Searching for the best yeast-free dog food for some pet parents can be challenging. With so many dog foods on the market, it’s often unclear which ones will meet your dog’s needs. And, for other pet parents, the question of whether yeast is beneficial in their pups’ food or not may be equally as unclear.
Yeast-free dog foods should be free from one or more of the three types of yeast. These include brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast, and selenium yeast. However, foods that exclude these ingredients should make up for the potential lack of vitamins, protein, and antioxidants in other ways. Ready to find out more about yeast-free dog foods? Read on with us today!
12 Best Yeast-Free Dog Foods
Here, we list some of the best dog foods without yeast for your pooch. Check each product carefully, as some may be more suitable for your pooch than others. And, as always, be sure to consult with your vet if you plan to change your dog’s diet. When changing your dog’s diet, always do so gradually. This is because rapid changes to their diet can cause gastrointestinal problems, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting.
1. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties Dog Food
Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Patties are all-natural, protein-rich, and made with ingredients in the USA. These tasty patties are made with chicken, pumpkin seed, organic vegetables, and prebiotics to provide plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and digestive aid. Most dogs love the flavor of this food and eagerly await their next meal. Pet parents also love the use of USA-sourced ingredients and organic veggies.
Some customers report the presence of small bone pieces in some patties. Others say that the quality varies considerably from batch to batch, with some arriving with a “sawdust” like consistency. This food is also grain-free, so it may be unsuitable for dogs with heart conditions.
Pros
- High in protein
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Contains organic vegetables
Cons
- Some customers received packs with broken or crumbled patties
2. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food is formulated for more active pups. Each low-carb serving is made with cage-free turkey and antioxidant-rich produce. Most importantly, this food is made with sodium selenite rather than selenite yeast, so if you’re looking to avoid both brewer’s yeast and selenite yeast, this may be the diet for your pooch. Many pet parents recommend this diet for its ease of preparation, its grain-free recipe, and its taste and aroma which goes down as a treat for most pups.
One of the main issues with this diet is that it contains garlic. For one pet parent, the smell of garlic was strong and their dog became unwell after eating their meal. Some customers also report that the consistency is too runny for their dogs. Others report the presence of synthetic vitamins in this food. If your dog has heart problems, it may be best to avoid grain-free diets.
Pros
- Rich in antioxidants
- Has sodium selenite instead of sodium yeast
- Highly palatable
Cons
- It contains garlic
- The consistency is too runny for some dogs
3. Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Stew – Grain Free, Protein Rich Wet Dog Food
Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Stew is a grain-free meal packed with protein from multiple meat sources. With no grains, fillers, legumes, or artificial colors, this canned dog food is also free from yeast. Many pet parents rave about how tasty this food is for their dogs, with even the pickiest pups seeming to enjoy their meals. They also commend the flavorsome smell of this food, stating that it looks and smells just like a tasty stew.
The most common complaints are the condition of the cans. Some customers report that the cans of food arrive dented and in poor condition. Others report that, because the ingredients are not USA-sourced, they would prefer a different product made in the USA. If your canine companion has heart troubles, it may be best to avoid grain-free diets.
Pros
- Packed with multiple meat sources
- Free from grains, legumes, and artificial colors
- Filler-free
Cons
- Some cans arrived dented
- Some ingredients are not from the USA
4. Weruva Classic Dog Food, Paw Lickin’ Chicken with Chicken Breast in Gravy
Weruva Classic Chicken Breast in Gravy is a gluten-free and grain-free canned diet. Most importantly, there are no sources of yeast listed in the ingredients of this product. However, while it is supplemented with D3, the source of this vitamin is not specified. The main selling point of this dog food is its flavor and value for money. Many pet parents are pleased with the amount of chicken in this canned food and recommend it for meat-loving pups.
Similar to other foods on our list, this product sometimes arrived dented and damaged. A few dogs have become ill after eating this food. Always be sure to transition your dog’s diet slowly to avoid stomach upsets. It’s also worth noting that, if your dog has heart problems, it may be best to avoid grain-free diets. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns!
Pros
- Gluten- and grain-free
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Suitable for dogs meat-loving dogs
Cons
- Not for dogs with chicken allergies
- Some cans arrived damaged
5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, & Brown Rice Recipe
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef Dog Food is a premium recipe made with tasty beef, whole corn, peas, and chicken fat. Its ingredients are highly digestible and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to support your pup’s skin and coat. Many customers commend this product’s value for money as well as its high quality. Better yet, the inclusion of fatty acids seems to do wonders for many dogs’ coats, leaving them shiny and soft.
