Best Dog Food for Hypothyroidism: Top Vet-Approved Recipes
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Having a dog with a health issue can be challenging—especially if that issue is hypothyroidism. It can be treated with medication, but it’s not always that simple to diagnose.
You might notice that your dog is listless and that he’s losing weight. There are other symptoms as well, but they’re harder to pick up on. Even with the medication, your dog needs extra nutritional support.
Because of that, I’ve hunted down the best dog food for hypothyroidism. I’ve also researched nine other options—in case your dog wants some choice.
As always, the food was taste tested by my expert panel of schnauzers – Pickle, Peanut, and Archie.
My Top Pick
Which product ended up being the best dog food for hypothyroidism? The Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula took the honors. It’s a high-quality food with four sources of protein.
It does contain some grain, but overall, I felt that the nutrient profile was the strongest out of all. It also gets the full Pickle seal of approval.
If you need a product that is highly nutritious and only full of good stuff, this is it. There is no wheat, soy, or corn. It has added probiotics from three different strains to aid digestibility. It also has four sources of animal protein.
Features
Contains turkey, chicken, lamb, and fish meal
Rich in antioxidants
Rich in essential fatty acids
Balanced nutrient profile
High-quality ingredients
What I Like About This Product
I do like that you’re getting such a full range of animal proteins. You’re covered for any amino acid that might be needed. I also like that the kibble has 4 percent fiber. It definitely didn’t cause as much gas as the previous product did.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
It’s got 24 percent protein, which is average. I did expect this total to be higher. I also can’t fathom why they decided to go with grain here. My dogs are okay with it, but it’s not ideal for those who are not.
Pros
24 percent protein
Four sources of protein
Omega-3 and antioxidants
Different strains of probiotics
High-quality
Nutrient-dense
Cons
Contains grain
Should have more protein
Overall, despite the grain profile, this came out our top choice. The protein levels could be higher, but I can live with it as it is. The fact that there are a few different sources of protein is what put this over the top. The taste panel thought it was moreish.
Overall Rating
4 ½ out of 5 wags If you’re looking for complete nutrition for your dog, your search is over.
This recipe features protein-rich salmon, which is also a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
It is grain-free, made with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and completely free of corn, soy, and wheat products as well as artificial additives. Plus, it contains probiotics for healthy digestion. If your dog has a little bit of a sweet tooth, this should suit them well.
Features
Grain-free
No corn, soy, or wheat
Carrots, kelp, blueberries, and sweet potato for added nutrients
High in protein and essential fatty acids
Contains DHA to help with good brain development and eyesight
Chickpeas added to provide fiber and long-lasting energy
What I Like About This Product
It’s affordably priced. It contains none of the major allergens like wheat, soy, corn, or other grains.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
I prefer bigger kibble. I don’t think Pickle even tasted it. She gulped it down fast and then tried to steal her brother’s food.
Pros
Rich in essential fatty acids
32 percent protein
Contains probiotics
None of the major allergens
Nutrient dense
Cons
Contains eggs
Overall, this is a solid product that is reasonably priced. It has a nice mix of nutrients and is easy to digest. My taste testers loved it.
This is a limited ingredient formulation. Your dog only gets what he needs without added sugar or other artificial flavorings.
Features
Main ingredients are trout and salmon
Grain-free
No chicken, wheat, dairy, soy, or corn
Chickpeas provide extra fiber and slow release energy
Nutrient-dense
What I Like About This Product
I think that all dog food needs to be simplified. This product follows a reasonably simple formulation. It’s a good bet for doggies that are sensitive to common allergens. The protein is a high-quality source.
It’s got no nasty chemicals in it and is short on fillers.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
It’s a minor niggle, but I thought they’d have added some probiotics to the formulation. Also, be prepared for some sticker shock with this one.
Pros
30 percent protein
High-quality protein from fish
None of the major allergens
Grain-free
A simplified formulation
Nutrient dense
Cons
No probiotics
Pricey
It’s a good brand, and you’re getting quality ingredients. Unfortunately, the price makes it difficult to afford for cash-strapped consumers. The taste testers loved it, but I’ll keep looking for a more affordable option.
