Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid condition, and one is actually relatively common in dogs but not in other species. It causes bodily functions to slow down, and one of the primary symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain.
The metabolism slows down, and this causes your pup to pack on the pounds. What if it didn’t have to be that way?
We have the perfect solution for you.
We have selected some of the best possible foods for hypothyroidism, helping you to source meals that are low in fat, high in nutrients, and ready to keep your dog leading a happy and active lifestyle.
It’s hard to keep all of the weight off, but with our help, you’ll have your dog in good shape.
1. Editors Pick
Barking Heads Fat Dog Slim
2. Budget Pick
Chudley’s Lite Lifestage Dog Food
Contents
- Key Things to Look for
- 1. Barking Heads Fat Dog Slim
- 2. Chudley’s Lite
- 3. Lily’s Kitchen Organic Chicken and Duck
- 4. Beco Complete Dry Food
- 5. Pooch and Mutt
- 6. BETA Light Adult Dry Food
- 7. Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine i/d GI Low Fat
- 8. Forthglade Cold Pressed
- 9. Orijen Senior
- 10. Fish4Dogs Salmon Mousse
- FAQs
- What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Dogs?
- What Happens if Hypothyroidism is Left Untreated in Dogs?
- Where is the Thyroid in Dogs and What is it?
- What Dog Breeds are Prone to Hypothyroidism?
- What Can You Add to Your Dog’s Food to Help Hypothyroidism?
- How Quickly Does Thyroid Medication Work in Dogs?
- Final Thoughts
Key Things to Look for
What you’re about to do isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Choosing the right food for your dog can be tough, but this concise guide will help you through the process and give you some tips on the key things you should be looking for.
Artificial Ingredients. There are way more artificial ingredients in dog food than you might think, and these can be harder for dogs to digest properly. It’s best to stick with natural foods where possible
Digestible Carbs. Not all carbs are bad, but dogs also have a limited ability to digest them so make sure any carbs are coming from starchy vegetables (like sweet potato) or whole grains like rice. The latter is also an excellent option if they suffer from a sensitive stomach.
Omega 3 and 6. These fatty acids are found in fish like salmon, and are particularly beneficial because of their positive impact on your dog’s coat, immune system, and joints. They are fatty acids, but the good kind of fat that benefits their overall health.
Protein Content. This should be good, lean, protein. Things like chicken, turkey, and fish. It’s packed with beneficial nutrients and will help to increase muscle mass, but it is also low in fat and calories to help them maintain a healthy weight.
Nutrients. There are some nutrients that are more beneficial to hypothyroidism than others. These include iodine, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B, and folic acid, and liver. Each of the foods in this guide contains at least one or more of these ingredients to support a healthier lifestyle.
Read Here : Best RAW Food for Dogs
1. Barking Heads Fat Dog Slim
Editor’s Pick
This kibble is fantastic, with plenty of flavours and hardly any fat so that your dog can enjoy a balanced meal that will help them lose a few pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
There are no cheap filler ingredients to bulk things up, leaving your dog naturally full and satisfied.
It’s packed with beneficial nutrients, keeping your dog’s health at its very core. The protein content is excellent at 20% and this sits alongside 9% fat and 8% ash.
Its ingredients ensure that your dog benefits not only from good overall health, but also from strong bones and joints.
- Key Ingredients: Brown Rice, Dried Chicken, Potato, Oats, Barley, Chicken
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Gluten-free, low-fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should buy it. This dog food remains low in fat without compromising your dog’s enjoyment. It helps them to keep in shape and is also highly nutritious for their good health.
Sample Buyer Review
— Chester
2. Chudley’s Lite
Budget Pick
This affordable grain free dry dog food ensures that you don’t break the bank while also providing your dog with a healthy and balanced diet.
It contains all the key nutrients they need for a complete dog food, and also contains carnitine to help burn the excess fat that’s being stored in reserves.
It also contains prebiotics for gut health and to ease digestion. Dogs who are suffering from hypothyroidism have the benefit of an excellent low-fat content of just 5%.
This sits alongside 20% protein as well as 6% ash. It’s a complete dog food that they are certain to benefit from.
- Key Ingredients: Whole grain wheat, oats, Chicken meal, maize, barley
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Low-fat, low calorie
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. Not only is it a great budget dog food, but it’s also nutritious and low in fat for pups who suffer from conditions like hypothyroidism.
Sample Buyer Review
— Belinda Quigley
3. Lily’s Kitchen Organic Chicken and Duck
Best Natural Food
From one of the most popular dog food producers in the country, this delicious kibble is perfect for pups who are suffering from hypothyroidism and also need to lose a little weight as a result.
It’s also completely hypoallergenic, helping your dog to avoid common allergens.
