What food kills yeast in dogs

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Yeast Infections in Dogs: What to Know

Yeast infections in dogs are common, especially in certain breeds or dogs with underlying conditions and compromised immune systems. While they can occur anywhere on the skin, they are often seen in your dogs ears. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications. Heres what to know about yeast infections in dogs to keep your dog healthy.

What Causes a Yeast Infection in Dogs?

Yeast is a live, single-celled microorganism classified as a member of the fungus kingdom. Its normally found on every dogs skin, but in small amounts. A yeast infection occurs when a substantial amount of yeast excessively builds up in one area.

Yeast infections often occur if there is an underlying medical condition, such as food sensitivities, environmental factors, or parasites, such as fleas, which can cause allergies, as well as the dermatological condition seborrhea. Bacterial infections or underlying hormonal problems may also throw the skins defenses off-balance. In the case of yeast infections of the ear, the most common causes are water or debris trapped in the ear or food sensitivities. Yeast infections of the ear could also be caused by underlying mechanical issues such as damage to the eardrum, a polyp, or even a mass or tumor in the ear canal.

Are Some Breeds More Susceptible to Yeast Infections?

Certain dog breeds are thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include the West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.

Dogs with floppy ears who swim often, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, are more likely to get yeast infections. Breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu are also more susceptible to infections because the thick hair in their ear canals hampers the airflow necessary to keep ears dry.

Any dog with allergies is also more likely to develop yeast infections.

Types of Yeast Infections in Dogs and How to Recognize Them

Yeast Infections in Ears

The ear canal of a dog is L-shaped, dropping down and toward the head. This dark, warm, moist environment is the perfect setting for a yeast infection to thrive. The two types of yeast most often found in a dogs ears are Candida and Malassezia.

Yeast infections can occur in any part of the dogs ear. A dog with a yeast infection in their ear may exhibit these symptoms:

Scratching and digging at the ear
Rubbing the head on the floor, walls, or furniture
Excessive shaking of the head
Musty odor
Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge
Crusted skin or fur on the ear flap
Swelling and redness
Hair loss around the base of the ear

Early diagnosis and treatment of a yeast infection in the ears are critical before it spreads deeper. If a yeast infection spreads deeper into the ear, it can cause serious pain and complications, such as loss of hearing, vestibular imbalance, or neurological damage.

Yeast Infections on Paws

A dogs paws are susceptible to yeast infections because they encounter wet, dirty ground, which means moisture and dirt are likely to be trapped between the toes and pads. Contact with grass and weeds can also trigger allergies or result in cuts and scratches. Dogs are likely to lick their irritated paws, which doesnt help, instead adding even more moisture.

If your dog has a yeast infection on the paws, you may see the following symptoms:

Excessive licking and chewing of the feet

Redness and irritated skin
Brown discharge in nailbeds
Pink salivary staining on the hair around the paws
Hair loss

There could be many reasons a dog excessively licks their paws, including anxiety, boredom, injury, parasites, bacteria, or allergies, including food sensitivities. Early examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment by a veterinarian can relieve discomfort and prevent complications. This is made using a combination of their medical history and diagnostic swabs of the debris or accompanying cells.

Yeast Infections on Skin

Yeast dermatitis, a skin inflammation caused by yeast infections, can spread to any area of a dogs skin. But its most likely to occur at the site of a rash or wherever there are skin folds that can trap moisture. Wrinkly breeds, such as the Chinese Shar-Pei, are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms of yeast infections of the skin include:

Intense itching
Red, irritated, inflamed skin
Greasy, crusty, or flaky patches
Thickening (elephant-like) skin
Darker skin color
Hair loss
Musty smell

Although a yeast infection of the skin may start in a very specific area, if left untreated, it can spread and affect the entire body, including the dogs face and mouth. Often, there may be a secondary bacterial infection accompanying the yeast infection.

How to Treat Yeast Infections in Dogs

Depending on how deep in the ear canal a yeast infection is, the treatment will vary. The veterinarian will prescribe a topical antifungal cream for an infection in the outer ear. An infection of the middle ear may require antifungal drops or oral medication. The vet is likely to recommend a thorough cleaning of the ear and possibly ongoing treatment with ear-drying solutions.

