Best Dog Food for Allergies and Yeast Infections: A Vet-Approved List

Is your furry companion struggling with relentless itching and discomfort? It might be more than just a passing irritation – both allergies and yeast infections could be at play. Discovering the right dog food is crucial in alleviating these issues and restoring your pet's well-being. In this guide, we will uncover the best dog food for allergies and yeast infections. 

From carefully selected ingredients to specialized formulations, learn how these foods can offer the relief your loyal friend desperately needs. Say goodbye to scratching and hello to a happier, healthier pup! Keep your eyes glued to find it all.

What Causes Allergies and Yeast Infection in Dogs?

Yeast infections in dogs occur due to an overgrowth of a type of fungus called yeast on the skin or ears. Yeast is normally present on the dog’s body, but it can multiply and cause problems if the dog has a weak immune system, a skin injury, or a moist and warm environment. Some common signs of yeast infections are musty odor, brown or yellow discharge, redness, and hair loss.

On the other hand, allergies stem from the dog's immune system reacting to environmental or food triggers, causing inflammation, itching, and irritation. Common allergens include pollen, dust, fleas, and certain dietary ingredients.

Allergies and yeast infections can be connected in two ways:

Allergies can cause yeast infections. When the dog scratches or bites the itchy skin, they can damage the skin barrier and allow yeast to enter and grow. Also, allergies can lower the dog’s immune system and make them more prone to infections.

Yeast infections can cause allergies. When yeast grows on the skin, it can release toxins that trigger an allergic reaction in the dog. This can make the dog more sensitive to other allergens and worsen the inflammation and itching.

Therefore, it is important to identify and eliminate the source of the allergy or yeast infection in your dog. One of the ways to do that is to choose the best dog food for allergies and yeast infections for your pooch.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Allergies and Yeast Infections in Dogs?

The best dog food for allergies and yeast infections in dogs should meet the following criteria:

1. Hypoallergenic: Common allergens such as beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, and corn should be avoided to prevent triggering allergic reactions. Look for diets enriched with fatty acids to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.

1. Grain-free or Low-glycemic: Dog food should steer clear of grains like rice, oats, barley, potatoes, and peas, which can spike blood sugar levels and promote yeast growth. Opt for formulations recommended by the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for complete or balanced nutrients tailored to your dog's life stage.

1. Anti-fungal: Incorporating anti-fungal dog food through ingredients like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, oregano, and probiotics can help combat yeast and stop it from growing.

1. High-quality: Look for natural, wholesome, and balanced ingredients that provide essential nutrients without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or fillers that may compromise your dog's health.

Considering the above-mentioned criteria of dog food for immune system support, we have reviewed some of the top-rated products on the market. Here are our five best vet-approved recommendations:

Royal Canin Adult Ultamino Dry Dog Food

This is a veterinary-prescribed diet that contains hydrolyzed protein, which is less likely to trigger allergic reactions. It also has omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve skin and coat health. This dog food reviews and ratings go as high as 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon. 

Pros	Cons
Rich in B vitamins and amino acids.	Some users reported it causes unpleasant breath.
Exceptionally digestible	Too expensive
Enhances skin and coat health.
Rich in B vitamins and amino acids.

Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities

This is another veterinary-prescribed hypoallergenic dog food that contains omega-3 fatty acids. It is for dogs inclined towards wet food or those who may not drink sufficient water. The canned adult dog food utilizes hydrolyzed chicken liver to minimize immune responses. The moist food alternative also aids in alleviating skin irritation and enhancing digestion and stool consistency. This prescription-based diet is available in 12-ounce cans.

Pros	Cons
Clinically proven to help avoid adverse reactions to food and improve skin and coat in 3 days	Expensive and requires a veterinary prescription
Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals	Contains corn starch and soy protein isolate, which some dogs may be sensitive to or not digest well
Improves skin and coat health	Low protein and high carbohydrate content, which may not be ideal for some dogs

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat

This is grain-free dog food and natural formula that contains salmon as the main protein source, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can help prevent yeast infections. It also has prebiotics and probiotics, which can promote digestive health and balance the gut flora. However, this food may not be suitable for dogs with fish allergies, and it contains some plant-based proteins, such as pea protein and potato protein, which may not be as digestible as animal proteins.

Pros	Cons
Gentle on dogs' stomachs	May cause the dog's breath to have a fishy scent
Addresses skin irritations and enhances coat quality
Ideal for dogs with allergies and hair loss

JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash 

This is a fresh and human-grade food that contains venison as the main protein source, which is a novel and hypoallergenic meat for most dogs. It also has squash, which is a low-glycemic vegetable that can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent yeast overgrowth.

Furthermore, it is ideal for dogs who need to lose weight or transition from a raw diet. It is formulated by vets and backed by scientific research to be the best dog food for allergies and yeast infections. So, you can trust that it meets the nutritional standards of AAFCO. 

Pros	Cons
High in Protein	Has a limited shelf life
Includes fresh vegetables and fruits	May not be available in all areas
Made with 100% human-grade ingredient	Requires refrigeration and proper handling

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is an additive-free, and high-protein dog food made from farm-raised chicken. It is good for dogs with yeast infections, as it supports their digestive health and prevents yeast overgrowth. It also improves their skin, coat, and energy levels. 

It is suitable for all life stages and stimulates the appetite of picky eaters. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is a great dog food for yeast balance and allergies and, therefore, best for dog owners who care about their dog’s quality of life.

Pros	Cons
Pure and unprocessed animal protein	Some dogs may have difficulty adapting to raw diet
Humanely raised and slaughtered proteins for taste and quality	Needs to be rehydrated before feeding, which can be time-consuming

Conclusion

Give your pup the best shot at overcoming allergies and yeast infections with the right food. A good diet can make a world of difference in easing and even getting rid of those pesky symptoms. We hope this guide helped you find the best dog food for allergies and yeast infections that could bring relief to your furry friend. Here's to a brighter, itch-free future for your beloved canine companion.