If your dog is suffering from skin irritation, ear infections, or digestive issues—often caught in a cycle of chronic discomfort—veterinary intervention is crucial. While it’s true that a growing body of evidence highlights the significant role that diet plays in either aggravating or alleviating the underlying causes of these problems, it’s not a one-for-all dog food choice.

Dog Food Allergies and Skin Infections

Among the most common concerns of dog owners are skin allergies and yeast infections, which are often interconnected. To begin with, it is essential to recognize the difference between environmental and food-related allergies. Although many pet owners suspect food allergies when their dogs display symptoms like itching, red skin, or digestive discomfort, true food allergies in dogs are relatively rare.

Research indicates that food allergies only impact about 20% of dogs. In most cases, allergies in dogs are caused by environmental triggers such as pollen, mold, dust mites, fleas, or household cleaning products. However, for the small percentage of dogs that do suffer from food sensitivities or allergies, dietary management becomes a key component of symptom control.

When dogs react to their food it means that their immune system is mistaking a typically harmless ingredient as a threat. This misidentification prompts the body to mount an inflammatory response, which may present as skin irritation, hot spots, gastrointestinal upset, or recurrent ear infections.

Animal Protein and Dog Allergies

One of the most common culprits in such food-related allergies are animal proteins. Dogs are most often allergic to proteins like beef and chicken, which are among the most widely used ingredients in commercial dog foods. Other proteins such as pork, lamb, and even fish can trigger similar responses in sensitive dogs, although these are somewhat less common.

Dairy products can also lead to issues, especially since adult dogs are lactose intolerant. Like most adult mammals, dogs lack an enzyme called lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Consuming dairy that has not been treated with lactase can result in gastrointestinal discomfort and contribute to systemic inflammation, further exacerbating skin issues.

Additionally, eggs, while highly digestible, may also pose a risk to dogs that are allergic to chicken, due to the similarity in proteins between the two ingredients. While sensitivities to grains such as wheat and corn are even more uncommon, some dogs do exhibit adverse reactions to them, as well as to legumes, such as soy and peas.

Dog Food Elimination Trials

Because dog foods often contain a long list of ingredients, determining the exact cause of an allergic reaction can be challenging. Limited ingredient diets can help in this regard, as they reduce the number of potential allergens and typically feature a single source of protein. These diets are useful for dog elimination trials, which introduce new ingredients one at a time to determine if they trigger a reaction.

Novel Protein Dog Diets

Another effective strategy involves the use of novel protein diets. These diets feature proteins that a dog is unlikely to have encountered before, such as duck, venison, rabbit, bison, or kangaroo. Since the immune system has not been sensitized to these proteins, they are less likely to provoke a reaction.

Best Diet for Dog Yeast Infections

In the case of yeast infections, the connection to diet is equally compelling. Yeast infections in dogs are caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a naturally occurring yeast that lives on the skin and in the gut. Under normal conditions, Candida remains in balance with other microorganisms in the body. However, when this delicate balance is disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, immune suppression, or underlying allergies, yeast can quickly grow out of control and cause infection. These infections commonly manifest as itchy skin, foul-smelling ears, constant paw licking, and digestive upset.

A diet high in carbohydrates creates an ideal environment for yeast overgrowth. This is because carbohydrates, especially those derived from grains and starchy vegetables, are broken down into sugars that the yeast then feeds on.

Many commercial dog foods contain high inclusions of these ingredients, including wheat, corn, rice, oats, potatoes, and peas. Grain-free options can be misleading, as they often rely heavily on legumes and root vegetables that are high in carbohydrates. For dogs prone to yeast infections, it is important to shift toward a low-carbohydrate diet that limits these starchy ingredients and emphasizes high-quality, easily digestible animal proteins.

Look for Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

In addition to reducing carbohydrate intake, focusing on anti-inflammatory ingredients can help control both yeast infections and allergies. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those derived from fish oil, algae, or flaxseed, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can support the health of your dog’s skin and coat. Including these nutrients in the diet helps to reduce systemic inflammation, alleviate itching, and promote healing. Other beneficial nutrients include biotin and zinc, which support skin repair, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that contributes to skin health and helps to control inflammation.

Probiotics Can Suppress Yeast Growth

Supporting the health of your dog’s gut is another crucial aspect of managing both yeast infections and allergies. A healthy digestive tract plays a central role in immune function and can significantly influence the severity of allergic responses and yeast overgrowth. Introducing probiotics into your dog’s diet can help maintain a balanced microbiome and help suppress the growth of harmful organisms like Candida.

Probiotics may be found in some high-quality commercial foods and can also be added to your pet’s diet in the form of a supplement. Some pet owners also choose to incorporate fermented foods such as unsweetened kefir or yogurt, though care must be taken to avoid dairy-based products unless they have been appropriately processed to remove lactose.

