There is a common misconception that only women suffer from yeast infections. Yet, in fact, our male counterparts can get it too, and our dogs! Let’s have a look at the best dog food for yeast infections on Nolongerwild
Detailed Review of The Best Dog Foods For Yeast Infections
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- Flavors are bison and venison, lamb, salmon, venison, wild fowl, and boar.
- Grain-free and made with genuine roasted meats.
- Supplementary ingredients include fruit like blueberries and raspberries for antioxidants.
- Contains sweet potatoes and peas.
- Chunks are generally larger than other forms of dog food.
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- Made with turkey and venison which is rich in proteins.
- Fruits like carrots and cranberries are used which are great antioxidants sources.
- No wheat or fillers are used.
- Contains peas and rice. However, it is brown rice which has a lower glycemic level than white and more micronutrients.
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- Variations in Texas beef, buffalo, chicken, lamb, duck, rabbit, salmon, and turkey. All meats used are real and deboned.
- Grain-free: made without soy, wheat, corn, and ingredients containing gluten.
- Contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
- Has sweet potato in it.
- Despite smelling awesome it is not every dog’s cup of tea.
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- Yummy chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb flavors.
- Trial sized bag is available – great for a test run.
- Raw ingredients are freeze dried so all nutrients and flavors are locked in.
- Contains no grain, corn, wheat, soy, potato, preservatives or artificial coloring.
- Only a topper. Added to kibble or other dog foods.
Our Choice
As a pet owner, dog food for yeast infection prevention is certainly a tricky one. All products have either one or another ingredient linked to yeast infections.
The good news is that if you watch what you feed your pooch by ensuring that these “risky ingredients” aren’t too much and that your pet has a healthy digestive and immune system, your dog should remain yeast infection free.
My personal choice and my dog’s delight is the Nature’s Variety topper with Taste of the Wild’s dry dog food.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dog Yeast Infections?
Depending on where the yeast infection is focused, symptoms are varied. These include:
- A yeast-like odor to his/her ears or mouth.
- Drooling. Shaking.
- Feverishness.
- Fatigue.
- Open wounds.
- Continuous scratching of his/her head or other areas of the body. Sometimes this is wrongly chalked up to allergies but yeast infection can occur in the hair follicles of your dog’s coat.
- Irritated skin and rashes.
What Types Of Dog Food Increases The Chances Of Yeast Infections?
Gastrointestinal disturbances result in a growth spurt of this opportunistic culture caused by:
Carbohydrates
This is the biggest cause of yeast infections. Starch is a complex carbohydrate converted into sugar by the body during metabolism. Read the labels of your pet food and look out for high fructose corn syrup, tapioca, and white potatoes (white or sweet). It may prove difficult to eliminate carbohydrates completely but intake can be limited.
Carbohydrates is the biggest cause of yeast infections
Although peas do have starch, they are high-digestible which promotes a healthy digestive system thereby making them less risky for dogs that are yeast infections prone. They also contain a considerable amount of protein.
Grains
Unfortunately, this is a staple in many brands of kibble as it is the binding ingredient for baking. Although there is still much debate about grains being directly linked to yeast infections in dogs; corn, wheat, oatmeal, and rice actually contain the responsible factor of carbohydrates. The latter is actually off the chart when it comes to carbohydrate levels. Garbanzo beans are better substitute alternatives.
High Sugar Content
This is a no-go as this is what feeds yeast infections. Even honey should be avoided.
“Human Food”
Feeding your dog your leftover food is another major culprit.
How Can Dog Yeast Infections Be Treated?
There are several things you can do besides feeding your canine the correct kinds of
dog food for yeast infections. These will get rid of existing yeast infection and also prevent this from occurring in the future:
Ensuring Acidophilus Is Part of His/Her Dietary Intake
- Acidophilus is a probiotic culture. This “good bacteria” naturally helps to counteract the growth of Candida.
- You can give your dog supplements.
- Add plain yogurt into your canine’s wet dog food.
Administration of Baking Soda
Use baking soda as an supplementary method
- Adding baking soda to your pet’s drinking water will have a neutralizing effect in terms of intestinal bacteria.
- Strike a healthy balance in your canine’s guts by mixing 1 teaspoon for every liter of water. Continue for about a week.
Give Your Dog Epson Salts
- This natural remedy is another biological bacteria fighter which balances out others in the body.
- Before yeast infection overtakes the system, Epson salts will stop further growth of fungal infections in its tracks. Give it to your dog as soon as you notice any yeast infection symptoms.
- Add a small amount of Epson salts to your furry friend’s non-chlorinated drinking water. One sixteenth of a teaspoon is advisable. Do this every day for two or three days.
Alleviate Itching With Tumeric Powder
- Tumeric powder is both an anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory.
- Sprinkle it directly onto your dog’s skin to help soothe it and prevent further scratching.
Bathing
- Generally, it’s only necessary to give your dog a bath every few week. Too much bathing removes essential oils which can have a detrimental effect. However, if your pet is stinky or seriously scratching, the frequency of bath time can be increased to weekly.
- Make use of shampoos with skin soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera and oatmeal. My favorite is OxGord Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner which has Aloe Vera in it as well.
What To Look For In Dog Food For Yeast Infection Prevention?
If you can’t feed your pooch fresh or raw food that has been frozen which is the best option, consider grain-free dog food.
An issue is that to eliminate the use of grain in the manufacture of dog food this is often replaced with other substitutes full of carbohydrates. This is definitely a catch 22 situation which makes it pretty hard on us pooch parents.
The reality is that besides raw foods, no dog food will be 100% free of any of the ingredients associated with yeast infections. All that can be done is to limit the amounts enough so that this culture does not spread excessively.
Best dog food should be packed with protein, antioxidants, amino acids, and healthy fats. Meat wise, venison is a good protein choice for dogs that suffer from other allergies.
Fish oils full of omega are great when it comes to pre-existing yeast infections. It helps to alleviate irritated skin symptoms and boosts overall skin health.
