Yeast Problems with dogs
Some pet foods include yeast in their recipes.
Yeast may be used as a probiotic or nutrient source in a dog food recipe, but it can also cause digestive problems in certain dogs.
Symptoms of a yeast infection include: irritability, itching, and/or a noxious odor emanating from his or her skin.
Yeast infection is a fairly prevalent canine ailment.
In most cases, yeast refers to a fungus that lives on the skin and in the stomach of dogs without causing any harm.
However, when the number of yeast cells increases in number beyond the limitations set by the immune system, it may lead to a form of dermatitis that is commonly called Malassezia dermatitis.
VIDEO: Yeast Infection In Dogs
Table of Contents
What Ingredient in Dog Food Causes Yeast Infection?
Yeast thrives on carbohydrates and sugar. High carbohydrate kibble diets often cause food allergies or intolerances that make dogs more susceptible to yeast infections.
What can I Feed My Dog with Yeast Problems?
You can kill yeast in your dog’s system by giving them antifungal foods.
Make sure your dog’s food and treats contain caprylic acid, Pau D’Arco, and olive leaf.
Lapachol, which is found in Pau D’Arco, kills yeast. Caprylic acid and olive leaf are believed to break down yeast’s cell membranes.
Signs Your Dog May Have a Yeast Infection
There are a number of signs that your dog has a yeast infection. The most common symptoms to look for include continued and intense itching, as well as redness and swelling. Other indicators can include:
- Skin redness or itching
- Sticky or yellow/green discharge
- Sores
- Greasy coat
- Hair loss
- Smelly skin
- Thickening skin
- Crusty, flaky skin
- Recurring ear infections
Yeast infections are more likely to appear in dogs that have an immunodeficient or suppressed immune system as a result of medicines. This is frequently the case during allergy season, especially if your dog is receiving steroids or antibiotics.
Food to avoid
rice, high-sugar fruits, potatoes, processed food, peas, corn syrup, wheat and grains are among the ingredients to avoid in dog food if your dog has a yeast infection.
Importance of an Anti-Yeast Diet
An anti-yeast diet is designed to starve the overabundance of yeast development. Yeast need sugar to live, and if there is no sugar, yeast will die. Blood glucose levels are boosted by foods high in starch or sugar, which aids the fungus’s survival.
What is an Anti-Yeast Diet?
Sugar and carbohydrates are avoided in an anti-yeast diet.
Lean meats, fruits, and low-starch veggies should all be included.
Carbohydrates are a good source of energy, but they must be lower on the glycemic index in anti-yeast diets.
I’m a former veterinary technician who understands how difficult it is to get rid of yeast from your dog’s diet, so I compared the top yeast-free dog foods to assist you in selecting the finest food for your yeast-sensitive dog.
Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dog Food is my top selection for the greatest one overall.
Every pup, however, has different requirements. As a result, I’ve gone through yeast-free dog foods in various categories.
What Dog Food Does Not Contain Yeast?
Whether you go dry or wet food, one of the easiest ways for you to determine good dog food is by reading the label and looking out for the AAFCO Statement. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.
All of the dog foods on this list are in accordance with the AAFCO nutrient profile recommendations for dogs.
Yeast Free Probiotic Dog Food
Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice
- Key Feature: Grain-inclusive dog food with multiple sources of premium animal protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14.5% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 468 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Best For: Overall
This grain-inclusive formula combines meat meals from multiple sources to offer a 24% crude protein content. The moderate protein of this recipe makes it a suitable option for a variety of dogs.
The 14.5% fat content is also ideal for most breeds. Salmon and sunflower oil contribute sources of omega fatty acids. These healthy fats encourage natural skin oil production. [1]
Instead of using yeast culture as a probiotic, this pet food includes 100 million CFU/lb of a Lactobacillus Acidophilus culture. Probiotics regulate your pup’s digestive system and help him absorb nutrients from his dog food. [2]
This recipe also excludes corn, wheat, and soy. These common allergens sometimes cause adverse reactions in sensitive dogs.
Additional vitamin and mineral supplementation ensures that this dog food meets the daily nutrient requirements of most pups. And premium ingredients like flaxseed, papaya, and alfalfa provide natural sources of antioxidants.
Owners of multiple dogs of different ages and sizes highly recommend this formula.
They found that this comprehensive dog food simplified feeding time at home. But this recipe may not be suitable for pups with special needs.
Yeast Free Dog Food for Picky Eaters
Zignature Essential Multi-Protein Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon, Lamb Meal, Duck Meal
- Key Feature: High protein, Limited Ingredient
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 415 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Free From corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and chicken
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Best For: Overall
Contains Real, sustainably sourced Turkey and Salmon, wholesome peas, chickpeas, and flaxseed. Zignature’s limited ingredient recipe throws out troublesome ingredients like chicken, corn, wheat, soy, and potatoes, creating peak hypoallergenic, low-glycemic nutrition. Combine that with key antioxidants, essential fatty acids,and a complete spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Profile Includes:
- This grain-free, limited ingredient formula is made with several quality protein sources and only a handful of other ingredients.
