Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder affecting cats. As with any medical condition, the right diet will have a big impact on management and recovery.

When choosing a diet for a hyperthyroid cats it is essential that you work with your veterinarian to choose the right diet.

An affected cat requires medical treatment, and the disease has an impact on metabolism. These must be considered alongside a diet switch.

The following tips can get you started on choosing the best diet for a cat with hyperthyroidism.

1. Choose a high moisture diet

Cats with hyperthyroidism tend to be thirstier and urinate more often.

A high moisture diet, such as ones found in cans, can increase overall water intake and help your cat feel more comfortable during her treatment. These diets have also been found to improve hydration status which is beneficial for older cats and cats who use the litter box frequently.

2. Consider the fat content of the diet

By the time a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made, a cat is likely to have lost a large proportion of her fat stores. Oftentimes, these patients are underweight.

Work with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate daily calories required for your cat to safely regain body condition.

A good choice of diet, in this instance, is likely to have a fat content of 20-30%, on a dry matter basis.

This relatively high level of fat will contribute to a calorie-dense diet and aid in weight-gain.

3. Choose a diet that is high in protein

Weight-loss due to hyperthyroidism is likely to result in a reduction in muscle mass. Protein is important to help to rebuild and maintain muscle. A diet with a protein content of 28-45% protein, on a dry matter basis, is suitable for a hyperthyroid patient.

4. Avoid diets that are too high in fiber

The crude fiber of the chosen diet should be less than 8%, on a dry matter basis. This will improve the overall digestibility of the diet and maintain a high caloric density.

(Note: The nutrient value listed on your food label will most likely be given on an “as fed” basis. You can learn how to convert these values to dry matter basis here.)

5. Choose a diet that is complete and balanced

As with any illness, a diet that matches your cat’s basic nutritional requirements is essential for recovery. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has developed nutrient requirements for cat foods based on the historic body of nutrition research.

Choose a food that meets the AAFCO’s requirements -it will have an adequacy statement printed on the label. Some foods may be regarded as adequate for “all life stages” which is suitable for growing kittens, motherhood, and adult cats. These can be used for any cat, but a food with an adequacy statement that matches your cat’s current life stage will be the best choice.

What is the Best Cat Food for Hyperthyroidism?

Author:
Last updated June 28, 2021
IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
Top Pick
Hill's Prescription Diet y/d Canned Cat Food
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 188 kcal/5.5 oz can
  • Protein: 37%
Purina Pro Plan Focus Classic Salmon & Tuna
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 91 kcal/can
  • Protein: 45%
Hill's Prescription Diet y/d Dry Cat Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 517 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 182 kcal/can
  • Protein: 47%
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 176 kcal/5.5 oz can
  • Protein: 36%

Hyperthyroidism Cat Food Reviews

Hill's Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Water
  2. Pork Liver
  3. Pork By-Products
  4. Chicken
  5. Corn Flour
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 188 kcal/5.5 oz can
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
27%
27%
Protein
37%
37%
Fiber
6.8%
6.8%
REVIEW

Hill's Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food Review

This prescription formula from Hill’s is specifically designed for cats that struggle with thyroid issues. This diet has an optimum balance of protein and fat, with 37 percent protein and 27 percent fat on a dry matter basis. It also has 6.8 percent fiber to help your cat with digestion and nutrient absorption.

Some cats with hyperthyroidism struggle with kidney and bladder issues. This formula has a high water content, but also has low sodium, phosphorus, and mineral levels to prevent these issues from flaring up. Additionally, this formula contains essential nutrients to support full body health, such as taurine, carnitine, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The balanced formula makes this the best cat food for hyperthyroidism on the market right now.

BUY HERE →

Purina Pro Plan Focus Classic Salmon & Tuna Wet Food for Older Cats with Hyperthyroidism

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Salmon
  2. Liver
  3. Water Sufficient for Processing
  4. Meat By-Products
  5. Fish
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 91 kcal/can
  • Lifestage: Senior
NUTRITION
Fat
27%
27%
Protein
45%
45%
Fiber
6.8%
6.8%
REVIEW

Purina Pro Plan Focus Classic Salmon & Tuna Wet Food for Older Cats with Hyperthyroidism Review

This diet from Purina Pro Plan is the best cat food for older cats with hyperthyroidism. Not only is it a high protein, nutrient dense diet that will give your cat the energy they need to combat hyperthyroidism, but it also has the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy as they get older.

This formula is very high in protein, at 45 percent on a dry matter basis. It is also fortified with 25 essential vitamins and minerals that will support your older cat’s immune system. Most notably, it contains vitamins C & E as well as taurine. It has a fresh salmon and tuna taste that is very appealing to cats.

BUY HERE →

Hill's Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Original Dry Cat Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Corn Gluten Meal
  2. Pork Fat
  3. Whole Grain Corn
  4. Soybean Mill Run
  5. Egg Product
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 517 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
20%
20%
Protein
30%
30%
Fiber
3.5%
3.5%
REVIEW

Hill's Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Original Dry Cat Food Review

If you’re looking for a dry food option for your cat with thyroid issues, this option from Hill’s Prescription Diet’s y/d range is a great choice. It has an excellent balance of 30 percent protein, 20 percent fat, and 3.5 percent fiber to keep your cat healthy and happy.

This cat food is specifically designed to reduce production of the T4 hormone. Because of this, it can help improve thyroid function in just a few weeks. It’s also made with Hill’s S+OXSHIELD nutritional balance, which helps to prevent urinary tract problems. Essential ingredients like taurine, carnitine, fish oils, and more support your cat’s entire body. This includes their eyes, heart, and coat.

BUY HERE →

Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Wet Cat Food For Cats with Hyperthyroidism

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Chicken
  2. Chicken Liver
  3. Turkey
  4. Chicken Broth
  5. Carrots
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 182 kcal/can
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
31%
31%
Protein
47%
47%
Fiber
4.5%
4.5%
REVIEW

Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Wet Cat Food For Cats with Hyperthyroidism Review

If you’re looking for the best canned cat food for hyperthyroidism, this option from Wellness is a great choice. This exceptional quality formula has very high protein levels and uses real chicken, which supports lean and healthy muscles. This is balanced out with cranberries and other vital sources of antioxidants, as well as omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy coat.

Because this food is very high in moisture, it is primed to support your cat’s urinary tract health, which is very important for any cat with hyperthyroidism. Finally, it does not contain any grains or artificial preservatives that could irritate your cat’s digestive system.

BUY HERE →

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Wet Food For Older Cats with Hyperthyroidism

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Chicken
  2. Chicken Broth
  3. Chicken Liver
  4. Potatoes
  5. Pea Flour
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 176 kcal/5.5 oz can
  • Lifestage: Senior
NUTRITION
Fat
25%
25%
Protein
36%
36%
Fiber
9%
9%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Wet Food For Older Cats with Hyperthyroidism Review

This wet food from Blue Buffalo is a high-moisture and high-protein formula that is excellent for cats who struggle with hyperthyroidism. It uses natural chicken as a lean source of protein, and also has a fresh chicken flavor that cats love. The formula is also fortified with fruits and vegetables, which contain essential antioxidants to protect your cat’s immune system.

On top of that, this formula is enhanced with vitamins and minerals that are excellent for cats, like taurine and DHA. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support a healthy skin and coat. It doesn’t contain any grains, soy, corn, or wheat, and it also doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives or flavors.

BUY HERE →