In this article, well explore the subject of hyperthyroidism in cats to determine the most common symptoms, underlying causes, and best forms of treatment. This strategy helps preserve the nutritional quality of the raw ingredients, so your cat gets the nutrition he needs to regain his strength. Hi Mallory! I dont need to be paying though the nose for food with water as its most prominent ingredient! Iodine levels in foods for cats with hyperthyroidism should be . These fire-retardant chemicals were extremely popular in the late 1970s and were used to treat everything from pajamas to curtains. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Fish and other ocean creatures have higher levels of iodine than are found in other foods. Given the diversity of iodine concentration inhomemade, commercially-available, and wild-caught food, its difficult to identify how much iodine cats require. Disclosure: Your support helps Petsumer continue to operate! This Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entre is a good option because it is rich in animal protein and high in both fat and calories. Myself I have a thyroid disorder and Ive had several cats with hyperthyroidism and I know what Im talking about and Im not even going to read the rest of your article its nonsense I doubt youll even express what Im saying here but you need to go back to the drawing board because youre putting cats at rest. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. Been there, done that. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to two heart-related complications: hypertension and thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. The first three ingredients are all rich sources of real animal protein chicken, chicken liver, and turkey followed by chicken broth for more chicken flavor and added moisture. Again, its not a cure or treatment for hyperthyroidism but dietary management may help reduce your cats symptoms. The exact number can vary depending on factors like your cat's ideal size, breed, and age, so ask your vet next . Another high protein recipe on our list is Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pate Canned Cat Food - Best Cat Food For Hyperthyroid Picky Eaters, which includes chicken. Only about 5% of cats that develop the condition are younger than 10 years of age. Do not feed your cat raw meat meant for . Grind the animal protein to make it easier to eat. Some products we recommend earn a referral fee at no cost to you. Its not a prescription food and it wont cure your cats hyperthyroidism, but it has all the nutrition to keep your cat feeling his best before and after treatment. It is in MANY cat foods. Complete and balanced nutrition is essential as well, so we also look for recipes fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. A soy-containing diet may increase a cats risk of developing hyperthyroidism. Vet colleges use lecturers from HILLS AND PURINA. Wishing you all the best. Hi Sammie, What is the best dry food to feed a cat with hyperthyroidism? Inan article on hyperthyroidismin cats, Pete Wedderburn, DVM, mentions the startling results of a recent study. Its also important to note that all Tiki Cat foods are packaged in BPA-free cans and pouches. While its currently thought that iodine is used only for thyroid hormone synthesis, we ultimately dont know how an iodine-restricted diet will affect long-term health. Required fields are marked *. Try feeding your cat fresh cucumbers, spinach, steamed broccoli and asparagus, or some mashed potatoes. All of Smalls cat food recipes are protein-rich and, because they are fresh and not cooked at high temperatures, they have higher moisture content as well. Trust me, they will love you for it and they will be fine. In fact, there are many brands that come highly recommended from pet nutrition experts. Apart from chicken, there are also other fresh foods to feed your hyperthyroid cats such as turkey, lamb, and pork. Im torn my husband would agree with surgery if her life will be a good one if not he says no. During this fellowship, she learned that she could make a career out of combining her loves ofscience and writing. Heya Kayla, absolutely! Hypertension is just another name for high blood pressure and, in some cases it is mild. This is an issue best discussed with a veterinarian. Again, no dry food provides the moisture your cat needs so be sure to supplement their moisture intake when offering this food. and I was paying a hefty price for the premium cat food, so it had to be beter for my cats, right? Lamb, Lamb Broth, Turkey, Turkey Liver, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Eggs, Peas, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley, First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Carrots. Do not season. Because theyreknown endocrine disruptors, PBDEs were essentially phased out in the United States and European Union during the early 2000s. Your insights are much appreciated. She has two cats, Wessie and Forest JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM, is a veterinarian and freelance medical writer in Atlanta, GA. Aftergraduating from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine with her veterinarydegree, JoAnna completed a 2-year research fellowship in neuroscience at Emory University. Many cat foods do contain salt and appropriate iodine levels are not well-established, so its very hard to say whether or not the lamb recipe from Natures Variety Instinct is an acceptable choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. We cannot recommend it as a high-quality cat food, but it may support your