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Resthyro™ for Cats

Support for Hyperthyroidism in Cats

USD $50.95
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Diet For Cats With Hyperthyroidism

Pet Diet & Nutrition 2 min read
Long-haired cat eating out of a shallow, green ceramic dish on the floor. Diet for cats with hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in cats and can appear in any cat. It is caused by an excess of circulating thyroid hormones that result in a high metabolic state, which causes changes in many different body organs of your kitty. Finding the right diet for cats with hyperthyroidism can be helpful for managing the condition.

What Is Hyperthyroidism?

In most cats, the cause of this disorder is unknown, and it may be related to environmental, nutritional, or other factors. Your kitty can present weight loss, muscle wasting, decreased ability to jump onto objects, increased appetite, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, nervousness, hyperactivity, and increased vocalization.

The diagnosis is based on the measurement of a thyroid hormone (T4) in the blood. Treatment can consist of medical therapy, surgery, radiation therapy with radioactive iodine, and injection of the thyroid gland with ethanol, and changes in the diet.

Iodine And Hyperthyroidism

Iodine is an element that is required for the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones and it is known to control thyroid function. Inadequate levels of iodine can lead to or worsen thyroid disease, as well as cause other significant health concerns.

A recent innovation in feline hyperthyroidism therapy is the introduction of a low iodine diet. However, this diet is recommended for kitties that can’t tolerate pills or are difficult to medicate, and for pet owners that cannot afford surgery or radiation.

Short-haired cat out of focus in the background reaching for a cat treat being held in a human's fingers. Iodine-restriction diets for cats with hyperthyroidism involve cutting out all treats and foods outside of the prescription diet.

Iodine-Restricted Diet

Nutritional therapy involves feeding a special diet with a restriction of iodine content to control the production of thyroid hormones. In some cases, an iodine-restricted diet controls feline hyperthyroidism.

Maintaining an iodine-restricted diet can be difficult for multiple reasons.

Maintaining an iodine-restricted diet can be difficult for multiple reasons. The pet on the diet cannot have anything other than their iodine-restricted food. That means no other foods, treats, or supplements, only the prescribed diet. Some cats can be very picky and may not like the taste of the diet. In addition, if you have other cats in the home, they can’t eat the iodine-restricted food unless they also suffer from hyperthyroidism. Iodine is an important component in the diet of healthy cats, they need it.

If your little one is on medication, a diet restriction in iodine is also important. So, avoid giving foods that are high in iodine such as seaweed, dairy, tuna, shrimp, eggs, and salt. It is important to talk with your vet before starting to feed your little one an iodine-restricted diet.

Natural Support For Cats With Hyperthyroidism

Natural supplements like NHV Resthyro also may be helpful for pets with hyperthyroidism that are not on a iodine-restricted diet. Resthyro is an herbal formula that helps balance thyroid hyperactivity and can relieve hyperthyroid-related symptoms such as excessive appetite, thirst, and urination. Also helps to relieve tension and irritability and aids with digestion.

No matter what your pet is going through, our team of pet experts including veterinarians, vet techs, and nutrition specialists are here to help. Ask our pet experts a question by using the chat button below.

Dr. Amanda Nascimento DVM, MVSc, PhD

Dr. Amanda Nascimento DVM, MVSc, PhD

Dr. Amanda completed her undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine in 2010 and graduate studies in veterinary pathology (MVSc. 2012 and PhD 2016) at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo. She completed her post-doctoral training at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Saskatchewan in 2018. Dr. Nascimento will be hosting her own blog series and sharing her knowledge with our extended NHV family.

Published: August 26, 2021

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