Thyroid diseases are not uncommon in dogs. Typically, they are treatable. However, I do understand that it is quite overwhelming to hear your veterinarian say that your dog has been diagnosed with this condition. It's likely that your vet will recommend a change in diet, and this homemade dog food for hypothyroidism may be right for your pet.
Most people don't understand what the term ‘hypothyroidism' means. In order to understand it, you need to understand the function that the thyroid performs in the canine body.
The thyroid is a gland located in your dog's neck, and yes, you have one too (just in case you were wondering). It produces many different thyroid hormones, including thyroxine. The thyroid is kind of like the body's thermostat. It regulates the metabolism, and can cause serious problems if it isn't kept in balance.
When your dog's body does not create enough thyroid hormones, he will suffer from hypothyroidism. This condition causes the metabolism to slow substantially and will effect all of the organ systems in the body.
It's important that you seek veterinary care if you suspect your dog has thyroid issues. You cannot treat these problems yourself. It's also important that you ask your veterinarian about this homemade dog food for hypothyroidism. It won't meet the nutritional needs of all dogs, and it's likely that your veterinarian will encourage you to add supplements to make it nutritionally balanced for your pup.
MORE RECIPES HERE: Homemade Dog Food & Treats Recipes
Homemade Dog Food for Hypothyroidism Recipe
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups boiled chicken
- 1/2 chicken liver
- 1 cup dog-friendly vegetables
- 1/2 cup dog-friendly fruit
Directions
Boil or bake the chicken and chicken liver. Frying or microwaving the meat will diminish its nutritional value.
I used apples and blueberries as my dog-friendly fruits and peas in the pod, green beans and carrots as my dog-friendly vegetables. Most fruits and vegetables are healthy for dogs, but some are toxic. Be sure to do a quick online search before deciding which fruits and veggies to use in your homemade dog food for hypothyroidism.
Purée the fruits and vegetables in a food processor. Mix all of the ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl. At this time, you can also add any supplements that your veterinarian has recommended.
The recommended serving size is about 1/2 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight per serving. You'll need to feed 2 servings per day. Your veterinarian can give you an exact serving size based on your dog's unique nutritional needs.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you’d like to prepare this recipe in bulk, you can also freeze this homemade dog food for hypothyroidism in an airtight container for storage of up to 3 months! If you prepare a batch of this food every day for a week, you would have enough to store for months of easy doggy dinners.
