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Y D Diet For Cats

May Not Be An Ideal Diet For Cats

Hill’s y/d Thyroid Care – Prescription Diet – Feline

The dry y/d® contains no meat. Cats are obligate carnivores, raising the question, is this adequate for their needs?

Per Hills, the protein is supplied by corn gluten meal and eggs. Animal protein apparently contains too much iodine. The canned formula includes more meat , so would be the better choice of the two. Hills compares the protein content of y/d® to that in g/d®, which is moderately protein-restricted. It is not likely to provide enough protein for thin cats recovering from hyperthyroid malnutrition, and not low enough for cats in later stages of renal failure. We do not recommend protein-restricting debilitated carnivores unless they are in moderately azotemic renal failure.

Is iodine deficient

Iodine is a required nutrient for a reason. We do not know what impact iodine deficiency will have long term upon either normal or hyperthyroid cats.

May be impractical in a multiple cat household

y/d® cannot be fed exclusively to normal cats

y/d® must be fed exclusively to the hyperthyroidcat in order to achieve significant lowering of thyroid hormone levels. Even minute levels of iodine from other sources can diminish the effectiveness of the diet.

Therefore, feedings for cats in a multiple cat household should be separate.

Hills® allows that normal cats may eat y/d® if supplemented with maintenance cats foods. Even so, feeding y/d® to an entire household could be cost prohibitive, increasing the food cost by hundreds of dollars per cat per year.

Summary

Should You Feed Your Cat A Prescription Diet For Hyperthyroidism

Hills Prescription Diet y/d is the leading prescription cat food for hyperthyroidism. This food is extremely low in iodine, containing less than 0.32 ppm iodine on a dry matter basis.

In the paper linked above, the writer notes that as of 2011when the article was writtenall hyperthyroid cats managed with Hills Prescription Diet® y/d® Feline as the sole source of nutrition have become and remained euthyroid as long as the cat had no access to other sources of iodine.

A low-iodine diet cuts off the supply of iodine, slowing thyroid hormone synthesis. It does not fix an enlarged gland. It does not prevent an adenoma from changing into a carcinoma. It only reduces the symptoms.

Cats Really Shouldnt Eat Dog Food

At some point you might have wondered if cats can eat dog foodafter all, they seem to look all the samebut the answer is not really. Dr. Coates says, If your cat occasionally steals a mouthful from your dogs bowl, you have nothing to worry about, but make sure that 90 percent or more of your cats diet is made up of cat food. This is because, as outlined above, cats rely heavily on diets rich in animal-based protein. Dogs have an entirely different set of dietary needs, and therefore their food is formulated according to their nutritional satisfaction. Learn more about the best diet for dogs.

Recommended Reading: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years

Top 3 Low Iodine Cat Foods Available On The Market

Finding good quality cat food can be quite overwhelming with all the options on the market, let alone if youre narrowing it down to low iodine levels as well.

To make the search process easier for you, weve compiled a review list of the best low sodium cat foods that you may find out there. Lets have a quick look at each one of them!

Kicking off the list with one of the best low sodium options in the market. Hills Prescription Diet y/d is a specialized formula that is specifically formulated for cats suffering from hyperthyroidism.

According to Hills, this formula is extremely low in iodine and youll be able to notice an improvement in the thyroid health of your cat in 3 weeks.

The low concentration of iodine will deplete all the resources needed by the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones, causing it to stop. This makes it an excellent alternative to medications and radiotherapy.

However, you need to know that your cat will have to stick to that diet for life to prevent the thyroid gland from relapsing.

Luckily, this canned wet food has a meaty flavor because it contains liver, pork and its by-products, chicken as well as water and cornflour. This means that your cat will enjoy eating it.

In addition to the good flavor, the formula is also rich with multiple types of vitamins and minerals. These elements help the cats body to maintain a healthy bladder, heart, kidney, and even skin.

What We Liked

What We Liked

Hyperthyroid Cats Need Highly

Prescription Diet y/d Feline

Hyperthyroid cats have two things working against them when it comes to maintaining muscle mass. First, they have an overactive metabolism, and secondly, most of them are seniors.

New research suggests that seniors have high protein and energy needssimilar to the needs of kittens. When these needs arent met, they lose muscle.

Choose foods composed of over 50% calories from protein. The best protein sources are species-appropriate and highly digestible. Your cat requires meat-based food with no high-protein fillers like pea protein, potato protein, wheat gluten, and corn gluten meal.

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The Were All About Cats Standardrating Hills On What Matters

Weve analyzed Hills and graded it according to the Were All About Cats standard, evaluating the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Heres how it rates in each of those six key areas.

  • Recall History 4/10

Overall Score: 6.5/10

We give Hills cat food a 39 out of 60 rating or a B- grade.

As part of our review process, weve submitted samples to an independent lab. You can see the full report here.

In addition to performing our own qualitative analysis of the brand, we submitted a sample of Hills Science Diet Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Foods for analysis at an ISO 17025 certified food testing and analysis lab. We bought the product at full retail price, and the entire testing process was funded by All About Cats without direct input or influence from the cat food company.

