{"id":41894,"date":"2020-03-16T14:59:15","date_gmt":"2020-03-16T14:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/?page_id=41894"},"modified":"2023-03-17T15:33:28","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T15:33:28","slug":"best-food-for-cats-with-hyperthyroidism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/best-food-for-cats-with-hyperthyroidism\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Food For Cats With Hyperthyroidism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You probably think your cat\u2019s medical treatment for hyperthyroidism is the total solution to heal and maintain regular thyroid levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re right about one thing: your cat needs their treatment. But, what you may not know is that a healthy diet isn\u2019t just a menial factor for these cats. It\u2019s vital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your cat recently received their diagnosis, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve been more than a bit anxious. Even though the vet tells you it\u2019s an easily treatable, common condition, you\u2019re not convinced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I don\u2019t blame you. I\u2019d be nervous, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re absolutely right though. You\u2019ve done the best thing for your best friend by getting them a diagnosis. You made it possible to implement a treatment plan and get your baby cat back to their regular shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve seen your vet, you know there are four different treatments for cats with hyperthyroidism.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li> <span style=\"font-size: revert; color: var(--global-palette4);\">A medication classified as an anti-thyroid. Ex.: Methimazole<\/span> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <span style=\"font-size: revert; color: var(--global-palette4);\">Thyroidectomy- removal of the thyroid gland<\/span> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <span style=\"font-size: revert; color: var(--global-palette4);\">Radioactive iodine therapy- mostly replaces thyroidectomy<\/span> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <span style=\"font-size: revert; color: var(--global-palette4);\">A special diet with restricted iodine<\/span> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve worked with your vet to figure out the best treatment for your little one. Now, it\u2019s our turn to help you with the non-medical side of finding the best cat food for your cat diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re here before seeing a vet, that means you\u2019re probably trying to self-diagnose. If you must, then here\u2019s our recommendation: please just go see a vet. You\u2019re concerned for a reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t mean to scare you, but we\u2019re also unqualified to help you diagnose your cat. This type of diagnosis requires a veterinarian and lab work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel like there was something you could do to prevent your cat from getting hyperthyroidism, your blame is misplaced. There is no definitive cause for the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is well-researched data available indicating that fish flavored cat food is the biggest contributing factor to the disorder compared to the other variables tested. There\u2019s huge validity to it, but, again, there\u2019s no one easy answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The modern processed cat diet including high carbohydrates, veggies, fruits, and grains are another suspected factor. Not that these things are specifically poisonous&#8211;they\u2019re not. They don\u2019t, however, serve the <a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2TRTkXL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">carnivore connection to cat nutrition<\/a> very well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We spent well over four hours researching this and many other aspects of hyperthyroidism in cats. We feel it\u2019s important to have a good understanding of hyperthyroidism itself before diving into treatments and food options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further into the article, I\u2019ll share what nutrition content you should be looking for, and I\u2019ll show you a website that you can plug your nutrition label into to give you the guaranteed analysis of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pretty cool, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But first, you probably want to know what our best pick is. <a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2TRTkXL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hill&#8217;s Prescription Diet<\/a> Y\/D Feline Thyroid Health beats out its competitors with ease. It\u2019s the only cat food on the market that\u2019s specifically made to treat hyperthyroidism. I\u2019ll lay out all of the details a little further down.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px;margin-bottom:40px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover{background:#ffffff;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kadence-info-box-image-inner-intrisic-container{max-width:101px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kadence-info-box-image-inner-intrisic-container .kadence-info-box-image-intrisic{padding-bottom:100%;width:300px;height:0px;max-width:100%;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kadence-info-box-icon-container .kt-info-svg-icon, .kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-info-svg-icon-flip, .kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-number{font-size:50px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-media{color:#444444;background:#ffffff;border-color:#eeeeee;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:20px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-media{color:#444444;background:#ffffff;border-color:#eeeeee;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-infobox-textcontent h2.kt-blocks-info-box-title{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-infobox-textcontent .kt-blocks-info-box-text{color:#555555;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore{background:transparent;border-color:#555555;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding-top:4px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:4px;padding-left:8px;margin:10px 0px 10px 0px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore{color:#ffffff;background:#444444;border-color:#444444;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-infobox kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-left kt-info-halign-left\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media-container\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media kt-info-media-animate-none\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-image-inner-intrisic-container\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-image-intrisic kt-info-animate-none kb-info-box-image-ratio kb-info-box-image-ratio-square\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-image-inner-intrisic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guarantee-f-e1676260441883.