It contains 21% protein as well as a very low 8% fat and 3% ash. You can rest assured that only fresh and organic ingredients are used in each pack, and it is highly nutritious to provide them with a diet that is both healthy and balanced. It’s perfect for pups with hypothyroidism.
- Key Ingredients: Fresh Chicken, Rice, Barley, Oats, Rice Protein, Fishmeal
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain free, Natural
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should buy this dog foods for hypothyroidism. It comes from a trusted and reputable brand, and is low in fat to help provide your dog with a healthy and balanced diet that will benefit them massively.
Sample Buyer Review
— Patricia Jennings
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
4. Beco Complete Dry Food
Natural and Organic
This delicious kibble also has a wet food counterpart that you can use to mix things up for your pup.
Each of the ingredients included is completely organic, and they support ethical farming so that you know exactly where the meat and vegetables used comes from.
All of the ingredients have been chosen for their nutritional benefits, helping your dog to lead a happy and healthy life. It contains an excellent amount of protein at 22% as well as a low-fat content of 10% (perfect for hypothyroidism) and 3.5% crude ash. It’s a beautifully balanced dog food.
- Key Ingredients: Freshly Prepared MSC Cod & Haddock, Potato, Peas, Chickpeas, Potato Protein
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain free, organic, MSC certified
- Life Stage: Adults
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
You should absolutely buy this grain free dry dog food. It’s natural and organic so that your dog can avoid artificial nasties, as well as low in fat for dogs who are suffering from hypothyroidism.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
5. Pooch and Mutt
Low Fat Goodness
This kibble is ideal for dogs who have hypothyroidism because of the low-fat content and the lean meat used.
It contains great ingredients that are low in fat, like sweet potato, to boost the fibre levels for healthy digestion as well as leave your dog feeling satisfied. At the same time, there isn’t too much sweet potato used, ensuring that it’s not a filler ingredient.
It contains a brilliant 25% protein as well as 10% fat and 4% ash. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and these are perfect for maintaining a healthy coat, joints, bones, and boosting the immune system. It’s ideal for getting rid of extra weight as well as maintaining a healthy one.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, sweet potato, potato, peas, pea pulp
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Low fat, grain free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should definitely pick this grin free dry dog food up. It is highly nutritious, low in fat, and ideal for dogs that not only need to lose weight but also maintain a healthy one – part of why it is so suited to hypothyroidism.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
6. BETA Light Adult Dry Food
For Keeping Weight Down
This kibble is crunchy, tasty, and highly nutritious to ensure that your dog is able to have an enjoyable meal without putting on loads of weight.
The fact that it is low in fact is part of what makes it ideal for dogs who have hypothyroidism, and it is free from artificial ingredients.
The protein levels are fantastic at 26% and it also contains a mere 10% fat as well as 8% ash. While the lean ingredients are perfect for maintaining a healthy waistline, they also keep joints healthy and strong, as well as building muscle and providing them with a shiny coat.
- Key Ingredients: Turkey meal, Wheat, Corn, Wheat middling, Poultry fat
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Low-fat, digestive health
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is a great dry dog food to pick up. It’s low in fat, which is great for dogs that have hypothyroidism, and the nutritious ingredients ensure that they have a good and balanced diet.
Sample Buyer Review
— Eileen Glanville
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
7. Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine i/d GI Low Fat
Best for Pudgy Pups
This kibble is ideal for improved digestive health, and it is gentle on the stomach for dogs who are more sensitive.
It’s slimming ingredients make it a great choice for dogs with hypothyroidism, ensuring that they maintain a healthy weight to keep them in the best possible health.
The ingredients have been chosen to help improve joint and bone care for your dog, but also to boost the immune system to keep them in good condition and help fight off illness. It contains 23% protein alongside 7% fat and 1.6% ash, making it a beautifully balanced food for all dogs.
- Key Ingredients: Pork, turkey, rice, rice flour, maize
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Low-fat, gastric comfort
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this food is a brilliant choice. It is backed by vets for its great nutritional value as well as its low-fat content. Dogs with hypothyroidism are sure to benefit from this slimming deliciousness.
Sample Buyer Review
— Marjorie35
8. Forthglade Cold Pressed
Best Pick for Sensitive Bellies
This delicious cold-pressed dry food also has a fantastic wet food counterpart that you can mix in for the ultimate meal for your dog.
It’s low in fat to help them maintain a healthy waistline, which is great for dogs with hypothyroidism, and it is also nutritionally balanced and complete.
It contains 26% protein as well as 12% fat and 6.6% ash. The ingredients included are hypoallergenic, making it nicely suited to dogs with sensitivities, and it is gentle on the stomach. It’s great food for joints, healthy coats, and dogs who want or need to lead an active lifestyle.
