Homemade Dog Food for Yeast Infections Recipe
Yeast infections are a fairly common skin condition in dogs.
They are typically not something to worry about, but you should seek veterinary care to get the condition cleared up as soon as possible.
This homemade dog food for yeast infections should help clear up skin conditions associated with an overgrowth of yeast.
Skin infections caused by yeast are known as yeast dermatitis. One particular type of yeast, Malassezia, lives on your dog’s skin all the time.
It does not typically cause problems, but when there is an overpopulation of this yeast, an infection can occur.
If your dog is scratching his ears incessantly, has cracked lips or red, inflamed skin, it could be a sign that he has a yeast infection.
Chewing of the paws is another sign of a yeast infection in dogs, as the yeast can build up between the toes and cause irritation.
Finally, if the red, itchy skin is accompanied by a foul smell, it’s very likely that your dog has a yeast infection.
Home remedies may get rid of a yeast infection in dogs, but your veterinarian can also prescribe a topical cream to help treat the condition quickly.
This homemade dog food for yeast infections is also known as a yeast starvation diet. It will help to treat the infection, and then your dog should be gradually returned to his regular diet.
This diet will not provide balanced nutrition for your dog. If your dog suffers from chronic yeast infections, consult a canine nutritionist about the best yeast starvation to meet his needs.
This recipe may be a good option for your pet, but a canine nutrition expert will likely recommend adding additional supplements and/or a multi-vitamin.
Homemade Dog Food for Yeast Infections
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lb. frozen vegetables
Most experts recommend a diet free of grains, potato, and yeast if you’re trying to make yeast starvation dog food.
As you can see, this recipe follows those guidelines. However, there is one ingredient that I am often asked about – garlic.
Most pet owners are under the impression that garlic is toxic to dogs. This is only true for large quantities of garlic. In moderation, garlic is actually a very beneficial ingredient for canines.
Foods in the genus Allium, like garlic, onions, and leeks were once considered incredibly dangerous for dogs.
But, according to the Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases, “garlic, on the other hand, is considered to be less toxic and safe for dogs than onion when used in moderation.”
Garlic has natural anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and antibiotic properties.
As I mentioned, this recipe should not be fed for a long period of time. It will help to treat the infection, and then your dog should be gradually returned to his regular diet.
Directions
Making this homemade dog food for yeast infections is quite simple.
It’s a slow cooker recipe, so it’s great if you work outside the home and want to prepare homemade food for your pet.
Just pop the ingredients into the slow cooker before leaving for work, and you’ll have a home-cooked meal for Fido when you return.
For this recipe, add the chicken, garlic, bouillon, and water to your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6 hours. If you will be out of the house for more than 6 hours, that’s okay. Your slow cooker will automatically shut off or switch to a ‘warm’ setting after 6 hours.
Now, add the vegetables and cook on low for another 30 minutes. When the homemade dog food for yeast infections is cooled, you can serve it to your dog.
The recommended serving size is about 1/2 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight. You should feed 2 servings per day.
Keep in mind that exceptionally active dogs will require more calories, while less active dogs may not require as many.
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 6 days.
Want Other Options for Dog Food for Yeast Infection? Follow these Rules and Tips
If your dog is prone to yeast infections, then your vet may suggest an anti-yeast diet.
The above dog food recipes are a good starting point, but you can also get creative, as long as you know what to include and what to exclude.
Stick to Raw Food
Giving your dog a raw diet is a good choice if he has regular yeast infections. A raw diet is similar to the meat-based diet of your dog’s ancestors.
Most importantly for the yeast infection, there will not be processed carbs that will feed the yeast.
Try a Limited-Ingredient Diet
If you don’t want to give your pup a raw diet, you can also look for limited-ingredient commercial food.
Because these foods have fewer ingredients, they tend to have fewer low-quality carbs.
Always Minimize Processed Foods
Even if you don’t give your dog a raw diet or homemade food, make sure that you stay away from overly-processed foods.
