8 Best Cat Foods For Hyperthyroidism
- July 13, 2023
- By Dr. Freddie Young
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects both humans and animals alike. Unfortunately, this ailment is quite common in cats and can have a negative impact on their quality of life.
This disease primarily affects middle-aged and older cats, presenting a wide range of unpleasant symptoms such as weight loss and vomiting.
In recent years, studies have shown that a cat's diet can either improve or worsen hyperthyroidism. It is essential to provide your cat with a diet that has extremely low iodine levels to help normalize thyroid T4 levels. This isn't the only thing you can do, but it is an additional option for managing the disease.
If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it is best to switch them to hyperthyroid cat food right away. To make the transition easier, BestForPets has reviewed the best cat foods for hyperthyroidism so that you can make an informed and effective decision.
Deborah R. Fletcher (DVM)
VeterinarianThe information provided is current and up-to-date, in line with the latest research conducted in the field of veterinary medicine.
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1. Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free is a grain-free, wet canned pâté that provides essential nutrients for your cat.
It contains high-quality chicken protein, as well as carrots, flaxseed, and cranberries, which provide antioxidants and urinary health to boost your cat’s immunity. These ingredients also support healthy skin and fur by supplying omega fatty acids.
Although primarily designed for overall health, this food is also an excellent option for cats with hyperthyroidism due to its low iodine content. It eliminates iodine-rich foods such as eggs, dairy, and crustaceans.
This thyroid supplement is free of cereals such as maize, wheat, soy, and other grains, and it is designed to support your cat’s urinary and digestive health. This, in turn, can help alleviate certain symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
The product is manufactured in the United States using components sourced from abroad, and its texture is appealing to most cats.
This canned cat food is rich in protein and nutrients, with genuine chicken protein as the first ingredient to meet your cat’s daily nutritional requirements. The pâté is completely smooth, making it difficult for your cat to resist.
Additionally, wet food is an easy way to increase your cat’s daily water consumption and promote optimal hydration health. We recommend serving the cat food at room temperature and refrigerating any unused portions.
This cat food is free from carrageenan, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives. Wellness cat food is formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your pet’s health.
Overall, we believe this is the best hyperthyroid cat food option available.
Made in America
Grain-free
Low iodine levels, but strong antioxidant levels
Ingredients from other countries
2. Solid Gold Indigo Moon Dry Cat Food
This cat food from Solid Gold is available in 3-pound, 6-pound, and 12-pound bags, providing a convenient option for those who want to try it out or commit to it for a longer period of time.
The food is completely grain- and gluten-free, making it healthier for the average cat and easier to digest for cats with hyperthyroidism.
With 42% protein, this food has a relatively high protein content, which is ideal for cats needing to rebuild their muscles after or during weight loss and muscle mass loss associated with an overactive thyroid.
However, this food may not be the best option for cats with kidney failure. It contains chicken and eggs as protein sources, with eggs having slightly higher iodine levels. But, the amount of iodine in this diet is limited.
The food is specifically designed to promote digestive health in cats by containing prebiotic and probiotic supplements.
Although it contains seafood and eggs, which can lead to higher iodine levels, it is still a healthy meal and is considered the best cat food for hyperthyroidism for the money.
Solid Gold Indigo Moon is a gluten- and grain-free dry kibble that supports gut, immune, and coat health for cats. With 42% crude protein, it is one of the highest protein recipes on the market, making it ideal for active cats.
Made with natural chicken for lean protein, while the whole egg provides essential amino acids to support healthy metabolism. This high-protein cat food features prebiotics and patented live probiotics that support digestion, gut flora, and immune system in cats.
It is packed with vitamins, superfoods, antioxidants, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (DHA) that can support coat health and immunity for feline pets of all ages and sizes.
Budget-friendly
Protein-rich diet for cats recovering from hyperthyroidism
Probiotics promote intestinal health.
Contains more iodine than is recommended.
3. Prescription Diet by Hill’s Premium Choice Thyroid Care Dry Cat Food
Hill's Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Dry Cat Food is a specially formulated diet designed to manage your cat’s thyroid health.
This prescription food is highly effective in restoring thyroid health in cats, with clinical trials demonstrating a noticeable improvement in as little as three weeks when it is the sole source of nutrition.
This dry food is only available with a veterinarian’s recommendation and is quite pricey per container, making it suitable for cats with thyroid issues only. It is available in 4- and 8.5-pound containers.
