Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Yeast Infection: Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dinner Patties
“Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Patties is packed with all-natural, easy to digest ingredients that are loaded with essential nutrients your dog needs to protect him from yeast infections and keep his skin and coat healthy.“
Best Value for Money: VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food
“VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food gives your dog a well-rounded diet while also keeping yeast infection at bay. It’s one of the cheapest, great quality dog foods you can find on the market. “
Best for All Life Stages: Orijen Grain Free Dry Dog Food
“This dog food has a wide variety of grain free recipes with a limited number of fresh, high quality ingredients added which helps reduce risk of skin allergies. There’s a formula for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.”
If your pup has been suffering from itchy, dry skin and ears, hair loss, and an unusually funky odor, he may have a yeast infection.This condition is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in your dog’s body mostly due to an underactive immune system.
While there are quite a few internal and environmental factors that trigger yeast infections in dogs, the main key to preventing or eliminating the problem lies in your dog’s diet.
Food allergies is one of the most common triggers for it and choosing the best dog food for yeast infection is an excellent way to keep this problem at bay.
Table of Contents
Best Dog Food for Yeast Infections
Here are our top picks for the best anti-yeast dog food on the market:
- Best Overall for Yeast Infections:: Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dinner Patties
- Best Value For Money: VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food
- Best for All Life Stages: Orijen Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best for Dogs with Allergies: Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best High Taurine Diet: Nulo Frontrunner Dry Dog Food
- Best Wet Food: Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food
- Best Low-Carb Dog Food: Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
1. Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dinner Patties
Best Overall for Yeast Infections: Great raw food option which avoids problem ingredients that trigger yeast infection
PROS
- Free from peas, lentils, and potatoes
- With added taurine for improved immune system function
- Single-source animal protein and limited ingredient formula means less risk of ingesting allergens
- All-natural and easy to digest.
CONS
- Too high in protein and fat for less active dogs.
The Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dinner Patties is a very minimally processed, limited ingredient food that is intended for dogs who are prone to allergies or sensitive stomachs.
It’s a biologically appropriate diet that aims to replicate food that dogs typically eat in the wild. It’s made from premium quality, all-natural ingredients that are freeze-dried to retain as much flavor and nutrients.
click to see more
Natural wholesome ingredients for optimal nutrition
This dog food only contains premium, wholesome ingredients, without low-quality food fillers that may cause allergic reactions to your dog. It is packed full of natural oils and omega fatty acids that help nourish your dog’s skin and coat to avoid allergies.
Your dog can enjoy Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Red Meat, Salmon & Beef, Venison, Duck, Rabbit, Turkey, Pork, and Venison & Lamb. This lovely variety also makes it easy to avoid problem proteins.
2. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money: Affordable option that’s extremely effective in getting rid of yeast infection
PROS
- High quality protein source ideal for growing pups and pregnant dogs
- Has a great amount of essential fatty and amino acids for improved immune and digestive functions
- Contains DHA and L-carnitine for easy metabolizing.
- Incredibly affordable dog food with premium quality ingredients
CONS
- No real meat, only meat meals.
- Contains blood meal, which can be a controversial ingredient although its use is regulated.
VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food a high-protein, low-carb dog food that will give your active dog the energy he needs and help get rid of his yeast infection – all for an affordable price.
With 30% protein and 20% fat, this dog food is best suited to pups who get plenty of exercise. The protein comes from a mix of beef meal, chicken meal, pork meal, and Menhaden fish meal, with the fat count being made up of chicken fat.
click to see more
Extra Additions
Aside from its premium-quality ingredient list, you’ll find a significant amount of Omega fatty acids in this dog food, which will assist in nourishing your dog’s coat and skin. This should help reduce the risk of developing yeast infections in dogs as this condition usually manifests as skin problems.
There’s also a good dose of DHA, which is an Omega fatty acid that promotes proper eye and brain development. L-carnitine is also included in the nutrients your dog can get from this food and it helps regulate energy use, metabolizing fat into usable energy for everyday functions.
3. Orijen Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best for All Life Stages: Fresh, wholesome ingredients packed into a biologically appropriate diet for your dog at any age
PROS
- Multiple premium-quality protein sources
- High Omega fatty acid levels, with added DHA and EPA.
