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Yeast infections in dogs are caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which is naturally present on the skin but can multiply excessively due to various factors.
The main symptoms of a yeast infection
- Skin Issues: Redness, itching, greasy or flaky skin, thickened or darkened skin
- Odor: Musty or “corn chip” smell
- Ear Infections: Head shaking, brown or yellow discharge, redness in the ears
- Paw Licking/Chewing: Yeast thrives in moist areas like paws
- Hair Loss: Patches of thinning fur, often due to excessive scratching
Causes of yeast overgrowth
- Allergies: Food, environmental, or flea allergies can weaken the skin barrier.
- Weakened Immune System: Illness, medications (e.g., steroids, antibiotics), or chronic conditions like hypothyroidism.
- Excessive Moisture: Humid weather, excessive licking, or wet fur can create a perfect environment for yeast.
- Diet & Gut Health: High-carbohydrate diets and poor gut microbiome balance can promote yeast growth.
How to treat and prevent yeast infections
Medicated Shampoos and Wipes:
- Chlorhexidine, Miconazole, or Ketoconazole shampoos help reduce yeast
- Apple cider vinegar (diluted 50:50 with water) as a rinse (avoid open wounds)
- Antifungal wipes for paws and skin folds
Dietary Changes
- Low-carb diet: Yeast feeds on sugars, so reducing carbs (grains, potatoes, rice) can help
- Novel protein sources: If food allergies contribute to yeast issues, try duck, venison, or salmon-based diets
- Probiotics & Prebiotics: Support gut health to prevent yeast overgrowth (yogurt, kefir, or supplements)
If your dog is suffering from a yeast infection and you want to know the best foods to feed them, please see our list, below, recommended by our advisory team made up of pet nutritionists and veterinarians.
Best Dog Food for Yeast Infections March 2025
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Best Dog Food for Yeast Infections
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Pork & Squash recipe
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Pork & Squash is great for dogs with yeast infections because it features a single, novel protein (pork) and low-glycemic ingredients like squash, which help reduce excess sugar that can fuel yeast growth.
It’s also grain-free and free from common allergens, minimizing inflammation while providing omega fatty acids to support skin healing and a balanced microbiome.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe has a protein level of 35.2%, fat of 19.3% and a carbohydrate content of 37.5%. The estimated fat-to-protein ratio is 55%.
Read our review of the full Acana Limited Ingredient Singles Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Novel protein
- Limited ingredient
- Omega fatty acids
Main Ingredients Deboned pork, pork meal, pork liver, sweet potato, whole chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 35.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My previous dog loved it and ate it for 4 years right up until she died of cancer. My new 6 mo old puppy ate a cup of my old dogs food and now she’s hooked. Before we had been struggling with loose stools and such. Now she has gone about a month with good stools and seems to really enjoy the food."
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Best Affordable Dog Food for Yeast Infections
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat is great for dogs with yeast infections because it features salmon as the primary protein, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support skin healing.
It also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients and prebiotics to promote a healthy gut and immune system while being free from poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, which can contribute to yeast overgrowth and skin irritation.
Dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe has a protein level of 26.7%, fat of 15.6% and a carbohydrate content of 49.8. The fat-to-protein ratio is around 58%.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo True Solutions Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Antioxidant rich
- Omega fatty acids
- Free from poultry by-products
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, salmon meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley Texture Dry Type With grains Protein Percentage 28.9% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at chewy.com"My pup seems to be allergic to many ingredients. I switched her to this and everything improved. She will be on this for the long road ahead"
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Best Wet Dog Food for Yeast Infections
Just Food for Dogs Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support
Just Food for Dogs Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support is great for dogs with yeast infections because it features high-quality, whole-food ingredients without common allergens like wheat, soy, or artificial additives that can trigger inflammation.
It includes omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients to support skin healing, reduce irritation, and promote a balanced immune system, helping to combat yeast overgrowth naturally.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this food contains 33.3% protein, 8.3% fat and 11.2% carbs. This means the fat-to-protein ratio is around 25%.
Read our review of the full Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Omega fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Whole food ingredients
Main Ingredients Ground Pork, Quinoa, Kale, Carrots, Fuji Apples Texture Fresh Type With grain Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews"My dog absolutely loved just for dogs. The pantry fresh options are so convenient yet, as implied, fresh! You can see all the ingredients too! Kasey has been on this brand for almost a year and he loves like it’s still day one. He is an extremely picky eater so it’s great to see that I am no longer wasting food. He is 13 so his joints are naturally starting to ache. Since he has been on the joint support diet, I have noticed less leg shakes so it is working!"
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Best LID Dog Food for Yeast Infections
Zignature Kangaroo
Zignature Kangaroo Dry Food is a great option for dogs with yeast infections because it uses kangaroo as a novel protein, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions that can contribute to yeast overgrowth.
It is also grain-free, low in carbohydrates, and free from common allergens like chicken, dairy, and soy, helping to limit excess sugar that feeds yeast while supporting skin and immune health with omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 29.4% protein, 14.4% fat and 48.1% carbs. The fat-to-protein ratio is 49%.
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Novel protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- Dairy free
Main Ingredients Kangaroo, kangaroo meal, peas, pea flour, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This food has done wonders for my dog who had a chicken allergy. Chicken is hidden in everything. It cleared her stomach up in 2 bags, after we tried everything. Prescription dog food, pre biotics and probiotics"
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Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Yeast Infections
Stella & Chewy Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Patties
Stella & Chewy Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Patties is made with farm-raised rabbit raised without hormones or antibiotics and 100% organic-certified fruits and vegetables.
This food offers raw nutrition in the convenience of freeze-dried patties which you can serve as is or rehydrate by adding water.
Formulated to mimic a canine’s natural diet; the recipe does not contain grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives or colorings.
It offers complete and balanced nutrition, enhanced with probiotics to aid in healthy digestion.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 48.4% protein, 33.7% fat and 9.9% carbs. The fat-to-protein ratio is 70%.
Things we like
- Complete & balanced
- Probiotics
- Convenient
Main Ingredients Rabbit with ground bone, olive oil, rabbit liver, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries Texture Freeze-dried raw Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 48.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Stella & Chewy's freeze dried dinner patties are the only non-prescription brand of single protein dog foods we have successfully been able to feed our dog. It’s clear they do their best to serve up only what the ingredient states. We are deeply grateful for their wholesome foods."
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