The food’s low phosphorus and sodium levels are beneficial to the kidney health of cats. Additionally, it is rich in taurine and L-carnitine, which promote heart health and a healthy body condition.
Clinically proven antioxidants in the cat food serve to strengthen the feline immune system.
It is important to note that the diet contains maize gluten meal and soybean mill run, which may be questionable components for some pet owners.
However, Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Dry Cat Food is an effective prescription diet that can help improve your cat’s thyroid health, but it should only be fed with your veterinarian’s guidance and approval.
Thyroid health has been clinically confirmed to be restored.
Encourages kidney and urinary tract health.
Reduces the T4 hrmone
Expensive
Some contentious elements
4. Prescription Diet by Hill’s Thyroid Support Cat Food
Hill's Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Canned Cat Food with Chicken comes in a case of 24, providing ample supply to help manage your cat’s thyroid problem. Each 5.5-ounce can of this nutritionally balanced food is designed to manage your cat’s thyroid health.
The pâté-like texture of this canned food makes it appealing to even the pickiest cats. Moreover, it helps to keep your cat hydrated, even during more difficult hyperthyroidism symptoms.
When used as the sole source of nutrition, Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Canned Cat Food with Chicken has been clinically proven to restore thyroid health in as little as three weeks. Additionally, it promotes renal health by maintaining modest levels of phosphorus and sodium.
Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Canned Cat Food with Chicken is high in taurine and L-carnitine, which promote heart health and a healthy body condition.
Additionally, the food contains clinically proven antioxidants that support a healthy immune system. The diet also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat. This can help keep your cat looking good as they begin to feel better.
It is important to note that Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Canned Cat Food with Chicken is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to manage your cat’s thyroid health.
When fed as the sole source of nutrition, it has been shown to enhance thyroid health within three weeks.
Overall, Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Canned Cat Food with Chicken is an effective prescription diet that can aid in the management of your cat’s thyroid health. However, it should only be used under a veterinarian’s supervision and approval.
Helps to maintain thyroid and renal function.
Omega fatty acids are included.
With taurine and carnitine, it promotes heart health.
Expensive
5. Canned Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Cat & Kitten Food
Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Wet Pate Canned Cat Food is specially formulated to keep him or her healthy, even if your cat has a thyroid condition.
This grain-free, corn-free, soy-free, and gluten-free diet is ideal for cats with diagnosed grain allergies and sensitivities. It is available in cases of 24 and 12, with weights of 5.5 and 12.5 ounces, respectively.
The first component of the Nulo Freestyle Turkey and Chicken dish is actual turkey, followed by chicken and turkey liver. This recipe contains five sources of animal protein to promote healthier skin, coat, and energy levels in your cat.
The nutritionally balanced combination of proteins, animal lipids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will strengthen his or her immune system and keep him or her energized for longer.
The texture and broth base are also appealing to a wide variety of cats, and the pate recipe’s savory flavor and protein will satisfy his or her appetite throughout the day.
It is important to note that this diet contains tuna, which marginally increases iodine levels. Although it is not significant for a cat that is recuperating, it may not be the best option for cats with severe thyroid problems.
As long as your cat does not have kidney failure, this diet’s protein content of at least 11% will benefit him or her. This option is less expensive than Hill’s Prescription Diet, but it is not as well-suited for cats with thyroid disorders.
Nulo Pet Foods is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and it does not contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
The first components are chicken and turkey.
A broth base keeps your cat hydrated.
High protein content
It contains tuna.
6. Stella & Chewy Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Dinner Morsels
Stella Solutions Ultimate Skin & Coat Support is an all-natural, freeze-dried raw recipe that offers a convenient way to enhance your dog’s diet with the power, nutrition, and taste of raw food.
This recipe is made with wild-caught salmon and grass-fed lamb to support your pup’s skin and coat health, reduce swelling and inflammation, relieve itching, and provide healthy fats.
The recipe contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps prevent skin damage by free radicals. Natural sources of bromelain, such as pineapple and pineapple stems, help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Biotin improves keratin structure, which helps relieve itching, strengthen nails, and prevent a thinning coat. The recipe also includes ingredients such as omega-3s, omega-6s, and linoleic acid from coconut flour to provide a shiny and healthy coat.
Stella Solutions Ultimate Skin & Coat Support is a whole prey recipe that imitates your pet’s ancestral diet to support healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, vibrant skin and coat, and overall stamina and vitality.
