This is our review of the best dog foods for yeast infections.
After testing a broad selection of products, I found Royal Canin Veterinary Diet HP Dry Dog Food to be the best dog food for this itchy problem.
As a dog lover, I’ve had many furry friends throughout my life. When I was younger, I had a golden retriever called Marley. Sadly, Marley suffered from yeast infections, especially yeast ear infections, which caused her skin to become itchy and irritated.
Therefore, I took it upon myself to find the ideal dog food for yeast infections. To help me on my quest, I enlisted the aid of my cousin’s dog, called Sky. My cousin told me that Sky has also had yeast infections in the past. She tasted a wide range of foods to find the ultimate product.
After Sky tested these foods, I discovered that Royal Canin and Purina Pro were the best dog foods for yeast infections. The reason for this is that it is a simple formula that shouldn’t cause allergic reactions in your dog.
It was hard to judge which was the best choice. Though there are other outstanding options, Royal Canin was the top pick because it offers many features that improve a dog’s overall health.
Keep reading to learn more!
Top 9 Picks for the Best Dog Foods for Yeast Infections
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food (Best Overall)
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food (Best for Chronic Yeast Infection)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food (Most Popular)
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf Canned Dog Food (Premium)
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal Dry Dog Food (Best Budget)
- Instinct LID Real Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food (Best for Digestive Health)
- Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula With Probiotics Dog Food (Runner Up)
- Earthborn Holistic Venture Limited Ingredient Rabbit Meal & Pumpkin Dry Dog Food (Superior Quality)
- Solid Gold Love At First Bark Puppy Dry Dog Food (Best for Puppies)
Best Dog Food for Yeast Infections Reviewed
1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food – Best Overall
- Main ingredients: Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
- Type of product: Veterinary diet
- Life stage: Adult
Our adorable furry friends can develop health problems due to many factors, including food, infections, parasites, etc. When it comes to food sensitivities, the first thing we should do for our pets is to try to eliminate the trigger that causes the issue and help solve the problem.
Royal Canin’s close cooperation with vets tries to ensure that dogs get a special formula crafted with a few ingredients that promote digestive and skin health. It is formulated with essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies and adult dogs of all breeds can enjoy this kibble that helps fight yeast infections.
Proteins found in food can cause skin and digestive problems and that’s why this recipe has hydrolyzed protein which should help reduce gastrointestinal and skin problems.
Additionally, added B vitamins support the skin’s natural protective barrier, and omega-3 fatty acids give your pup a healthy, shiny coat.
Ingredients like brewers rice, beet pulp, and fish oil are highly digestible and give your dog all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and strong. But, keep in mind that it also makes this diet high in carbohydrates, which doesn’t help manage yeast infection.
Last but not least, the combination of fibers and prebiotics aids digestion and helps dogs with sensitivities. Not to mention, Sky loved this kibble!
Nonetheless, this premium ingredients recipe might be a bit pricey if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
But, if your furry friend has been suffering from a yeast infection for a long time, choosing Royal Canin Veterinary Diet HP dog food could be a wise decision. It is the best food for dogs that are prone to yeast infections.
2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
- Main ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal
- Type of product: Commercial diet
- Life stage: Adult
Yeast infections can cause havoc on a dog’s digestive system. Though this is not one of the main symptoms, it is nonetheless a problem that your dog can experience. Therefore, Purina Pro Plan’s formula designed for sensitive stomachs can come in handy.
One of the main features of this dog food is that it contains natural prebiotic fiber which will nourish intestinal bacteria. As a consequence, your dog will have enhanced digestive health.
Another way in which this dog food aids digestion is through the use of oatmeal. This ingredient is included to make the formula easy for the digestive system.
It also contains sunflower oil, which is rich in Omega-6 fatty acids. As a result, the skin and coat of your dog will be nourished. Thanks to the use of fish oil, Purina Pro Plan’s formula is also a superb source of Omega-3. Likewise, this can benefit the immune system and aid arthritis.
Purina Pro Plan’s formula has also been made with genuine salmon, which is great for dogs who adore fishy flavors. Sky seems to love fish, so she lapped up this food!
A further feature of this food that can benefit your dog is that it has been made without soy, wheat, or corn. Moreover, it also doesn’t contain any by-products or artificial flavors. Instead, this diet has been made with high-quality ingredients that your dog will likely love to eat.
To sum up, Purina Pro Plan may be a good choice for any furry friends who suffer from digestive problems.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Main ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley
- Type of product: Commercial diet
- Life stage: Adult
This healthy digestive recipe is formulated for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.
The first ingredient is tasty chicken which gives your pup enough protein throughout the day.
When it comes to yeast infections, a high-protein diet should help dogs that struggle with the problem. And Hill’s recipe contains a considerable amount of crude protein (20%).