cats thyroid treatment if your veterinarian recommends it. Fresh chicken and dried egg make up the majority of the protein content in this food. Place raw chicken in a pot and add enough liquid, such as water or chicken broth, to cover. Left untreated, it can cause your cat to lose an unhealthy amount of weight and may lead to cardiac complications. You will have to go to the UK or Europe for that today. My cat is hyperthyroid. Now I am stuck between something which he will actually eat (but has possible cancer causing agents and the food he wont eat that is good for him. 1. What to Look for in a Good Cat Food for Hyperthyroidism. First, they have an overactive metabolism. Thats an excellent question. Since Hills Y/d canned cat has been out of stock for some time everywhere and Hills has no expected production date due to supply chain lack of some of the ingredients, what do we do? Keyword Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Hyperthyroidism Vets dont make any revenue by keeping your pet HEALTHY. While this food from Feline Natural doesnt treat hyperthyroidism, it can keep your senior cat healthy and strong without making hyperthyroidism worse. Hyperthyroidismis unfortunately common in older cats - and many believe that it is linked to the foods they eat. Required fields are marked *. After you have successfully determined that the formula is complete and balanced, you can go on to evaluating its quality. Mix 120 to 130 g of meat, cooked quickly in the oven and cut into small cubes, with the cooking fat and 30 g of vegetables mixed with a few grains of rice. They are the babies of the last strays we took in we fixed them all and eventually the adults left and found new homes. If you want to feed your cat well while saving enough money to pay for radioiodine treatment, medication, and vet visits, consider this food from Wellness Complete Health. Ive been feeding it to my cat with kidney issues as well and am very excited to have a chance to talk about it soon. In the wild, they live on a meat-based diet with high moisture content and a small amount of fat. Cat food cans are often coated with an epoxy lining containing BPA. Yet the Hills Prescription food you suggest has its SECOND ingredient as liver. Seems to get her to eat more. In addition to her work as a ghostwriter and author, Kate is also a blogger for a number of organic and natural food companies as well as a columnist for several pet magazines. Anyway you go, I highly recommend removing fish from his diet completely, as current science- while not identified as the cause for sure- indicates a likelihood that the high metal levels in fish could be the cause. As he was 12, she suggested we stay on the meds, but could certainly ask the 131I clinic if they thought he was a good candidate. Every dry food will fall short of those requirements including Hills. It doesnt list iodine as an ingredient are there other names for iodine? So, our vet put him on anti-thyroid meds. Turkey, chicken, and turkey liver are the first three ingredients followed by turkey broth and fresh turkey for additional protein and moisture. This Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food is a good option for cats of all ages, including cats recovering from hyperthyroidism, because it is a rich source of animal protein with plenty of healthy fats and calories. Yes, cooked chicken is good for cats with hyperthyroidism. Chicken bonesGiving your cat cooked chicken bones is a recipe for disaster! Secondly, most of them are seniors. What Is The Best Cat Food For Hyperthyroidism? Choose foods with over 50% of calories from protein. I think the article makes it clear that we dont view this as a nutritionally-ideal diet. It is, however, clinically proven to control the effects of hyperthyroidism, which is the only reason the wet version is listed as the number one recommendation here. With such high protein and fat content, theres little room for filler the food only around 8% dry matter carbohydrate which is almost unheard of for a dry cat food. Just wont eat it. Its a readily-digestible food that features protein-rich animal ingredients like muscle meat, organs, and blood. I need ideas on how to firm up his stool. While youre with a vet, Id also consider asking about vitamin B12 shots. These can help to increase your cats appetite and give him an overall health boost without increasing his iodine intake. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food is a delicious food that is ideal for keeping your pets' digestive system in tip-top shape. Again, it's not a cure or treatment for hyperthyroidism but dietary management may help reduce your cat's symptoms. These toxins linger in soil, dust, waterways, human bodies, and the ocean theyre present in cans of fish-based food. Read Our Full Brand Review View Lab Report, First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Dicalcium Phosphate. Please reach out to the All About Cats community with this question, as we have a team of vets at the ready to give you some insights. Additionally, you might appreciate our recommendations for the best cat food for diarrhea. In addition to these muscle-building ingredients, the food is rich in omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation relief and skin and coat health. He is on methimazole. These inclusions bring the carbohydrate content to around 3% on a dry matter basis. Are you aware of the negative side effects that are toxic with the one pharmaceutical drug thats available to cats for hyperthyroidism ? However, domestic cats do not process meat the same way their ancestors did, so entirely raw