Natural Foods to Fight Bacterial Infections in Dogs

Posted By Ayda Hornak on May 2023

Because Bacteria Doesn’t Belong in Your Dog

If you’ve ever dealt with a bacterial infection in your dog, whether it’s itchy skin, ear gunk, runny poos, or that funky smell you can’t quite place, then you’ll know it’s no picnic (for you or your pup). And while a vet visit is always step one, there’s plenty we can do at home to support recovery naturally.

Some everyday foods and herbs have incredible antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. And when you add them to your dog’s diet (the safe ones, of course), you're not just filling a bowl, you’re building a stronger, healthier dog from the inside out.

We have more info on foods for dogs and cats:

Pet Nutrition Guide: What to Feed Your Dog or Cat

Natural Remedies for Common Dog and Cat Health Issues

Balanced Diet for Dogs: A Real Food Guide to Better Health

Let’s dive into nature’s version of backup troops.

Natural Foods to Fight Bacterial Infections in Dogs and Cats

Before we begin, it's important to note that some bacterial infections may require medical treatment such as antibiotics to fully eliminate the infection.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

This gentle herb is the calm and clear friend in your dog’s wellness squad. Lemon balm doesn’t just soothe stress, it’s also got a natural antibacterial punch, thanks to compounds like rosmarinic acid and eugenol. Basically: calm dog, stronger immune system.

How we use it:
You could brew a little tea, but we like it already blended into a supplement for convenience and consistent dosing. Hello CALM – Anxiety Aid, especially great for dogs who are anxious and prone to flare-ups.

Lemon Balm for dogs Natural Foods to Fight Bacterial Infections in Dogs

Turmeric

Turmeric is that golden spice you’ve probably got tucked in the pantry, but it’s also a bit of a superhero. It’s been used for centuries to calm inflammation, fight off bacteria, and help the body heal. We’re big fans.

How to use it:
A pinch of organic turmeric powder in meals (start small) or use a supplement that’s already balanced for dogs. Turmeric is found in MOBILITY, DIGEST, and RELIEF, for joint health, sensitive stomachs, and flarey, itchy skin.

Ginger

Ginger isn’t just great in stir-fry, it’s a gut-soothing powerhouse. It helps settle upset tummies, supports digestion, and has antimicrobial properties that can help take the edge off infection-driven inflammation.

How we use it:
Fresh ginger (peeled and grated) in small amounts is fine, but honestly? We prefer when it’s already measured out in a supplement like DIGEST – Gut Health – our go-to gut blend for everything from loose poos to nervous bellies.

Green Tea

No, we’re not suggesting you start pouring matcha into your dog’s water bowl. But green tea does have natural antimicrobial powers that can help support your pup’s immune system. Plus, it’s calming, ideal for stressed dogs who are also prone to skin flare-ups or gut upsets.

How we use it:
As part of a calming supplement like CALM, because anxious dogs need both peace and protection.with dog-safe levels.

PetWell CALM supplement and treats for cat and dog anxiety banner

Apple Cider Vinegar

The old-school classic. ACV is antibacterial, helps balance gut pH, and can even be used topically for minor skin issues. Just don’t go overboard, it’s strong stuff.

How we use it:
A splash (diluted 1:1 with water) in food or water.

Fish & Novel Proteins

Sometimes, what your dog doesn’t need is as important as what they do. Novel proteins like crocodile and omega-rich fish like green lipped mussels and salmon are anti-inflammatory, low-reactivity, and packed with immune-boosting nutrients.

How we use it:
Use as a treat, or serve as a protein topper to boost skin, joint, and gut support.

Try PetWell freeze-dried range:

✔️ Sardines
✔️ Salmon Fillets
✔️ Green-Lipped Mussels
✔️ Crocodile

They’re single-ingredient, raw, and a solid 10/10 from even the fussiest dogs we know. Read more on the benefits of Omega 3's for dogs.

Probiotics

Think of probiotics as the gut’s peacekeepers. They crowd out the bad guys (like unfriendly bacteria) and support digestion, immunity, and overall resilience, especially after antibiotics.

How we use it:
You could add yoghurt or kefir, but if your dog’s sensitive or you want precision? Supplements are easier. Try DIGEST – which combines probiotics with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients for full gut harmony.

Here is more on the topic of Best Probiotics and Supplements for Dog Gut Health

Pet Supplements for Dog and Cat PetWell Australia

Why Supporting the Immune System Matters (a lot)

Here’s the truth: your dog’s immune system is their first line of defence, the internal army that fights off invading bacteria before things get messy. But when that system’s run down (from stress, poor diet, or chronic inflammation), it’s like leaving the front gate wide open... and the bad guys are more than happy to walk right in.

Bacteria loves chaos. Once they take hold, they can cause:

Ongoing ear infections or itchy skin
Digestive flare-ups and diarrhoea
Sluggishness, poor healing, and recurring illness
Systemic issues if the infection spreads unchecked

And here’s the kicker: if your dog’s immune system doesn’t step in early, you’re often stuck in a cycle of antibiotics, gut disruption, and rebound infections. Not fun. For anyone.

That’s why supporting the immune system isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Especially during or after a bacterial infection, or if your dog is prone to flare-ups, stress, or allergies.

PetWell Picks That Support Immunity

Supporting the immune system isn’t just helpful, it’s essential

RELIEF – Allergy, Skin + Coat

This is our go-to for dogs with skin flare-ups, seasonal allergies, or who just can’t seem to stop scratching. It’s packed with natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric, moringa, spirulina, and omega-3s that help calm the immune response without shutting it down. That means less overreaction, and better overall defence.

Think of it as immune support with a side of skin glow-up with RELIEF.

CALM – Anxiety Aid

Here’s something most people don’t realise: stress suppresses the immune system. So if your dog is anxious, reactive, or constantly on edge, they’re actually more vulnerable to infection. CALM helps bring their nervous system into balance with lemon balm, green tea, naturally occurring L-theanine, and L-tryptophan, while offering gentle immune support from herbs like lemon balm and chamomile.

A calm dog is a healthier dog, and CALM helps get them there.

Final Thoughts: Real Food, Real Defence

You don’t need a full herb garden or pantry overhaul to help your dog bounce back from a bacterial blip. A few smart additions, can offer real support.

And if you’re already using PetWell supplements or freeze-dried treats? You’re probably ahead of the game.

Sometimes the best medicine doesn’t come in a bottle, it comes from what you put in the bowl.

The Science Behind It

Don’t just take our word for it, here are some evidence-based studies for you to review.

Turmeric

"Curcumin: A Review of Its' Effects on Human Health." (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29231879/)
"Curcumin ameliorates lead-induced hepatic toxicity by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, and modulating apoptotic pathways in rats." (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32371187/)

Apple cider vinegar

"Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression." (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29091513/)
"A Review on the Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar on Microbial Pathogens, Cancer, and Cardiovascular Diseases." (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31830670/)

Lemon Balm

eugenol found in Lemon Balm calms muscle tension and kills bacteria (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1934578X1000501236)"
Antimicrobial activity of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) extracts. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23833567/

Ginger

"Ginger: An Overview of Health Benefits." (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/)
"Gingerols and shogaols: Important nutraceutical principles from ginger." (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27026870/)

Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.

Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care

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