Overall Rating
4 out of 5 wags For when your pampered pooch deserves only the best.
This food was designed to support dogs throughout their life stages. It'll work well for pups from a year old. It provides excellent support for older dogs with hypothyroidism as well.
Features
No grains at all
Real fish is the primary source of protein
Vitamin-enriched
Contains prebiotics and probiotics
Rich in essential fatty acids
Made in the US
What I Like About This Product
This is a high-protein, nutrient-dense product. It’s 33 percent protein, of which three quarters is derived from fish. The minerals have been included in a more bioavailable form. The formula is easy to digest and contains no grains.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
The fat used comes from canola oil. It’s not the worst seed oil, to be sure, but I’d prefer to see an animal fat instead.
Pros
33 percent protein
Nutrient-dense
Contains prebiotics and probiotics
Sweet potato provides slow release carbs and fiber
Nutritionally balanced
Cons
Fat is provided by canola oil
Overall, there’s a lot more to like than not here. It’s a good product that offers excellent nutrition. It’ll help keep your dog’s coat gleaming and give him tons of energy.
Be sure to buy a smaller bag to start with. Pickle and Archie had no problems in performing their taste tester duties. Peanut, however, was a little more reluctant.
Overall Rating
4 out of 5 wags For the pooch that works hard and plays harder
It doesn’t take long to establish why this is called Coastal Catch. It contains salmon, whitefish, and herring meal. It is rich in both proteins and essential fatty acids. Apples, spinach, and blueberries are some of the items used to round out the nutrient profile.
There are no grains or gluten in the formula. The fiber from the fruit and veggies provides an excellent source of prebiotics, though.
Features
Contains high levels of L-carnitine to help torch fat and increase muscle mass.
It contains a good balance of both Omega-3 and -6
No grain or gluten
High levels of antioxidants
Provides an immune system boost
Easy to digest
What I Like About This Product
I like that there are three separate sources of fish being used. This gives a better range of nutrients. It’s a high-protein product and also contains a decent amount of fiber.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
I don’t like that the fat content has been boosted by canola oil. Though, with the high proportion of essential fatty acids, this should be okay.
Pros
High in protein
Lots of fiber
Several slow-release carbs included
Excellent range of nutrients
Easy on the digestion
Cons
Contains canola oil as the primary fat source
Has pea protein as well
This is a well-designed formulation that your dogs should love. Picky Peanut tucked in happily. It’s also a good source of lean protein.
Overall Rating
4 ½ out of 5 wags Provide your dog with an optimal protein source
Hypothyroidism can also affect your dog’s coat. If that is the case for you, this product is worth considering. It is a grain-free formula that derives its protein from salmon caught in the wild.
Features
No grain, wheat, corn, or fillers
No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colorants
Contains high-quality protein in the form of salmon
Suitable for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities
Rich in Omega-3
Nutrient-dense
Easy to digest
Balanced nutrient profile thanks to veggies added
Contains probiotics
Made in the US
What I Like About This Product
This packs a big punch nutrient-wise. Archie isn’t the most energetic dog – he’s an old man after all – but he seemed friskier after eating this.
The fact that it has none of the common allergens is a big plus. I’d say that the Omega-3 content is ideal if your dog’s coat needs a lift.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
I realize that saturated fat might not be the best option for dogs. That said, I don’t think that dogs would eat canola oil in nature. If they could switch that out for natural animal fat, this might be perfect.
Pros
High protein
Lots of Omega-3
High-quality ingredients
Dogs seem to like the flavor
Cons
Fat comes from canola oil
All in all, this went down a treat with my three pooches. It’s an excellent product that has a lot going for it.
Overall Rating
4 ½ out of 5 The perfect food for your perfect pet
This is another limited ingredient formulation aimed at providing your dog with all the nutrients that he needs. It contains no major allergens. The protein is sourced from salmon.
Features
High-quality protein from salmon
Limited ingredient formula
No wheat, gluten, or grains
Contains essential fatty acids
Provides prebiotics and probiotics
What I Like About This Product
I do like that the food is rich in high-quality protein. I also like that there is a limited range of ingredients. This is a well-rounded product overall.