- Biologically appropriate diet that’s suitable for all life stages
- 85% animal ingredients, leaving very little space for starches.
CONS
- Contains peas, which could count as starch (although in small amounts).
- Expensive.
Active, healthy dogs would benefit from the Orijen Grain Free Dry Dog Food. It’s all-natural, fresh, wholesome ingredients are great sources of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and added supplements that keep your dog healthy and protected from diseases.
It’s suitable for all life stages, so whether you’ve got a puppy, an adult, or a senior, you can be confident they’re getting proper nourishment from a well-rounded dog food like this one.
click to see more
Biologically Appropriate Nutrition
This recipe includes both muscle and organ meat, such as liver and heart. You’ll also find cartilage and bone. This is part of the raw nutrition diet that replicates your dog’s natural diet in the wild. All the ingredients used in this formula are healthy and packed with protein and amino acids.
Extra Features
The addition of DHA and EPA helps in brain development and maintenance which makes this food quite suitable for puppies and seniors as well as adult dogs. There’s a significant amount of Omega fatty acid count in this dog food to help your dog keep his skin and coat nourished. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added to keep your dog’s joints tough and flexible.
4. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best for Dogs with Allergies: Limited ingredient formulation to reduce the risk of ingesting foods that trigger allergic reactions
PROS
- A wide range of flavor combinations available for your pup to enjoy
- Limited number but high quality ingredients included
- Formulated for dogs of all life stages.
- High protein diet that mirrors wild prey
CONS
- Contain pea starch (although not much).
- Expensive choice.
Dogs with extreme allergies are usually prescribed with a limited ingredient diet and the Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food has a wide variety of flavor combinations you can choose from.
This particular recipe is not just intended to reduce the risk of allergies in your dog, it’s also made from an easily digestible protein which makes the process of digesting their food easier, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
click to see more
Premium Quality Ingredients
Each of these recipes contain a single protein and combined with high quality vegetables which improves not just the taste but also the nutritional profile of your dog’s food.
With 60% meat and 40% vegetables, this dog food is protein-focused and great for active pups, with 31% protein and 17% fat. You’ll also find lots of Omegas, including DHA and EPA, glucosamine for strong joints, and probiotic microorganisms.
Impressive Recipe Range
Each of Acana Singles’ recipes contains roughly the same nutrients, so their protein and fat counts remain the same. This fact makes it a superb variety for picky eaters, as they can switch between flavors without losing out on any nutrition.
Choose from Duck & Pear, Pork & Squash, Beef & Pumpkin, Lamb & Apple, and Turkey & Pumpkin.
5. Nulo Frontrunner Dry Dog Food
Best High Taurine Diet: Keeps your dog’s heart strong and promotes immune and digestive health
PROS
- High taurine levels to keep your dog’s heart muscles strong and healthy
- Added probiotic to help support and maintain your dogs’ digestion
- 77% animal-based protein, excellent in maintaining lean msucles
- Contains healthy low-glycemic grains and packed with antioxidants to support immune system
CONS
- It’s a pricey option.
- No glucosamine.
- May be too high in fat for less active dogs.
The Nulo Frontrunner Dry Dog Food is high in protein and a little lower in fat, and uses low-glycemic grains as its carbohydrates source, steering clear from starches which may cause allergies in dogs.
With 27% protein and 16% fat, this dog food should suit pretty much any dog who gets moderate exercise. The Omega fatty acids are enough to make a difference in your pup’s skin and coat, and the added vitamin E helps keep their skin healthy.
click to see more
Good Nutrient Values
This dog food uses high animal-based protein which is a great source of amino acids, specifically taurine, that helps keep the muscles lean and the heart strong. It also contains probiotics which aids in your dog’s digestion. It’s also loaded with antioxidants that support the immune system, preventing overgrowth of yeast in their body.
6. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food
Best Wet Food: Promotes easy digestion, optimal energy and healthy skin and coat
PROS
- Single protein` combined with premium quality carbohydrates source
- No added low quality food fillers which are usually found in wet dog food
- Limited ingredients to reduce risk of allergies
- Contains chelated minerals for easier digestion
CONS
- Contains carrageenan.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food is a limited ingredient canned dog food which helps to reduce the chance of allergies and intolerances, especially when paired with a limited ingredient food.
