If your pup is scratching excessively at their skin, paws or ears, a yeast infection could be to blame. Don’t worry, these are not unusual and are normally easy to treat. And one way you could help your pet is by switching up their diet. In this post, we’re talking about the best anti-yeast dog food options to ease your pooch’s itchiness. We’ve also got other top tips on how to manage yeast infections and reduce the likelihood of them returning.
Understanding yeast infections in dogs
Before we talk about what makes the best yeast-free dog food, let’s explain why it might be necessary. Yeast skin infections are very common in our canine friends. Yeast are single-celled fungal organisms that live on your pup’s skin, in their ears, and in their gut. They don’t normally pose any problems, and your pet’s immune system and friendly gut bacteria keep them in check. However, sometimes they overgrow and lead to infection. The type of yeast that most commonly triggers such skin and ear infections is Malassezia.
Several factors can cause a yeast infection to develop in your pooch. Some of these are genetic. For example, dogs with lots of skin folds are at higher risk because yeast grows more easily in these areas. The condition could also arise due to a weakened immune system or an underlying health condition. Pups with environmental and food allergies are more prone to yeast infections too. It’s even possible for stress to trigger or exacerbate them. However, they’re not contagious, so your pet won’t have caught it from another animal.
What are the signs that it might be time to buy anti-yeast dog food? Some of the most common symptoms include:
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Red, itchy skin
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Rashes or swelling
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Greasy or oily fur
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Excessive licking and scratching
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Thinning fur or even bald patches where your pup has been scratching
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An unpleasant smell coming from the infected area (often the ears)
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Flaky or thickened skin
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Low mood
If your pet’s ears are infected, you’ll probably notice some discharge and see them shaking their head. Pups with infected paws may lick and chew them frequently, and you might spot red areas between the pads.
How diet affects yeast and itchy skin
There are a few ways diet could influence yeast infections and itchy skin in our furry friends. First, food allergies and intolerances can predispose pups to these conditions. The most common allergens for dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken, and wheat.(1) If your pup has a food allergy, it can trigger inflammation and weaken their immune system. They may also experience a disruption to their gut microbiome and increased oil production in the skin. All of this helps create a favourable environment for yeast to thrive.
As well as itchy skin and infections, food allergies often cause gastrointestinal troubles in our pets. These include vomiting, diarrhoea, and flatulence. If you suspect allergies might be responsible for your dog’s yeast infection, take them to the vet for advice. You’ll need to identify the problem ingredient so you can eliminate it from their diet.
Where does anti-yeast dog food fit into this? Food allergies aren’t the only way that diet could affect yeast infections. There’s no evidence to suggest that certain types of food cause such infections. However, yeast feeds on sugar and refined carbohydrates like wheat, corn, and rice. The surge in blood glucose these ingredients produce can fuel an overgrowth of yeast. In addition, they may bring about an imbalance in your pup’s gut microbiome. This can negatively impact their immune system, because the gut microbiota regulates the production of antibodies and fights off pathogens.(2)
Do you need to choose dog food without brewer’s yeast? Only if your pup is allergic. This is a different type of yeast to those that cause infections. And because it’s inactivated, it can’t reproduce. However, it’s best to avoid the ingredient if your pooch currently has a yeast infection.
What is the best dog food for yeast infections?
Changing your pet’s diet won’t clear up a yeast infection on its own. Nevertheless, it could help to improve their symptoms, manage the condition, and reduce the likelihood of future infections. Remember, it’s not just about searching for dog food with no yeast listed in the ingredients. You want to feed your pooch a healthy and balanced diet that supports their immune system and gut microbiome.
Here’s what to look for in an anti-yeast dog food:
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High-quality, lean, single-source proteins, such as turkey and fish. Avoid foods with terms like ‘meat by-product’ as the first ingredient.
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Ingredients with a low glycaemic index, such as legumes and non-starchy veggies like broccoli. Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Barley, oats, and brown rice can be good sources of carbohydrates.
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Healthy fats and oils that help to reduce inflammation and improve the condition of your pup’s coat and skin. For example, fish oil and flaxseed are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You can also add the nutrient to your pet’s existing food with a few drops of chia seed oil.
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Ingredients that nourish the good bacteria in your pooch’s gut, like chicory root, pumpkin, peas, bananas, and sweet potato. Functional foods rich in inulin fibre, such as Jerusalem artichoke powder, make useful additions to their diet too. Alternatively, turkey tail mushrooms are bursting with gut-friendly beta-glucans and immune-supporting polypeptides.
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Probiotics that add beneficial bacteria to your mutt’s gut, like kefir and sauerkraut.
It’s also sensible not to give your pooch any high-sugar treats when they have a yeast infection. Likewise, avoid cheap dog foods full of artificial preservatives and similar ingredients.
Five types of anti-yeast dog diets
Here are some common varieties of low-yeast dog food to look out for when shopping for your pup’s grub:
Grain-free fish and vegetable formula
This kind of anti-yeast dog food naturally limits carbohydrates by focusing on protein and low-starch vegetables. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, helping to reduce inflammation and treat dry, itchy, flaky skin. The combination of high-quality protein and healthy fats can also benefit the condition of your pooch’s fur. Some pups struggle to digest grains or have an allergy to them. If that applies to your pet, this is an especially good choice of diet. These formulas tend to include probiotics too, supporting your canine companion’s gut health.
