Ear Infections in Dogs – Why Nutrition Plays a Key Role

Ear Infections in Dogs – Why Nutrition Plays a Key Role

Why Nutrition Matters in Ear Infections

Happy Dog Skin & Coat Health Ear infections (Otitis externa) are one of the most common health issues seen in veterinary practice. They cause itching, redness, shaking, and unpleasant odour — but often, they’re a sign of something deeper. Chronic ear infections in dogs are rarely just “local problems”; they’re usually symptoms of an underlying skin or allergy issue, often linked to diet and the immune system.

By improving nutrition and skin health through a carefully chosen hypoallergenic dog food or novel protein dog food, we can often reduce the frequency and severity of ear infections — making diet one of the most important tools in long-term management.

Why Ear Infections Develop

There are several contributing factors to ear inflammation in dogs:

  • Allergies – The most common cause, whether due to food, pollen, or dust mites.
  • Breed Predisposition – Breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, and French Bulldogs are prone due to narrower ear canals or increased wax production.
  • Moisture & Hygiene – Frequent swimming, over-cleaning, or inappropriate ear products can disturb the natural ear environment.
  • Secondary Infections – Bacteria and yeasts like Malassezia often take advantage of already inflamed ears, worsening symptoms.
Recurrent ear infections often indicate a food or environmental allergy. In such cases, changing your dog’s diet can make a significant difference.

The Link Between Skin Health and the Ears

Ear canal skin functions just like the rest of your dog’s skin — it acts as a barrier. When that barrier becomes inflamed or damaged, allergens and microbes can penetrate easily, causing repeated infections. Nutrition plays a key role in restoring this barrier and maintaining resilience.

Essential fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, E, and B-complex all help rebuild healthy skin. These nutrients are crucial to stabilising the immune response and strengthening the skin’s natural defence system — including inside the ears.

Feeding for Healthy Skin and Ears

Our Happy Dog Africa recipe is a premium novel protein dog food using ostrich — a rare, low-allergen meat that’s ideal for dogs with ear, skin, or digestion sensitivities. It’s a complete single protein dog food designed to calm inflammation, support the skin barrier, and promote long-term balance.

  • Made with ostrich as the sole protein source to reduce allergen exposure.
  • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory skin support.
  • Enriched with zinc, biotin, and vitamins A & E to strengthen the skin and ear barrier.
  • Gluten-free and highly digestible, suitable for elimination diets or ongoing hypoallergenic feeding.
Happy Dog Africa provides all the benefits of a vet-level diet with a naturally balanced, gentle recipe built around a rare protein.

Novel Proteins — A Natural Alternative for Sensitive Dogs

For dogs that need variety or rotation alongside Africa, switching between other novel protein dog food options — like kangaroo, goat, or horse — can help reduce sensitivity and support a calm, balanced immune system.

Our Happy Dog Sensible Pure wet food range is made with 100% pure meat and nothing else — no soya, no added sugar, and no artificial colours or preservatives — ideal for elimination diet rotations or maintenance feeding.

  • Wet Food Options
  • Wet Kangaroo – gentle and lean, ideal for dogs with recurring ear or skin issues.
  • Wet Ostrich – a hypoallergenic protein that supports a calm, healthy skin barrier.
  • Wet Goat – nutrient-dense and soothing for sensitive skin.
  • Wet Horse (Montana) – made with 100% pure horse meat for targeted elimination diets.
  • Dry Food Options
  • Dry Ostrich (Africa) – complete and hypoallergenic diet using ostrich as the sole protein source.
  • Dry Horse – formulated for long-term tolerance and skin health maintenance.
Rotating between novel proteins such as ostrich, kangaroo, and horse helps prevent new sensitivities while maintaining balanced nutrition and healthy skin.

In Summary

Chronic ear problems often signal that the immune system and skin barrier are under strain. Feeding a hypoallergenic dog food or single protein dog food rich in omega-3s, zinc, and rare proteins like ostrich can reduce the risk of recurring ear inflammation. For elimination or long-term management, Happy Dog Africa provides a natural, balanced way to nourish sensitive dogs.

With the right food and veterinary guidance, your dog’s ears can stay clean, comfortable, and healthy long-term.

Help your dog find relief from recurring ear issues with our novel protein and hypoallergenic diets — or start with a free trial pack to test Happy Dog Africa as part of an elimination diet.

Shop Skin & Allergy Diets
Back to blog