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Best Dog Food For Ear Infections

Best Dog Food For Ear Infections

Ear infections in pups are more common than one would think. Ear problems can be painful and cause your pet to feel uncomfortable and not act themselves. The cause for that could be a number of things – allergies, ear mites, yeast, and more. Some of these cannot be avoided, though they can be prevented. That’s why we’ve taken a look at the best dog food for ear infections.

If your pup is prone to getting ear infections – for example, canines with floppy ears tend to have ear problems more often than not – then your veterinarian might suggest changing your pet’s diet to prevent the infection. There’s a variety of pet food that helps prevent infections in dogs.

Top 5 Rated Best Dog Food For Ear Infections

RecommendationDog Food For Ear Infections
Top ChoiceNo products found.
Runner UpNo products found.
Budget ChoiceNo products found.
Best For Sensitive StomachsNo products found.
Best Vegan OptionNo products found.

Our Top Pick: Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Wellness Natural Pet Food is a wonderful brand that has a wide variety of dry dog food as well as wet food and treats. They have various recipes for those old and young as well as large breeds and small breeds. Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food has nothing but the health of your pooch in mind. This product is a grain-free diet, which is great because it contains more protein and allows for easy digestion.

This particular pet food is our top choice because not only does it have limited ingredients that are the best for your pup’s health, but also because it caters to various ages and breeds of canines. If you have a puppy who’s prone to ear mites or if you have an older pup who comes down with infection with age, Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a great choice to try.

Key Features

  • Limited ingredient with salmon as the main protein
  • All natural ingredients – no gluten or wheat, corn, soy, dairy, or eggs
  • No artificial additives, preservatives, colors, or flavors
  • Comes in 10.5-lb or 24-lb bags
  • Limited flavors but has canned options as well
  • You can save money by subscribing and having a recurring order

Our Runner-Up Pick: NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

NUTRO is a well-trusted brand and the one I personally feed my pet. NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food is made for pets with food sensitivities. Similarly to our top choice, this pet food is a grain-free diet and only has natural flavors. It’s Non-GMO; however, there is a warning with that due to cross-contact.

Key Features

  • Comes in four flavors – one flavor catering to small or large breeds
  • Limited ingredient with 10 ingredients as well as vitamins and minerals
  • Bags come in 4-lbs, 11-lbs, or 22-lbs
  • Save money by having a recurring order and delivery
  • Comes with a warning of possible traces of genetically modified material due to cross-contamination at the manufacturer

Best Budget Pick: Purina ONE Natural Dry Dog Food

Purina ONE is another well-known brand. The Purina ONE Natural Dry Dog Food helps with ear infections in dogs but also fortifies the immune system as a whole as well as support joint health. This product is a great option since it’s on the less expensive side and it’s great for your pet’s body all around.

Key Features

  • Affordable
  • Rich in protein with no supplements
  • Comes in a variety of sizes such as 4-lb, 8-lb, 16.5-lb, 31.1-lb, or 40-lb bags
  • Three flavor options – one flavor catering to smaller breeds
  • Not a grain-free diet

Best For Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin

A common cause of ear infections in dogs can be allergies or sensitive stomachs or skin. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin is a great dry dog food that helps with just that. This product is great as it takes care of the bacteria found inside your pup’s body allowing for healthier digestion making your dog’s diet that much easier. If your pup suffers from chronic ear infections, your vet may recommend this pet food.

Key Features

  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • No artificial colors or flavors
  • Contains antioxidants, Omega-6 fatty acids, Omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc to ensure a healthy immune system, skin and coat, and strong joints
  • Comes in three flavors – one catering to smaller breeds
  • Comes in bag sizes 4-lb, 5-lb, 16-lb, 24-lb, 30-lb, and 41-lb
  • Can save money by having a recurring order and delivery
  • Not a grain-free diet

Best Vegan Option: Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Food

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Treats | Amazon
$11.99 ($11.99 / Count)

With a limited number of premium protein and carbohydrate sources, these nutritious all-natural dog treats make an excellent addition to a limited ingredient diet. These grain-free treats are also designed to support your dog's digestive health, and they have a delicious taste and crunchy texture that dogs love.