It contains flaxseed to boost fatty acid content further. I feel that this is a waste of time, as flaxseed is not a very bioavailable source. Still, I'd rather have flaxseed than grains, so there's that.
Pros
25 percent protein sourced from salmon
High-quality
Rich in essential fatty acids
A range of probiotics
Nutritionally balanced
Limited range of ingredients
Cons
I don’t see the point of adding flaxseed
This food does offer a lot of good nutrition. It also provides more than one strain of probiotics, which is unusual.
This formulation is aimed at dogs with more sensitive digestive tracts. There is no grain in it. There are also no artificial ingredients or fillers. The protein is sourced from whitefish.
Features
Real whitefish tops the list of ingredients
No poultry or poultry by-products
No meat by-products
Contain fish meal
Broccoli, kale, and spinach provide a nutrient boost
Salmon oil ups the essential fatty acid content
Contains probiotics
Enriched with vitamins and minerals
No corn, soy, or wheat
No artificial colorants or flavorings
Made in the US
What I Like About This Product
It's got everything that your pup could need to stay healthy. It's easy on the digestion and contains none of the common allergens.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
The fiber content is a little higher than average. This might cause some flatulence initially. That will pass once the dogs are used to the food.
Pros
None of the usual suspects – wheat, soy, or grain
High-quality protein
No artificial ingredients
High nutrient value
Contains low-carb veggies
Cons
Might cause flatulence at first
Overall this is a good brand, providing superior quality nutrition. Just be forewarned – the fiber content is higher than average. My pooches loved it. Unfortunately, it did cause gas. I’m sure this will calm down over time, but it’s not a rosy situation in the beginning.
Overall Rating
4 out of 5 For the dog that wants more out of life
Feeding your dog the best food is challenging to do when you're on a tight budget. That's where this food scores some real points. It's highly affordable and packed with high-quality nutrition. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it has enough of them.
Features
Real turkey meat is the top ingredient
The nutrient profile is rounded out with lentils and salmon oil
High in essential fatty acids
No corn, wheat, or grain
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Made in the US
What I Like About This Product
This product ticks all the right boxes while still being affordable. It’s also got a lot of high-quality protein. You can also buy a trial-sized bag to make sure your pooch does take to it. The fat is derived from chicken skin.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
There is pea protein in it. I guess it’s better than a lot of other fillers, though. The fat content is quite high if you have a podgy pooch.
Pros
35 percent protein
Decent fiber content
High-quality ingredients
Affordable
Uses real turkey as the top ingredient
Cons
Has pea protein in it
Overall, this is a good option for anyone. The price is certainly a lot more affordable than with other products. The company hasn’t cut corners on quality protein. What they’ve done instead is to simplify the formulation.
Overall Rating
4 out of 5 wags For the best nutrition that won't break the bank rely on Wags
Puppies can also have thyroid issues. This grain-free formulation is aimed at giving your puppy all the nutrients it needs.
Features
High protein
Chicken as the first ingredient
Also contains salmon for essential fatty acids
Contains pumpkin to aid digestion
Also contains kelp, blueberries, and other superfoods
Naturally high in nutrients
No corn, soy, wheat, grain, carrageenan, or gluten
No artificial preservatives
Made in the US
What I Like About This Product
It’s got an impressive nutrient profile. I also like that there is no grain, wheat, soy, or corn. The pumpkin is good for soothing digestive issues.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
You’re getting great nutrition but be prepared to dig deep into your wallet. It’s pricey.
Pros
High protein
Protein sourced from chicken and salmon
Decent fiber content
Easy to digest
Nutrient-dense
Cons
It’s expensive
If you want the best for your pup, this is a great product. If you consider the overall nutrient profile, it’s got everything an active puppy needs.
Overall Rating
4 ½ out of 5 wags Give your pup the best possible start in life
About Hypothyroidism in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, he’s going to be on meds for the rest of his life. That’s important – leaving the condition untreated leads to complications down the line.