Analytical testing in a food chemistry lab gives us the products exact macronutrient and micronutrient content, painting a clear picture of what youre putting in your cats bowl.

Remember that, when it comes to nutrient content, the cat food label only gives us a guaranteed analysis, which is a set of minimum and maximum valuesnot a description of whats in the food. In reality, the foods nutrient content may be substantially different from what you see on the label.

Hills Prescription Diet Y/d Thyroid Care Cat Food 18kg

Description

Confirmation of a Vet Prescription is requiredProduct

Feline y/dHills Prescription Diet y/d dryNew Zealand Information:By law the user must take due care, obtaining expert advice when necessary, to avoid unnecessary painand distress when using the product other than directed on the label. ACVM No. A10797.

See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions.

Registered to: Hill’s PetNutrition NZ Ltd

Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care is clinically proven to improve thyroid health in 3 weeks for cats when fed as the sole source of nutrition. Its made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust, and was developed by Hills nutritionists and veterinarians. This food is also formulated to promote a urinary environment that reduces the risk of developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian for further information on how Prescription Diet foods can help your cat continue to enjoy a happy and active life.Features:

  • Supports kidney, heart & urinary health
  • Visible improvement in skin & coat
  • Helps support a healthy body condition
  • Supports a healthy immune system

IMPORTANTBecause iodine intake from other food sources — treats, another cats food, etc. — can compromise the effectiveness of low-iodine nutrition, its critical that you follow your veterinarians feeding instructions carefully and feed only y/d.

Adult maintenanceDaily Feeding GuideWeight of Cat Amount per Day:

6 lb 1/3 cup

8 lb 3/8 cup

10 lb 1/2 cup

12 lb 5/8 cup

Also Check: Lovecraft’s Cats Name

At A Glance: Best Cat Food For Hyperthyroidism To Buy

2000+Check Price

Unless treated with a thyroidectomy, radioiodine treatment, or lifelong drug therapy, hyperthyroidism is usually progressive and may be fatal. to learn more about your treatment options.

Overproduction of thyroid hormones affects the central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, heart, liver, and kidneys. The overactive metabolism burns up fuel faster than your cat can eat it, resulting in muscle wasting and an emaciated cat.

Food is not a cure for hyperthyroidism, but the right diet can help your cat maintain or regain muscle mass and may ensure good health after treatment.

Hills Prescription Diet Y/d Thyroid Care Dry Cat Food

Hills Prescription Diet y/d

Hills Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Dry Cat Food has been formulated as a safe and effective diet for managing your cats thyroid health. For cats with hyper thyroid, this food has been proven to improve thyroid health in just 3 weeks.

Product details

  • Has limited iodine and controlled levels of phosphorus and sodium
  • is high in taurine, L-carnitine and omega-3 fatty acids
  • promotes desirable urine pH and supports kidney, heart and urinary health
  • contains clinically proven antioxidants to assist your cats immune system
  • product decreases T4 hormone production.

Ingredients

Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat, Whole Grain Corn, Soybean Mill Run, Egg Product, Chicken Liver Flavor, L-Lysine, Potassium Citrate, Lactic Acid, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Sulfate, DL-Methionine, Taurine, L-Tryptophan, Brewers Dried Yeast, vitamins , Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals , L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene

  • Shipping Policy

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What Kinds Of Cat Food Does Hills Offer

Hills has several lines of cat food, including Hills Science Diet, Hills Prescription Diet, Hills Healthy Advantage, and Hills Ideal Balance.

  • Science Diet emphasizes scientifically-formulated recipes that utilize what Hills describes as biology-based nutrition for all stages of cats lives.
  • Hills Prescription Diet is only available with a veterinarians prescription. Recipes in this line target health conditions and special needs, including IBD, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, urinary tract health.
  • Hills Healthy Advantage is exclusively sold through veterinarians. While Hills Prescription Diet foods target single health conditions, each food in this line addresses five essential health factorsimmunity, weight management, urinary health, digestion, and skin and coat health.
  • The Ideal Balance line is made with natural ingredients and, according to Hills, is perfectly balanced.

Environment Chemicals And Thyroid Problems

I have studied some of the reasons that cats experience thyroid problems in such huge numbers. Conventional experts say that these problems are caused by the excessive production of cells in the thyroid gland. But why is the thyroid gland producing too many cells?

There is some evidence that the chemicals in our homes, foods, plastics, and in cans may contribute to this condition. Bisphenol A, known as BPA, is used as a solvent. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are used as a flame retardant. Flame retardant chemicals are often found in fish and cat food made from seafood. BPAs are found in the lining of cat food cans. These chemicals have been shown to influence abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland.

Pet owners who are very concerned about their cats’ health, as well as their own, should consider trying to eliminate these chemicals from their lives as much as possible. Some steps to help achieve this include:

  • Eliminating food in cans that have BPAs in their linings.
  • Removing carpets with PBC chemicals.
  • Avoiding insect sprays and chemical fertilizers.