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" class=\"kt-info-box-image wp-image-37684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guarantee-f-e1676260441883.png 300w, https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guarantee-f-e1676260441883-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\"><p class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-text\">This content has been reviewed and approved by our in-house Veterinarian for accuracy.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Table could not be displayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-12\">Why You Should Trust Our Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like I said, we spent hours on our research. We read about everything from iodine levels to thyroxine. From the controversial topic of dry food to nutrition&#8211;and much more. That comprised seven hours of the total endeavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you add three hours to our seven for writing the article, you have a list of recommendations backed by ten hours of careful effort to help you take the best care of your cat as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to check out one of the tools we used to determine a product\u2019s quality, checkout this awesome <a href=\"https:\/\/secure.balanceit.com\/tools\/_gaconverter\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guaranteed analysis converter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use it anytime you want to take the analysis into your own hands. It\u2019s a great tool to have handy when you\u2019re at the pet store browsing foods that you haven\u2019t tried before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, that\u2019s how we chose our recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-3\">What Features Did We Look For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clearly, there are more than a few factors to consider in choosing the best cat food for hyperthyroidism. Here\u2019s what we find important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Texture\/Form &#8211; <\/strong>This decision requires consideration and discretion on your part. I\u2019ll tell you why. It\u2019s recommended by a large number of veterinarians that cats who have hyperthyroidism eat strictly wet food. Wet food can achieve higher protein levels without carbohydrates. The moisture in wet cat food helps your cat maintain a healthy hydration level, too, which is doubly important in this case. That sounds simple enough, but certain forms of cat food textures, such as a mousse or a pate, don\u2019t contain as much moisture as others in water or gravy. It\u2019s not to say avoid these, but when hydration is a big goal, keep that in mind. A good way to combat this potential problem is to keep fresh clean water available for your cat at all times. Other experts say it\u2019s fine to feed your cat wet food once in the morning and at night while having some dry food for your cat to nibble on during the day. Others condemn dry food as if it were rocks. It\u2019s your judgment call.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Fruits, grains, soy, and veggies &#8211; <\/strong>\u00a0These aren\u2019t poisonous to cats. Well, some are though most aren\u2019t. But, the fact is that your cat with hyperthyroidism doesn\u2019t need them. It can seem impossible to remove fruits or veggies from your cat\u2019s diet. Pet food production can sometimes require vegetables in the manufacturing process in order to bind everything together.\u00a0Basically, it\u2019s to form and hold the kibble shape. But, as you learned earlier, cats are carnivorous. They need meat. Anything else is fluff. Particularly for cats with hyperthyroidism, grain, soy, and some fruits can be very irritating to the problem. Even counterintuitive.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>Nutrition &#8211;<\/strong> Cats with hyperthyroidism have an overactive metabolism. This causes them to lose weight. It can take months for some cats to regain the fat and muscle mass they lost before being diagnosed. That\u2019s why they need a diet that has &lt;15% carbs (10% if you want to be a star, which you do),\u00a0high energy, and high protein. There are cat foods out there that exceed these requirements, and there are plenty that falls short. That\u2019s why it\u2019s great to get to know your labels. You should also know that for cats who also struggle with kidney disease, going the extra mile with super high-protein food isn\u2019t your best bet. That can cause some kidney issues. Stick with \u201cregular\u201d high-protein diets instead of the extra-concentrated protein formula types.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong>Reviews &#8211;<\/strong> We needed to know how others\u2019 experiences fared before recommending the food to you.\u00a0Not only did we check how the food tested nutritionally, we had to make sure cat\u2019s loved it. Being tasty is important because your cat needs every bite they can get.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>There were other aspects we considered, but these four were non-negotiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-1\">Who is This Cat Food For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The list we\u2019ve compiled is for cat owners whose cats have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism by a vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you saw your vet, you probably talked about the treatment options available to you. This list is for after that visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This list isn\u2019t for anyone trying to self-diagnose their cat. You can\u2019t do that with hyperthyroidism. You shouldn\u2019t do that with any illness, really, but especially not a thyroid disorder. You need blood work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re concerned about the costs of treatment, you can call around at different vet clinics, or drop us a line. We might be able to provide resources to help you decide how to start on your search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-10\">How \u200bWe Choose \u200bOur \u200bProducts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We chose our recommended products after our lengthy research process. Having solid background information made it possible for us to look for what\u2019s really important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of equal value, because of our research, we now know what to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After compiling information on thyroid disease, nutritional needs, and customer experience, we checked obvious places like Petco, PetCare RX, Amazon, and Walmart. We also tried lesser known places like Darwin\u2019s Pet and Only Natural Pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sifting through such a wide variety of stores really creates a comprehensive list of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget, we read through every review on each company\u2019s site, too. Sifting through hundreds of reviews is as valuable as reading labels these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once we decided on a preliminary list, we ran everything through the converter we linked to earlier in the article. We\u2019ve yet to find a perfect cat food out there, but this helped us stay in the nutritional ranges we were aiming for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, hyperthyroidism isn\u2019t uncommon in cats, so a few Cat Kingpin staff members had plenty of personal experience to share. Although it\u2019s an unfortunate situation to have experienced, we\u2019re grateful for your help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-13\"><span style=\"background-color: #1e73be;\"> <span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong>Our Top Choice<\/strong><\/span> <\/span> &#8211; Hill\u2019s Prescription Diet y\/d Thyroid Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hills-Prescription-Feline-Thyroid-Health\/dp\/B00HXANOQC\/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=3H13RUZ75WRAT&amp;keywords=hills+y\/d+thyroid+care+cat+food&amp;qid=1584011916&amp;sprefix=hills+y\/d+,aps,162&amp;sr=8-3&amp;linkCode=li3&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;linkId=bffb25d1e75e2b51d7ba68ec805ee87b&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B00HXANOQC&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;language=en_US\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b+<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bPros<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Sworn results in &lt; a month<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restricted iodine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protects urinary system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decreases T4&#8211;thyroid hormone<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bCons<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Expensive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires prescription @ some stores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Picky eaters showed distaste<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contains soybean mill run<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2TRTkXL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hill&#8217;s Prescription Diet Y\/D Feline Thyroid Health<\/a> is our top choice because it is the only cat food on the market that is specially made to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. It maintains a restricted level of iodine to help your cat produce less of the thyroid hormone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your cat needs iodine to make the hormone. Your cat can\u2019t synthesize it themselves. By restricting the iodine in their food, you\u2019re helping their body produce less thyroxine. This is a viable treatment for most diagnosed cats, depending on the severity of progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A high protein diet can cause damage to the urinary system, so Hill\u2019s created a formula with urinary health in mind while still managing to be high in protein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because this formula holds the title of \u2018treatment\u2019 and \u2018food,\u2019 Y\/D Feline Thyroid Health isn\u2019t cheap. But, contrary to what the name suggests, you don\u2019t need a vet\u2019s prescription at every store. Some, you do. Most, you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some cats have very definite flavor preferences with this food, so try a variety pack if possible for your first purchase. The product contains Soybean Mill Run though. If your cat has a known allergy to soy, beware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soybean Mill Run is something very specific. You would probably know if your cat was sensitive to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-11\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffb200;\">&nbsp;<strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Premium Pick<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span> &#8211; Feline Natural Canned Cat Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01NCMM2IS\/ref=as_li_ss_il?coliid=I3JSUAJ69VKJLQ&amp;colid=1ILKZOVIEFAM3&amp;psc=1&amp;ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&amp;linkCode=li3&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;linkId=3cb668af5f9b8b0ffbd31ee4b3e6bc55&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B01NCMM2IS&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;language=en_US\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b+<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bPros<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>7 flavors, 2 sizes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No grain, wheat, corn, soy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First 4 ingredients are meat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low carb<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bCons<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Costly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Occasionally arrives damaged<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Picky eaters disliked flavor combos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3d07VrO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Feline Natural Canned Cat Food&#8217;s <\/a>first win is that it comes in seven different flavors. If your cat can\u2019t find one they like out of seven&#8230;you might just need to try a new food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It doesn\u2019t contain grain, wheat, or soy anywhere on the ingredient list. Big plus. It\u2019s also BPA free, which is recommended for cats with hyperthyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason Feline Natural can get away with charging a few bucks more is because&#8211;seriously&#8211;the first FOUR ingredients are animal MEAT. Not byproduct or meal. Actual meat. That\u2019s extremely difficult to top.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet again, our sweet picky eaters have strong opinions about this food\u2019s flavor combinations. For this particular food, sticking to a single flavor is best for your choosy eater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-8\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ed5a5a;\">&nbsp;<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Budget Friendly<\/span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/strong> &#8211; Tiki Cat Luau Grain-Free, Low-Carb Wet Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01MEHBRWE\/ref=as_li_ss_il?coliid=IZFBD7WUJYEI3&amp;colid=1ILKZOVIEFAM3&amp;ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=li3&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;linkId=f78b211a013c466d4c212d1fb4c79ada&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B01MEHBRWE&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;language=en_US\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b+<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bPros<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>8 flavors, 4 sizes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Animal protein 1st ingredient<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low Carb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No grains, wheat, corn, soy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bCons<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Offers fish flavors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In consomme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whole chunks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Occasional fish bones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/33iMWw0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tiki Cat Luau Grain-Free, Low-Carb Wet Food<\/a>\u2019s recipe is stellar for anyone on a budget. Tiki gives the pricier brands a run for their money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They offer eight flavors, so your cat is bound to find one they like. Like the others, Tiki Cat held back on the grains, wheat, corn, and MSG. (Thank you!) That\u2019s actually tough to find for a budget pick. Good job, Tiki!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the variety of flavors offered, fish is included. As I mentioned earlier, there is evidence backed by research that fish flavored foods for cats might be connected to hyperthyroidism. As long as you\u2019re aware of that, we\u2019re good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s kitten-friendly, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The food is high in protein and low in carbs while boasting 80% moisture. Unlike our premium pick, Tiki Cat\u2019s wet food sits in consomme, a clear flavored stock of sorts, as opposed to water. It\u2019s only a con if you\u2019re looking for a water soak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another noteworthy aspect of the wet food is that it\u2019s in whole chunks. If your cat can\u2019t handle that, choose a different food. Also, some people reported fish bones in their fish flavors. This is a complaint for most companies that offer fish, so check your cat\u2019s food before each feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-9\">Other Choice: Wild Frontier Vital Prey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B073D45K4G\/ref=as_li_ss_il?coliid=I25KKOA5MSVXZP&amp;colid=1ILKZOVIEFAM3&amp;ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=li3&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;linkId=87a8a2ac0b627ad1d26812c3c066bf22&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B073D45K4G&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;language=en_US\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b+<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bPros<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Low carb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High protein<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real chicken first ingredient<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bCons<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Contains chicken meal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inconsistent product quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fish meal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2IRdgnn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wild Frontier&#8217;s Vital Prey<\/a> is our dry food option. Most cats enjoy a diet that\u2019s mostly made up of wet food, but if you\u2019re looking for a healthy dry food companion, Wild Frontier delivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like it\u2019s wet food counterparts, it offers high protein with low carbs. That can be particularly difficult to find in dry cat food. Real chicken is this food\u2019s first ingredient as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second ingredient is chicken meal. Understandably so, this turns some of you off. We know, and we don\u2019t blame you. Though it\u2019s unfortunate, even the most prestigious brands of dry food contain \u2018meal\u2019 of one kind or another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please also note that fish meal is an ingredient even in the chicken flavored option. It\u2019s important to note for allergies. Also, check your cat\u2019s food each order and each meal. This product is known to arrive with variances in quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-5\">Other Choice: Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B008RWG0TS\/ref=as_li_ss_il?coliid=I2191W3ACOR2AM&amp;colid=1ILKZOVIEFAM3&amp;ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=li3&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;linkId=1c1498ea14393523426b853f142293fe&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B008RWG0TS&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=catkingpin-20&amp;language=en_US\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b+<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bPros<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>FIrst 3 ingredients are chicken<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pate texture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No grain, potato, corn<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No artificial colors or preservatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u200b-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u200bCons<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Less crude protein than others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Includes fruits and veggies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shipping and packaging issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/39RvhOw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instinct\u2019s Original Grain-Free Recipe <\/a>Natural Wet Canned Food is an alternative option to try if all of the above have failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This food has a pate texture as opposed to the chunks-in-gravy style that others have. The first three ingredients are all chicken meat, too. No meal or byproduct. Instinct refrains from the grains, soy, wheat, and other yucky things that are no good for your cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to the other wet food, this one has less crude protein. They also feel the need to add artichokes, cranberries, pumpkin, tomato, blueberries, and four other fruits\/veggies to the formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some cat owners try to stay away from fruits and veggies in their cat food, so I think it\u2019s worth a mention!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, more than any other product on this list, this one had the most issues with packaging and shipping. Customers experienced everything from receiving the wrong flavor to opening a can up to find maggots. Keep your eyes peeled, friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-6\">Care and Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To maintain optimal health for your cat, visit your vet regularly to check kitty\u2019s thyroid levels. It can take a while to get them in range. Even once you reach the maintenance period, regular check-ups are still necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your vet will help you observe your cat\u2019s weight and muscle tone to make sure they\u2019re gaining or maintaining. Because of the high metabolism involved in hyperthyroidism, weight maintenance is of great importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to decide for yourself if you want to leave a small amount of dry food out between your cat\u2019s breakfast and dinner. If your cat is on a vet-ordered restricted diet, check with them to see if it\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh! And, don&#8217;t allow your other cats to eat any of the portion you give to your baby with hyperthyroidism. They need to get their nutrition, and they can only do it from their specific food. Don\u2019t let your sneaky little Pete\u2019s swipe the goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you always have clean water available for your cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Variations in quality have been a widespread issue. You can\u2019t send every bag or can of food you buy off to a lab for analysis, but you can do some simple things to be responsible for part of the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I always check my wet and dry food before feeding it to my cat. I don\u2019t just check the bag&#8211;I swirl the food around in their bowl a bit to check for mold, bugs, wood, plastic, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, I\u2019ve found those things before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not a complete solution, but it\u2019s the best I can do! A little bit of proactivity goes a long way. Check for packaging and shipping errors in each order you receive from now on. It takes two seconds. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-7\">\u200bAnswers to Common Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s the recommended calories per feeding for a cat with hyperthyroidism?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>That goes a little beyond our scope. Each cat is different. One cat might need only one can per serving, but an extra-large breed may need two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are general recommendations online as far as calorie count goes, but you know your cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, with hyperthyroidism, you don\u2019t want to underfeed your cat. As long as you don\u2019t do that, you won\u2019t be harming them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All things considered, dry food should contain between 350-475 calories per cup to be worth it. The higher, the better since dry food won\u2019t be your cat\u2019s main food source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wet food\u2019s calorie ballpark can\u2019t be so easily estimated since some can be extremely high in carbs or extremely high in fat to account for the calories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the recommended nutritional amounts?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check with your vet to get your cat\u2019s specific nutritional needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, carbs are considered junk food for kitties and aren\u2019t needed in high amounts. Stick to high energy and high protein wet foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>If my cat is on a prescription diet per my vet, can they have treats?