Veggies to avoid in high quantities

There are certain vegetables that if given long term on a regular basis can cause dogs and cats to develop a depression of the thyroid gland.

The vegetables to be aware of are:

• ·      cabbage,
• ·      broccoli,
• ·      cauliflower and
• ·      brussel sprouts. 

·      Beans and peas should also be an occasional addition to the food as these can also cause thyroid depression. (Billinghurst 1993)

In regards to the peas, broccoli and cauliflower, author of ‘Natural Nutrition for Cats and Dogs’ suggests that these particular vegetables should be cooked.  He also recommends cooking corn, green beans, potato and winter squash. (Pitcairn 2005)

As brussel sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage in large quantities can cause stomach upsets and excess gas, they are best avoided or used very occasionally (Brown 2006)

The thyroid gland situated in the neck is an endocrine gland, which secretes a hormone ‘thyroxin,’ essential for a variety of essential body functions.  Some of these functions includes: the metabolism of fat, carbohydrate and protein, it helps to control the levels of enzymes in the body, it controls the strength and rhythm of the heartbeat, it effects body weight, it effects blood pressure and our circulation including heart rate.  This hormone also controls the rate in which food absorption into the blood from the gut occurs.  In addition, thyroxin also assists to increase the rate of cellular respiration in the production of energy.

When the thyroid gland is not doing its job effectively and is under-functioning, the problem is called hypothyroidism.  This usually starts with swollen glands, weight gain, depression, lethargy, poor coat, hair loss, possibly a change in skin colour and a personality change. (Goldstein et al 2005)

Whilst hypothyroidism is not necessarily a cause of dietary intake, it is certainly worth knowing that some vegetables could encourage such a problem.

From the author of ‘Eat healthy or Die Young,’ he says that certain foods contain chemicals, which block the production of thyroid hormone, particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts and watercress. (Thyroid Health Homepage, 2003)  This clearly supports most of the authors’ advice to give these vegetables occasionally rather than on a regular, long term basis.