Dog Food and Fats

Is it possible that the rise in hypothyroidism in certain dog breeds might be the result of diets low in saturated fats? Since 1996, dog breeders have noted that this condition has become common enough to test their breeding stock for. While some veterinarian practitioners believe that there might be a genetic predisposition towards hypothyroidism other experts claim that its cause is directly related to the commercial kibble fed to dogs. 

The hypothyroidism question might be a matter of which came first — the chicken or the egg? A dog will pass on to its offspring any weaknesses in its genetic code. When generations of dogs are fed a steady diet of dried kibble their bodies are placed at risk to develop hypothyroidism. Why? Because commercially produced dog food contains primarily polyunsaturated fats. These fats are not conducive for the absorption of certain vitamins, particularly vitamin A, D, E and K.

Vitamin A is a huge player in the body’s ability to kick on its immune system. This wonder vitamin gives the body its ability to fight off cancer and it helps prevent the thyroid gland from shrinking. As the thyroid gland shrinks it begins to lose its ability to function and hypothyroidism sets in. When vitamin A is coupled with vitamin D, the result is a dynamic duo that work together to increase thyroid hormone circulation within the body. But both vitamin A and vitamin D need saturated fat for absorption through the intestine before the body can utilize it.

Although there is no conclusive evidence that a diet lacking saturated fats causes hypothyroidism, it is certainly worth avoiding this condition by providing pets with a wholesome diet that contains a variety of organic food— including quality animal protein and fat. This becomes even more important if you own a dog breed with a genetic predisposition towards this disease. Dog breeds at greater risk for hypothyroidism are: Akitas, American cocker spaniels, Beagles, Boxers, Briards, Brozois, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Irish setters. Labarador retrievers, Old English sheepdogs, Rottweilers, and Shetland sheepdogs.

Unfortunately it is often difficult to tell if your dog has hypothyroidism because its symptoms are common to many other diseases. Keep in mind that as your dog ages, he becomes more prone to this condition. That’s why it’s important to start them off with the right type of diet. Variety is key. Supplement your dog’s dried kibble with healthy servings of organically raised meat because it contains the fat your dog needs to absorb certain vitamins. Additionally, provide your pet with cod liver oil at each meal. There are many brands available made specifically for pets. My personal favorite is Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil for Dogs & Cats.

About the Author:

Gyvel Young is a journalist, published author and a certified canine nutritionist.

Sources:

Articles

Nockels CF, Ewing DL, Phetteplace H, et al. Hypothyroidism: an early sign of vitamin A deficiency in chickens. J Nutr 1984;114:1733-6

Oba K, Kimura S. Effects of vitamin A deficiency on thyroid function and serum thyroxine levels in the rat. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1980;26:327-34

Books

Pottenger, Francis Jr. (1983). Pottenger’s Cats: A Study in Nutrition. California. Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation, Inc.