You won’t find any gluten, corn, wheat, or soy, or artificial ingredients in this wet dog food. It’s packed with chelated minerals to make digestion easier for your pup.
click to see more
Great Addition to Healthy Kibble
Many pet parents trying to feed their dog healthy food go wrong with canned food. It’s easy to forget that we need to take the same precautions with wet dog food as we do with dry kibble. This offering contains no starchy vegetables at all, and relies on oatmeal to provide its carb content.
The single-source protein ingredients include lamb, lamb broth, lamb liver, and lamb meal. The only downside is that it’s made with carrageenan, which is considered to be a low-quality binding agent that isn’t great for dogs.
7. Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best Low-Carb Dog Food: Promote stable blood sugar and provides premium quality dietary fiber
PROS
- Packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Good amount of Omega fatty acid to prevent skin allergies
- Contains L-carnitine for energy regulation
- No potato, tapioca, or corn, wheat or soy.
CONS
- No mention of probiotics and prebiotics.
- No glucosamine.
Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food contains a “nutritionally correct ratio” of fruits and vegetables. They make sure to avoid potatoes, tapioca, grains, chicken, eggs, and corn, wheat, and soy, which makes it great for dogs with a yeast infection.
This kibble contains 32% protein, which comes from various sources. Turkey, turkey meal, and salmon are brought into their kitchens from the US, while their duck meal is imported from France, and lamb meal from New Zealand. This most likely contributes to their slightly steep price, but the ingredients should be of great quality.
click to see more
Excellent Nutrition Profile
L-carnitine is present in this dog food. It assists in regulating metabolism and transforming fats into usable energy. The Omega-6 fatty acids is also present at a significantly high amount, which will do wonders for your dog’s itchy, dry skin and brittle fur.
Common Causes of Yeast Infection in Dogs?
Dogs with yeast infection most commonly have an overgrowth of something called Malassezia bacteria, which is a specific kind of yeast. This bacteria thrives in places that are warm and moist – in other words, ears, paws, and skinfolds of dogs.
Another commonly found yeast infection is called Candidiasis, which is excessive growth of the Candida bacteria. It often manifests in ear infections, bladder infections, and skin sores.
This wild-growing bacteria can be triggered by an excess of starch in your dog’s diet. Vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, legumes, and grains like white and brown rice can contribute. These are found in many dog foods, so it can be easy for your pooch to be getting too much of them.
Different Symptoms of Yeast Infection in Dogs
Yeast infections have some specific symptoms. Your dog may have a yeast infection if they show any of the following signs:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Red, inflamed patches
- Thickening of skin
- Hair loss
- Itchy paws
- Itchy ears
- Brown or yellow pus oozing from the skin
- Head or ear shaking
- A strange, musty odor
German Shepherds, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Chihuahuas, and Terriers are more prone to yeast infections than other breeds, but they can happen to any dogs.
Questions & Answers
What’s the best way to treat my dog’s yeast infection?
Although your dog’s diet and nutrition are an important part of treatment, you should still take your pup to the vet if you suspect they have a yeast infection. Your dog’s vet will most likely recommend a medicated shampoo to be applied a few days a week.
If their symptoms are severe, the vet may prescribe antifungal medication too. Once your vet has given their recommendations, changing your pup’s dog food is the last step to getting your dog on the road to being infection-free.
It’s important to treat yeast infections early. If they’re left untreated, they can result in a leaky gut. Leaky gut is a more dangerous condition in which toxins leach into your dog’s bloodstream through his digestion system, and it’s directly related to an excess of yeast.
Are there ingredients that should be avoided?
Starches should be avoided as completely as possible. These include potatoes, sweet potatoes, legumes (peas, chickpeas, beans), and rice. Named starches should also be avoided – you may spot ingredients named things like “potato starch”, “pea starch” or “tapioca starch”.
As always, corn, wheat, and soy should never find their way into your dog’s food. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives also need to be absent. Meat byproducts are another ingredient that should never be seen in dog food.
Are yeast infections contagious in dogs?
Thankfully, no. If you have more than one dog, there’s no need to separate or quarantine the one pup who does have a yeast infection.
If one of your dogs is struggling with this problem, though, it’s worth changing all your dogs’ food to prevent the same thing happening in your other dogs due to an overgrowth of fungi!
