Providing an appropriately formulated fresh, whole-food diet is key to supporting dogs with thyroid disease.
This means dogs feeding either a commercially prepared cooked diet or a commercial raw food diet.
Preparing your own cooked or raw diet is an option however, you must follow proven recipes to ensure your dog receives a balanced diet. Balanceit.com is one trusted resource for these recipes. Adding a base, such as Dr. Harveys, to a home-cooked meal, is another way to ensure your dog receives the vitamins and minerals he needs.
Whole foods believed to support thyroid function are those high in omega-3 fats such as:
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Sardines
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Salmon
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Eggs
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Anchovies
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Oysters, shrimp, seaweed, algae
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Vegetables such as spinach, summer squash, and red peppers.
Add 1 or 2 of these high Omega-3 foods on a rotating basis to your dog’s meals.
Other foods that support thyroid function include asparagus, green beans, beets, carrots, celery, cucumber, garlic, lettuce, and mushrooms. Lightly steaming and adding to any bowl can be helpful.
Dry, highly processed kibble is definitely not recommended for thyroid disease. Even if it is labeled as a “prescription diet”.
Many dry foods contain anywhere between 35-60% carbohydrate that can lead to gut inflammation and immune imbalance. Dog’s don’t have a high requirement for carbohydrates. Fresher and more bioavailable proteins are more efficient for TSH production and expression.
It’s important to note that at least 90% of hypothyroidism is due to an immune-mediated issue therefore avoid exposing your dog to things that could negatively impact his immune system such as toxic pesticides, over-vaccination and unnecessary medications.
Foods to Avoid:
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Highly processed dry kibble
- Treats that are high in sugar and carbohydrates.
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Soy– some research does suggest that consumption of soy may interfere with the ability to absorb thyroid medication.
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Limit intake of cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and bok choy, because research suggests digesting these vegetables may block the thyroid’s ability to utilize iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function. However, your dog would have to eat a very large amount of these in order for this to occur.