The recipe is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for whole body health. It also includes fiber for digestive support and taurine for heart health.
Stella Solutions is devoted to providing high-quality, nutritious pet food. Their freeze-dried raw recipes are made with whole, premium ingredients and do not contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Moreover, their U.S.-based customer care team is available to answer any questions you may have about their products.
Convenient option for fresh nutrition
98% cage-free poultry in each container.
Included are organs, bone, taurine, and probiotics
No additives or potentially harmful chemicals
100% balanced throughout all stages of existence
Smaller-sized containers
Can be more difficult for elderly animals to consume
7. Instinct Grain Free Wet Cat Food Pate
Instinct Original Chicken canned cat food is a grain-free recipe made with cage-free chicken as the primary ingredient, providing your cat with the high-quality protein they need for strong, lean muscles.
This natural cat food is composed of 95% chicken, liver, and turkey, as well as 5% vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious ingredients, making it a complete and balanced meal for your cat.
Our wet cat food is made without grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, carrageenan, by-product meals, artificial colors, or preservatives, avoiding ingredients known to cause food sensitivities.
We believe that healthy cat food should be made with genuine meat and whole food ingredients, which is why we source only the finest ingredients from around the world.
This wet cat food based on natural ingredients is an excellent source of complete and balanced nutrition for cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors. You can serve it as a meal or as a topping, and its texture and flavor will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
At Instinct, we craft both wet and dry cat food from real ingredients, inspired by the nutrition provided by raw ingredients. We are committed to providing pets with the best quality of life possible, and we believe it all starts with nourishment.
Simple pate formulation
95% cage-free poultry as the primary ingredient
Included are wholesome fruits and vegetables
No cereals or soy for thyroid disorder
Appropriate for all ages
Strong fragrance
May be too liquid for some felines.
8. Tiki Pet Foods Cat Canned Cat Food
Your feline friend will love Luau grain-free canned cat food , packed with nutrient-rich ingredients. Real salmon is the primary ingredient in our high-moisture cat food, providing your cat with the protein and nutrients they need for a long and healthy life.
Our well-balanced canned cat food is suitable for cats of all ages and tastes great with seafood and poultry flavors. As carnivores, cats need a diet rich in meat and seafood, and our grain-free cat food provides just that.
In addition to its delicious taste, Luau canned cat food has a high moisture content, ensuring your cat stays hydrated and healthy. Each bite of our complete and balanced meal satisfies your cat’s nutritional requirements.
At Luau, we believe that cats deserve the best, which is why we use only the highest quality ingredients in our recipes. We prepare our canned cat food with real fish, real meat, and real protein to ensure your cat gets the nutrition they need and the flavor they love.
Added micronutrients and minerals
Salmon is the primary ingredient.
Easy-to-consume consistency
No additional cereals or additives
Requires refrigeration
Quite a pungent scent
Buyer's Guide
Feeding a hyperthyroid cat might be difficult. Depending on their stage of the condition and whether they are on the road to recovery, they should consume a variety of meals.
What may not be appropriate for them at times may become vital to others. It is also critical to examine the secondary problems that your cat may get as a result of a failing thyroid, such as kidney failure.
This raises a whole new set of dietary considerations. If you’re having trouble deciding how to feed your cat, here’s a quick buyer’s guide to get you started.
1. Iodine Concentrations
When dealing with a hyperthyroid cat, the most important factor is iodine levels.
Giving your cat a diet with low iodine levels is one of the greatest strategies to combat it until their thyroid calms down and begins to balance itself out.
If this is paired with medical management, your cat is even more likely to survive. Iodine levels are high in ingredients such as shellfish, kelp, dairy, and eggs.
While your cat is still battling the sickness, it is advisable to avoid foods containing these substances unless your vet recommends it. Look for cat food with an iodine content of less than 0.32 ppm.
Unfortunately, most cat food ingredients and nutrition lists do not provide this information, so you will have to conduct extensive research or read reviews to discover a low-iodine healthy cat food.
2. Protein Concentrations
When your cat has hyperthyroidism, protein levels aren’t the most important thing to worry about. However, as they begin to recoup and recover, they require nourishment to urge their bodies to bulk up and build mass.
They have most certainly grown somewhat feeble, and a high-protein diet can help them restore vigor and health. The only other consideration with high-protein diets is their effect on your cat’s kidneys.
Higher protein levels can put additional strain on failing kidneys. If your cat has kidney problems, consult with your veterinarian before switching to a high-protein diet.