Another important ingredient is beet pulp, a prebiotic fiber that supports a balanced microbiome.
Furthermore, it has vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids for nourished skin and a shiny coat. Natural ingredients like chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, brown rice, and flaxseed, provide your furry friend with nutrients that are easy on the stomach, hence, promoting digestive health.
The formula is enhanced with vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system. A combination of omega fatty acids, protein, and vitamins is useful for dogs with yeast infections.
Adult dogs of all breeds should benefit from Hill’s formula because it’s made to meet their nutritional needs, help boost their digestive and immune systems, and support their skin health.
Therefore, this veterinarian recommended food is suitable for sensitive dogs, not only because it’s a complete and balanced diet that supports healthy gut bacteria, but also because pups enjoy its flavorful kibble.
Dog parents should be at ease knowing that the recipe doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
If your pup prefers wet food this diet is available in wet form.
4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein Loaf Canned Dog Food
- Main ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Pea Starch, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Vegetable Oil
- Type of product: Veterinary diet
- Life stage: Adult
Royal Canin has been formulated to reduce skin reactions. Given that a yeast infection is a type of skin condition, this can be massively beneficial to dogs who are vulnerable to this issue.
It is formulated with hydrolyzed protein, which is incredibly digestible. This hydrolyzed soy protein is also intended to aid the dermatological and gastrointestinal health of your dog. Thus, it will enhance your dog’s skin, which should be beneficial if it has a yeast infection.
Royal Canin’s formula can also help the skin by contributing to your dog’s natural protective barrier.
Another amazing feature of this food is that it can be eaten by puppies and adults alike. Therefore, this versatile product can be eaten by your dog at different stages of its life.
It’s also rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These two omega-3 fatty acids will upgrade the skin and coat of your dog during a yeast infection. Moreover, these fatty acids contribute to brain and heart health. As a consequence, it will not only look healthy but will have exceptional heart and brain health.
Just bear in mind that this dog food is a little expensive. Therefore, this premium brand may not be suited to dog owners who are shopping on a budget.
This Royal Canin may be appropriate for dog owners who prefer canned food. Canned dog food tends to be higher in moisture than dry food. Therefore, it can ensure that your furry friend is receiving sufficient hydration.
5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
- Main ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
- Type of product: Commercial diet
- Life stage: Adult
The reason why this Rachael Ray Nutrish food is a good anti-yeast option is that is made with limited ingredients. As a result, this dog food is less likely to contain ingredients that can worsen your dog’s infection.
In fact, this dog food contains just 6 ingredients!
These limited ingredients mean that Rachael Ray’s dog food is unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Given that allergies are one of the most common causes of yeast infections in dogs, this feature will prove useful.
Another excellent feature of this dog food is that it has been made with added vitamins and minerals which contribute to your dog’s health. This includes Vitamins E, B12, and D3.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that will help protect your dog’s immune system and improve its eyesight. Having cared for an elderly dog, I can attest to how useful it is for dogs to have good eyesight. After all, how can your dog catch a ball if it can’t see it?
Meanwhile, Vitamin B12 is vital for your canine companion because it contributes to healthy brain function. On the other hand, Vitamin D3 helps your dog’s body to absorb calcium. Calcium is needed for strong teeth and bones, which will particularly aid older dogs.
This Rachael Ray product is mainly made from lamb. Consequently, this dog food is packed with protein, which is required for your dog to build and maintain muscle. Not to mention, protein plays a vital role in providing dogs with energy. Sky loves lamb, so she devoured this food!
Another key ingredient is brown rice, which is high in fiber but low in fat. As a result, this dog food can aid digestion. This feature is fantastic for dogs with digestive problems.
Overall, Rachael Ray is great for most dogs thanks to its high levels of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
6. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Real Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
- Main ingredients: Lamb Meal, Lamb, Tapioca, Peas, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid)
- Type of product: Commercial diet
- Life stage: Adult
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain is also great for dogs with yeast infections. This is grain-free dog food.
Another brilliant feature of this dog food is that it’s made with small kibbles. These kibbles are super simple for your dog to digest. Moreover, they are suitable for different dog breeds.
This food is made without ingredients that often cause allergies among dogs. This includes sweet potato, chicken, eggs, chickpeas, dairy products, and wheat. Therefore, it is suitable for most dogs.
Moreover, this limited ingredient formula should reduce the risk of yeast infections, which may be caused by allergies.
Instead, this dog food is made with grass-fed lamb, meaning that it contains less fat than other forms of lamb. Since fat can result in obesity, it’s best to avoid foods that are high in fat. Instead, this lamb is designed to be simple to digest.
The presence of this lamb also ensures that Instinct’s dog food is overflowing with protein. Protein is one of the largest parts of a dog’s diet. It contributes to the maintenance of strong muscles, which is essential for dogs who love to run!
