Yeast is a part of your dog’s normal microbiota that helps protect them from harmful, disease-causing microorganisms. Sadly, there can be an overgrowth of yeast in certain situations. Among these is when your dog’s immune system gets compromised, leading to infections.
Like other skin disorders in dogs, a yeast infection will not only make your dog uncomfortable due to the constant scratching but also predispose them to other infections. Fortunately, it’s manageable and preventable. One of the things you can do is ensure you feed them with the best dog food for yeast infections to control the symptoms and boost their immunity.
Dogs with sensitivities, allergies, and underlying conditions have a high risk of developing yeast infections. Moreover, some breeds are more genetically predisposed, such as cocker spaniels, chihuahuas, silky terriers, and poodles.
What Do You Feed a Dog With a Yeast Infection?
Definitely, you’re feeding your dog with nutritionally balanced dog food. However, if they currently have a yeast infection, are highly prone to having it, and constantly have it, it’s time to scrutinize the dog food’s ingredients or formulation.
Experts highly recommend that you choose a dog food with the following features:
Immune-Boosting and Anti-Inflammatory
As mentioned, low immunity plays a significant role in the development of yeast infections in dogs. Thus, you need to feed them with food that will help boost their immunity. One of the top immune-boosting ingredients is antioxidants, such as vitamins C, E, B-complex, and fatty acids. They also help prevent and treat inflammation, including allergic dermatitis.
Dog food with prebiotics helps dogs suffering from yeast infections because they stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. They also enhance the beneficial function of these microorganisms. Meanwhile, probiotics are simply live bacteria added to the formula to help top up the low bacterial count because of the yeast overgrowth.
With the help of these two ingredients, the natural balance of microbiota is achieved. Once they have successfully improved your dog’s gut health and digestion, nutrients will be absorbed better, and your dog’s immune response becomes more effective.
In addition to this indirect immune-boosting effect of prebiotics, a study also found that they can enhance the expression of a specific anti-inflammatory immune cell known as cytokines.
Natural and/or Allergen-Free
Most manufacturers produce dog food free of artificial preservatives, colors, fillers, flavoring, and more, which is a good thing. These components usually trigger allergies, while some can be toxic and have long-term adverse effects.
Regarding common allergens, you don’t really need to remove them from your dog’s diet unless they are diagnosed with that particular food allergy. Just make sure they are not the primary ingredients or those listed as the first four ingredients.
Nonetheless, if you’re buying a product made by a trusted brand and is labeled as “Sensitive Skin, Sensitive Stomach, and Hypoallergenic,” you don’t have to worry. That means it’s formulated carefully to ensure it has a minimal amount of the allergen. That way, it wouldn’t result in allergic reactions.
In terms of the controversy regarding grain-free dog food in association with cardiomyopathy development, most investigations found that the main cause is most likely not the absence of grain. Instead, it is the zero to low taurine and other heart health-supportive ingredients, as well as low protein level and/or the use of low-quality protein sources.
In this regard, most vets suggest only giving your dog grain-free food if they are allergic to grain. However, ensure you purchase one with balanced and complete nutrition, especially those with added heart-friendly ingredients and those using non-exotic meat.
Staying away from brands with no research and testing facilities as well as strict quality assurance protocol is also advisable. Also, be mindful of grain-free products from brands that FDA linked to DCM.
Best Dog Food for Yeast Infections: A Review
1. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food
Hill’s is an established brand with a team of veterinarians, food scientists, nutritionists, and flavorists. They also boast a testing facility to ensure they produce quality and nutritious pet food.
The company strictly ensures its products meet or exceed the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) and World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (WSAVA) standards. To play a part in ensuring pets have access to nutritious food, they have established the Hill’s Food, Shelter, & Love Program.
The Prescription Diet line is one of their products trusted by most veterinarians. It is composed of dog food for special dietary needs or therapeutic nutrition. Aptly named, the z/d Dog Food is ideal for dogs with skin and food sensitivities.
Review
The Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Dry Dog Food is formulated for adult and senior dogs of all breed sizes. It is clinically tested to help improve both skin and gut health, especially preventing adverse allergic reactions to food. The manufacturer claims you’ll see skin and coat improvement within 30 days of your dog consuming the food.
Ingredient-wise, this dog food has purified carbohydrate sources and highly hydrolyzed protein to ensure it’s free from most or all allergens. It is also enriched with essential fatty acids for a healthier skin barrier.
High levels of vitamin E and other antioxidants are added for immune support and better skin and coat health. Additionally, it is formulated with high levels of good fiber to promote better digestion and improved stool quality and bowel movement. To further ensure your dog’s overall health and wellness, this dog food is fortified with other essential vitamins and minerals.
The Hill’s dog food formulation promotes a healthy urinary system environment, evidenced by the S+OXSHIELD seal found on the packaging. It means this dog food lowers your dog’s risk of developing calcium and struvite crystals. These urinary crystals are responsible for UTIs and kidney stones.
The Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Dry Dog Food does not contain some of the most common allergens, such as lactose, soy protein, and gluten. As such, dogs with food intolerances to these ingredients can consume this food with no worries. Lastly, no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors are used to manufacture the z/d Dry Dog Food.
Pros:
- Promotes healthy skin, coat, gut, and urinary system
- Immune system booster
- Carefully selected and clinically proven ingredients
- All-natural formulation
- Allergen-free
- Made in the USA
- Comes in a resealable, Ziploc-type bag
- For all breeds and sizes
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires a vet prescription
- Not for puppies
2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food, Sensitive Stomach & Skin
The Hill’s Company’s Science Diet category of dog food does not require any vet prescriptions. Even so, you can be sure that each product has biology-based, research-backed nutritional profiles.