- Made with sustainably sourced ingredients from around the world, like Turkey and Turkey Meal from the American Midwest, Salmon from the Northwest, Duck Meal from France, and Lamb Meal from New Zealand.
- Exceptionally high in protein, low in saturated fat, and is loaded with heart-friendly essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin B12, and Selenium, while being a good source of Riboflavin, Thiamin, Niacin, and Phosphorus.
- Wholesome peas and chickpeas round out the recipe with powerful antioxidants and fiber-rich, low-glycemic carbohydrates.
- Free of the most common potential canine allergens: corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and chicken, making this recipe ideal for pups with sensitivities and picky eaters.
Yeast Free Dog Food For Seniors
I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Peas
- Key Feature: Nutritional support for seniors with a probiotic and prebiotic blend
- Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 361 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
- Life Stage: Senior
- Best For: Seniors
This grain-free senior dog food provides nutritional support for aging joints, stomachs, and muscles. But this formula does not use yeast cultures for probiotics or nutrients.
A 30% protein content from lamb helps limit muscle loss in older pups. While the moderate fat and caloric content help prevent weight gain in sedentary seniors.
Beet pulp and other sources of fiber act as natural prebiotics. A probiotic blend that does not include any yeast helps support digestive health for sensitive older stomachs.
Natural sources of glucosamine help ease discomfort in arthritic joints. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish meals also help reduce inflammation. [3]
High concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals support healthy bones. This yeast-free recipe also depends on sodium selenite as a mineral selenium source instead of typical selenium yeast.
Senior dogs owners appreciate the low-glycemic ingredients and beneficial fiber content to keep their pets full without excess calories.
Yeast Free Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Care, Turkey Meal & Egg Formula
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Meal, Whole Eggs Dried, Cassava/Tapioca, Peas, Pea Starch
- Key Feature: low glycemic carbs for allergies
- Guaranteed Analysis: 36% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4.% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 361 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
- Life Stage: All
- Best For: Adult
Brothers Complete Turkey Meal & Egg Formula Advanced Allergy Care Dry Dog Food provides complete nutrition that mimics a dog’s natural diet. Small-batch recipes feature high-quality proteins like turkey and chicken, dried whole eggs that are easily absorbed, and no grains or white potatoes.
Every ingredient is carefully selected according to advanced nutritional concepts to focus on healing, balancing, and maintaining a healthy gut. This food is great for every life stage and helps pets avoid skin conditions and allergy-related tummy trouble.
Nutritional Profile Includes:
- Natural allergy care made with real turkey and low-glycemic carbs from the roots of the cassava plant.
- Eggs have all 23 amino acids, including the 9 “essential” amino acids that cannot be produced by the body.
- Digestive enzymes break down food, increase nutrient absorption, boost immunity and reduce the risk of allergies.
- Encapsulated probiotics deliver live, good bacteria to the gut where they are fed by the highly selective prebiotics.
- Naturally preserved for maximum freshness without BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin in high-quality, flavor-preserving bags
Affordable Yeast Free Dog Food
Rachel Ray Nutrish Dish Beef & Rice Recipe Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice
- Key Feature: Affordable formula with a simple yeast-free recipe
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 353 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Gluten Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Budget Yeast Free Dog Food
Unlike other budget dog food brands, this yeast-free recipe does not include any by-products, fillers, or artificial additives. Real beef is the first ingredient, offering a 26% crude content of high-quality protein.
14% crude fat comes from flaxseed and fish oil. These concentrated sources of essential fatty acids help support skin and coat health.
Other high-quality ingredients in this budget formula include several varieties of fruits and vegetables. Whole foods like carrots, apples, and peas help provide complete and balanced nutrition in a comprehensive dog food.
The grain-inclusive recipe features whole-grain ingredients that are excellent sources of digestible carbohydrates. Brown rice is also high in fiber, which helps nourish good gut bacteria. [4]
Reviews recommend the dog food products in this line for picky pups. The beef and chicken meat used in this recipe has a smokey flavor that most dogs find appealing.
Yeast Free Dry Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Dehydrated Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Dehydrated Chicken, Organic Barley, Dehydrated Potatoes, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Oats
- Key Feature: Dehydrated dog food with non-GMO ingredients
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24.5% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 8% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 485 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Gluten Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Premium Yeast Free Dog Food
This premium dehydrated formula offers the benefits of real homemade foods with the convenience of dry dog food. Owners only need to add water to the mixture to create an appealing, minimally processed meal.
Dehydrated chicken meat is the sole source of animal protein. A 24.5% crude protein content is suitable for most dogs. And the moderate 14% crude fat content provides energy without excess calories.
The recipe includes dehydrated fruits and vegetables. Chelated minerals complement nutrients provided by whole food ingredients to meet your dog’s daily dietary requirements. [5]
This innovative pet food brand uses free-range chicken, organic produce, and whole grains. Added DHA and EPA provide benefits for brain, skin, and coat health.
Owners of picky dogs highly recommend using warm water with this pet food to feed even the fussiest pups successfully.
Although more convenient than fresh food, dehydrated recipes still involve more preparation than standard kibble.
Yeast Free Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb meal, Peas, Tapioca, Pea Protein, Canola Oil
- Key Feature: No grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24.% Crude Protein, 21.5% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 495 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Food Sensitivities
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Premium Yeast Free Dog Food
when your dog has food sensitivities, knowing exactly what’s in his food is important. That’s why this recipe features a purposefully short ingredient list, made with just one animal protein and one vegetable. Made with grass-fed lamb, an easily digestible protein that provides all the essential amino acids your pooch needs with Guaranteed levels of natural omegas and antioxidants promote healthy skin and coat, plus immune health.
Nutritional Profile Includes:
- GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD FOR DOGS WITH SENSITIVITIES: Instinct Limited Ingredient dog food is made with 1 protein & 1 vegetable. No grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- NATURAL DOG FOOD WITH GRASS-FED LAMB: Crafted for dogs with food allergies, our Limited Ingredient Diet is made with simple ingredients like grass-fed lamb, a healthy, easily digestible protein that provides all of the essential amino acids to thrive.
- POWER OF RAW INGREDIENTS: Our dog food is made with the pure, real nutrition of raw. Raw is natural, made from real meat & whole food ingredients, protein-packed & minimally processed. Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.
Yeast Free Wet Dog Food
Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken Canned Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Water for Processing, Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate
- Key Feature: Simple canned recipe based on high-quality protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 1.4% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 85% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 268 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Pea-Free, Non-GMO, No Corn, No Soy, No Wheat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Yeast Free Wet Dog Food
This wet dog food has a recipe based on the carnivorous diet of your dog’s ancestors. Boneless, skinless, white chicken breast is the primary ingredient.
All other ingredients fill the nutritional gaps of this animal protein to offer a simple but balanced diet.
The crude protein percentages for wet dog food can be misleading due to the high moisture content. A 10% crude protein in wet foods content is considered high protein.
Sunflower oil is the primary source of healthy fats. This ingredient is high in omega-6 fatty acids, but the 1.4% crude fat content is relatively low, even for wet formulas.
A recipe based on real meat in gravy is ideal for picky eaters, but it is also suitable for pups with food allergies. The formula features only three essential natural ingredients. It is grain-free, gluten-free, and pea-free.
Added vitamins and minerals allow this pet food to meet the standard daily nutrient profiles for dogs. [6]
Owners are frequently impressed by the smell and appearance of this recipe. Unlike highly processed canned foods, you can see the real shredded chicken pieces in your pup’s bowl.
Yeast Free Dog Food for Small Dogs
Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Red Lentils Small Breed Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lamb Meal, Red Lentils
- Key Feature: High protein, high-fat formula for small dogs on yeast-free diets
- Guaranteed Analysis: 31% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 4.0% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 422 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low Glycemic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Yeast Free Dog Food for Small Breeds
This specialized recipe features a high 31% protein content ideal for the fast metabolism of tiny breeds. Calorie-dense meats like salmon, turkey, and lamb, account for 84% of the total crude protein.
A high 17% fat content is also ideal for small dogs. Fat is your dog’s primary source of energy.
Pet foods that provide enough calorie density for fast metabolisms must have adequate levels of fat. These higher fat and protein percentages allow toy breeds to eat this grain-free diet safely.
Sweet potatoes and chickpeas replace grain-based ingredients as sources of digestible carbohydrates. Small dogs need consistent carbohydrates because they have a limited ability to store glycogen due to their small muscle mass. [7]
Added L-Carnitine helps support healthy muscle mass and metabolism. And miscanthus grass acts as a nutrient-rich source of fiber.
Owners of small dogs appreciate the extra small kibble size. Tiny mouths often struggle to chew and swallow kibble with average-sized pieces.
Yeast Free Dog Food for Weight Management
Brothers Complete Healthy Weight Control Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Goat Meal, Whole Eggs Dried, Turkey Meal, Cassava/Tapioca, Peas
- Key Feature: Weight control formula based on goat meat with low-glycemic ingredients
- Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 400 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Weight Control, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Low Glycemic, High-Protein, Non-GMO
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Yeast Free Dog Food for Weight Control
This formula provides nutritional support for dogs struggling with weight issues. A 32% crude protein content from goat meal provides bioavailable amino acids for lean muscle development.
Organ meat ingredients like chicken liver offer concentrated sources of vitamins and minerals. This type of meat is exceptionally high in vitamin A, which helps protect your dog’s eye health. [8]
Encapsulated probiotics help support a healthy gut, and digestive enzymes ensure that your dog can absorb the nutrients he needs in a smaller serving size.
This dog food does not include any processed grains or other high-glycemic foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, sugar, or lentils. This helps control caloric content and prevent troublesome skin conditions.
Most pet parents noticed weight loss in overweight pets who ate this diet for at least a month. And some reviews share that this formula even helped manage skin yeast infections.
Grain Free Yeast Free Dog Food
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Medium & Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Goat Meal, Whole Eggs Dried, Turkey Meal, Cassava/Tapioca, Peas
- Key Feature: Weight control formula based on goat meat with low-glycemic ingredients
- Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 400 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Weight Control, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Low Glycemic, High-Protein, Non-GMO
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Yeast Free Dog Food for Weight Control
Every Farmina food is made with the best ingredients with the correct amounts of protein, fats, limited carbohydrates, and advanced long-life vitamins and minerals.
The Natural & Delicious high protein, 20% Ancestral Grain formulas are comprised of 60% animal ingredients (pre-cooking weight), 20% organic spelt and organic oats, and 20% vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals.
Delicious Lamb & Blueberry flavor contains no peas, legumes, meals, or by-products for nutrition you can feel great about.
Key benefits:
- The #1 ingredient in this high protein, limited carbohydrate, and low fiber all-life stage dog food is lamb.
- 90% of protein is from quality animal sources.
- It’s a low glycemic formula so it’s a great option for pets that need a food that won’t spike blood sugar.
- Contains no whole peas, legumes, meals, or by-products.
- Food vitamins retain their freshness through a coating system that allows them to be included post-cooking.
Yeast Free Dog Food Buying Guide
Yeast is utilized in many dog foods for a variety of reasons. However, understanding when to avoid this ingredient and how to spot yeast on a dog food label might help your pet stay healthy.
Yeast In Dog Food
In most major dog food brands, yeast is a frequent ingredient.
This fungus is referred to as Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
There are numerous different types of yeast ingredients available in pet foods as detailed below:
Yeast Culture
Dog foods frequently contain yeast as a probiotic for digestive health. Yeast culture can be live or dormant, but both types aid the good bacteria that exist in your dog’s stomach naturally, however, an overabundance of active yeast might cause gassiness.
Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is a nutrient-dense by-product of the brewing business. This deactivated yeast contains B vitamins and enzymes, making it an excellent source of these vitamins, however, in dog food, by-products are generally looked down upon as lower-quality ingredients.
Nutritional Yeast
This stuff comes from the same yeast strain as brewer’s yeast. It develops a naturally sweet flavor owing to its growth in molasses. It has similar health benefits, but nutritional yeast is preferred by most dogs, however, this ingredient may not be suitable for pups with sugar allergies.
Selenium Yeast
Selenium yeast is a significant source of selenium, an important mineral in dog food. This mineral protects the body from oxidative stress. Sodium selenite is used as an alternative in yeast-free dog foods.
Why Should You Consider Yeast Free Dog Food?
Although yeast-free dog food has some nutritional advantages, there are disadvantages to feeding your dog yeast-based cuisine.
Yeast dough-based meals are harmful to dogs. The yeast could grow in your dog’s stomach after ingestion, causing bloat.[9]
Bloat is a serious medical condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
Yeast is typically a safe and nutritious source of nutrients and protein in dog food.
Some dogs, on the other hand, may have yeast allergies or intolerances.
If your dog has negative responses to yeast, double-check any potential meals for anything that contains this ingredient
Best Probiotic for Dogs
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health?
A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is vital for your dog’s immune system and overall health- check out our blog on: The Best Probiotics for Dogs.
Our Verdict
Although yeast is generally considered safe in dog diets, some dogs may have an allergic reaction to it.
Yeast can cause a lot of digestive problems in dogs, so eliminating it from their diet may help. Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dog Food is a great diet for most dogs with yeast allergies or intolerances.
The best yeast-free dog foods use alternative sources of the nutrients commonly found in yeast. They also use probiotics based on different types of microorganisms to support gut health.
Talk to your veterinarian about whether a yeast-free diet may help your four-legged companion.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1189391/
- https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/128/12/2730S/4724343
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3514349/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/15203514_Effect_of_Level_and_Source_of_Dietary_Fiber_on_Food_Intake_in_the_Dog#:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308779187_Chelates_in_dog_foods
- https://www.aafco.org/Portals/0/SiteContent/Regulatory/Committees/Pet-Food/Reports/Pet_Food_Report_2013_Mid
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2747081/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5090096/
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/signs-and-symptoms-bloat-dogs