Alongside this, this dog food brand contains all the antioxidants and omega fatty acids that your dog needs. These fatty acids will give your dog a healthy coat and skin, which ensures that it has a fighting-fit appearance. Meanwhile, these antioxidants enhance a dog’s immune health.
Ultimately, this Instinct formula is particularly well suited to pets with digestive issues. Its ingredients were specifically chosen to make this food straightforward for dogs to digest.
7. Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula With Probiotics Dry Dog Food
- Main ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas
- Type of product: Commercial diet
- Life stage: Adult
Zignature Zssential has its own grain-free, limited-ingredient formula that is suitable for yeast infections.
This dog food brand uses smaller kibbles, which makes them easier for dogs to consume. As a consequence, this brand is superbly suited to smaller dog breeds.
Zignature dog food comes in a plethora of different flavors. This includes lamb, kangaroo, duck, trout & salmon, turkey, and venison formula. Therefore, you can find something that your furry friend will devour, even if it’s a picky eater.
These different flavors have been made without chicken. Though many dogs love eating chicken, it can cause digestive issues for many furry friends. While allergies are rare in dogs, chicken is one of the largest food allergens.
Another incredible feature of this dog food is that it has been boosted with extra taurine and l-carnitine.
L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your dog convert fat into energy, so your dog won’t put on too much fat!
Additionally, this is a multi-protein formula. This will help your dog to get all the protein it needs, which can be converted into energy. Furthermore, it will allow your dog to build robust muscles.
Loaded with a blend of healthy vegetables, fruits, probiotics, and essential omega-3 fatty acids, this formula helps keep the sugar content low which discourages yeast overgrowth. It also helps in reducing inflammation.
Zignature Zssential is ideal for picky eaters and small dog breeds with food sensitivities. So if you have a pooch that might fit this description, you may want to try this product.
8. Earthborn Holistic Venture Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Rabbit Meal & Pumpkin Dry Dog Food
- Main ingredients: Rabbit Meal, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Alaska Pollock Meal, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
- Type of product: Commercial diet
- Life stage: Adult
This dog food is made with rabbits, which your dog may love the taste of. Sky loved tasting rabbits, which is great because she can be a picky eater. This rabbit was raised on French farms, ensuring that it is of excellent quality.
This rabbit also contains high levels of several beneficial vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamins B3 and B12, as well as selenium and phosphorus. Vitamin B3 is fantastic for your dog’s health and can help with inflammatory skin problems. Meanwhile, vitamin B12 supports the nervous system, which is essential for almost everything your dog does.
Additionally, Selenium is a type of antioxidant that is crucial for a dog’s metabolism. Therefore, your dog can better transform food into energy. Phosphorus, on the other hand, will keep your dog’s bones and teeth healthy. This is great news for people with dogs who love to go for long walks!
An additional feature of this product is that it is kept in a bag made from 40% plant-based plastics. This material requires fewer fossil fuels to produce, making it better for the environment. This bag is resealable, allowing you to keep the dog food fresh for as long as possible.
This limited-ingredient blend has been fortified with taurine, which is beneficial for heart and eye health.
Furthermore, it’s been made without ingredients that can cause problems for your dog’s digestion. This includes peas, potatoes, legumes, eggs, and lentils.
9. Solid Gold Love At First Bark Puppy Chicken & Apple Dry Dog Food
- Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Pea Protein, Ocean Fish Meal
- Type of product: Commercial diet
- Life stage: Puppy
Solid Gold has produced a gluten-free and grain-free formula that’s perfect for puppies. This holistic formula is unlikely to provoke food allergies, which could be adding to your dog’s yeast infection.
Arguably the main benefit of this food is that it contains ingredients to aid your dog’s gut health. This is thanks to prebiotic fibers and protected probiotics, which allow dogs to maintain proper gut health.
Solid Gold has also been formulated with nutritious superfoods, which will improve your pet’s nutrition. Namely, it has been made with carrots, pumpkins, apples, and blueberries. As a consequence, this dog food contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and enhance eye health.
These kibbles are simple for dogs to digest. They are the perfect size for your adorable little puppy. Plus, this formula contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is essential for cognitive development. This feature is especially useful for puppies as it will help to improve their minds as they grow.
A portion of this dog food contains approximately 28% protein. Thus, your cute puppy can receive all the protein it needs, which will allow it to build stronger muscles. Puppies can be especially energetic, so it’s vital that you give them plenty of protein. I remember when Sky was a puppy; she would hardly stay still for a second.
Not to mention, Solid Gold Love at First Sight also comprises both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This will aid the immune system, which should prevent your dog from becoming sick.