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03/18/2024 07:33 pm GMT

Natural Balance has a vegan option should you choose a vegetarian diet for your pup or if they have food allergies. This product is healthy and gives your pet’s diet natural protein through green peas without the meat. In addition to preventing ear problems, your pooch will be energized and have a healthy coat and skin through high fiber and protein as well as Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Key Features

  • Only comes in one flavor containing brown rice, oat groats, barley, and green peas
  • Comes in three bag sizes of 4.5-lbs, 14-lbs, and 28-lbs (which also has the option to come with canned food)
  • Can save money by getting a recurring order and delivery
  • Not a grain-free diet

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to deciding what food is best to feed your pup, there are a lot of factors to think about. Keeping in mind your pet’s health, it’s always a good idea to do thorough research on the ingredients that the food contains and its origin. It never hurts to consult your vet either, especially if you’re switching food.

When looking for a new diet for your pup to aid with their chronic ear infections, you’ll be looking closer at what ingredients there are and how those ingredients can affect your baby’s health. You’ll also learn a lot more about ear infections than you thought you knew. Ear infections are painful and make us uncomfortable. There are different types of which is why the symptoms vary. At times, you’ll see the clear signs of an infection and be able to prevent it, but other times, the condition can be quite tricky and hard to spot.

Types Of Ear Infections In Dogs

There are three different kinds of ear infections, each one affecting a different part of the canine ear. These infections are known as otitis externa, media, and internal. All are fairly common, though more so in breeds that have floppy ears.

The otitis externa ear infection is in the cells lining the outer part of the ear canal. Media infection is in the middle of the ear canal while the internal infection is in the inner part of the canine ear. Most often than not, media and internal are caused by the otitis externa spreading. If not caught and treated early enough, these ear infections can become worse for your pet – such as lack of coordination, becoming deaf, and more.

How To Choose The Best Dog Food For Ear Infections

Ask Your Vet

It’s important to consult your veterinarian before changing your pup’s diet or adding something new. Consider how your pet has been in the past with old food and how they respond to change in general – even things as subtle as food. When switching your pup to a grain-free diet or searching for food that will aid their chronic ear infections, your vet will have the best idea for what to do.

Questions To Ask Your Vet

  • Do you think the food could be the cause of chronic ear infections or allergies?
  • Should I get dry dog food, wet food, or both?
  • Given my pet’s health and medical history, do you think switching to a grain-free diet would be worth a try?
  • If you have a certain brand in mind, ask your veterinarian if they think it’d be right for your pet.

Check The Ingredients

Some canines have a sensitive stomach or have certain food allergies. This can be caused by a variety of ingredients such as dairy, eggs, wheat, gluten, or more. Allergies are a common symptom of ear infections in dogs which is why most of the pet food on this list omits those certain ingredients. Most food to help with ear problems have limited ingredient and or a grain-free diet. This soothes any food sensitivities your dog may have by allowing them to easily digest which, in turn, helps fight against ear infections and other bacteria.

Consider Your Dog’s Tastes

One thing most of these products on this list have in common is that the number one protein ingredient is salmon. Make sure to pay particular attention to your dog’s taste preferences. Of course, there’s no better way to figure out what they like and dislike than just taking a chance and having your pup try the food. However, I bought my dog “ocean fish” flavor food before, and she wouldn’t go near it with a 10-foot pole – meanwhile, my cat was all over it. Needless to say, before you buy in bulk, make sure your dog will enjoy the flavor or else the food will go to waste.

Keep In Mind What Food You Feet Your Pet

Personally, I allow my pup to snack on her dry dog food throughout the day and she gets canned wet food for dinner each night. However, my friend doesn’t feed her pup with wet food. Instead, she only gets dry food throughout the day. It seems like people have opposing ideas on how to feed their pooch, and they do what’s best for their pup.

Dry and wet food do different things – wet food is more flavorful and has more nutrients while dry food helps build strong teeth and jaw muscles. Both certainly have their pros, but dogs also have a preference. When picking out new dog food to battle ear infections, keep in mind whether your dog may prefer dry dog food or wet food. It may not be a good idea to mix wet and dry of two different brands. This can hurt their stomachs and have the opposite effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes ear infections in dogs?

There are many causes of ear problems. A few include bacteria, yeast, viruses or other infection, mites, wax buildup, or allergies that can be caused by skin or food sensitivities.