Hydrolyzed and Hypoallergenic Diets

For dogs with severe or persistent symptoms, prescription hypoallergenic or hydrolyzed diets may be necessary. Hydrolyzed diets involve breaking down proteins into smaller amino acids and peptides, which are less likely to be recognized by the immune system as allergens. These formulas are often recommended for dogs that have not responded to standard elimination diets or who experience frequent relapses.

Because hydrolyzed diets are typically available only through veterinary prescription, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before starting such a regimen. Furthermore, pet owners should avoid introducing supplements or treats that could reintroduce allergens or unnecessary carbohydrates, thereby undoing the benefits of a controlled diet.

While not all cases of skin irritation, ear infections, or digestive upset can be resolved through diet alone, nutrition plays an undeniably significant role in managing these conditions. By eliminating common allergens, reducing carbohydrate intake, supporting the gut microbiome, and including anti-inflammatory nutrients, pet owners can create a dietary environment that helps their dog’s body resist infection and reduce inflammation. Alongside proper veterinary care, a well-balanced, thoughtfully selected diet can greatly improve your dog’s comfort and long-term health.

Many dog owners today are in search of natural dog foods—meals that avoid artificial ingredients, use whole-food sources, and have functional ingredients that support their pet’s overall health in a more holistic way. But with so many brands claiming to be “natural,” how can you tell what is truly high-quality and what is just marketing?

What Is Natural Pet Food?

The word “natural” can mean different things depending on who is using it, but natural dog food brands should be products made without artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives, and with recognizable ingredients that are minimally processed.

Best Natural Dog Food Brands

For those wanting to feed their dog a high-quality natural diet, a few standout brands are consistently well-reviewed by veterinarians, nutritionists, and dog owners alike. Our favorites include:

Whole Dog Journal is reader-supported. If you purchase through links on our site we may earn a commission. Whole Dog Journal does not accept money for its food and product reviews.

• The Honest Kitchen
• Open Farm
• Spot & Tango
• Stella & Chewy’s

The Honest Kitchen offers human-grade dehydrated dog food made from minimally processed ingredients. This is especially appealing to pet owners who want to add water and serve fresh without having to cook diets from scratch.

Open Farm emphasizes ethically sourced meat, traceable ingredients, and environmentally conscious practices. Their recipes include responsibly raised meats, organic produce, and are free from fillers and synthetic additives.

Spot & Tango is a highly rated brand that offers fresh, pre-portioned meals with limited, whole-food ingredients. Their “UnKibble” line provides a dry food alternative for those who want something shelf-stable but still natural and minimally processed.

Stella & Chewy’s is a strong choice for raw feeders or those interested in freeze-dried options. Stella & Chewy’s is well-known for their raw-inspired diets made from grass-fed, cage-free, and wild-caught proteins. Their products offer a convenient way to feed a more biologically appropriate diet without the mess or food safety concerns of raw meat.

Natural Dog Food Ingredients

When choosing a natural food for your dog, the best place to start is with the ingredients list. Ideally, the first ingredient should be a named animal protein, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or salmon. Avoid products that use vague terms, like meals or byproducts, which can indicate less-desirable cuts or parts of the animals they are sourced from.

A quality natural dog food may also contain whole food sources or carbohydrates and fiber, like brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, or lentils. If vegetables, fruits, or beneficial herbs are included, it is a good sign of a brand focused on nutrient diversity and natural functionality. It is also wise to look for foods preserved with natural compounds like tocopherols (vitamin E) rather than synthetic preservatives like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), or ethoxyquin.

Look for Transparency in a Natural Dog Food

Transparency in sourcing is an indication of a trustworthy brand for natural dog food. Brands that clearly state where their ingredients are sourced—ideally within the U.S. or from countries with strict agricultural regulations—tend to take quality control more seriously. Additionally, it is worth checking into whether the company manufactures its own food or outsources production, as brands that own and operate their own facilities have the ability to maintain tighter manufacturing oversight.

Remember, natural does not always mean grain-free, and for most dogs, whole grains such as brown rice or oats offer a good source of nutrition and energy. Grain-free diets are sometimes recommended for dogs with specific sensitivities, but they are not inherently more “natural” or healthier. What is most important is how digestible and nutritious the total recipe is, and whether it fits your dog’s specific age, breed, activity level, and health needs.

Ultimately, the best natural dog food is one that uses whole, recognizable ingredients, avoids unnecessary additives, and is formulated to meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

If you are unsure which product is best for your dog, your veterinarian can help guide your choice based on any allergies, sensitivities, or specific health concerns your dog may have. Feeding a natural diet can contribute to improved energy, healthier coat, better digestion, and overall wellness in your dog. By choosing quality ingredients and reputable brands, you are not just feeding your dog—you are investing in their long-term health and vitality.