Why to feed your cat a raw diet?
- Improved digestion
- Greatly reduced stool odor and volume
- Healthy coat, less shedding, fewer hairballs
- Increased energy
- Weight loss, if overweight
- Better dental health
- Better urinary health
What ingredients in cat food are bad for my Cat?
Let’s take a look at some of the worst ingredients on a cat food label.
- Pea Protein, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, and Other Types of Plant Protein. Cats require 22 amino acids to stay healthy and can synthesize only 11 of them. ...
- Carbohydrates. As true (obligate) carnivores, cats have virtually zero natural carbohydrate requirement. ...
- Animal By-Products. ...
- Carrageenan. ...
- BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin. ...
- Artificial Colors. ...
How much should you feed your cat with cat food?
How It Works:
- Select the type of food you plan to feed your cat with.
- Indicate the animal’s weight using either kilos or pounds.
- Based on the cat’s activity level and several other factors, select the appropriate lifestyle, Active, Passive, Kitten, Pregnant or Nursing. ...
- Press Calculate.
What to feed a cat with renal failure?
What to Look for in a Good Cat Food for Kidney Disease
- Real animal protein. Many veterinarians recommend a protein-restricted diet for kidney problems, but you want to void reducing your cat’s protein intake too much.
- Limited sodium and phosphorus. Many commercial cat foods don’t list sodium or phosphorus content, but it never hurts to check. ...
- Complete and nutritionally balanced. ...
- No artificial additives. ...
What can I feed my hyperthyroid cat to gain weight?
Canned foods are generally the best choice when seeking to provide a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Dry foods tend to be energy (read calorie) dense. Also, because starch is necessary to make the kibble, dry foods tend to have greater carbohydrate concentrations (carbohydrate > 25% on a dry-matter basis).
Do cats with hyperthyroidism need special food?
IMPORTANT: Cats who are being treated for hyperthyroidism with an iodine-restricted diet CANNOT be fed anything other than their prescription food. This means absolutely no treats, no people food, and no scavenging or hunting.
What wet food is best for cats with hyperthyroidism?
The best overall canned food for hyperthyroid cats is Hill's Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Cat Food. This is the only canned food made specifically to help cats with hyperthyroidism, and it is available in a case of 24 cans that are 5.5 ounces each.
Can I feed my hyperthyroid cat tuna?
Don't use fish prepared for humans or fish-based cat foods as your cat's primary diet. If you feed your cat tuna fish, use chunk light in water rather than albacore, which has higher mercury levels.
Is salmon good for cats with hyperthyroidism?
Avoid Fish-Based Foods. A study in 2000 found that cats who preferred canned cat food in fish or liver and giblets flavors had an increased risk of hyperthyroidism. Fish and other ocean creatures have higher levels of iodine than do other foods.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The median survival times reported are 25 (iodine 131 treatment),1 24 (radioiodine treatment),2 and 48 months (iodine 131 treatment),3 with a more recent paper citing 14 months (carbimazole or methimazole treatment alone or in combination with thyroidectomy).
What should I feed my elderly cat with hyperthyroidism?
It is best to feed: Canned or raw diets, that contain little to no fruits, vegetables, or grains. Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein.
Is Fancy Feast high in iodine?
This recipe has an iodine content of 0.95 parts per million on an as fed basis. Due to your pet's diagnosed condition, we recommend consulting your veterinarian to ensure this would be a good fit for your pet's current treatment plan.
How do you treat an elderly cat with hyperthyroidism?
When available, radioactive iodine therapy is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. During treatment, radioactive iodine is administered as an injection and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Why do hyperthyroid cats meow so much?
Signs of anxiety in a cat – including pacing, yowling for no apparent reason, and restlessness – are a common symptom of feline hyperthyroidism. This is due to increased stimulation in the nervous system which is a common occurrence in cats with feline hyperthyroidism.
Are cats with hyperthyroidism in pain?
Unfortunately, this means that many pet owners leave feline hyperthyroidism untreated. Doing so can cause pain and anguish for the cat. Feline hyperthyroidism is treatable and can be completely cured if spotted early.
How can I treat my cats hyperthyroidism naturally?
Feline hyperthyroidism natural treatment options are often considered by pet owners. Some of these treatments include switching your cat to a raw food diet, giving them special vitamins and supplements, and/or switching to special natural pet foods.
What is the best treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats?
An anti-thyroid medication, like methimazole. A special diet for cats with hyperthyroidism. Thyroidectomy (largely replaced by radioactive iodine therapy)
What to do if my cat has a thyroid problem?
Once a cat’s thyroid levels have been normalized with radioactive iodine therapy, methimazole or thyroidectomy, and the cat has regained a healthy amount of weight, their diet should be adjusted to meet their maintenance needs. Your veterinarian can help you pick out an appropriate food at all stages of recovery.
How long does it take for thyroid hormones to go down after a diet?
It has been clinically proven that within three weeks of beginning this type of hyperthyroidism diet, levels of T4 thyroid hormones begin to decrease, and within a few months, they are often back to normal.