- Key Ingredients: Fresh Chicken, sweet potatoes, peas, chicken fat, dried fruit
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Sensitive, grain free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This is a fantastic kibble that your dog is going to love and massively benefit from. It’s perfect for sensitivities as well as hypothyroidism to ensure your dog leads the best possible life.
Sample Buyer Review
— Alison Taylor Barnes
9. Orijen Senior
Best Senior Pick
Ths kibble is fantastic, helping senior dogs to stay healthy while also maintaining strong bones as muscles as they continue to age.
It is also low in fat, providing your pup with a diet that will help them to keep a healthy waistline and also ensure that conditions like hypothyroidism aren’t irritated.
It contains 38% protein, which is very impressive, alongside 15% fat and 8% ash. It’s highly nutritious, packed with lead and healthy ingredients that will keep coats and immune system at their very best. It’s one of the best choices for senior dogs that need a strong diet.
- Key Ingredients: Fresh chicken meat, fresh whole eggs, fresh turkey meat, fresh whole herring, fresh chicken liver
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Low-fat
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should buy this food. It’s specially formulated for senior dogs, and those with hypothyroidism are sure to benefit from its excellent nutrition as well as the low-fat content.
Sample Buyer Review
— R Vaughan
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
10. Fish4Dogs Salmon Mousse
Seaweed Goodness
This salmon mousse is a delicious wet food that has been gently steamed and whipped for a texture that is light, airy, and absolutely delicious.
It also contains seaweed as an active ingredient, a strong source of iodine that is beneficial for dogs who suffer from hypothyroidism.
The protein content is 9.5%, which is good for wet food, and it also contains 13% fat and 1.3% ash. Most of the fat actually comes from the fish – making it the healthy kind of fat you want in your dog’s diet. This is rich in omega 3 and 6 for a healthy coat, strong joints, and boosting the immune system.
- Key Ingredients: Salmon, Water, Seaweed extract, Carrageenan
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Free from artificial nasties
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Hypothyroidism
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. This is a fantastic food that is low in fat but rich in beneficial ingredients like seaweed. This helps your dog to stay healthy while overcoming the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Sample Buyer Review
— Annette Macleod
FAQs
What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Dogs?
There are several symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs to look out for, each of which you can find listed below:
- Weight gain
- Lethargy and lack of desire to exercise
- Cold intolerance
- Dry hair with excessive shedding
- Thin or balding coat
- Increased dark pigmentation in the skin
What Happens if Hypothyroidism is Left Untreated in Dogs?
If hypothyroidism is left untreated in dogs, it can negatively impact numerous organs in the body. This could even lead to death if it becomes severe.
This is why it is so important to get the right treatment and routines in place as soon as it is diagnosed.
Where is the Thyroid in Dogs and What is it?
The thyroid is located in the neck, and it is responsible for regulating the metabolism. When hypothyroidism occurs, the production of these regulatory hormones is decreased, and the metabolism goes down with it.
It is a fairly common disease in dogs, although no one is sure why it is so prevalent in dogs and not other species.
What Dog Breeds are Prone to Hypothyroidism?
While all dogs are at risk of hypothyroidism, is it most often found in Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Irish Setters, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, and Daschunds. It is important to reinforce that any breed of dog you pick (even a crossbreed or mix) could still develop this condition.
What Can You Add to Your Dog’s Food to Help Hypothyroidism?
You can add seaweed or kelp to your dog’s food to help their hypothyroidism. This is actually a common recommendation by canine nutritionists and vets, and you can usually buy supplements to add to your dog’s meal.
Similarly, many fish-flavoured dog foods contain seaweed. It’s a natural source of iodine that can help rebalance the thyroid.
How Quickly Does Thyroid Medication Work in Dogs?
Typically, you should find that thyroid medication starts working within a few weeks of starting your dog on it. This will be noticeable as an improvement in their activity levels.
Hair regrowth and healing of the skin will take longer though, and it could be a good four months before you see any visible improvement to these areas.
Final Thoughts
Hypothyroidism can feel like a daunting condition at first, but the truth is that it is a lot easier to manage once you get your pup on a good diet, the right medication, and maintain regular exercise.
It’s not always going to be as simple as these three things, but they are pretty key.
We can’t help with the meds or the exercise, but we can provide them with a delicious meal that is both low in fat and high in flavour.
Each of the foods listed here is ideal for a dog that’s suffering from hypothyroidism, and we have provided a wide range of prices to ensure that every budget is catered for. Let us help you give your dog the best food for their health.
What did you think of our guide to the best dog food for hypothyroidism? Were you able to find delicious and beneficial food for your dog, or are you still left with questions?
Your feedback and experiences are important to us, so make sure to leave us a message below.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.