Read Also: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years

Look For The Aafco Statement

Instead of sweating over the ingredient list, pay attention to the nutrients in your cat food, says Carey. Look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials saying that the food is complete and balanced. Do you know what your cat means when they make these noises?

This nutritionally-dense fish-based grain-free cat food is AAFCO-approved and a great all-around option for most adult cats.

Is There A Special Diet For Hyperthyroidism In Cats

Hill

Cats with hyperthyroidism have happier, healthier lives when their caregivers are knowledgeable about the disease and its dietary management.

Here are some hyperthyroidism management tips about what should be included in a diet for cats with hyperthyroidism and why its such an important part of managing the disease.

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Diets For Cats With Hyperthyroidism As Part Of A Another Treatment

Many hyperthyroid cats that are being treated with radioactive iodine therapy, methimazole or thyroidectomy can benefit from eating a high-protein, high-energy food like Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original grain-free chicken recipe wet cat food or Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau wild salmon grain-free wet cat food. These foods can help a cat regain the weight and muscle mass that they have lost due to their overactive thyroid.

However, if your cat has compromised kidney function, more moderate levels of protein may be advisable. Eating too much protein can lead to a worsening of symptoms in cats with kidney disease.

Canned food is ideal due to its high water content, which will help counterbalance your cats tendency to overproduce urine due to high thyroid hormone levels. Its also important that your cat have free access to clean water at all times.

Once a cats thyroid levels have been normalized with radioactive iodine therapy, methimazole or thyroidectomy, and the cat has regained a healthy amount of weight, their diet should be adjusted to meet their maintenance needs.

Your veterinarian can help you pick out an appropriate food at all stages of recovery.

Choose A Diet Thats Less Than 10% Carbohydrate On A Dry Matter Basis

Hyperthyroidism raises your cats blood glucose levels and often leads to insulin resistance and an impaired glucose tolerance. This is a prediabetic state. Even if this doesnt advance to full diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroid cats are sensitive to sugar and require controlled levels of dietary carbohydrate.

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Hill’s Prescription Diet Feline Y/d Thyroid Care

11 reviewsWrite your review Hill’s prescription diet feline y/d Thyroid Care :”17 yr. old cats.- was prescribed pills for one of my cat’s, Minni, vomited everywhere so stopped them. She eats this biscuit but won’t touch the soft – however her twin sister will, so feed that to he” Delivery in 3-6 working days All prices include tax., Additional may apply.See T& Cs

Product description

Hill’s Prescription Diet includes a variety of clinically tested, therapeutic foods for treating a variety of different conditions in cats and dogs. Hill’s Prescription Diet Feline y/d Thyroid Care Original is a dietetic dry food with reduced iodine levels, which can have a positive effect on the thyroid, and it is also designed to support kidney health in cats. Hill’s Prescription Diet Feline y/d Thyroid Care Original also has controlled phosphorus and limited sodium levels.You can help to manage your cats health by feeding this food exclusively for 3 weeks, which restore and maintain normal thyroxine levels. If you decide to feed this food to your cat, you should try to avoid feeding extra snacks and treats in between meals. The food has great taste that your cat will love.

Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care at a glance:

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Additives per kgNutritional Additives:Vitamin A , vitamin D3 , iron , copper , manganese , zinc . With natural antioxidants.

Analytical constituents

Feeding guide

Feeding guidelines

Cats weight

So far so good

Excellent Results!!

Magic

Hill’s Prescription Diet Y/d Thyroid Care With Chicken Canned Cat Food 55

Crazy Fun Cat Guy – Hill’s® Science Diet® Crazy for Cats
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Recommended Reading: Cat And Human Years

Most Fish Is Contaminated With Toxins Including Pbdes

These fire retardant chemicals were extremely popular in the late 1970s and were used to treat everything from pajamas to curtains. Because theyre known endocrine disruptors, PBDEs were essentially phased out in the United States and European Union during the early 2000s. That doesnt mean theyre not still everywhere. These toxins linger in soil, dust, waterways, human bodies, and the ocean theyre present in cans of fish-based food.

Hyperthyroid cats have higher levels of PBDEs in their bloodstream than do healthy ones.

Beware Of Gimmicky Labels

It makes sense that cat food brands want their product to stand out on the shelf, but be wary of gimmicky words such as primitive,ancestral, or wild, says Dr. Coates. These terms are pure marketing. Instead of looking for flashy words, pet parents must look closely at a foods label to determine whether it could be a good option. Does your cat dream about living its most wild life? Find out what cats dream about.

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Why Choose A Low Iodine Cat Food

Iodine is a natural element that is present in a lot of nutritional sources. In fact, iodine is a major component in many enzymes and hormones in both humans and cats bodies.

However, when a cat gets older, it becomes more prone to a disease known as hyperthyroidism. This condition happens when the thyroid glands in cats start secreting too much thyroxine hormone.

This gland is located in the neck and its responsible for the metabolism in the cats body. Luckily, there are many treatment options for hyperthyroid cats, including:

  • Iodine restriction
  • Radioactive iodine therapy
  • Certain medications

As a rule of thumb, most vets will suggest that you start with the first option, as its the easiest method.

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