Can cats have iodine?
Prescription Diets for Cats with Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can be managed through an iodine-restricted prescription diet, often without the use of other medical treatments. However, the effects of long-term iodine restriction on a cat’s health are still being studied.
Can cats eat protein?
However, if your cat has compromised kidney function, more moderate levels of protein may be advisable. Eating too much protein can lead to a worsening of symptoms in cats with kidney disease .
Do cats with hyperthyroidism have healthier lives?
Cats with hyperthyroidism have happier , healthier lives when their caregivers are knowledgeable about the disease and its dietary management. Here are some hyperthyroidism management tips about what should be included in a diet for cats with hyperthyroidism and why it’s such an important part of managing the disease.
Is pates good for cats?
Gravy foods tend to be high in carbs, so pates are a better choice. Motivated cat owners may check out the website ( www.catinfo.org ), which gives nutrient breakdown of various prescription and over-the-counter diets in the link “Protein/Fat/Carbs Chart”.
Is canned cat food good for cats?
Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein. Meat by-products are fine for carnivores: they’re simply protein sources such as organ meats and entrails that people don’t find appetizing. Gravy foods tend to be high in carbs, so pates are a better choice.
Why do cats need wet food?
That’s because cats with hyperthyroidism are at an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reportedly, CKD affects over 7% of cats above 10-years of age and 30% of cats aged above 15 years. A diet that is high in moisture content is immensely beneficial in promoting hydration, which the feline with CKD needs the most. This is why dry food might not be the best option.
What is the disease of cats?
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease that mostly affects old or middle-aged cats. It is often referred to as thyrotoxicosis. Feline hyperthyroidism is caused when Thyroxine or thyroid hormone (levels), which in clinical terms is called T3 and T4, are excessively produced. Imbalance in these thyroid hormones causes various issues and symptoms.
Why is thyroxine important?
Thyroxine is the main hormone that the thyroid gland produces and it is important to regulate blood glucose levels. It is also a counter-regulatory and anti-insulin hormone, which is why its effect is the opposite of insulin. This means it promotes an increase in blood glucose circulation by encouraging glycogenolysis. Glycogenolysis is the state when the glucose stored in the liver and muscle is released into the bloodstream.
Can cats have hyperthyroidism?
While there is no clear causative connection discovered between diet and hyperthyroidism, several studies have suggested some correlation between some dietary elements and the disease. Whats more important – diet can affect how symptoms manifest. Bad diet will exacerbate already bad situation, so make sure to feed your cat cat food that will work positively on its overal health condition. As always with sick cat – do consult your veterinarian.
What Should I Feed a Hyperthyroid Cat?
Hyperthyroidism, also known as thyrotoxicosis, is a serious condition that affects older cats. It's more common than feline lovers think, plaguing approximately 10 percent of cats over the age of 10. Marked by an increase in thyroid hormone production, a cat's entire well-being rests on the diet you provide.
About Hyperthyroidism
Before we get into the dietary information, it's important to understand hyperthyroidism and how it affects the body.
What to Feed a Hyperthyroid Cat
The best way to manage hyperthyroid is to provide a premium diet that counteracts the effects of the disease. The goal is to help your cat recover from weight and muscle loss while also supporting the overactive thyroid.
Conclusion
Hyperthyroidism doesn't have to be a fatal condition. It's perfectly manageable with the proper diet and care. Consult with your vet to go over your options.
Why is hyperthyroidism a problem in cats?
Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats because of an excess of circulating thyroid hormone, called “thyroxine.”. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for the body’s metabolism.
Where is the thyroid gland located in cats?
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for the body’s metabolism. This is why one of the first signs of thyroid disease may be a change in weight – weight gain if the thyroid is underactive and weight loss if the thyroid is overactive. In cats, an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. However, an overactive thyroid is quite common.
Why is it important to monitor cat weight?
Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, it’s important to monitor your cat’s weight and muscle mass. Even after treatment it may take a long time to reverse weight loss and muscle loss that occurred before your cat’s diagnosis. This can best be done by monitoring your cat’s body condition, muscle condition, and weight.
Does iodine prevent thyroid hormone production?
In order to produce thyroid hormone (thyroxine), the body needs a supply of iodine. If we restrict iodine , production of thyroxine decreases. Therefore, by using the veterinary therapeutic diet that is currently available and restricted in iodine (the only source the body has of iodine) this will prevent the thyroid from making thyroid hormone.
Can you medicate a cat every day?
For example, some families can’t medicate cats every day, so a more permanent solution such as radioactive iodine treatment or surgery may be best.
Does diet help with hyperthyroidism in cats?
Additionally, diet may play a significant role in managing the disease, whether as a sole treatment or as an adjunct tool to address changes in your cat’s body related to hyperthyroidism. Blog written by Dr. Daisy Spears in conjunction with Dr. Linder.
Can cats have thyroid problems?
However, an overactive thyroid is quite common. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. Other than unexplained weight loss, your cat may also become more restless, hyperactive, vocal, and extremely hungry!
