Can diet affect my dog's ear health?
Written by
David Smith
Reviewed by
Prof. Edward Clarke, Ph.D.Ear health in dogs is affected directly by diet, caused by allergies, creating inflammation, or yeast imbalances. Common proteins, such as those found in chicken or beef, can trigger immune reactions that are evident through ear inflammations. One of my terrier's chronic ear problems was completely resolved when we found his allergy to chicken. Food allergies set off chain reactions culminating in painful infections.
Yeast overgrowth in the ear canals often coincides with dietary triggers. Diets rich in carbohydrates feed Malassezia yeast, which produces dark wax and odor. I changed my spaniel's diet to one lower in grains after he had a yeast problem. Restricting sugar intake in the diet deprives yeast colonies of their primary food source, thereby preventing the recurrence of infections.
Common Allergens
- Chicken: Most frequent protein trigger
- Wheat/grains: Promote yeast growth
- Beef: Secondary common allergen
- Dairy: Causes inflammatory responses
Solution Diets
- Limited ingredient: Single novel proteins
- Hydrolyzed protein: Minimizes immune response
- Grain-free: Reduces yeast food sources
- Omega-3 rich: Anti-inflammatory effects
Monitoring Signs
- Increased head shaking after meals
- Ear redness within 24 hours of feeding
- Odor changes linked to specific proteins
- Seasonal flare-ups with environmental triggers
Hypoallergenic diets with limited ingredients often solve stubborn ear issues. These eliminate common triggers while introducing new proteins such as venison and duck. My neighbor's lab finally stopped scratching after switching to a salmon-based food. Strict adherence for 8-12 weeks allows an accurate assessment of allergies to be made.
Professional allergy testing is crucial when diet change fails. Vets conduct blood tests and elimination tests to identify specific triggers. My vet tested my terrier and it reacts to chicken and sweet potatoes. A proper diagnosis prevents unnecessary restrictions on ingredients.
Observe reactions by meticulously maintaining food and symptom journals. Keep a record of the ear conditions that accompany the ingredients in the various meals to identify a pattern. My spaniel would generally experience periods of sensitivity while on beef-based treats. Consistent record-keeping will enable your veterinarian to create customized diets.
Read the full article: Dog Ear Cleaning: Essential Steps & Tips