You’ll find varieties specific for puppies and pregnant and nursing bitches, adults, seniors, and small or toy breeds. Likewise, they have specially formulated recipes for dogs with special dietary needs, such as those with sensitive skins and stomachs.
Review
This specific Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food nourishes your dog’s skin, promotes a lustrous coat, and ensures optimal digestive health. It is formulated for adult dogs and all breed sizes. For younger, pregnant, and nursing dogs, we recommend the Puppy Small Bites or Small Paws version of this dog food instead.
This specially formulated dog food uses carefully sourced and processed chicken meat as its primary protein source and chicken meal as secondary. The natural flavor enhancers included are chicken and pork livers.
Hill’s also only included highly digestible ingredients and quality prebiotics for optimal nutrient absorption, improved gut health, and better stool quality and bowel movement. It also contains healthy Omega-6 fatty acids and high vitamin E levels for immune support, healthier skin and coat, and enhanced skin barrier. Likewise, Hill’s didn’t fall short in adding high-quality vitamin and mineral sources for your dog’s overall health and wellness.
Pros:
- Promotes healthy skin, coat, and gut
- Carefully selected ingredients
- All-natural formulation
- Vet-recommended
- Made in the USA
- Comes in a resealable, Ziploc-type bag
- For all breeds and sizes
Cons:
- Age-specific formula
- Not for pregnant and nursing dogs
3. Forza10 Nutraceutic Dermo Active Canine Formula
Forza10 is an established company founded by a veterinarian offering dog and cat food products for daily maintenance and special needs. They have a team of holistic professionals, nutritionists, and veterinarians who formulate science-backed recipes. All their food products are made from antibiotic-free and carefully sourced ingredients.
Review
The Dermo Active Canine Formula is a specially formulated grain-free dog food meant for dogs with sensitive skin. It helps stop and prevent dandruff, hot spots, redness, itchiness, fur loss, and dull and dry coat. It is available in two bag sizes, six and 22 pounds, and one flavor.
This dog food doesn’t contain any artificial flavors and colors, gluten, and GMOs. Its primary protein source is wild-caught Icelandic anchovy, which has been hydrolyzed to help prevent any allergic reactions. This fish is also one of the most recommended Omega-3 fatty acid sources that provide other nutrients promoting brain, heart, immune system, and joint health.
Forza10 also fortified this dog food recipe with the essential vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition and further immunity boost. One unique ingredient included is aloe vera, known for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Another is rosemary, a natural flavor enhancer that also has antioxidant properties.
Pros:
- Carefully selected ingredients
- All-natural formulation
- Vet-formulated
- Science-backed recipe
- USDA-approved
- For all breed sizes
- Suitable for puppies and adult dogs
- Comes in an easily resealable bag
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some dogs might not like the taste
- Not available in most stores
4. Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog
For many years, Pedigree has been one of the most well-known pet product companies worldwide. Like Hill’s, they also have a foundation supporting rescue organizations and shelters and the latest You Buy, We Give program. Meaning, they donate healthy meals to shelters every time someone purchases their product.
Review
The Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog has a balanced nutritional profile suitable for large breeds. It is available in four bag sizes: 3.5, 14, 15, and 18 pounds.
The Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog has whole grains for healthy digestion and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health and immune support. Its main ingredients are roasted chicken, rice, and vegetable flavor most dogs will surely love. It is also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and wellness.
Among the reasons it’s one of the best dog food for yeast infections is its lack of added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. Not only are they among the ingredients you don’t want in your buddy’s food, but they are also yeast’s favorite food.
Pros:
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Sugar-free
- No artificial flavor added
- Made in the USA
- Comes in an easily resealable bag
Cons:
- Contains gluten and corn
- Age-specific formula
- Not for small and mid-sized breeds
5. Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Salmon & Potato Recipe
As another established brand that relies on science, research, and strict quality assurance, it’s no surprise that Wellness made it to our list. They have several palatable and nutritious dog food varieties, and their Simple Limited category includes dog food formulated with a single animal protein source.
The Salmon & Potato Recipe is a grain-free variety ideal for dogs with skin and stomach sensitivities. It is ideal for all breed sizes and ages and is available in a 24-pound bag size.
Review
This Amazon’s Choice dog food doesn’t contain common allergens like corn, gluten, wheat, eggs, soy, dairy, and meat by-products. Likewise, it is free from fillers and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
The primary protein source is high-quality salmon, which is also rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
To enhance the nutritional value of this dog food formula, Wellness included flaxseed as another Omega-3 fatty acid source to promote a healthy coat and skin. It also has probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health support, as well as taurine and glucosamine for cardiovascular health.
Pros:
- Nutritionally balanced
- All-natural formula
- Highly digestible
- For all dog sizes and age
- Made in the USA
- Comes in an easily resealable bag
Cons:
- Not available in small packages
- Some dogs might not like the flavor and smell
Which Dog Food Should You Pick for Yeast Infections?
The best dog food for managing yeast infection symptoms and preventing overgrowth in the future is the Food Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes by Hill’s. Not only is it formulated explicitly for sensitivities, but it also has a vet-recommended label and reputation.
However, if you don’t see any improvements or your dog suffers from severe yeast infection, it’s best to visit your vet. Your dog might need prescription dog food, like the Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d. They might also have to get tested to find the root cause of the problem.
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