If your dog suffers from thyroid disease, he or she is not alone. Canine hypothyroidism is on the increase. Said to be the most common endocrine disorder in dogs, nearly 80% of cases of hypothyroidism are autoimmune system related resulting in what is known as lymphocytic thyroiditis. Idiopathic atrophy of the thyroid gland is another major cause of the disease. While the disease is little understood and the symptoms confusingly similar to other conditions, much can be achieved with a change of diet. By feeding your dog the best food for canine hypothyroidism. Fresh food!

What is canine hypothyroidism

Traditionally said to affect dogs over the age of 4, hypothroidism then is largely an autoimmune disorder. The thyroid fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. This causes a dog’s metabolism to slow, as one of the main purposes of the thyroid is to regulate metabolism. Controlling the amount of energy available to your dog.

While traditionally said to affect mature dogs, some have noticed an alarming increase in this disease to potentially epidemic proportions. Most concerning is reported cases in dogs as young as eighteen months of age!

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are many and various. They include:

• Weight gain
• Lack of energy
• Mental dullness
• Hair loss
• Increased appetite
• Poor skin and coat condition
• Increased appetitie
• Lameness
• High cholesterol
• Infertility
• Cold intolerance
• Slow heart rate

Some experts have noticed other, potentially more alarming symptoms. These include:

• Aggression
• Hyperactivity
• Fearfullness
• Erractic temperament
• Irritability
• Compulsiveness

Treatment for canine hypothyroidism

Because of the nature of hypothyroidism and its many potential symptoms, diagnosis of the disease is rarely conslusive until at least 75% of the thyroid gland is damaged and beyond repair. Once the damage has taken place, a dog generally needs to be prescribed medication for life.

That said, with hormone replacement medication and a healthy diet, there is no reason why your dog should not be able to lead a perfectly normal life. Which leads me neatly onto the best food for canine hypothyroidism. Homemade dog food!

The best food for canine hypothyroidism

The best food for canine hypothyroidism is without doubt a fresh food diet. Your dog needs a healthy diet if you want he or she to remain well.

Commercial dog food with its heavy reliance on cheap carbohydrates is going to negatively affect your dog’s hormone balance. If your dog is suffering from hypothyroidism or any other kind of thyroid problem it needs to eat a healthy diet that includes balanced levels of amino acids, taurine, l-carnitine, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, antioxidants, proteins, fats and limited functional carbohydrates. This is not something your vet will be able to help you with. This requires dietary formulation by a dog nutrition specialist. A canine nutritionist.

Canine nutritionist consultation

My homemade feeding guide for dogs will provide your pooch with the perfect diet for your dog. Homemade dog food will give your dog the perfect balance of proteins and fats to keep your dog happy and healthy.

If you are at all concerned about your dog’s health and want a personalised consultation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Between us we’ll get your best friend on the way to recovery!