homemade dog food recipe for dogs with yeast problems
Recipe: Homemade Dog Food for Yeast Infections
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.
What's a yeast infection all about?
This is a skin infection known as yeast dermatitis where 1 particular type of yeast Malassezialives on your dog's skin all the time.
It does not typically cause problems, except for cases of overpopulation.
So today, I came up with this homemade dog food for yeast infections for your Fidos.
This should help clear up skin conditions associated with an overgrowth of yeast.
Let's get cooking, shall we?
Dog Food for Yeast Infections: Overview
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.
Note: 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 supplements and/or a multivitamin.
Homemade Dog Food for Yeast Infections Recipe
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, potatoes, 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.
Garlic on Dog Food for Yeast Infections
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.
Step 1: Add the chicken, garlic, bouillon, and water to your slow cooker.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Do you 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 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.
Dog Food For Yeast Infections: What to Avoid
Common veterinary advice for dogs with yeast infections includes the following list of foods to avoid:
- Bread
- Bacon
- Peanuts
- Pretzels
- Sausage
- Crackers
- Potatoes
- Buttermilk
- Lunch Meat
- Mushrooms
- Gravy or sauce
- Packaged cereal
- Sweet Potatoes or Yams
- Cheese or cottage cheese
- Anything else with grain or sugar
Dog Food For Yeast Infections: What to Include
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:
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 are the Signs of Yeast Infection in Dogs?
If your dog is scratching his ears nonstop and has cracked lips or red, inflamed skin, it could be a sign that it 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.
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.
Dog Food for Yeast Infections: Before You Go
When your dogs are suffering from illnesses or infections, the best way to alleviate pain is to quickly have them assessed by your vet.
But it just doesn't end there.
Your dogs need your support and aftercare, too.
That's when Top Dog Tips steps in.
Hopefully, this dog food recipe for yeast infections can help you get started.
So, if you enjoyed this blog, you might find the following articles helpful, too!
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Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Choosing Balanced Ingredients
Are you considering switching your dog to a homemade diet? A good place to begin is by discussing it with your veterinarian and/or a veterinary nutritionist. You may think that sounds unnecessary when there are so many recipes for homecooked dog meals available on the internet. However, the experts say that many of those recipes were not reviewed by veterinary nutritionists to make sure they provide a nutritional, well-balanced diet for your dog. This is why some owners prefer to feed pre-made fresh food.
The American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) warns that your dogs unique nutritional requirements will depend on the age, size, health, and breed. Also, there are dogs for whom a homemade diet may not be appropriate or might even be damaging. We generally dont recommend homemade diets for a dog less than one-year-old. If young dogs dont receive the appropriate amount of calcium and phosphorus, significant bone abnormalities may result, says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinarian. Pregnant and lactating dogs also have unique dietary requirements that may not be addressed by a recipe found on the internet.
The ABCs of a Balanced Dog Food Diet
Understanding the basics of what makes a homecooked diet balanced for your dog will help when you discuss the options with an expert. Here are important ingredients for the canine diet.
Protein: According to the ACVN, dogs must have protein in their diets that contain 10 specific essential amino acids their bodies cant produce. This is necessary for the creation of glucose, which transforms into energy. Sources of protein include chicken and turkey, after removing bones, fat, and skin; beef and lamb; pork in limited amounts; salmon and some other fish such as whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char.
Fats and fatty acids: The most concentrated sources of fats in a dogs diet come from animal fats and plant seed oils. A healthy diet supplies the fatty acids the dogs body doesnt manufacture. Fatty acids support the function and structure of cells, keep skin and coat healthy, and enhance the taste of the food. Sources of fatty acids include plant-based oils, including corn, soybean, canola, and flaxseed oil, as well as fish oil.
Carbohydrates: Dogs get some of their energy from carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches, and dietary fibers. Sources includerice, pasta, oatmeal, and quinoa.
Fiber: Dogs need fiber in their diet to keep their gastrointestinal (GI) system functioning and to help them from becoming overweight. Good sources of fiber for dogs include carrots, pumpkin, apples, dark leafy greens, brown rice, and flaxseed.
