The “Dorito Smell” Explained

A Myco Pet Guide to Yeast Overgrowth & Gut Imbalance

At Myco Pet, we help pet parents understand why symptoms happen — not just how to mask them. One of the most common signals we hear about is the “corn chip smell” coming from paws or ears.

It often seems harmless or quirky, but this scent tells us something important about what’s happening inside your dog’s body.

The odor is caused by yeast overgrowth — and while it shows up on the skin, it usually begins in the gut–immune system. 💙

Why Yeast Overgrowth Happens

Yeast is a normal part of the skin microbiome.
The issue isn’t the yeast being there — it’s when it overgrows.

Overgrowth is typically triggered by:

• Microbiome imbalance in the gut
  
• Immune overactivation
  
• Stress or dietary change
  
• Inflammation cycles
  

So while paw wipes or ear solutions may help temporarily, the root cause is internal.

Common Signs of Yeast Imbalance

• Paw licking or chewing
  
• Red or irritated toes
  
• Brown or waxy ear buildup
  
• Musty or “Dorito” scent
  
• Flaky or itchy skin
  
• Recurrent ear infections
  

If the smell goes away and returns — that’s a sign the microbiome is cycling between balance and imbalance.

Supporting Balance From the Inside Out

Long-term relief comes from helping the body find internal stability:

• Support the gut microbiome with prebiotics + probiotics
  
• Introduce functional mushrooms to promote immune balance
  
• Choose anti-inflammatory whole-food ingredients
  
• Rinse paws after outdoor exposure to remove environmental triggers

For external comfort during flare-ups, PROTECT Spray can help calm irritation while the gut rebalances internally.

Final Thoughts — The Body Is Always Communicating 💙

The “Dorito smell” isn’t something to shrug off — it’s the body asking for support.
When we help the gut find balance, the skin and ears follow.

At Myco Pet, we believe:

When we support the gut, we support the whole dog — skin, comfort, confidence, and peace. 💙