Yeast infections on the paws may require treatment with a disinfectant spray to kill germs, as well as daily application of a topical antifungal lotion or spray. It may also be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar to keep the dog from licking the paws so they can stay dry while they heal.

Skin infections may require topical and oral treatment. Cleansing shampoos may clean up the greasy skin. Your vet may recommend using a medicated, antifungal shampoo and leaving it on the dogs skin for about 10 minutes. Bathing may need to be repeated for up to 12 weeks. The veterinarian will also prescribe an antifungal medication, as well as an antibiotic, to treat any bacterial skin infection that may occur along with yeast dermatitis.

How to Prevent Yeast Infections in Dogs

The good news is that yeast infections in dogs are not contagious to other dogs or humans. The most important thing to remember to prevent yeast infections is to keep the area clean and dry.

Too much moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so thoroughly drying your dogs ears after swimming and bathing can prevent moisture build-up. If your dog has a skin rash, musty smell, or is scratching or licking excessively, taking them to the veterinarian can prevent an infection from spreading and becoming more serious.

The prognosis for yeast infections is good when you follow the treatments your veterinarian gives you. Its important to understand that unless an underlying problem such as allergies, hypothyroidism, or seborrhea is controlled, a yeast infection is likely to come back.

Recipe: Homemade Dog Food for Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are a fairly common skin condition in dogs.

They are typically not something to worry about, but you should seek veterinary care to get the condition cleared up as soon as possible.

What's a yeast infection all about?

This is a skin infection known as yeast dermatitis where 1 particular type of yeast Malassezialives on your dog's skin all the time.

It does not typically cause problems, except for cases of overpopulation.

So today, I came up with this homemade dog food for yeast infections for your Fidos.

This should help clear up skin conditions associated with an overgrowth of yeast.

Let's get cooking, shall we?

Dog Food for Yeast Infections: Overview

This homemade dog food for yeast infections is also known as a yeast starvation diet. It will help to treat the infection, and then your dog should be gradually returned to his regular diet.

Note: This diet will not provide balanced nutrition for your dog.

If your dog suffers from chronic yeast infections, consult a canine nutritionist about the best yeast starvation to meet his needs.

This recipe may be a good option for your pet, but a canine nutrition expert will likely recommend supplements and/or a multivitamin.

Homemade Dog Food for Yeast Infections Recipe

Ingredients

3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cloves garlic
1 lb. frozen vegetables

Most experts recommend a diet free of grains, potatoes, and yeast if you're trying to make yeast-starvation dog food.

As you can see, this recipe follows those guidelines. However, there is one ingredient that I am often asked about garlic.

Garlic on Dog Food for Yeast Infections

Most pet owners are under the impression that garlic is toxic to dogs.

This is only true for large quantities of garlic.

In moderation,garlic is actually a very beneficial ingredient for canines.

Foods in the genus Allium, like garlic, onions, and leeks were once considered incredibly dangerous for dogs.

But, according to the Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases:

garlic, on the other hand, is considered to be less toxic and safe for dogs than onion when used in moderation.

Garlic has natural anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and antibiotic properties.

As I mentioned, this recipe should not be fed for a long period of time.

It will help to treat the infection, and then your dog should be gradually returned to his regular diet.

Directions

Making this homemade dog food for yeast infections is quite simple.

It's a slow cooker recipe, so it's great if you work outside the home and want to prepare homemade food for your pet.

Step 1: Add the chicken, garlic, bouillon, and water to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Cook on low for 6 hours. If you will be out of the house for more than 6 hours, that's okay. Your slow cooker will automatically shut off or switch to a warm' setting after 6 hours.

Step 3: Add the vegetables and cook on low for another 30 minutes. When the homemade dog food for yeast infections is cooled, you can serve it to your dog.

The recommended serving size is about 1/2 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight. You should feed 2 servings per day.

Keep in mind that exceptionally active dogs will require more calories, while less active dogs may not require as many.

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 6 days.

Do you want Other Options for Dog Food for Yeast Infection? Follow these Rules and Tips

If your dog is prone to yeast infections, then your vet may suggest an anti-yeast diet.

The above dog food recipes are a good starting point, but you can also get creative as long as you know what to include and what to exclude.

Stick to Raw Food

Giving your dog a raw diet is a good choice if he has regular yeast infections. A raw diet is similar to the meat-based diet of your dog's ancestors.

