Note however that dogs already suffering from hypothyroidism need thyroid hormone therapy studies such as this one and this one are also being done to look at using kelp as a.
Kelp for dogs thyroid.
The thyroid gland is in the neck.
Kelp can come in many forms.
Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones t3 and t4.
Kelp has been used in treating certain thyroid problems.
In his book plant medicine in practice herbal medicine expert and naturopathic doctor bill mitchell states that kelp may be useful in treating underactive thyroid particularly caused by lack of iodine and underactive thyroid associated with enlargement of your thyroid gland 1.
Thyroid problems are often associated with an iodine deficiency and kelp as a natural source of iodine is a long standing medical treatment for people with thyroid problems.
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.
Is kelp the cure all for canine thyroid conditions.
Today after reading a recent post recommending that people give kelp to dogs just across the board claiming benefits for it that vastly exceed what it actually offers and omitting information about iodine content thyroid health and more i decided to start with kelp.
People may also try kelp in teas supplements or extracts.
With hypothyroidism the gland doesn t make enough of that hormone.
Kelp is one food that has a plethora of iodine in it.
The problem is when pets get too.
Kelp may help boost a dog s iodine levels and support thyroid function if dosed correctly.
Adding kelp to the canine diet has been around for a while now.
First kelp can be eaten raw in its seaweed form.
One of the functions of iodine is the stimulation of the thyroid gland.
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.
But before you begin feeding your dog kelp there are caveats you need to know.
But when it s a case where we re looking at a low normal and we want something to boost the system kelp can support the body and in certain.
Kelp for underactive thyroid.
It makes a hormone called thyroxine that controls metabolism the process of turning food into fuel.
Once the dogs are already hypothyroid adding kelp or something rich in iodine can cause this cascade effect where the body reacts by destroying the thyroid gland even more dr.
Risks of kelp for dogs used in small amounts on a regular basis i think kelp is a great thing to add to dogs diets roberts says.
Too often i encounter well meaning pet caregivers that immediately supplement a dog s diet with kelp a rich source of iodine based on assumptions of observed symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.