As for negative reviews, some pet parents report that their dogs became sick after trying this diet. Some dogs vomited and had diarrhea after eating a full meal. Others report that the kibble pieces are too hard for their dogs to chew easily. Also, this diet contains grain. If you prefer a grain-free meal for your dog, consider one of our other options on our list of best yeast-free dog foods.
Pros
- Rich in essential fatty acids
- Made with premium ingredients
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
Cons
- Some dogs experienced diarrhea and vomiting
- Not for dogs with grain allergies
6. Canidae PURE Petite Limited Ingredient Premium Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Canidae PURE Petite Salmon Recipe is a grain-free dry diet. Its ingredients include scrumptious salmon, chicken fat, flaxseed, and prebiotics to support your pup’s health. This diet is great for improving your dog’s coat health as well as being gentle on the stomach. And, most importantly, it’s free from sources of yeast.
The main issue reported by pet parents is the quick expiry of this food. Some customers find that this food arrives moldy, crumbly, or with a bad smell. If you have concerns about this, it’s best to buy this food from your local pet store rather than online to ensure quality.
Pros
- Contains prebiotics for a healthier gut
- Improves coat and skin health
- Improves overall wellness
Cons
- Contains chicken fat
- Has a strong smell
7. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Real Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe
Merrick Grain-Free Duck & Sweet Potato is a natural formula for dogs of all breeds and sizes. It features nutrient-rich ingredients to support overall health, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, chondroitin, and glucosamine. It’s also free from sources of yeast. Despite the higher price tag, many customers commend the value of this food and most dogs enjoy the taste.
Inconsistent quality is the main issue with this product. For some customers, one batch is different from another, with some causing diarrhea and others not. If your dog has heart problems, it may be better to avoid grain-free diets. Speak to your vet if you have any worries.
Pros
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids
- Promotes healthy joints and bones
- Suitable for all dog breeds and sizes
Cons
- Inconsistent quality
- Some dogs had diarrhea
8. Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Wild-Caught Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
Castor & Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Wild-Caught Salmon & Sweet Potato is a dry recipe made for all life stages. This diet features organic produce and contains no corn, soy, wheat, peas, or lentils – and no yeast! Even the pickiest pooches enjoy this high-quality dog food and even get excited at mealtimes.
As with any dog food, this food does not agree with every dog’s stomach. Some dogs may experience diarrhea after switching to this food. When switching your dog’s diet, be sure to do so gradually to avoid tummy upsets. If your pooch has heart troubles, it may be advisable to avoid grain-free formulas. Be sure to speak to your vet with your concerns.
Pros
- Suitable for all life stages
- Filler-free
- Good for picky dogs
Cons
- Some dogs may experience diarrhea
9. “I and love and you” Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food – Natural Grain Free Kibble
“I and love and you” Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food is a grain-free dry formula made with tasty lamb and bison. It’s packed with fish oil for your pup’s coat health, vitamins for their overall health, and prebiotics to aid digestion. The vast majority of reviews for this product are positive, with many dog owners commending this food’s lack of heavy metals, its tastiness, and its value for money.
One issue to note is that this dog food contains chicken meal and turkey meal. If your pup is allergic to chicken, be sure to opt for a different diet for them. The inclusion of chicken and turkey may not be clear with the fact that this product is marketed as “Lamb and Bison.” If your pup has heart issues, it may be worth avoiding grain-free diets. Always talk to your vet if you have any worries.
Pros
- Promotes healthy coat
- Supports digestion
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Not for dogs with chicken allergies
10. Nulo Freestyle Salmon and Red Lentils Small Breed Dog Food
Nulo FS Small Breed Dog GF Salmon is a dry diet that is high in protein and lower in carbohydrates. This food is made to promote weight management with its inclusion of L-Carnitine and lower carbohydrate content. Its main ingredients are deboned salmon, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and a range of fruits and vegetables to provide healthy antioxidants. As such, many customers commend the digestibility of this product, finding that their small dogs have much better bowel movements after eating their meals. The kibble sizes are also appropriate for smaller breeds.
As with any new food, not all dogs enjoy the taste. Some dogs may refuse to eat this food, and others even dislike the smell. If your dog refuses their food, consider adding a food topper to pique their appetite. This diet is grain-free, so it may not be suitable for pups with heart problems. Talk to your vet about your concerns when they arise.
Pros
- High in protein
- Contains L-carnitine for a healthier weight
- Highly digestible
Cons
- Has a strong smell
- Not for picky eaters
11. Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Premium Dry Dog Food
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Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Premium Dry Dog Food is a limited-ingredient formula made with no corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or chicken. This nutritious diet is balanced with fruits and vegetables to provide plenty of antioxidants and vitamins for their health. The reviews for this diet are overwhelmingly positive, commending its usefulness for dogs with allergies. It also brings out the shiniest coats in the pooches who enjoy their meals.