What is the best food for a cat?
Choose foods composed of over 50% calories from protein. The best protein sources are species-appropriate and highly digestible. Your cat requires meat-based food with no high-protein fillers like pea protein, potato protein, wheat gluten, and corn gluten meal.
What are the ingredients in a tyroid diet?
First 5 Ingredients: Water, Pork Liver, Pork By-Products, Chicken, Corn Flour. While this food is pushed as an alternative to lifelong medication, radioiodine treatment, or a thyroidotomy, it’s not a cure for hyperthyroidism. It starves the thyroid of fuel, but it doesn’t slow down the progression of a thyroid tumor.
How much protein is in canned cat food?
The canned food is about 27% protein, 24% carbohydrate, and 49% fat. This isn’t an ideal calorie distribution for any cat, much less a senior with a propensity to lose muscle mass. Senior cats require high-quality protein to maintain healthy muscle mass, and this diet just doesn’t offer what they need.
Is cat food good for hyperthyroidism?
It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The best cat food for hyperthyroidism is rich in species-appropriate protein, low-carbohydrate, and is free from ingredients that contribute to thyroid disease. Iodine management can also help.
Does hyperthyroidism cause diabetes in cats?
Hyperthyroidism raises your cat’s blood glucose levels and often leads to insulin resistance and an impaired glucose tolerance. This is a prediabetic state. Even if this doesn’t advance to full diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroid cats are sensitive to sugar and require controlled levels of dietary carbohydrate.
Does canned cat food cause thyroid problems?
Since iodine is central to thyroid function, this may be part of the connection, but it’s not clear that iodine content is the only problem.
Can cats with hyperthyroidism be fed?
Caring for a cat with hyperthyroidism gets expensive quickly. 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.
The 6 Best Cat Food for Hyperthyroidism
This food is a wet canned food in the form of pâté is meant to be a healthy, grain-free option for your furry feline. It is filled with high-quality protein that comes from chicken. It also has ingredients like carrots, flaxseed, and cranberries.
Iodine Levels
Iodine levels are the most crucial consideration when you are dealing with a cat with hyperthyroidism. Until their thyroid calms down and begins to balance itself out, giving your cat a diet with minimal iodine levels is one of the best ways to combat it.
Protein Levels
Protein levels are not the most significant concerns when your cat is in the midst of hyperthyroidism. However, as they begin to come out of it and recover, they need food to encourage their body to bulk up again and build mass. They have likely become relatively weak, and a diet high in protein helps them regain their strength and health.
Canned or Dry?
There is debate about whether canned or dry food is better to feed a cat struggling with hyperthyroidism. It is ultimately up to both you and your cat. What does your cat prefer, and what are they more likely to eat? They need to eat plenty of food while they struggle with their thyroid, or they could lose dangerous amounts of weight.
Conclusion
It can take a while for your cat to land on their feet again after getting diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. However, with medical management and dietary restrictions, your cat can find their way back to health.
Ingredients for Homemade Hyperthyroid Cat Food
The best homemade hyperthyroid cat food is a raw diet that contains little or no fruits, vegetables, or grains.
Broths and Meal Enhancers
The following are not intended to be a complete diet for your cat, but they are a great way to add some protein and minerals into your cat’s diet while adding to its daily hydration intake.
Conclusion
Dietary management is a very important part of the treatment of hyperthyroid cats. Salt and sodium are restricted and many cats see great changes with dietary management alone. However, every case is different, and regular blood samples need to be done to monitor the cat’s thyroid hormones.
Is MeO PBDE in cat food?
The study states: “The present study suggests that pet cats are exposed to MeO-PBDEs through cat food products containing fish flavors and that the OH-PBDEs in cat blood are derived from the CYP-dependent demethylation of naturally occurring MeO-PBDE congeners, not from the hydroxylation of PBDEs. “ ¹.
Is fish flavored cat food bad for cats?
Basically – there are toxins in fish flavored cat foods that are contributing to the epidemic of feline hyperthyroidism. Avoid them at all costs. Steer clear of foods with soy. Pet food companies commonly use soy as a filler ingredient for protein. It’s a cheap replacement and damaging to our cats’ health.
Can cats eat dry food?
In reality, no dry food should be fed to cats – especially those with this disease. The high amount of carbohydrates in kibble is detrimental to a kitty’s health, causing all sorts of disease. Questions remain about what exactly to feed a hyperthyroid cat – though we do have a suggestion below.
Is soy a carbohydrate for cats?
Although considered protein , soy acts as a carbohydrate in our cats’ bodies and has a direct link to thyroid damage. If you have a kitty with hyperthyroidism, we recommend contacting Fetching Foods and speaking with them about custom formulating a low iodine, fish & soy free food for your sweet babe.
Can cats with hyperthyroidism eat canned food?
What NOT To Feed Cats With Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is unfortunately common in older cats – and many believe that it is linked to the foods they eat. In fact, some studies have linked certain feline commercial diets directly to this disease. A common diet traditional veterinarians recommend for a hyperthyroid cat is a prescription canned ...