What are common symptoms of ear infections in dogs?

There are a variety of signs to look out for ear infections, though there are some more common than others. These may include odors, smelly discharge, redness and swelling of the ear, itchiness, or head shaking. You should seriously consider giving your pup regular look-overs so that you can catch these symptoms as soon as they occur. Don’t forget that their ears clean as best as you can. In case you spot any of thee symptoms in your dog, it’s best to call your vet right away.

What’s a grain-free diet?

When a pet food is grain-free that means it contains more protein and fewer carbohydrates. This allows for easy digestion for your dog and benefits your dog’s health in many other ways such as a healthier coat and skin, more energy, reduce allergies and infections – which helps the ear infections a lot. It will also give your dog better breath as well.

How do I switch my dog’s food?

If your vet recommends switching your dog to a new food to reduce ear problems, it’s best to switch the food gradually. Most food comes with a “meal plan,” if you will, suggesting ways to slowly change over your dog’s diet. This may be giving 25% of the new food mixed with 75% of the old and gradually increasing the new and decreasing the old food. Also, your vet may have a suggested meal plan for your pooch. Sudden changes may affect your dog’s digestive system, so it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian first.

Other Dog Food For Ear Infections We Reviewed

  • Canned Food
  • Treats

Canned Food

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Wet Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food | Amazon
$35.99 ($3.84 / lb)

This grain-free dog food features a single protein source of real duck to support healthy muscle maintenance and contains no chicken or beef.

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03/18/2024 01:42 pm GMT

Wet food is one of the best ways to get nutrients in your dog’s body. Some canned food is healthier than others, and Blue Buffalo Basics is one of the better ones. This product is a grain-free diet with limited ingredient making sure your dog only gets the best. Blue Buffalo Basics contains no corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs, which are common food allergies, in turn fighting ear infections in dogs.

Key Features

  • Comes in four flavors
  • Grain-free diet
  • Supports healthy skin, digestive system, and immune system through Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Affordable – comes in packs of 12 cans
  • Save money by having a recurring order and delivery

Wellness Simple Natural Wet Canned Limited Ingredient Dog Food

Wellness Simple Natural Wet Canned Dog Food is a great choice to feed your pup. This particular product is a limited ingredient for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, and ear problems. It’s a grain-free diet and is easily digestible with a single protein and other carbohydrates. This product goes along with the Wellness Simple Natural Dry Dog Food, the top choice on this list. If you decide to give that one a try, then be sure to take a look into the wet canned food.

Key Features

  • All natural ingredients – no gluten, wheat, or artificial additives
  • Easy to digest, made with food sensitivities in mind
  • Will energize your dog and boost their immune system fighting off chronic ear infections
  • Comes in four different flavors
  • Affordable – cans come in packs of 12
  • Save money by choosing recurring orders and deliveries

Treats

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Treats

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Treats | Amazon
$11.99 ($11.99 / Count)

With a limited number of premium protein and carbohydrate sources, these nutritious all-natural dog treats make an excellent addition to a limited ingredient diet. These grain-free treats are also designed to support your dog's digestive health, and they have a delicious taste and crunchy texture that dogs love.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
03/18/2024 07:33 pm GMT

We all need a snack once in a while, and our dogs are no different. Whether you’re training a puppy, rewarding good behavior, or simply giving your pup something special, treats are a great way to show some extra love to your pooch.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Treats are just the thing to give your dog if they need a grain-free diet. This product serves as a healthy snack that’s easy to digest with no corn, soy, or wheat. If your dog’s diet is for sensitive stomachs, ear problems, or other infections, this is a good treat to have on hand without worry.

Key Features

  • No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
  • Supports healthy skin and coat
  • Suitable for canines of all ages
  • Packages come in various sizes such as 8-oz, 14-oz, 28-oz, or 56-oz
  • Six different flavor options
  • Crunchy texture

Conclusion

Ear infections in dogs are not uncommon. In fact, some breeds may be more vulnerable to them than others. The key is to keep an eye on the potential signs of an ear problem as well as keep your dog’s ears as clean as you can. This list is the best dog food for ear infections to take preventive measures against ear infections making sure your pup is happy and healthy.

Does your dog suffer from chronic ear infections? What preventive measures and dog food have you tried?

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