While food by itself won’t cure this illness, it can make your dog healthier overall. Feeding your dog a healthy diet will allow him to have a longer and happier life.
One theory about the cause of this condition in dogs is that they eat cattle by-products that contain glands or gullets. It’s believed that the hormones found in the glands disrupt the normal functions in your dog’s body.
That’s why you should avoid foods containing beef by-products.
Another issue not directly to the thyroid is the presence of low-quality, highly processed carbs. These have a negative effect on your dog’s blood sugar control. This, in turn, upsets insulin levels in the body. That can have a negative impact in general.
Also, steer clear of foods with artificial flavors and colors as far as possible. If there’s a mile-long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce, put it back.
Be careful of foods that contain a lot of plant proteins as well.
Look Out For
It’s a good idea to look for a reputable brand that contains fewer ingredients. That said, your dog does need a food that is nutrient-dense to combat the fatigue and weight loss that hypothyroidism can cause.
Do look for foods enriched with the following:
Antioxidants
Vitamin B12
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Essential fatty acids
Probiotics
These ingredients will help to boost his overall health and maintain his energy levels.
Aim for Top-Quality Ingredients
With some of the cheaper brands on the market, your dog would be better off eating grass. It’s not enough to make sure that the food is high in protein. You also need to know where that protein has been sourced from.
Meat protein is best. Make sure that meat is the top ingredient on the list. Ideally, the food should be real meat and not just by-products.
Some fruit and vegetables included in the formulation help to increase the nutrient and fiber values.
Animal Protein not Plant Protein
Animal protein is something that your dog can digest easily. Unlike plant proteins, it also has all the amino acids your dog need.
Look out for ingredients like meat, fish, and poultry. If your dog tends to pack on the pounds, then look for lean proteins like turkey and chicken. Fish can provide useful fatty acids.
Preferably Grain-Free
Grain is often used as a bulking agent. Not all dogs can process it, though. If your dog is one of these, look for a grain-free formula. If your dog can eat grain, you can look into foods that use non-GMO grain.
Easy to Digest
Foods that contain prebiotics or probiotics help to keep the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut healthy. This, in turn, makes it easier for him to get all the nutrients that he needs from his food.
Get Rid of Artificial Additives
Artificial colorants, preservatives, and flavorings can wreak havoc with your dog’s system. I’d steer clear of them as far as possible.
Watch the Treats
It’s distressing when your dog is listless all of the time. You might want to cheer him up using his favorite treat. There’s nothing inherently wrong in wanting to give him a boost. Just be sure that the treats are as healthy as the food you feed him.
What I often do is to go and buy a big packet of chicken hearts and feet. I freeze them for three weeks to ensure there are no parasites. I separate them into three portions a pack. I just take a packet out in the morning and let it thaw.
The dogs love these “treats,” and they’re good for them.
Get your Dog Ready
Usually this means that you'll have to switch up the foods your dog is eating. This can be problematic if your dog doesn't take to it straight away. Fortunately, my schnauzers have never had thyroid issues.
There have been times when I’ve tried to switch foods on them. Pickle eats just about anything, so that’s no problem. Peanut and Archie can be quite stubborn. They just won’t eat the food. They always win out, because I cave when they haven’t eaten in a day or two.
To make the switchover easier, mix together some old and new food. Start with a quarter of the new. As they get used to this, increase the proportion of the new food until it’s switched completely.
Don’t Forget the Exercise
As you’re feeding your dog more nutrient-dense food, you can’t let him lie around all day. Make sure to schedule a walk or play session every day. Exercise will help him feel healthier and help to burn off any excess calories he might be eating.
Final Thoughts
It was difficult to come up with a favorite here. All the products that I checked out did well. They’re all nutritionally sound and, according to my dogs, tasty. (I love my readers, but I’m not about to start tasting the dog food.)
To choose just one to take top honors was tough. I eventually settled on the Canidae food because it offered the most balanced profile and price. In the end, I decided to mark the Wags as the best value for money options.
Which one is best for your dog? Now you have a better idea of which each recipe contains and you should be able to pick the best one more easily too.
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