What to Feed a Dog With Hyperthyroidism: How a Healthy Diet Can Help
Key takeaways:
Dogs with hyperthyroidism should be fed high-protein foods with balanced levels of fat, phosphorus, and sodium.
Depending on the cause of the disease, a veterinarian may prescribe low-iron dog food and medications to lessen symptoms.
Raw-food diets and grain-free diets can exacerbate hyperthyroidism. They are not recommended for dogs with this diagnosis.
Table of contents
Hyperthyroidism in dogs is caused by excess production of two thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Symptoms can include hyperactivity, vomiting, and weight loss despite a big appetite. It’s a rare condition in dogs, but it can happen.
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism in dogs is cancer of the thyroid gland. Some foods have been linked to hyperthyroidism as well. This diagnosis may sound scary, but hyperthyroidism in dogs is often treatable. Managing symptoms at home starts with a healthy diet.
What to feed a dog with hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland requires iron to produce hormones. To manage hyperthyroidism, veterinarians may prescribe dog foods that are low in iron. You will also want high-protein foods with balanced levels of fat, phosphorus, and sodium.
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For dogs with thyroid cancer, following dietary guidelines for dogs with cancer is a good strategy. Adjusting your dog’s diet to one suited for older dogs is another good way to manage hyperthyroidism. The average age that thyroid tumors appear in dogs is 9.
Other feeding tips for a dog with hyperthyroidism include:
Ensure your dog is well hydrated.
Feed treats that are less than 10 calories each and that reflect the nutrient balance of your dog’s meals.
Divide your dog’s daily food portion into 2 to 4 small meals.
Check in with your vet every 6 months. They can identify changes in your dog’s health, which may require a nutritional change.
What should you avoid feeding a dog with hyperthyroidism?
Raw foods are not recommended for dogs with thyroid issues. They may contain thyroid gland tissue. Studies suggest a link between raw diets and hyperthyroidism in dogs. Veterinary trade organizations discourage raw-food diets. This is because they raise the risk of foodborne illness, both in dogs and in people who handle the food.
Also steer clear of grain-free diets, which lack essential nutrients. Grains such as corn, soy, and wheat contain iron, thiamine, calcium, and other nutrients that keep dogs healthy. Grain-free diets have also been linked to digestive issues and heart disease in dogs.
How else do you treat hyperthyroidism in dogs?
When cancer of the thyroid gland causes hyperthyroidism, there are several potential treatments. These include:
Surgery to remove tumors
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Veterinarians can also prescribe antithyroid medications to control symptoms, including:
Methimazole
Carbimazole
Propylthiouracil
In some cases, dogs can develop hyperthyroidism if they get too much hypothyroidism treatment. Hypothyroidism is common in dogs. It happens when your dog’s thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones. If this is the case for your dog, adjusting their hypothyroidism treatment can help manage hyperthyroidism.
The bottom line
If your dog has hyperthyroidism, feed them a healthy, balanced diet. This will help manage the condition and give your pup a high quality of life. High-protein foods with balanced levels of fat, phosphorus, and sodium are ideal, along with plenty of water. Depending on the cause of your dog’s hyperthyroidism, your veterinarian might prescribe food and medications to help manage symptoms.
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References
Abood, S. K., et al. (n.d.). Feeding senior dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals.
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Raw diets for dogs and cats.
Brooks, W. (2023). Malignant thyroid tumors in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Heseltine, J. (2024). Hyperthyroidism in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Köhler, B., et al. (2012). Dietary hyperthyroidism in dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
Jegatheeson, S., et al. (2022). Response of canine thyroid carcinomas to radioiodine. Veterinary and Comparative Oncology.
Maharaj, N. (2024). Hyperthyroidism in dogs: Symptoms, causes, and treatments. American Kennel Club.
Merck Veterinary Manual. (2020). Caring for a pet with cancer. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Rancilio, N. (2024). Radiation therapy in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Texas A&M University Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. (2022). Thyroid conditions part 2: Hyperthyroidism.
