10 Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Food allergies can cause many uncomfortable and painful symptoms in your dog. But did you know this type of allergy can also result in ear infections? Scientific studies say it does!¹

If your pup has an ear infection, it may be allergic to an ingredient in its food. It could be grains, dairy, chicken, or even beef. In fact, over 34% of dogs have beef allergies, and 17% have dairy allergies.² Considering these stats, it can be hard to find safe-to-consume dog food.

For your ease, we’ve compiled a list of diverse food options that help with your dog’s ear infection. Read our honest reviews and buyer’s guide to find the best-suited pick with your vet’s consultation.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024

The 10 Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections

1. Ollie’s Baked Beef with Sweet Potatoes – Best Overall

The best overall dog food for ear infections is undoubtedly Ollie’s Baked Beef with Sweet Potatoes. Ollie commits to using wholesome and responsibly sourced ingredients. That’s precisely why their products are great for dogs with allergies and infection risks.

This option used beef as the main protein source, along with sweet potatoes. But if your dog’s allergic to beef, you can explore their fresh food options, such as lamb, pork, turkey, and many more.

Aside from beef and sweet potatoes, this mix contains oats, chickpeas, and carrots. Plus, it’s minimally processed and free from fillers and artificial flavors.

The best part is that it contains essential oils, each aiding with the infection in its own way. While coconut oil removes fungi, fish oil keeps different types of allergens at bay. Lastly, rosemary oil keeps harmful bacteria out of your dog’s guts.

---

2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach – Best Value

Dog food for pets with sensitivities or allergies can be expensive, but the Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach is an exception. Even though it’s affordable, it contains wholesome, high-quality ingredients.

Most importantly, it contains Purina Fortiflora probiotics, which nourish specific intestinal bacteria. Crafted with antioxidants, this dog food improves your pup’s digestive and immune health. It also has real salmon with no artificial flavors or colors.

Other beneficial ingredients in this dog food include sunflower oil and omega-6 fatty acids, contributing to a shinier coat. Overall, it’s the best dog food for the money to keep your pup happy and infection-free.

Unfortunately, this Purina product isn’t suitable for dogs with beef allergies. Yes, you may not find beef meat present in its ingredient list, but it does contain beef fat.

---

3. JustFoodForDogs Fish & Sweet Potato – Premium Choice

Allergy-friendly dog foods are a worthwhile investment since they are exclusively designed to cater to your pup’s infections. So, never think twice when buying a premium product. If you’re already looking for a great premium dog food for ear infections, the JustFoldForDogs Fish and Sweet Potato is something to splurge on.

It’s a delicious blend of cod, potatoes, green beans, and broccoli. Since it has a novel protein, there’s a much lower chance of an allergic reaction. Plus, it contains JFFD Omega Plus veterinary supplements to promote skin health.

You should note that this is a grain-free food. Unless your dog is allergic, it can benefit from grains. So, we recommend checking with your vet before switching to a grain-free diet.

This option is also great for obese dogs since it has a low-calorie count. If your dog struggles with weight-related issues, the JustFoldForDogs Fish and Sweet Potato can be a great choice.

---

4. Orijen Amazing Grains Puppy

Growing puppies must benefit from a diverse diet, especially one that includes grains. That’s exactly why this Orijen Amazing Grains Puppy is ideal for dogs with ear infections.

This whole prey diet gives your puppy a diverse range of proteins and vitamins. It includes chicken, turkey, mackerel, herring, salmon, chicken liver, and turkey giblets. The addition of chia, quinoa, and oats makes this diet even more nutrient-rich.

With 90% animal ingredients, there’s no doubt that the Orijen Amazing Grains Puppy will fulfill your puppy’s protein needs. Plus, these grains come from non-GMO crops! That’s great news for anyone interested in buying from sustainable brands.

Unfortunately, it is pretty expensive compared to other brands and a little high in calories.

---

5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Dry Dog Food

When choosing dog food for ear infections, there’s nothing more important than taking an expert’s opinion. Luckily, the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Dry Dog Food is our vet’s choice.