Vitamins: Vitamins are required for growth and maintenance. Vitamin deficiencies can cause a variety of health problems; however, they can also be dangerous in large quantities.
Vitamins dogs require include A (carrots, pumpkin), B vitamins (liver, green vegetables, whole grains), C (fruits and vegetables, organ meat), D (liver, fish, beef), E (leafy green vegetables, liver, bran, plant oils), K (fish, leafy green vegetables, fish), and choline (liver, fish, meats, egg yolks).
Minerals: There are 12 essential minerals for dogs:
- Calcium (tofu, green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower) and phosphorus (meat, eggs) for strong bones and teeth.
- Magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and cell signaling.
- Sulfur (meat, fish, molasses) for healthy skin, coat, and nails.
- Iron (red meats, poultry) for supporting red blood cells and the immune system.
- Iodine (dairy, kelp, seafood) for a healthy thyroid.
- Zinc (eggs, lamb, liver, brewers yeast) for the immune system, healthy skin, and coat.
- Selenium (meat, vegetables, seafood, brown rice) to boost the immune system.
- Copper (whole grains, seeds, and seafood) for healthy bone growth.
Water: We sometimes overlook this important ingredient of a healthy dogs diet, but there really is no dog food that contains enough water for your dog. Keep clean, fresh water out always.
Making the Transition
Consult a veterinarian: If youve decided to transition your dog to a homemade diet, your first step should be to consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. Those experts will consider your dogs age, size, and health history and help you identify a high-quality recipe that is tailored to meet your dogs specific nutritional needs.
Buying ingredients: When you buy ingredients for your dogs homemade meals, you need to pay as much attention to the source, expiration dates, and labels as you do when you buy food for yourself.
Making the switch gradually: Whenever you change your dogs food, whether to a homemade diet or a new commercial food, a gradual switch is best to avoid upsetting your dogs GI system. For at least five-to-seven days, gradually mix in more and more of the new food with the old food, as you allow your dog to adjust to the change.
Follow the recipe: Be sure to follow the recipe. Tufts Cummings Veterinary Medical Center Clinical Nutrition Service published a study to determine how well owners adhered to homecooked diet recipes a median of one year later. Only 13 percent were still feeding the original nutritionally balanced diet recipe.
Clear instructions: Instructions about preparation and quantities are important. The way you cook the ingredients for example, steam, roast, or boil can impact the nutrition of the diet. Substituting or adding ingredients can also cause nutritional deficiencies. A study reported in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that a lack of clear instructions in many recipes forces pet owners to make assumptions that can result in food that is nutritionally inadequate and can even be harmful if fed to your dog on a long-term basis.
Follow-up:Once youve made the transition, pay attention to any digestive changes your dog may have. If his stool softens, he vomits, or has diarrhea, check in with the veterinarian. Whenever you change your dogs diet, you also need to monitor his weight. It may take a while to determine the correct portions for his size, age, and energy level.
Resources for the Chef
- Your best resource and first stop is your dogs veterinarian, who knows your dog and has a thorough understanding of his health history and current condition.
- A good resource to help find a veterinary nutritionist for a homemade diet consultation is the Diplomate directory at www.acvn.org. If there isnt a nutritionist in your area, you can consult with one remotely.
- An alternative option is to use the online consulting service called BalanceIT, a site operated by a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a basic, nutritionally balanced recipe.
- Another site that provides answers to your questions is: Ask the Nutritionist
- ChefPaw is the latest way to provide your pup with nutritious and delicious meals, giving you a more efficient way to prepare homemade dog food. VisitChefPaw.comto learn more
ChefPaw by Innovet Pet Products is helping you take full control of your dogs diet with the first countertop Dog Food Maker of its kind. Striving to save you time and money while maximizing your dogs nutrition, ChefPaw can make fresh, homemade food for your dog in 40 minutes. At ChefPaw, your pets happiness and well-being take center stage.