Best Dog Food For Hypothyroidism

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More

Feeding your dog too many treats can cause it to gain an unhealthy amount of weight. If your dog is gaining weight but you aren’t overfeeding, there could be something else going on under the surface—something like hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid gland.

Keep reading to learn more about your dog’s basic nutritional needs and to receive some tips for picking the best dog food to meet those needs. You’ll also receive our top 5 picks for the best dog food for hypothyroidism.

Compare Best Dog Food For Hypothyroidism

OVERALL BEST 1. Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula View on Prf Read Review	BEST AFFORDABLE 2. Wag Real Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food View on Amazon Read Review	BEST FOR PUPPIES 3. Solid Gold Love at First Bark Grain-Free Puppy Food View on Chewy Read Review	BEST FOR SENIORS 4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Recipe View on Prf Read Review	BEST FOR ALLERGIES 5. Nature’s Variety Instinct LID Grain-Free Lamb Recipe View on Chewy Read Review
Protein 24% Min	Protein 35% Min	Protein 28% Min	Protein 18% Min	Protein 24% Min
Fat 14.5% Min	Fat 17.5% Min	Fat 16% Min	Fat 10% Min	Fat 21.5% Min
Fiber 4% Max	Fiber 4.5 Max	Fiber 5% Max	Fiber 7% Max	Fiber 3.5% Max
Calories 468 kcal/cup	Calories 346 kcal ME/cup	Calories 450 kcal/cup	Calories 357 kcal/cup	Calories 3,930 kcal/kg, 447 kcal/cup

Understanding Hypothyroidism In Dogs

The thyroid gland is a small gland in your dog’s neck that plays a role in regulating essential functions like heart rate, metabolism, and digestive function.

When the thyroid gland stops working as well as it should, your dog won’t get enough thyroid hormone and these functions may start to suffer.

Hypothyroidism produces symptoms such as hair loss, weight gain, sluggishness, slow heart rate, ear infections, and a reduced tolerance to cold.

Here are some things to look for in a dog food for hypothyroidism:

• Quality Ingredients. A wholesome, natural recipe made from quality ingredients is a must for all dogs but it is particularly important for dogs with health problems like hypothyroidism.
• Rich in protein. Premium animal proteins give your dog the support it needs to maintain lean muscle mass and a healthy body weight, which is a big concern for many dogs with hypothyroidism.
• Fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide biologically valuable sources of vitamins and minerals your dog needs to be healthy.
• Beneficial Supplements. Glandular supplements are often included in the treatment of hypothyroidism. You’re unlikely to see them in dog food, but you can add them to your dog’s food yourself.

Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best dog food for hypothyroidism. Here’s what you need to know:

The Top 5 Best Dog Foods For Hypothyroidism

If your dog has hypothyroidism, it will require daily medications to manage the condition, but changing your dog’s diet could help with the management of the condition. Look for dog food made from wholesome natural ingredients, including premium animal proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates like whole grains and veggies.

Here are our top 5 picks for the best dog food for hypothyroidism that you should consider:

OVERALL BEST

1.

Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

View on Petsmart

Product Info

• Protein: 24% Min
• Fat: 14.5% Min
• Fiber: 4% Max
• Calories: 468 kcal/cup

Pros

• Made from wholesome natural ingredients
• Several high-quality sources of animal protein
• Fresh fruits and vegetables

Cons

• Not a grain-free recipe, some dogs may be sensitive

If you’re looking for a nutritious diet to meet your dog’s needs and to support his whole-body health, consider this Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula. This recipe features premium natural ingredients with no corn, wheat, or soy ingredients and it is highly digestible as well.

It contains several high-quality animal proteins including chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb with whole-grain carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables. It also contains probiotics for healthy digestion.

BEST AFFORDABLE

2.

Wag Real Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 35% Min
• Fat: 17.5% Min
• Fiber: 4.5 Max
• Calories: 346 kcal ME/cup

Pros

• Affordable but still high in quality
• Real turkey as the first ingredient
• Chelated minerals and probiotics

Cons

• Contains some plant protein (pea protein)

If you have a limited budget to work with but still want to provide your dog with high-quality nutrition, try this Wag Real Turkey Recipe Dry Food. Made with real turkey as the number-1 ingredient, this recipe is packed with lean protein to support lean muscle mass and healthy body weight.

This formula contains nutrient-rich chicken fat for energy as well as skin and coat support, plus it is supplemented with dried fermentation products for healthy digestion. It also contains chelated minerals.

BEST FOR PUPPIES

3.