This is a great pick for dogs with soy allergies. It contains hydrolyzed soy, meaning the body won’t recognize it as a protein. So, your dog can get soy’s nutritional value without an allergic reaction.

Plus, it contains a healthy balance of grains and vegetables. With a precise antioxidant complex and fatty acids, this blend promotes kidney function in dogs. It’s also proven to compensate for decreased appetite with its highly palatable energy-dense formula.

Unlike most other dry foods, Royal Canin mixes smell delicious and meaty. That promotes food cravings in dogs with a low appetite, a common symptom of ear infections. However, you must show your vet’s approval before buying this product.

---

6. Fromm Pork & Applesauce Formula

If you have dogs of varying ages in your home, your dog food expenses can get pretty costly. In that case, the Fromm Pork & Applesauce Formula is the ideal solution. It’s suitable for all life stages, affordable, and even AAFCO-certified.³

With a blend of meat, fruits, and veggies, this formula has a unique flavor that your dog will definitely love. Plus, it contains healthy grains, such as oat groats and pearled barley, and probiotics and prebiotics, like chicory root extract—a complete nutritional plan!

---

7. NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

Allergies are often the leading cause of ear infections in dogs. A hypoallergenic option like Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Adult Dry Food is a great solution for all such pups. It’s made with less than 10 ingredients, reducing the chances of food allergies in your dog.

This dog food for ear infections doesn’t contain chicken and beef, the two most common protein allergies in dogs. Instead, it utilizes lamb and salmon to provide 20% min protein content. It also includes sweet potatoes and chickpeas, which are great sources of vitamin A.

However, this blend also contains lentils, which should be given in moderation. According to the FDA, dog food with lentils and other legumes can lead to an “enlarged heart.”⁴ This option is also grain-free, so consider your vet’s opinion before buying.

The best part is the surprisingly low price tag without compromising on quality.

---

8. Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food

If you prefer to give your dog a vegan diet, consider the Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food. This can be ideal for dogs with protein sensitivities since it doesn’t have any meat. It offers a healthy blend of vegetables and grains for a fulfilling diet.

This dog food is made of very few ingredients, meaning fewer chances of allergic reactions in puppies. Its antioxidant-rich formula also aids with allergy resistance, so ear infections can heal faster.

It does contain peas and potatoes, which are often linked with heart disease and upset stomachs. So, it is better to consult your vet to make sure this option is ideal for your pup.

More importantly, the Natural Balance formula contains EPA and DHA in the form of fish oils. This is an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids for enhanced brain function and reduced inflammation.

---

9. Hill’s Prescription Sensitivities Dog Food

Ear infections in dogs are usually caused by food sensitivities. Whether it’s a beef allergy or resistance to grains, their upset stomach can directly lead to an ear infection. If that sounds like your dog, your vet must have recommended the Hill’s Prescription Sensitivities Dog Food.

This option is specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Since it doesn’t contain any raw protein, there won’t be any allergic reactions. Instead, it has hydrolyzed chicken and liver to offer the same benefits.

This product also has corn starch and cellulose, which can help with digestive upsets. The reviews on this dog food are truly amazing, as customers have seen near-instant improvement in their dog’s ear infection. Many also love this option as it improves their pup’s skin health.  However, you must show your vet’s approval before buying this product.

---

10. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner

Dogs love dry food, but it’s also good to incorporate some wet food into their daily diet. The Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner is a great canned option to consider for ear infections. It’s delicious, low-calorie, and high-protein.

This dog food’s top ingredient is real chicken, which is a good sign. Your dog will love this yummy blend of chicken with the meat, broth, and liver included, as well as carrots. Aside from meeting their protein needs, the Buffalo Homestyle Recipe mix will also strengthen your dog’s muscle health.

The product doesn’t contain any by-product meals, so each ingredient has a high nutritional value. Plus, it’s suitable for all breeds, making it perfect for multi-dog households.

Unfortunately, this food does contain beef broth, making it unsuitable for dogs with beef allergies. This ingredient isn’t mentioned on the can, so remember this the next time you go grocery shopping. To stay on the safe side, you should serve this product as a treat alongside your dog’s regular dry food.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Ear Infections

The first step to buying the right food for your dog is learning the causes behind their ear infections. It’s also worth analyzing the symptoms to determine the type of infection your dog has.

Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs

According to the AKC, almost 20% of all dogs have some sort of ear disease. That includes ear infections, which can be caused by excessive moisture or food sensitivities. If your dog doesn’t swim, it’s most likely allergic to an ingredient in its food.

The shape of their ear canals makes dogs more susceptible to infections. Keep an eye out for some of these behaviors in your dog to detect an ear infection before it worsens. If you notice any such symptoms, call your vet immediately.

About 50% of dogs have skin-related allergies, while 80% suffer from food sensitivities. These are the main causes of dog ear infections. It can also occur due to thyroid disease or autoimmune disorder.

If your dog has food sensitivities, changing its diet is the simplest way to heal the infection. Consult your vet to ensure all dietary changes are good for your pet.

Now, you know the symptoms of ear infections in dogs. Let’s explore a few elements to keep in mind when shopping for dog food to heal ear infections.

Protein Sources

When buying dog food for ear infections, pay close attention to the protein sources. Ideally, real chicken, beef, or other proteins should be among the first few ingredients. Natural protein has a much higher nutritional value than meat by-products or fillers.

Novel proteins are a great alternative if your dog is allergic to lamb, beef, or chicken. Your dog has most likely not been exposed to these proteins, so they may not have an allergic reaction. Novel proteins include duck, rabbit, or venison.

If that’s also unsuitable for your dog, consider hydrolyzed proteins. These proteins provide the same nutritional value as the real thing without allergic reactions. That’s because they’re broken down so small that the body doesn’t recognize them as protein.

Probiotics

Dog food with probiotics is the best at aiding with ear infections. Look for dog food with live and active probiotic cultures. These cultures improve the dog’s digestive health and, in turn, its ear health.

You must also explore various probiotic strains, as each has a different benefit. Some common strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Enterococcus faecium. These strains are best known for their ability to improve stool quality.

Looking at the “CFU per serving” count on the packaging will tell you the number of probiotics in the food. The higher the number, the better. You might even see statements like “Contains 1 billion CFUs per serving.”

Besides probiotics, also ensure that your dog food has prebiotics. They work alongside probiotics to promote gut health and growth. Common prebiotics include chicory root, inulin, and FOS.

Grains vs. Grain-Free

Most grain-free diets promote that food allergies in dogs stem from grains, but that’s far from the truth! In fact, only 1% of dogs are allergic to grains.

Protein allergies or other factors usually cause their sensitivities. Grains can actually be quite beneficial for your pup. They offer a great source of carbs and fibers in the form of quinoa, oats, and brown rice.

If your dog is part of the 1%, you can opt for a grain-free or grain-limited diet. Still, that may not be a long-term solution for the ear infection. Consult your vet before transitioning to a grain-free diet.

Additives and Preservatives

When looking for dog food for ear infections, there are certain things to avoid. Additives and preservatives top this list, as they can worsen your dog’s infection. Avoid dog food which includes artificial colors and flavors.

It’s also better to avoid any fillers or by-products, such as soy or wheat. But there’s a common misconception that corn is also a filler. In reality, corn has a high nutritional value.

Since the corn in dog food has been processed, it’s 97% digestible by dogs. That makes it a great source of essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, and natural antioxidants. You only need to avoid corn if your dog is allergic to it.

High sugar content is also not a good sign in dog food. Not only does it lead to inflammation, but it can also worsen the ear infection. Added sugars in dog food are typically used as corn syrup or molasses.

Conclusion

Allergies and food sensitivities most often cause ear infections in dogs, so you must find food that suits their allergies. That’s why we’ve gathered reviews of the 10 best foods for dogs with ear infections.

With wholesome ingredients and probiotics, Ollie’s Baked Beef with Sweet Potatoes is the best overall pick. Meanwhile, Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach is a value pick for those on a budget. Opt for the JustFoodForDogs Fish & Sweet Potato if you need something premium and low-calorie.

Whatever you choose, don’t forget to consult your vet before making any dietary changes for your furry friend.

---

Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock