Kelp For Dogs With Hypothyroidism

Kelp s benefits through iodine.

Kelp for dogs with hypothyroidism.

A severe iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism and kelp provides a natural source of this important mineral. It makes a hormone called thyroxine that controls metabolism the process of turning food into fuel. Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease of dogs. Kelp may be a solution as an alternate treatment for individuals in need of help.

In terms of dogs kelp supplementation will only work as intended if the dog has an iodine deficiency which is highly unlikely. Primary hypothyroidism resulting from idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy or immune mediated lymphocytic thyroiditis is the most common diagnosis. I don t have a dog with diagnosed hypothyroidism however i knew it wouldn t hurt considering he has issues absorbing nutrients to begin with. While research in the uk explains that kelp contains bacillus lichenformis bacteria capable of releasing enzymes that can break down plaque on the teeth.

The thyroid gland is in the neck. The majority of dogs that become hypothyroid suffer from inherited autoimmune thyroiditis like hashimoto s lymphocytic thyroiditis in people which has nothing to do with iodine deficiency. Ads for kelp supplements for dogs boast its benefits for vitality immunity and proper function of the thyroid gland 3 kelp often appears as a heavily promoted dietary ingredient included in home prepared raw diets. Many diseases and conditions can mimic hypothyroidism and some of the clinical signs even in dogs with normal thyroid function can improve after administration of exogenous thyroid hormone.

Kelp or bladderwack is a brown type of seaweed which people have used when traditional medications have not worked in fighting thyroid issues. Iodine is also needed by dogs to avoid certain diseases such as hypothyroidism in dogs. Hypothyroidism is probably one of the most overdiagnosed diseases in dogs. Kelp in general tends to have a ton of vitamins in it besides iodine so it can be easily used as a supplemental vitamin.

Nippoldt of the mayo clinic 2 however he explains that iodine deficiency is rare in developed. Hypothyroidism is also called mumps. Kelp is one food that has a plethora of iodine in it. With hypothyroidism the gland doesn t make enough of that hormone.

Doesn t contain kelp so unless your dog is already on supplements this could be considered a disadvantage for dogs with hypothyroidism while kelp is a helpful ingredient to have in a dog food as it contains iodine which stimulates the production of thyroid hormones a food can still be great without it. It occurs when the thyroid glands fail to produce adequate amounts of the hormones thyroxine t4 and triiodothyronine t3. It s a common disease in dogs it affects all breeds but it is often found in golden retrievers doberman pinschers irish setters dachshunds boxers and cocker spaniels.