Limited-ingredient novel protein diet
This variety of no-yeast dog food is a common recommendation for animals who have food allergies. It comprises a single protein source that’s not typically found in normal dog food – such as venison, rabbit or duck – with minimal other ingredients. The idea is that feeding your pet something they’ve never eaten before is less likely to trigger an immune response. It’s usually a temporary measure, which you use to identify the food(s) they’re allergic to. If food allergies are causing your pup’s yeast infections, this could be a helpful tactic.
Veterinary prescription skin-support diet
If your pup experiences chronic yeast infections or similar skin complaints, a prescription anti-yeast dog food might be best. These are clinical formulas specially designed by experts to support your pet’s skin health. They contain precise ratios of key nutrients like omega-3, omega-6 and vitamin A, plus antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Some have medicinal-grade antifungal compounds, and most also focus on providing high-quality protein and prebiotic fibre for gut health. You’ll need to make an appointment with your vet to discuss which brand will be the most appropriate for your pooch’s needs.
Raw or freeze-dried low-carb meals
This is a minimally processed option that’s becoming more popular as people search for alternatives to processed dog food. High in protein and low in carbohydrates, some say it’s easier to digest and can starve yeast of sugars. While there are those who claim it provides natural enzymes and supports skin health, experts warn of potential downsides. This is due to the risk – to you and your pet – of exposure to pathogens in raw meat. It’s also more difficult to make a raw diet nutritionally balanced.
Probiotic-enhanced kibble for sensitive skin
If your pup prefers biscuits to wet food, this could be the perfect option. It’s essentially standard kibble fortified with probiotics and omega-3 oils to support skin and digestive health. That means your pooch gets anti-inflammatory fats and gut-nourishing cultures in every bite – and some benefits for their dental health. And because kibble lasts longer, it’s an anti-yeast dog food you can leave out or put in an auto-feeder. Plus, unlike prescription food, you don’t have to visit the vet first!
Transitioning your dog to a yeast-free diet
Whichever type of anti-yeast dog food you choose, it’s best to make the change slowly. This is especially important if the new food is very different from the old one. We know you want to do everything you can to ease your pup’s symptoms, but a drastic alteration in diet could cause problems. It’s a shock to the digestive system, and some animals experience tummy troubles like diarrhoea, vomiting, flatulence, and abdominal pain. Instead, try the following:
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Days 1 and 2: feed your pup a blend that’s 25% new dog food without yeast and 75% existing food
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Days 3 and 4: dish up meals that are 50% new food and 50% old food
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Days 5 and 6: move to 75% new food and 25% old
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Day 7 onwards: only serve your pooch the new anti-yeast dog food
If your mutt experiences any stomach upset, go back a step and extend the transition period. And don’t forget that you can consult your vet if you have questions about switching up your pet’s diet. We also recommend that you don’t give your pup any high-carb or high-sugar treats during this time.
Finally, have patience when transitioning your pooch to anti-yeast dog food. It’s likely to be several weeks before you notice visible improvements in the condition of their skin. And, as we mentioned above, altering your mutt’s diet won’t clear up their yeast infection on its own. You’ll also need to ensure they get veterinary treatment for the condition, especially if it’s due to an underlying health condition. This could include ear drops, antifungal wipes, and oral medication.
Top tips for managing yeasty itchiness in your pup
In addition to feeding your pup anti-yeast dog food, the following advice can help treat yeast infections and itchiness:
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Always keep your pup’s skin clean and dry. Bathe them regularly and take care to dry them thoroughly afterwards, especially around the ears, paw pads, and skin folds.
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Consider using a special antifungal shampoo when your pooch has a yeast infection.
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If you suspect your mutt has an infection, take them to the vet. Ignoring the symptoms will only make the condition worse.
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Follow your vet’s recommendations for topical or oral medication to treat the infection or its underlying cause.
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Look after your pet’s immune system and overall health by ensuring they’re up to date with vaccinations and flea treatments.
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Consider adding a functional food rich in beta-glucans to your dog’s diet. These polysaccharides help support immunity and gut health by activating certain immune cells, tackling inflammation, and nourishing the gut microbiome.(3) You’ll find them in oats and medicinal mushrooms like reishi.
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Clean your pup’s ears regularly, as this is a common area for yeast infections to arise. The same is true for skin folds. Yeast thrives in warm, moist, enclosed environments, so take extra care to clean these when it’s hot and humid.
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Wash your pooch’s bedding frequently.
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Avoid high-sugar treats and any grub with ingredients your mutt is intolerant or allergic to.
Final thoughts on anti-yeast dog food
There’s no magic dietary formula that will instantly clear up a yeast infection in your pup. However, opting for meals that are low in sugar and refined carbs could help manage the condition alongside veterinary treatment. Look for food that’s rich in high-quality protein like turkey and fish, healthy fats like omega-3, and prebiotics. Together, these can reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and enhance gut health. All of which should assist in easing your pet’s symptoms and lessen the risk of future infections.