Some ingredients to avoid include excessive starch, high-fructose corn syrup, and corn fillers.
Avoid Natural Sugars
You don’t just want to avoid processed sugars and carbs. Dogs with yeast infections should also avoid natural sugars.
Remember that the glucose in the sugar will feed the yeast.
Go Grain-Free
Because of the way that carbohydrates fuel yeast infections, dog owners should also strongly consider a grain-free diet.
Prioritize Protein
When creating your pup’s new diet, focus on protein. Remember to focus on unprocessed meats.
Foods to Avoid For Dog Food For Yeast Infections
Common veterinary advice for dogs with yeast infections includes the following list of foods to avoid:
- Crackers
- Packaged cereal
- Buttermilk
- Cheese or cottage cheese
- Pretzels
- Mushrooms
- Peanuts
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes or Yams
- Bread
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Lunch Meat
- Gravy or sauce
- Anything else with grain or sugar
Foods to Include For Dog Food For Yeast Infections
You can also get creative with a dog food recipe that has the following ingredients, all of which are good for controlling yeast infections in dogs:
- Asparagus
- Parsley
- Broccoli
- Squash
- Celery
- Yellow or green beans
- Dark leafy greens
- Water
- Plain yogurt
- Lamb
- Rabbit
- Chicken
- Fish
- Duck
- Beef
If you opt for homemade dog food, always make sure to plan the recipe carefully so your dog gets all the nutrients he needs.
If you haven’t made your pup a meal before, start with dog food recipes to get an idea of the proper balance.
What Else You Should Know About Yeast Infections in Dogs
While knowing how to make homemade dog food for yeast infections is important, you should also have a general understanding of other aspects of yeast infections in dogs.
After all, you need to know when to take your pooch to the vet and what type of treatment to expect.
What Causes Yeast Infections
Dog owners should know what causes yeast infections, as this will help you understand how to prevent and control them.
The yeast Malassezia occurs naturally and lives on the skin of dogs, humans, and other animals.
Your dog (or you) won’t notice any issues if the yeast is in small quantities, but if it becomes abundant, it turns into a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are more common in humid and warm conditions. For dogs, this means they are especially common by the ears and skin folds.
The Role of Pet Foods in Yeast Infections
The environment is not the only factor influencing whether your dog develops a yeast infection; his diet also plays a role.
To survive and grow, yeast needs energy in the form of glucose. This glucose comes from carbohydrates and starches.
The problem is that many low-quality foods have low-quality carbohydrates, as they are popular, cheap fillers. These fillers have minimal nutrition but have all the nutrition that yeast needs.
In other words, a low-quality diet can increase the risk of a skin infection or other types of yeast infections.
Feeding your furry friend anti-yeast dog food is a simple way to overcome this challenge. Watching what your dog eats doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
While we offer the above recipe, dog owners with less time on their hands can also find commercial options that are right for your dog’s diet.
Common Questions About Homemade Yeast Starvation Dog Food
If you still have some doubts about yeast-free dog food, the following information should answer your lingering questions.
What Do You Feed a Dog with a Yeast Infection?
A raw diet is a very popular option for an anti-yeast diet. You can also opt for a partially-raw diet.
If you don’t have time to make homemade food, consider a commercial “homemade” diet.
What Food Kills Yeast in Dogs?
Anti-fungal foods for your dog include items with olive leaf, Pau D-Arco, and caprylic acid.
How Do I Reduce My Dog’s Yeast Infection?
If your dog is dealing with yeast infections, your vet will likely suggest yeast-free dog food along with topical treatments.
Examples of topical treatments include antifungal creams, shampoos, sprays, and wipes with ketoconazole, miconazole, or chlorhexidine.
Will Yogurt Help My Dog’s Yeast Infection?
Yes, yogurt is a good food to include in an anti-yeast diet. This is because of the probiotics, which can fight yeast infections.
For the best results, choose a natural, probiotic yogurt without added sugar.
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