Solid Gold Love at First Bark Grain-Free Puppy Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 28% Min
• Fat: 16% Min
• Fiber: 5% Max
• Calories: 450 kcal/cup

Pros

• Holistic recipe made with premium natural ingredients
• Rich in protein to support growth and development
• Supplemented with 20 superfoods

Cons

• Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
• Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet

If you want to get your puppy started on the right foot, try this Solid Gold Love at First Bark Grain-Free Puppy Food. This recipe features all-natural ingredients in a holistic recipe designed for maximum nutrition and digestibility.

It contains protein-rich ocean fish meal to help your puppy grow strong muscles with plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

It is supplemented with 20 superfoods like broccoli, blueberries, and pumpkin to provide natural sources for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in support of complete and balanced nutrition.

BEST FOR SENIORS

4.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Recipe

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 18% Min
• Fat: 10% Min
• Fiber: 7% Max
• Calories: 357 kcal/cup

Pros

• Specifically designed for senior dogs with moderate protein and low fat
• Made from wholesome natural ingredients
• Digestible whole-grain carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal

Cons

• Could be higher in protein for some dogs
• Main source of fat is plant-based (flaxseed)

As your dog gets older, he may slow down a bit but his needs for high-quality nutrition aren’t going to change. If you want to keep your senior dog strong and healthy, try this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Recipe.

This recipe features lean protein from deboned chicken which is also a source of L-carnitine for strong muscles. It contains digestible carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal with supplemental fiber and probiotics for healthy and regular digestion.

Overall, it provides 18% protein and 10% fat which is an ideal ratio for a senior dog.

BEST FOR ALLERGIES

5.

Nature’s Variety Instinct LID Grain-Free Lamb Recipe

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 24% Min
• Fat: 21.5% Min
• Fiber: 3.5% Max
• Calories: 3,930 kcal/kg, 447 kcal/cup

Pros

• Limited number of wholesome natural ingredients
• Real lamb as a single source of novel protein
• Highly digestible formula with grain-free carbohydrates

Cons

• Contains plant protein as the third ingredient (pea protein)
• Main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)

If your dog has food allergies, you need a limited ingredient diet like this Nature’s Variety Instinct LID Grain-Free Lamb Recipe. This recipe features a low number of main ingredients to reduce the risk of triggering food allergies and sensitivities.

It features real lamb as the main ingredient with digestible grain-free carbohydrates. It contains no corn, wheat, or soy ingredients and is free from many other allergens including dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, and potatoes. All in all, it is a high-quality source of nutrition that any dog will love, regardless of food allergies.

How Do You Choose the Best Dog Food for Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is not a condition that can be cured through diet but feeding your dog high-quality dog food will support his overall health and help him better manage his condition.

In terms of its basic requirements, your dog needs at least 18% protein and 5% fat in its diet. Dogs do not have specific needs for carbohydrates, but digestible sources can provide supplemental energy as well as fiber and essential nutrients. Whole grains, vegetables, beans, and legumes are all digestible sources of carbohydrate for most dogs.

In addition to these three macronutrients, your dog needs certain micronutrients as well: vitamins and minerals.

These are best from natural sources like fruits and vegetables, but synthetic supplements can help ensure nutritional balance.

Chelated minerals are bound to protein molecules, which makes them easier for your dog’s body to digest and absorb.

Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best dog food for hypothyroidism.

How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?

The amount you feed your dog varies depending on its age, weight, and activity level.

For the most part, adult dogs need two meals a day, though small breeds and highly active dogs might need three meals. Your dog’s needs for calories are highest when it is a puppy and lowest when it is a senior.

Because your dog’s needs will keep changing, it is best to refer to the feeding recommendations on the package. Check back every 6 months or when your dog gains or loses weight to see if any adjustments are needed.

What About Food Allergies And Sensitivities?

Food allergies and sensitivities are more common in dogs than you might realize. Common food allergens include things like corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, beef, and pork.

If your dog has recurrent ear infections or skin problems, it could be a sign of an allergy, so you should talk to your veterinarian. If he confirms the diagnosis, you’ll want to switch your dog to a limited ingredient diet made with a novel source of protein to reduce the risk for triggering your dog’s allergies.

Final Remarks

If your dog has hypothyroidism, it will likely be taking medication to manage the condition for the rest of its life.

Though hypothyroidism is not a dietary disease, feeding your dog high-quality dog food will support his health as a whole and help manage the condition.

Look for a recipe made from wholesome natural ingredients, including premium animal proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates like whole grains and veggies. If you’re not sure where to start, try one of our top 5 picks reviewed above!