What you need to know about your Pets’ Thyroid!

The thyroid gland is a small but crucial hormone-producing organ located just below the voice box in your pet’s neck. Its primary job is to regulate metabolism, the process by which cells turn nutrients into energy.
When your pet needs more energy (like during growth, stress, or exercise), the thyroid ramps up production of two key hormones: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones are essential for everything from digestion and temperature regulation to nervous system and skin health.

To make these hormones, the body requires iodine, and to regulate production, the thyroid works in close partnership with the pituitary gland in the brain - which acts like a master switchboard for the endocrine system.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid becomes under active and doesn’t produce enough T4.
The result? Your pet’s metabolic rate slows down, leading to lethargy, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, poor digestion, or even behavioral changes.

Most dogs and cats today who develop hypothyroidism suffer from Primary Hypothyroidism, an autoimmune condition.
In this case, the immune system mistakenly targets and damages the thyroid gland itself, triggering chronic inflammation, tissue scarring, and a gradual breakdown of thyroid function.

Why does the Immune system attack the thyroid?

Modern diets are often the biggest culprit. A processed, carbohydrate-heavy, or synthetic diet weakens the gut microbiome, leads to leaky gut, and sets the stage for widespread inflammation.
Over time, this inflammation can trigger autoimmune reactions.

Dogs and cats who are vaccinated frequently, exposed to environmental toxins, wear tight collars, or face chronic stress are also more susceptible - but nutrient deficiencies and poor diet remain the core drivers.

Real Food as Medicine: What to Feed for Thyroid Support

A truly species-appropriate diet rich in whole food sources of vitamins, minerals, and Omega 3 can do what no synthetic supplement can: nourish the endocrine system and allow the thyroid to function naturally again.

Some essential foods and nutrients to focus on:

• Omega-3s from whole fish & shellfish –  reducing systemic inflammation, repair gut lining, and restore metabolic balance.

• Iodine from real food sources like liver, eggs, fish, or kelp – essential for T3 and T4 hormone production.

• Organ meats like liver, kidney, and spleen – loaded with bioavailable B vitamins, copper, selenium, and iron that support hormonal balance.

• Spore-based probiotics – help rebuild gut flora and reduce immune overactivation.

• Raw banana, pumpkin, and papaya – offer prebiotic fiber, enzymes, and antioxidants to calm the gut and support detox.

• Herbs like parsley, spirulina, and dandelion – aid in gentle detoxification and reduce the load on the thyroid and kidneys.

• Duck eggs and bone broth – nutrient-dense, gentle on digestion, and rich in amino acids and minerals for hormone production.

The beauty of a whole-food, natural approach is that it supports all systems at once — not just the thyroid. By addressing the root cause (inflammation and deficiency), your pet’s gut, skin, coat, behavior, and energy levels improve alongside hormone balance.

And you don’t have to overhaul everything overnight! Adding just a few targeted, bioavailable foods from Canine India’s range - like salmon skin, shellfish sprinkle, liver treats, or toppers will make a meaningful difference.