It’s worth bearing in mind that this dog food product is made for puppies. Therefore, it might not be suitable for adult dogs with yeast infections. Adult dogs may not appreciate these bitesize kibbles!
How to Choose the Best Dog Foods for Yeast Infections?
You must consider certain factors when shopping for dog foods specifically for yeast infections. These considerations will help you to find the best product for your dog. To ensure that you make the right choice, we’ve highlighted some of the most important factors.
Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup
If your pet has ever had a yeast infection, it’s best to avoid high fructose corn syrup. It’s known for its high sugar content.
This ingredient contributes to obesity, which will expose your dog to a whole host of health problems. This includes cancer and heart disease.
Yeasts feed on sugar. Therefore, high fructose corn syrup will not be beneficial if your dog is afflicted with yeast infections. Not to mention, it’s best to avoid this ingredient to improve the general health of your furry companion.
Steer Clear of Processed Ingredients
Many dog food brands are heavily processed. This can be detrimental to your dog’s health, as these processed formulas tend to be made with low-quality ingredients. Not to mention, these processed foods can be high in unhealthy fats.
Therefore, you might wish to steer clear of dog foods that contain heavily processed ingredients. Instead, high-quality ingredients, such as real meat, will be more desirable.
Consider Wheat
Grains such as wheat and corn are commonly associated with food allergies in dogs. Limited research found that wheat was the third largest problem ingredient for dogs behind beef and dairy.
Many dogs struggle to digest wheat. If your dog has digestive problems, you may want to try a grain-free alternative. Instead of using grains, these formulas tend to feature a single source of protein. This makes them easier to digest than other products.
Check the Ingredients
As mentioned, allergies are one of the most widespread causes of yeast infections in dogs. This includes a range of different allergies, including allergies to dust or food. To ensure that your dog is not suffering from allergic reactions, you must check the ingredients list.
If your dog suffers from an allergy, it is best to invest in a product made from minimal ingredients. Having looked after a dog with wheat sensitivities, products made with tons of ingredients can worsen your dog’s symptoms.
Ingredients such as eggs, wheat, and dairy products tend to cause allergic reactions in dogs. This can lead to yeast infections. Therefore, it may be best to avoid these ingredients if your dog suffers from this health issue.
Carbs
Most dog food brands feature lots of carbs. Yet, if your dog has a yeast infection, you must limit the number of carbs that your dog is consuming. The reason for this is that carbs are converted into sugar once they have been consumed by your canine companion.
Therefore, you can feed the yeast infection if you invest in dog food that’s high in carbs. Luckily, many limited-ingredient and grain-free alternatives tend to be low in carbs.
Omega Fatty Acids
Fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are valuable to a dog’s health. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids can support the immune system, boost the immune system, reduce aching joints, and enhance the coat of fur.
It can be a great idea to opt for a product that is high in omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids.
Protein
If you are a dog owner, you likely already know that dogs need plenty of protein. After all, most dog food brands boast their high protein content. Protein should form between 18% and 25% of a dog’s diet.
This is the case regardless of whether your dog has a yeast infection. Protein can be useful for fending off these infections.
You may want to ease your dog into a high-protein diet, especially if it is not familiar with it. This is because giving your dog too much protein whether it is not used to it can result in digestive problems. Consequently, you may wish to gradually increase the protein intake.
Vitamins and Minerals
Finally, it’s important for all pets to get sufficient vitamins and minerals. Dogs with yeast infections need to have a nutrient-filled diet. Though these vitamins and minerals won’t cure yeast infection, they can nonetheless improve the overall health of your pooch.
In particular, you should keep an eye out for dog foods that contain:
- Vitamin A: fantastic for improving eyesight.
- Vitamin B12: benefits the immune system and supports brain functions.
- Vitamin D: this is needed to balance calcium and phosphorus, both of which contribute to bone and joint health.
- Vitamin E: as an antioxidant, vitamin E wards off oxidative damage.
- Calcium and phosphorus: these minerals are used to build strong bones.
- Selenium: this mineral supports metabolism and lessens cellular aging.
Ideally, a dog food brand will provide a blend of these various vitamins and minerals.
Our Verdict
After careful consideration, I chose Royal Canin Veterinary Diet HP Dry Dog Food as my favorite formula for yeast infections.
I came to this decision because this product has so many nutritional benefits. It’s not only high in protein but also fiber and a range of different vitamins and minerals. Plus, its straightforward recipe contains ingredients which should limit the risk of allergies.
Of course, these other dog food brands provide great benefits. Some of these alternative options may be better suited to your dog than Royal Canin.
Nevertheless, the above-mentioned foods are some of the best anti-yeast foods on the market, but if you have any doubts consult your vet first. Each dog is unique, so the food that works for one dog doesn’t mean that it will work for another dog as well.