chicken breast from the grocery store isn't a good idea. I dont think they carry any fish varieties. A low-iodine diet cuts off the supply of iodine, slowing thyroid hormone synthesis. Do not include onions, garlic or other ingredients that are toxic to cats. Soy disrupts normal thyroid functioning. AND the FIRST ingredient is WATER. This is a new trend. With chicken broth as another main ingredient, this formula is very hydrating and the short list of ingredients makes it highly digestible as well. It is part of the adrenal system that secrets hormones which help regulate essential bodily functions like metabolism, growth, and body temperature. The thyroid glands are small, oblong-shaped glands located on either side of the neck. If you wouldn't eat it, don't give it to your pet. This condition can affect both male and female cats of any breed, though certain breeds do seem to be predisposed to the problem. After an abundance of research, I wanted to do the radioactive iodine-131 (131I) therapy & found a pet clinic that did it in St. Louis, MO & that time the treatment cost around $700. Like many of you readers, I historically made the incorrect assumption that if petfood was good enough to be stocked on grocery store shelves that it was safe for my pets. If youre looking for a healthy cat food to support your cats hyperthyroidism treatment, look for a recipe rich in both animal protein and calories. It also should be as "naked" as possible, free of oils or seasonings, as those additions might upset your cat's stomach. Thank you for emphasizing this point. Pros: High quality natural ingredients, real animal protein, rich in moisture (82%), fresh fruits and vegetables, fortified with vitamins and chelated minerals, Cons: Could be higher in fat and calories, main source of fat is plant-based (sunflower oil). It doesnt contain any of our hyperthyroidism no-gos, meaning that its free of soy, fish, and high-iodine additives. Add 1 cup dry rice, stir and reduce heat to medium. When it comes to complete and balanced nutrition for your cat, you want a recipe that is rich in real animal protein and loaded with natural flavor. This cooked dry chicken food is an easy, healthy recipe to make, and your feline pal will surely like its taste. He has a very hard time when he goes into liter box. In the wild, cats only consume plant matter in the stomach contents of their prey. I took her to the vet for the constipation and they said she has hyperthyroidism T4 level is 5.6. Before you just write these symptoms off as normal for an older cat, take a moment to learn about a condition that commonly affects cats 12 years and older its called hyperthyroidism. This recipe isnt marketed as a limited ingredient diet, but it contains fewer than 10 main ingredients with vitamin and mineral supplements for nutritional balance. It can be a bit high in sodium, so you should purchase the option that is the lowest in sodium. Catswho eat canned foods, particularly cans with pop-top lids, have an increased risk of thyroid problems. IT IS TOXIC. If you choose this diet, I would recommend restricting it to Bella only. The long-term effects of iodine restriction are still being studied, however, so it may not be your veterinarians first recommendation. The best protein sources are species-appropriate and highly digestible. While its not the most calorie-dense product, Smalls food is rich in highly-digestible animal protein to support healthy muscle mass and digestion. However, some sources suggest that cooked chicken may be a good option for cats with hyperthyroidism, as it is a lean protein source that is low in fat and calories. Normal cat activities such as grooming, playing, and cheek rubbing could cause humans to come into contact with contaminated saliva, not to mention handling the food, food bowls, and feces, which are likely to be contaminated. Mix 120 to 130 g of baked and diced chicken, rabbit or duck, with the cooking fat, 30 g of well-cooked rice and chopped vegetables. If you vet is suggesting surgery, your cat likely has a healthy heart & kidneys, and is likely healthy enough to go through the iodine treatment. The recipe includes ground flaxseed, montmorillonite clay, peas, and carrots, none of which are ideal for cats. Feeding your cat cooked chicken can be a great addition to their diet. Your cat can safely eat chicken liver, which is a fantastic source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. Hello Laura, I believe youll find answers in our veterinarian-written article on hyperthyroidism: https://cats.com/hyperthyroidism-in-cats Because prescription options are limited (or frequently sold out online), it may be more practical to feed your cat a high-protein, fish-free wet cat food with low carbohydrate content to help manage symptoms. Radioactive iodine therapy is the treatment of choice, however, because it destroys abnormal thyroid tissue without damaging the surrounding tissue, providing a more permanent form of treatment. This formula contains several protein sources with digestible grain-free carbohydrates like potato, carrots, and sweet potato. Hyperthyroidism can be managed through an iodine-restricted prescription diet, often without the use of other medical treatments. However, your cats heart and kidneys need to be in good shape, as Hyper-T masks kidney decline/disease you may not know how his kidneys are until you have his thyroid levels back in range (through meds). Environmental risk factors may play a role in predisposing a cat to hyperthyroidism and high levels of dietary iodine may be involved. 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