How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Yeast Infections
Whatever food a dog eats will affect its body both internally and externally. The caliber of the diet selected will have an impact on all of the dog’s body systems including its digestion and even its coat and skin.
Foods that place a heavy emphasis on ingredients rich in sugar and starch can exacerbate yeast problems in dogs prone to infections.
Though many owners are quick to blame grains when their dog expresses skin or stomach sensitivities, the problem is not always so simple. Some grains can be common allergens for many dogs. A sensitivity to grains is most typically evidenced through such symptoms as red skin, persistent itching, and even inflammation.
Since dogs are primarily carnivores, the best diet to meet all of their needs and prevent yeast infections is one that is based on a high-quality meat-based protein. Whole meats are the preferred choice, but meat meal such as a portion of the chicken meal is also acceptable.
To ensure a diet is well-rounded, the correct serving of healthy fats and highly digestible, low sugar, no starch fruits, and vegetables are also important. Carbohydrates are more difficult for a dog to process, and thus, should form a much smaller part of the diet as a whole.
Sugar feeds yeast. When the body processes starchy foods, it converts them into sugar for quick energy. For dogs with frequent yeast infections, this poses a great problem.
Though yeast lives within each dog’s digestive system, it is there to encourage healthy gut flora. When yeast is fed through sugar and starches, it begins to multiply rapidly, leading to infections that easily spread like wildfire, causing dogs to develop irritated and itchy skin that is painful.
Yeast infections can also spread and thrive in warm, moist environments such as ears, mouths, feet, and genital regions.
Left untreated; yeast problems continue to rage out of control, leaving dogs in great discomfort. This is why obtaining the best anti-yeast dog food is so important.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Dogs with Yeast Infections
Establishing how much food to feed a dog can always be a bit of a challenge. To ensure a dog receives adequate nutrition, it is a good idea to consult the suggested serving size listed on the bag and to use this as a starting point.
The amount each dog will need will vary greatly depending on the dog’s activity level, breed, age, and weight.
The dog’s appetite and body condition will serve as helpful guides. Be sure to carefully measure all portions of the best food for dogs with yeast infections and monitor all intake to prevent weight gain from occurring.
Dietary Requirements for Dogs with Yeast Infections
Since yeast infections can be a problem for many dogs, it is important for owners to select a food that has been uniquely formulated to assist with skin and stomach sensitivities that can be related to yeast.
The primary determining factor in the best food for dogs with yeast infections is the absence of ingredients rich in sugar and starch.
Unfortunately, it can be very challenging to find dog food that is completely free from starchy foods since items such as potatoes and rice are commonly used to help fuse kibble pieces together.
Grain-free foods are often the best choice but even these diets can contain ingredients that can prove problematic for dogs plagued by yeast.
As a general rule of thumb, avoid foods that contain wheat, corn, rice, potatoes, and sweet potatoes whenever possible.
Select a diet that contains as many whole and natural foods as possible and that includes high-quality animal protein and a healthy serving of optimal animal-based fats. Hydrolyzed soy protein, which is often included in grain-free diets can also be of benefit to dogs with yeast issues.
Since fiber is also very important for dogs suffering from yeast infections, it is important to boost digestive health through fiber-rich, low-sugar/starch foods.
Other important bits of help include the addition of probiotics and digestive enzymes to encourage healthy gut flora to flourish.
The first line of defense in combatting yeast problems is killing the yeast’s food source by choosing a food that is very low in starch. The second prong of the wellness strategy includes fortifying the dog’s immune system through optimal digestion and excellent gut health.
Here is a list of things to avoid in any food for dogs suffering from yeast infections:
- Processed foods
- Sugar or corn syrup
- Starchy grains such as corn, rice, or wheat
- Starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes
Many owners assert that topical applications of coconut oil and apple cider vinegar are also effective treatments for irritated skin as a result of yeast overgrowths.
Any dog food for adult dogs should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Yeast Infections
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in a portion of dog food for yeast infections:
- Whole meat or meat meal proteins heading up the ingredients list
- Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
- Enriched with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and helpful supplements
- Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
- Contains no added sugar
- Comprised low sugar foods
- Is free from starchy foods such as corn, wheat, and soy
- Includes healthy fats such as chicken fat or salmon oil