 410/cup |
| Fat: | 15% |
| First ingredient: | Lamb |
Lamb, sweet potatoes, and peas combine in Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Dry Dog Food to give your dog the healthy energy sources that they need. As with many other foods recommended for dogs with hypothyroidism, this recipe includes real fruit and vegetable superfoods. Blueberries, raspberries, chicory root, and tomatoes provide vitamins and antioxidants for immune health.
Probiotics and prebiotics in this food help ease digestion. Working to maintain your dog’s weight with this food will keep them satisfied longer with real lamb as the first protein source. Omega fatty acids keep your dog’s coat healthy.
The kibble is large and meant for big dog breeds. Other kibble sizes are available from this brand, however. One issue that dog owners reported was the smell of the food, which is strong and unpleasant.
Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Dry Dog Food
| Protein: | 16.5% |
| Calories: | 225/cup |
| Fat: | 9.5% |
| First ingredient: | Whole grain wheat |
We suggest speaking to your vet about this food as an option for your dog with hypothyroidism. Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Dry Dog Food is only available for purchase with a prescription, but it may be the answer if your dog isn’t doing well on other brands.
This recipe helps dogs maintain normal blood glucose levels while promoting healthy digestion. The ingredients provide necessary nutrients to dogs that easily gain weight. Dogs have an easier time metabolizing fat and maintaining lean muscle with the addition of L-carnitine.
This recipe is high in fiber to leave dogs feeling full and not deprived. Another bonus is that this food promotes urinary health. Antioxidants are added for immune system health.
Some dogs just won’t eat this food because they don’t like the taste. It’s plainer than other brands, but the dogs that do eat it seem to do well on it.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Foods for Hypothyroidism
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Even after talking with your vet about your dog’s condition, you might still have some questions about hypothyroidism and how it impacts your dog’s day-to-day life.
Here are some common questions that every dog owner should know the answers to:
What causes hypothyroidism in dogs?
- Hypothyroidism occurs when your dog’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Like in humans, canine thyroid hormones play a major role in controlling metabolism. They also help maintain your dog’s body temperature and overall health.
- While the thyroid can shrink or become inflamed because of an autoimmune response, there are many potential causes of this condition. Lymphocytic thyroiditis and idiopathic atrophy are the most common disorders that trigger hypothyroidism.
Is your dog at risk of developing hypothyroidism?
Any dog can develop hypothyroidism during its lifetime, but some dogs are predisposed to the condition.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, hypothyroidism most often appears in dogs at 4 to 10 years old. The condition is also most common in medium, large, and giant breeds — few toy or small breed dogs develop the condition.
When determining your dog’s risk factor for developing hypothyroidism, one of the most important things to consider is their breed. The breeds most likely to develop hypothyroidism include:
- Golden Retriever
- Doberman Pinscher
- Irish Setter
Other breeds predisposed to hypothyroidism, though to a lesser extent, include:
- Cocker Spaniel
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Dachshund
- Airedale Terrier
While neutered and spayed dogs display a higher rate of hypothyroidism, the risk generally isn’t worth keeping your dog intact. If you’re worried about increasing your dog’s chance of developing this condition, schedule an appointment to talk to your vet.
What are the symptoms of canine hypothyroidism?
Your veterinarian is always the best resource if your dog displays signs of hypothyroidism. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Thinning coat
- Slow hair growth
- Lack of energy
- Skin infections
- Darkening skin
- Inability to stay warm
- Dry or dull skin and fur
This is not a complete list of hypothyroidism symptoms in canines. You should always schedule regular check-ups with your vet along with watching for these signs at home.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
- Your dog’s vet can test for hypothyroidism with a simple blood test. This test checks the levels of thyroid hormone in your dog’s blood and can easily determine if these numbers are too low.
- While testing for hypothyroidism in dogs is fairly simple, your veterinarian may order multiple tests to rule out other conditions.
How is hypothyroidism treated?
Similar to something like diabetes, hypothyroidism has no permanent cure. Instead, you and your vet must work together to manage your dog’s symptoms.
Along with diet and lifestyle changes, dogs with hypothyroidism are most commonly treated with synthetic hormone replacement. Hormone replacements are administered every day for the rest of the dog’s life, allowing them to regain their previous energy.
While we’ve highlighted some of the best dog food formulas to manage canine hypothyroidism, your veterinarian should always have the final say in your dog’s treatment. Diet alone isn’t enough to keep hypothyroidism symptoms at bay. Obtaining a proper diagnosis and management plan is the only way to ensure your dog stays healthy and happy for years to come.
If your dog has lived with hypothyroidism for years, then you probably know everything there is to know about the condition. Still, narrowing down the perfect dog food for your pup can be a challenge.
As with any medical issue, we always urge readers to consult their trusted vet before making any changes to their pup’s diet. Not only do they have the education and expertise to answer your most burning questions, but they have a better understanding of your dog’s overall health.
When shopping for a new food for your dog with hypothyroidism, there are a few factors you should always consider:
Wet vs. dry
- If you’re searching for a dog food that will help manage your dog’s hypothyroidism symptoms, one of your main concerns is probably preventing weight gain. Because hypothyroidism directly affects your dog’s metabolism, feeding them a healthy, well-balanced diet is more important than ever.
- The easiest way to prevent weight gain or encourage weight loss is to ensure your dog feels satisfied after eating a healthy portion. One way to do this is by feeding them food designed for increased satiety.
- However, if you currently feed your dog dry food, you should also consider feeding them wet food instead. Since wet dog food contains a significant amount of moisture, it is more filling while containing far fewer calories.
Protein content
- Whether you’re a dog or a human, protein is essential to maintaining a healthy, muscular body. For dogs with hypothyroidism, this nutrient is especially important.
- While your dog needs more than just protein to stay their healthiest, you should choose a food with plenty of protein in its formula. Feeding your dog a high level of protein will help them stay full, support a healthy weight, and maintain muscle tissue.
- Ensuring your dog gets adequate protein in their diet can help counteract some of hypothyroidism’s metabolic symptoms. If you have questions about your dog’s protein intake, your veterinarian will be able to help you determine the optimal amount for your dog’s needs.
Grain-inclusive vs. grain-free
- As you may or may not have already heard, grain-free dog food has recently come under intense scrutiny. Based on research conducted by the FDA and other organizations, there appears to be a link between feeding dogs a grain-free diet and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy.
- When dogs develop dilated cardiomyopathy, their heart loses the ability to effectively pump blood. Although this condition is well-documented in large dog breeds, the number of cases seems to be directly related to the popularity of grain-free diets.
- Currently, more research needs to be completed before we know the full story about grain-free diets and how they affect our beloved pets. For now, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian before switching your dog to an entirely grain-free diet.
Final Thoughts
Our best overall choice for food for dogs with hypothyroidism is Spot & Tango Turkey & Red Quinoa Dog Food. This is a dog food delivery service that makes nutritious, low-fat, healthy dog food that is shipped right to you. It’s freshly made with high-quality ingredients.
Our best value choice is Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food. It contains tender, meaty pieces to encourage your dog to eat. It also has live probiotics for easy digestion. We hope that these reviews have helped steer you in the right direction when it comes to choosing nutrition for dogs with hypothyroidism.