3. Dry or canned?
There is some controversy about whether canned or dry food is healthier for a hyperthyroid cat. It eventually comes down to you and your cat.
What does your cat enjoy, and what do they tend to eat? They must eat plenty of food while dealing with thyroid issues or risk losing unhealthy amounts of weight.
There is an argument that canned cat food is superior to dry food. The notion is that dry food is less breed-specific. It frequently contains more carbs than necessary, as well as more protein from plants, which might be difficult for cats to digest.
However, dry food is often less expensive than wet food and is easier to locate, store, and distribute. Wet foods can also cause gastric problems in certain cats. Ask your veterinarian what type of food your cat need at this time.
4. High Moisture
Cats with hyperthyroidism may urinate more often and struggle with dehydration. Wet cat food can help your cat stay hydrated if they avoid their water bowl.
Pates are often the best choice due to their high moisture content. Feeding high-moisture cat food can help to prevent dehydration and promote overall health.
5. Avoid Too Many Carbs
Hyperthyroidism can raise your cat’s blood glucose levels, leading to insulin resistance. This can increase your cat’s chances of developing diabetes.
Keep carbohydrate levels low to avoid exacerbating the issue. A diet that is low in carbohydrates will help to maintain healthy blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
6. Less Than 10% Carbohydrate on a Dry Matter Basis
Hyperthyroidism raises your cat’s blood glucose levels and often leads to insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance. This is a prediabetic state.
Even if this doesn’t advance to full diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroid cats are sensitive to sugar and require controlled levels of dietary carbohydrates. Choose a diet that’s less than 10% carbohydrate on a dry matter basis to control dietary carbohydrates and promote overall health.
If you suspect your cat may have hyperthyroidism, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Read the article on “Hyperthyroidism in Cats” can help you understand the condition and how it’s managed.
FAQs
1. Can cats eat wet food with hyperthyroidism?
Cats with hyperthyroidism need a specific diet to manage their condition, and wet food can be a good option.
However, hyperthyroidism has been linked to canned cat food due to the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in the lining of the cans. It’s best to choose high-quality, natural cat foods that don’t contain BPA and other harmful chemicals.
2. Should I feed my cat with hyperthyroidism more food?
Hyperthyroid cats need high-calorie and high-protein diets to reduce the rate of weight loss and muscle wasting that accompanies the disease.
Working with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food to feed your cat is important, as overfeeding can lead to other health issues.
3. What foods cause hyperthyroidism in cats?
Certain types of cat food have been linked to an increased risk of hyperthyroidism in cats.
Canned foods that contain fish, liver, or giblets (often listed as “by-products” on pet food labels) are associated with hyperthyroidism. It’s best to choose high-quality, natural cat foods that don’t contain these ingredients.
4. Is tuna bad for cats with hyperthyroidism?
While tuna can be a cat treat, it’s not recommended as a primary food source. If you do feed your cat tuna, choose chunk light in water rather than albacore, which has higher mercury levels. It’s also essential to feed tuna in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
5. What foods calm hyperthyroidism?
While there’s no specific food that can cure hyperthyroidism, there are some foods that can help manage the condition.
Foods that are low in iodine, such as non-iodized salt, fresh or canned fruit, unsalted nuts, and homemade bread, can help to reduce thyroid hormone production.
Additionally, foods that are high in protein and nutrients, such as egg whites and oats, can help to support overall health. It’s important to work with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your cat’s specific condition.
Conclusion
It may take some time for your cat to get back on their feet after being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. However, with proper medical care and food restrictions, your cat can be restored to health.
Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is the greatest overall cat food since it is low in iodine and promotes your cat’s overall health.
Furthermore, many healthier cat feeds are pricey, but the Solid Gold Indigo Moon Dry Cat Food is both healthy and affordable.
Do you require something extremely effective? Consult your veterinarian about the Hill's Prescription Diet for Thyroid Care .
Finding the correct food is difficult enough, but it may be even more difficult when your cat has health difficulties.
BestForPets hopes that our evaluations of the best cat foods for hyperthyroidism have assisted you in finding the correct diet for your cat so that they can regain their health and balance.
Dr. Freddie T. Young is a highly qualified veterinarian who specializes in emergency and critical care for tiny animals. Now, she serves as a relief veterinarian for various emergency and speciality hospitals, providing skilled treatment to animals in need.
Dr. Freddie Young
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