If pet owners have recently noticed that their normally happy-go-lucky canines are shaking their heads, scratching at their ears or even moaning with severe pain. The 1st area of concern might be an ear infection however, only an experienced vet can tell pet parents if a canine’s ear infection is related to something hidden including food allergies, going on with the canine’s health.
Ear infections are also termed as otitis externa, and it is considered as the most common reason for canines to visit vets. Ear infections can be extremely painful & if left unattended can cause some serious issues such as deafness, & damage to the canine’s inner ear.
In some cases, ear infections in canines can be quite frustrating for pet parents as well if they occur again and again. And, with the passage of time, the total cost of repetitive vet visits, testing, & medication can add up quickly.
It is worth sharing that dogs are more susceptible to ear infections particularly breeds who have floppy ears including Basset hounds and Cocker Spaniels. It is estimated that around 20% of the canines can suffer from ear infections due to different reasons while diet being the major factor.
So, if your precious canine is suffering from recurrent ear infections, it could be his diet that is the main cause. I have put together this comprehensive list of the best dog foods for ear infections in order to help pet parents mitigate any suspected allergic reactions that their beloved canines might be having.
What are the Different Types of Ear Infections in Dogs?
There are three kinds of ear infections that pet parents should keep any eye on:
- Interna
- Media
- Otitis externa
The latter is highly common & causes inflammation which can affect the cells of the canine’s ear canal.
What are the Major Reasons for Ear Infections in Dogs?
It is vital to mention that there are numerous reasons which can trigger the canine to develop mild to severe ear infections. The 1st possible reason is water entering the canine’s ear canal after swimming, grooming, or bathing. This extra damp, wet environment and moisture encourage troublesome microorganisms to grow progressively in the ear canal thus, leading to severe infection.
Secondly, canines that already suffer from different environmental and food allergies can be more vulnerable to ear infections. If pet parents suspect that this could be a reason then, it is advised to consult the vet & try out a hypoallergenic diet for some days.
How Will Pet Parents know If Their Canines Have Ear Infections?
If canines have any of the below-mentioned common symptoms of the ear infection, then have their vet look in those ears in order to evaluate whether the canines have ear infections or not:
Typical Symptoms:
- Pain
- Head tilt
- Head shaking
- Odor of wet dog or pus
- Swollen ear canal or earflap
- Hearing loss
- Redness & swelling
What Canine Breeds are More Prone to Recurrent Ear Infections?
It is a well-known fact that few dog breeds are at a high risk of developing ear infections including the following:
- Schnauzers
- Poodles
- Golden Retrievers
- Cocker Spaniels
Can Dog Food Items Cause Ear Infections?
Well, due to allergies, dog food items can cause ear infections. If the canines have sensitive skins or are prone to different allergies than, it is advised to assess the diet. Diagnosing a particular food allergy is a real challenge & the existing tools that vets normally used to conduct different tests are beneficial but somewhat not reliable.
Usually, the recommended way of diagnosing a particular food allergy is just dietary elimination. Some common food allergies can be due to lamb, egg, diary, beef, and chicken.
Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections
Apart from proper medication and diagnosis, providing the canines with the right kind of food can make a huge difference depending on their health conditions. This article will guide readers through their canine’s ear infections & the best ways of dealing with them.
1. Wellness Simple Dog Food- Best Dog Food For Ear Allergies
This product comes under the category of the best and highly recommended dog foods currently available in the market. The wellness simple dog food contains all essential vitamins and minerals to help treat canine’s ear infections.
It is all-natural and grain-free limited ingredient dog food that is formulated with a single and reliable source of animal protein, perfectly balanced with highly digestible carbs & no fillers. Also, food is also recommended for Hypothyroidism issues in pets.
Moreover, it has a wide range of healthy proteins including lamb, oatmeal, duck & grain-free turkey in order to ensure that sensitive canines get all the required nutrition while treating ear infections.
User Experience:
According to the dog owners, this product is perfect for those canines who are suffering from ear infections and sensitive stomachs. Many buyers have commented that at any rate, they are pleased with the quality of Wellness simple dog food & would surely recommend this to every canine owner.
2. Natural Balance Dog Food-Dog Ear Allergies Food
A highly recommended and worth buying product, Natural balance dog food has all the required nutrients that canines need in order to thrive & all are acquired from reliable plant-based sources.
Moreover, the essential protein is provided directly from peas and potatoes. Apart from this, the diet contains brown rice for added energy along with barley and oat fiber to ensure healthy digestion.
The inclusion of blueberries, spinach, and cranberries will provide dogs with essential antioxidants.
This recipe makes a great food option for canines with meat-protein sensitivities. It is vital to mention that this recipe is especially formulated with just vegan ingredients in order to promote canine’s health & prevent infections.
User Experience:
Many pet owners have bought the Natural balance dog food and according to them, this product has literally extended the canines’ lives. Some dog owners have commented that this product offers excellent value as compared to other commonly available vegan dog foods.
3. NUTRO Dog Food- Dog Ear Infection Food Allergy
Another great recipe offered by NUTRO that contains salmon & salmon meal as the leading ingredients for a safe and healthy dose of the amino acids directly from natural sources.
Moreover, the NUTRO dog food is carefully infused with top levels of B vitamins, Zinc, and omega fatty acid in order to enhance the canine’s coat and skin natural shine.
The best thing is that it is 100% grain-free and without any fillers such as soy, wheat, or corn. Furthermore, all ingredients are GMO-free & lack artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors to reduce the chances of ear infections and allergic reactions.
User Experience:
The majority of pet parents have bought the NUTRO dog food and according to them, this is an amazing recipe with superb ingredients at a reasonable price. It is a recommended product for those canines who cannot have anything with chicken or chicken-by-product in it.
Buying Guide for Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections
The canine’s diet plays an important role when it comes to maintaining his/her overall health and wellbeing and the food items pet parents decide to feed their precious canines have a great impact on the energy levels, immune system, skin & dental health. So, it can be said that food sensitivities and allergies are a major concern & different food items can affect canines in diverse ways.
And, whenever ear infections come into play, the 1st aspect to consider is the food items that canines are having.
How to Select the Best Food for Ear Infections?
Here is the important information that pet parents should consider while selecting the food items for canines suffering from ear infections.
- Give preference to high-quality and all-natural ingredients
- Select grain-free food options
- A healthy and natural recipe that is dense in minerals, nutrients, and vitamins
- A diet should be free of artificial colors, preservatives etc.
What is the Best Food to Help Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs?
According to vets, a good and healthy diet will surely help prevent ear infections in dogs as it contributes to the canine’s overall health. No doubt, a grain-free, high-quality, & hypoallergenic diet is highly recommended to treat ear infections safely.
Why Do Few Canines Keep Getting Recurrent Ear Infections?
Pet parents should take it seriously if their precious canines frequently contract ear infections. Well, there are several reasons behind it and the most common are environmental & food-related allergies.
Final Thoughts:
In the end, it can be concluded that ear infections are quite common in dogs. However, this medical condition can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable for canines. While the issue is not serious in itself, it will take a horrible turn if left unattended. Pet parents can use the above-shared information in their best interest & learn about each and everything concerning the best dog foods for ear infections.
