Feeding your dog a homemade diet can be a great way to help manage yeast infections, but it's essential to get it right. A balanced diet with the right ingredients can help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy gut.
The first step is to identify the underlying cause of the yeast infection, which can be due to a diet high in carbohydrates, sugar, or grains. For example, a high-carb diet can lead to an overgrowth of yeast, causing infections.
Using a novel protein source, such as venison or duck, can help reduce the risk of yeast infections. This is because yeast is less likely to thrive on protein sources that are new to the dog's system.
By incorporating a small amount of coconut oil into your dog's diet, you can help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy gut.
Broaden your view: Yeast Infections
Preventing and Treating Yeast Infections
Regular checks on your dog's skin and ears can help prevent yeast infections. Owners should regularly inspect their dog's paws, ears, nails, and skin for signs of discharge, odor, irritation, and swelling.
Discover more: Homemade Diet for Dogs with Allergies
Dry your dog's ears thoroughly after swimming or playing in the water. If your dog has hairy ears, trimming the area around the ear openings regularly is a good idea.
Bathing your dog regularly can help prevent yeast infections and soothe irritated skin. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help improve your dog's overall health and combat skin yeast infections.
The stronger your dog's immune system, the less likely they are to get a yeast infection. A healthy diet and lifestyle are key to preventing and treating yeast infections in dogs.
Managing a dog yeast infection effectively requires tweaking the diet and making some lifestyle changes.
Recommended read: Food Diet for Dogs
Managing Symptoms and Overgrowth
Managing symptoms and overgrowth is crucial when it comes to homemade dog food for yeast infections. If your dog has more than one of the following signs, it could be yeast: head shaking, dark rusty-red hair between the toes, blackened skin, chewing or licking the feet, seasonal allergies, or hair loss on the tail or upper back.
Some common causes of yeast infections in dogs include underlying health conditions, bacterial infections, allergies, and skin conditions. If your pup mainly deals with yeast infections in their ears, it could be due to debris or water stuck in their ears or eardrum damage. Certain breeds, such as dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and poodles, are also more prone to yeast infections.
To manage symptoms and overgrowth, you can try incorporating anti-fungal foods into your dog's diet, such as olive leaf, Pau D-Arco, caprylic acid, and yogurt. These foods contain probiotics that can fight yeast infections.
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Symptoms of Overgrowth
If your dog is dealing with a yeast overgrowth, you'll likely notice some telltale signs. One of the key indicators is changeability, as yeast can change with shifts in pH or temperature.
Your dog might start chewing or licking their feet excessively, which can be a sign of a yeast infection. This behavior is often accompanied by dark rusty-red hair between the toes.
Black skin, often with hair loss, is another symptom of yeast overgrowth. You might also notice a bad smell and greasy hair, which is a sign of seborrhea.
Here are some common symptoms of yeast overgrowth in dogs:
- Head shaking
- Dark rusty-red hair between the toes
- Blackened skin
- Chewing or licking the feet
- Seasonal allergies
- Hair loss on the tail or upper back
Some breeds are more prone to yeast overgrowth due to their skin characteristics. For example, breeds with wrinkly skin, such as basset hounds and bulldogs, are more susceptible to yeast infections.
Anti-Fungal Shampoos
Anti-fungal shampoos can be a natural remedy to try, as they have antifungal properties that can help reduce yeast populations on your dog's skin.
Using antifungal shampoo at home requires proper dilution, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Bathing your furry friend about twice a week while using antifungal shampoo can help drastically cut down on yeast populations.
You'll need to increase their routine bathing to prevent re-infection, so be prepared to bathe them more frequently than usual.
Destroy the Biofilm
Destroying the biofilm is a crucial step in managing yeast overgrowth in dogs. This protective shell made up of fiber, fats, and proteins shields the yeast cells from the immune system.
To strip off this biofilm, you'll need to use digestive enzymes that break down all three of these substances. One important addition is cellulase, a plant-based digestive enzyme that specifically breaks down the fiber in the biofilm.
Other digestive enzymes will break down the fats and proteins in the biofilm. It's essential to give your dog these enzymes between meals, as giving them with meals will digest your dog's food instead.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when using digestive enzymes:
- Use a combination of enzymes that break down fiber, fats, and proteins.
- Give enzymes between meals to target the biofilm.
- Cellulase is a plant-based enzyme that specifically breaks down fiber.
- Digestive enzymes can make your dog's digestive tract more acidic, making it less hospitable to yeast and bacteria.
By targeting the biofilm, you'll be one step closer to managing your dog's yeast overgrowth.
Crowd Out
Including anti-fungal foods in your dog's diet can help manage yeast overgrowth.
Foods with olive leaf, Pau D'Arco, and caprylic acid have anti-fungal properties that can help combat yeast infections.
Adding yogurt to your dog's diet can also be beneficial due to its probiotics, which can fight yeast infections.
By incorporating these foods, you can help crowd out yeast overgrowth and promote a healthy gut environment.
A homemade dog food recipe that includes these ingredients can be a good starting point for managing yeast overgrowth.
