6 Best Cat Food For Hyperthyroidism

6 Best Cat Food For Hyperthyroidism

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Hyperthyroidism is caused by an under active thyroid gland and is highly treatable in cats. It is so common that most veterinarians recommend screening for this disorder annually once your cat turns 7 years old.

The initial signs of hyperthyroidism is weight loss, excessive thirst, increased urination, hyperactivity, unkempt appearance, panting, diarrhea and increased shedding, to name a few.

Hyperthyroidism in cats can be controlled with the proper diet. Our list includes both non-prescription products. non-prescription products won’t directly treat hyperthyroidism, but they might help your cat feel better before and after medical treatment.

Keep reading to learn more about the best foods to feed cats with hyperthyroidism and their pros and cons.

How We Researched The 6 Best Cat Food For Hyperthyroidism?

• We spent several days researching the best cat food for hyperthyroidism
• We considered over 10 cat foods and fine tuned it down to the 6 reviewed in this article
• We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, watching videos and comparing the features of each cat food for hyperthyroidism

The 6 Best Cat Food For Hyperthyroidism Comparison Chart

What To Look For In Food For Cats With Hyperthyroidism?

There is a lot of debate for the ideal diet for cats with hyperthyroidism. Evidence shows that domestic cats do best with foods that replicate the nutrient balance of a cat’s natural diet.

It is always ideal to stay away from cat food that contains fruits, vegetables, and/or grains. Foods either wet or dry should not contain too high carbohydrates and plant-based proteins.

Most importantly is to feed your cat a quality meat based protein source. Meat by-products are acceptable for carnivores being that they are simply protein sources such as organ meats and entrails that humans do not find appetizing.

Wet and canned cat foods that contain gravy tend to be high in carbs, so pates are a better choice.

#1 Smalls Food for Cats

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Smalls is a subscription cat food delivery service that delivers customized meals to your door. They guarantee to provide restaurant quality ingredients that are considered human grade, in every meal for your cat.

The food contains no fillers or grains, no preservatives or artificial flavors, and they only use the highest-quality, sourced meats. It is a calorie dense meal, packed with high quality proteins. This food does contain some fruits and vegetables but meets the under 10% carbohydrate requirements for hyperthyroid cats.

Smalls recipes are made in small batches, prepared in a human-grade kitchen that is 100% designed and dedicated to making fresh pet food.

#2 Hill’s Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

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Hill’s Science Diet Adult 11+ Age Defying Dry Cat Food is made with wholesome ingredients such as chicken, to promote kidney and joint health, and aid in a healthy immune system.

This cat food is manufactured in the United States, and every ingredient meets strict requirements for purity and nutrient content which exceed industry standards.

This recipe is formulated for adult cats 11 years of age and older, and is a high protein meal. It is great for indoor cats and those with health issues as well.

#3 Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Cat Food

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Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Cat Food was created to closely mirror the benefits of a raw diet in cats. It has the highest levels of protein from real meat with absolutely no animal meal.

It includes guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotics, natural omegas, vitamin e and antioxidants that all cats need.

This dry cat food is a protein-rich kibble that’s highly digestible and great for skin, coat, and immune systems which is beneficial for cats with health conditions.

#4 Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food

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Prescription Diet y/d canned cat food is the safe, effective and easy way to manage thyroid health. This formula was made specifically for cats with hyperthyroidism and was clinically proven nutrition to restore thyroid health in 3 weeks.

It also supports kidney health with controlled phosphorus and low sodium and helps maintain bladder health with controlled mineral levels as well as promotes healthy skin and coat with high levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

This cat food does require a veterinarians approval before ordering.

#5 Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food

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Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food is made with high levels of protein and minimum crude fat. The high protein and higher fat is what cats with hyperthyroidism often need to support their high metabolism.

This formula contains no grains, corn, wheat, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. It also has no carrageenan or meat by-products.

#6 Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Original Dry Cat Food

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Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care is the safe, effective and easy way to manage your cat’s thyroid levels. It was formulated specifically for cats with hyperthyroidism and has been clinically proven to restore thyroid health in 3 weeks.

It helps support a healthy body condition and a healthy immune system while also promoting a visible improvement in skin and coat as well as muscle mass. It has also been shown to promote a urinary environment that helps reduce the risk for struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.

This cat food does require a veterinarians approval before ordering.

Additional Resources:

• Hyperthyroidism In Cats – DVM Pete Wedderburn
• Methimazole For Cats
• The 6 Best Commercial Cat Food For Kidney Disease

Conclusion

To control feline hyperthyroidism in your cat, treatment can be achieved with the right diet. Your veterinarian can help determine what type of treatment options are best for your cat. No matter which method you choose, the right food can be an important part of all of them.

*This article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transition my cat from her current food to hyperthyroidism cat food?

Begin the transition by mixing both the current food with their new cat food together. Gradually decrease the amount of current cat food while increasing the amount of new cat food. Continue to do this over a 7-day period for better acceptance of the new cat food.

What happens if hyperthyroidism goes untreated in cats?

A cat with untreated hyperthyroidism may stop eating altogether. In addition to years of dietary distress, general restlessness and nervousness, and hair loss, a cat whose feline hyperthyroidism is untreated can suffer from heart problems that can be fatal.

How can I put weight on my cat with hyperthyroidism?

Cat experts recommend that cats eat a diet high in moisture and low in carbohydrates. Wet, or canned, cat food is recommended as the best form of diet. Wet cat food helps cats by getting more water into their systems. Dry cat food is an option for those who are away from home and can’t feed their cat small wet food meals all day.

How long can cats live with hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism occurs most often in middle-aged to geriatric-aged cats. Without any serious irreversible medical problems, a hyperthyroid cat despite its age can, with appropriate therapy, live out a normal life.