Not all dogs enjoy the turkey formula, often preferring other flavors in the range of Zignature foods. Some dogs also just don’t rave about the taste of this diet. This diet is also grain-free, so it may not be suitable for pups with heart conditions. Be sure to talk to your vet if you have any issues.
Pros
- Has limited ingredients
- Free from fillers
- Rich in antioxidants
Cons
- Not for dogs who do not like turkey formula
12. Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food for All Breeds
Canidae All Life Stages Multi Protein Formula is a vet-formulated diet for dogs of all ages and breeds. Made without wheat, corn, or soy, this food features premium chicken, turkey, and lamb as its main protein sources. It also contains plenty of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids for your pup’s digestive and coat health.
While this diet makes many lists of the best yeast-free dog foods, it’s important to note that it does contain selenium yeast. If you are opting to avoid every form of yeast, this diet will not be suitable for your pooch. This diet also contains grain, so if you’re looking for a grain-free meal, consider one of our other recommendations.
Pros
- Rich in essential fatty acids
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Contains premium ingredients
Cons
- It contains selenium yeast
- Not for dogs allergic to grains
Why is Yeast in Dog Food?
Let’s talk about one of the most under-appreciated ingredients in dog foods – yeast. Yeast is a superfood, containing antioxidants, trace minerals, protein, and B vitamins. High-quality yeast helps to provide a nutritionally comprehensive diet that supports your dog’s growth and maintenance, hormone production, nutrient transportation, and immune function. Overall, if your dog has no health issues, yeast makes a fantastic addition to their meals.
Is Yeast Bad for Dogs?
Despite all of its benefits, yeast comes with some downsides as well. In most cases, the side effects of your dog consuming yeast are mild. The most common side effects in dogs are excess gas and bloating, which often go away when food without yeast is given instead. However, there are greater risks for dogs who are taking anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. It should also be avoided if your pooch is immunocompromised, prone to yeast infections, or is allergic to yeast. It’s also not advised for dogs with bowel diseases. Beyond these specific circumstances, there is little evidence to suggest that yeast in small doses is dangerous for healthy dogs.
The Different Types Of Yeast In Dog Food
Discuss the four different types of yeast found in dog food. In each type, explain whether it is beneficial or harmful for dogs. You may also add a measure or percentage of the right amount of yeast that dogs can consume.
Brewers Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is rich in B vitamins (namely B1, B2, B3, B5, B7, and B9) as well as antioxidants. As a result, brewer’s yeast supports healthy skin and hair, eyes, and liver function in our pets. The presence of B vitamins may also help to control and reduce anxiety in some dogs. It’s also high in chromium, selenium, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. These minerals are necessary for organ functions as well as your pup’s overall health.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast found in your local supermarket or natural food store. It has a strong nutty or cheesy flavor, making it a popular cheese substitute. Overall, fortified nutritional yeast provides vitamins B1 and B2, and B12. It also serves a healthy amount of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. You typically won’t find this type of yeast in commercial dog food, but some pet parents choose to add it as a topping to their pet’s meal.
Selenium Yeast
Your dog needs selenium in their diet. However, selenium can be toxic in excess. In your dog’s diet, selenium can come in its natural form, or in the form of sodium selenite. The natural form is produced by yeast and is known as selenomethionine. Based on human studies, this form is known to be less toxic. In any case, if you have concerns about selenium toxicity in your dog’s diet, simply look for diets containing selenium yeast rather than sodium selenite.
What to Look For in a Yeast-Free Dog Food?
There are several things to look for when choosing the best yeast-free dog food. Firstly, regardless of its yeast content, high-quality dog food should offer high-quality protein. Your dog’s protein should be highly digestible as well so that they get the most out of their meal. Be sure to avoid dog foods that do not specify the source of meat, or only use meat meals in their ingredients. The ideal diet will also be free from artificial flavorings, colors, and preservatives. It’s important that your pup gets a complete and balanced meal that meets all of its nutritional requirements. Consider your dog’s age, breed, and health when opting for a new diet for them. If you need any help, your vet can always assist!
Why Should I Consider Yeast-Free Dog Food?
Although yeast is generally healthy for your dog, not all dogs will benefit from yeast in their food. For example, dogs who are sensitive to yeast products in the first place should avoid diets containing yeast. Also, excessive yeast can cause abdominal and digestive discomfort, such as bloating and gas. For dogs with digestive problems, avoiding yeast may be a good course of action if they were eating too much beforehand – but always speak to your vet before coming to a decision. Some yeasts are also known to interfere with medication, so talk to your vet about your pooch’s diet whilst they take their medicine.
The best yeast-free dog food should offer high-quality ingredients that are also highly digestible. Always speak to your vet before making big changes to your pet’s diet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.