Homemade Food for Dogs with Yeast Infections
Homemade food for dogs with yeast infections can be a game-changer. You can use a recipe specifically designed to help manage yeast overgrowth, such as the one mentioned in Example 1.
Garlic is a natural anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and antibiotic agent that can help treat yeast infections in dogs. According to the Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases, garlic is considered safe for dogs when used in moderation.
Some anti-fungal foods for your dog include items with olive leaf, Pau D-Arco, and caprylic acid, as mentioned in Example 3. Yogurt is also a good food to include in an anti-yeast diet due to its probiotics.
Coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, kefir, and oregano oil are all natural remedies that can help fight yeast infections in dogs, as discussed in Example 4. However, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian before adding any new foods or supplements to your dog's diet.
A healthy diet is crucial in managing yeast growth in dogs. A dog's diet can affect its immune system, and a balanced diet can help prevent yeast infections, as mentioned in Example 5.
Here are some essential ingredients to include in your homemade dog food to help with yeast overgrowth:
- Bone meal: supplies essential minerals and nutrients.
- Kale & broccoli: great sources of antioxidants that also support the immune system.
- ACV: can help support the normal detoxification of yeast.
- Pumpkin seeds: a natural source of vitamin E and a great solution for intestinal worms.
- Turmeric: can help support the normal detoxification of yeast.
- Garlic: supports healthy liver and gut function, which is important for yeast die-off.
- Ginger: supports gut health and liver function.
- MCT oil: contains caprylic acid that helps support the normal detoxification of yeast.
- Chlorella: supports the body from exposure to heavy metal or environmental toxins.
- Kelp: rich in iodine and can help balance the thyroid gland.
A raw diet or a partially raw diet can be a good option for an anti-yeast diet, as mentioned in Example 7.
For another approach, see: Raw Food Diet for Small Dogs
Supplements and Additional Support
If your dog has a yeast infection, you can consider adding certain supplements to their homemade diet. Caprylic acid, found in MCT oil, can be a helpful addition.
Start with a small amount, about ¼ tsp for medium to large dogs, and gradually increase as needed to avoid diarrhea. Olive leaf powder is another option, containing oleuropein which can aid in yeast detoxification.
Give small dogs 1/4 tsp, medium 1/2 tsp, and large 1 tsp daily, but start slowly to ensure your dog can tolerate it.
On a similar theme: Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Large Dogs
Oregano Oil
Oregano Oil can be a game-changer for fighting yeast infections in dogs.
Dogs may not enjoy the taste and smell of oregano oil, but it's a powerful tool to have in your arsenal.
To use oregano oil safely, you'll need to dilute it with olive oil. The ratio of oregano oil to olive oil depends on your dog's size.
For big dogs (50-70 lbs), use half a teaspoon of oregano oil mixed with half a teaspoon of olive oil.
For medium-sized dogs (25-35 lbs), use one teaspoon of olive oil as a base.
And for small dogs, use 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil to dilute the oregano oil.
Place the mixture in a capsule and give it to your dog once a day.
The Best Supplements
Caprylic acid from MCT oil is a great source to help with yeast overgrowth in dogs. Start with a small amount, ¼ tsp, and gradually increase as needed to avoid diarrhea.
Olive leaf powder contains oleuropein, which has been shown to aid in the normal detoxification of yeast. Give small dogs 1/4 tsp, medium dogs 1/2 tsp, and large dogs 1 tsp daily, but start slowly to ensure your dog can tolerate it.
Pau d'arco is a potent herb that can help with yeast overgrowth, but choose a high-quality, standardized powder. For small dogs, give 200 mg twice daily, medium dogs 300 mg, and large dogs 400 mg.
Goldenseal contains berberine, a protective alkaloid that can help with yeast overgrowth. However, be cautious and only use it short-term, as excessive use can be problematic.
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Cases and Prevention
Regular checks on your dog's skin and ears can help prevent yeast infections.
Checking your dog's paws, ears, nails, and skin regularly is crucial to catching any issues early.
Moist or dirty skin will allow yeast to grow uncontrollably, so keeping the area around the ear clean and dry is key.
Tenderly drying the outer area of the ears thoroughly after swimming or playing in the water is also essential.
If your dog is hairy around its ear openings, regular trimming can help prevent yeast infections.
Bathing your dog regularly will help prevent yeast infections and soothe irritated skin.
Probiotics can help improve your dog's overall health and combat skin yeast infections by strengthening their immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food kills yeast in dogs?
Dehydrated Limited Ingredient Duck and Dehydrated Limited Ingredient Fish may help support a yeast-free diet for dogs, but it's essential to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's food
Sources
- WebMD (webmd.com)
- S. boulardii (thenaturaldogstore.com)
- Shop Dogs Naturally (thenaturaldogstore.com)
- What To Feed A Dog With Yeast Overgrowth (fourleafrover.com)
- Food to Help a Dog With a Yeast Infection (cuteness.com)
- Recipe: Homemade Dog Food for Yeast Infections (topdogtips.com)
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