Most importantly for the yeast infection, there will not be processed carbs that will feed the yeast.

Try a Limited-Ingredient Diet

If you don't want to give your pup a raw diet, you can also look for limited-ingredient commercial food.

Because these foods have fewer ingredients, they tend to have fewer low-quality carbs.

Always Minimize Processed Foods

Even if you don't give your dog a raw diet or homemade food, make sure that you stay away from overly-processed foods.

Some ingredients to avoid include excessive starch, high-fructose corn syrup, and corn fillers.

Avoid Natural Sugars

You don't just want to avoid processed sugars and carbs. Dogs with yeast infections should also avoid natural sugars.

Remember that the glucose in the sugar will feed the yeast.

Go Grain-Free

Because carbohydrates fuel yeast infections, dog owners should also strongly consider a grain-free diet.

Prioritize Protein

When creating your pup's new diet, focus on protein. Remember to focus on unprocessed meats.

Dog Food For Yeast Infections: What to Avoid

Common veterinary advice for dogs with yeast infections includes the following list of foods to avoid:

Bread
Bacon
Peanuts
Pretzels
Sausage
Crackers
Potatoes
Buttermilk
Lunch Meat
Mushrooms
Gravy or sauce
Packaged cereal
Sweet Potatoes or Yams
Cheese or cottage cheese
Anything else with grain or sugar

Dog Food For Yeast Infections: What to Include

You can also get creative with a dog food recipe that has the following ingredients, all of which are good for controlling yeast infections in dogs:

If you opt for homemade dog food, always make sure to plan the recipe carefully so your dog gets all the nutrients he needs.

If you haven't made your pup a meal before, start with dog food recipes to get an idea of the proper balance.

What are the Signs of Yeast Infection in Dogs?

If your dog is scratching his ears nonstop and has cracked lips or red, inflamed skin, it could be a sign that it has a yeast infection.

Chewing of the paws is another sign of a yeast infection in dogs, as the yeast can build up between the toes and cause irritation.

Finally, if the red, itchy skin is accompanied by a foul smell, it's very likely that your dog has a yeast infection.

Home remedies may get rid of a yeast infection in dogs, but your veterinarian can also prescribe a topical cream to help treat the condition quickly.

The Role of Pet Foods in Yeast Infections

The environment is not the only factor influencing whether your dog develops a yeast infection; his diet also plays a role.

To survive and grow, yeast needs energy in the form of glucose.

This glucose comes from carbohydrates and starches.

The problem is that many low-quality foods have low-quality carbohydrates, as they are popular, cheap fillers.

These fillers have minimal nutrition but have all the nutrition that yeast needs.

In other words, a low-quality diet can increase the risk of a skin infection or other types of yeast infections.

Feeding your furry friend anti-yeast dog food is a simple way to overcome this challenge. Watching what your dog eats doesn't have to be overwhelming.

While we offer the above recipe, dog owners with less time on their hands can also find commercial options that are right for your dog's diet.

Common Questions About Homemade Yeast Starvation Dog Food

If you still have some doubts about yeast-free dog food, the following information should answer your lingering questions.

What Do You Feed a Dog with a Yeast Infection?

A raw diet is a very popular option for an anti-yeast diet. You can also opt for a partially raw diet.

If you don't have time to make homemade food, consider a commercial homemade diet.

What Food Kills Yeast in Dogs?

Anti-fungal foods for your dog include items with olive leaf, Pau D-Arco, and caprylic acid.

How Do I Reduce My Dog's Yeast Infection?

If your dog is dealing with yeast infections, your vet will likely suggest yeast-free dog food along with topical treatments.

Examples of topical treatments include antifungal creams, shampoos, sprays, and wipes with ketoconazole, miconazole, or chlorhexidine.

Will Yogurt Help My Dog's Yeast Infection?

Yes, yogurt is a good food to include in an anti-yeast diet. This is because of the probiotics, which can fight yeast infections.

For the best results, choose a natural, probiotic yogurt without added sugar.

Dog Food for Yeast Infections: Before You Go

When your dogs are suffering from illnesses or infections, the best way to alleviate pain is to quickly have them assessed by your vet.

But it just doesn't end there.

Your dogs need your support and aftercare, too.

That's when Top Dog Tips steps in.

Hopefully, this dog food recipe for yeast infections can help you get started.

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