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Absolutely nothing else. If your vet has your cat on a specific diet, do not stray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prescription food for cats with hyperthyroidism has restricted iodine levels. It\u2019s on purpose because iodine is what\u2019s needed to secrete the thyroid hormone. Adding anything to your cat\u2019s prescription diet is super unwise and unkind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019re the signs of hyperthyroidism in cats?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Weight loss, being overly hungry, and a dull coat are a few that people tend to notice first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other symptoms that can manifest include an unquenchable thirst, shortness of breath, an ill stomach, general weakness, or a faster heartbeat than normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re noticing most of the symptoms I\u2019ve listed, it\u2019s past time to call the vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is hyperthyroidism fatal for cats?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes and no. When it\u2019s caught at a reasonable time, treatment and recovery are absolutely possible. If your cat\u2019s condition is left for a long period of time (months for some, years for others), it can trigger a decline in health that can eventually be fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is treatment for hyperthyroidism expensive?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I can\u2019t answer that for your vet. I have ballpark numbers to give you, but that\u2019s something I don\u2019t feel it\u2019s worth to speak on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s why: 98 vets may charge $1,000 for radioiodine therapy, but there will be two who do it for $500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It would be unreliable numbers. You\u2019re not alone in your concerns though. Call, call, call until someone is willing to help you get the answers you need to financially plan for your cat\u2019s treatment..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should I stop fish flavored products all together?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The data is out there. It points to fish-flavored cat food being a leading cause for hyperthyroidism in cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The evidence is very real and very legitimate. It isn\u2019t comprehensive though. There are a lot of other factors that still need to be studied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not for me to tell you to throw out your tuna-flavored wet cat food, nor is it unwise to add some fish flavored food occasionally for your cats who don\u2019t have underlying issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m just saying I\u2019ll be buying land animal flavors for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tab-con-2\">\u200bFinal Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There you have it, folks! What seems like such a daunting decision can be made much easier by breaking down what\u2019s important in your cat\u2019s diet when hyperthyroidism is a factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Above all others, <a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2TRTkXL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hill&#8217;s Prescription Diet<\/a> hits every mark with their recipe for cats with hyperthyroidism. With this food, you just don\u2019t have to figure anything out. It\u2019s already gold. You can just trust it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the risk of sounding like the grinch, don\u2019t forget to protect your cat\u2019s food from your other pets with wandering tummies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, refrain from giving your cat with hyperthyroidism any treats or human food. This will upset their internal balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget the clean water either! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s your experience with hyperthyroidism in cats? Have you tried any of these foods?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I want to know what works for you! Let me know in the comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">Sources:<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><em>What Should I Feed my Hyperthyroid Cat &#8211; <a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.avmi.net\/resources\/client-resources\/hyperthyroidism\/what-should-i-feed-my-hyperthyroid-cat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.avmi.net\/resources\/client-resources\/hyperthyroidism\/what-should-i-feed-my-hyperthyroid-cat\/<\/a><\/em><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><em>Managing Hyperthyroidism with Diet in Cats &#8211; <em><a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2018\/06\/managing-hyperthyroidism-with-diet-in-cats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2018\/06\/managing-hyperthyroidism-with-diet-in-cats<\/a><\/em><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You probably think your cat\u2019s medical treatment for hyperthyroidism is the total solution to heal and maintain regular thyroid levels.&nbsp; You\u2019re right about one thing: your cat needs their treatment&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":41905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[117],"tags":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":117,"label":"Reviews"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/best-food-for-cats-with-hyperthyroidism.jpg",900,600,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Whitey Robichaux","author_link":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/author\/whitney-robichaux\/"},"comment_info":4,"category_info":[{"term_id":117,"name":"Reviews","slug":"review","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":117,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":23,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":117,"category_count":23,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Reviews","category_nicename":"review","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41894"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41894"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41894\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54988,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41894\/revisions\/54988"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41894"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41894"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41894"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}