Pros and Cons of Brewer’s Yeast For Dogs

person holding silver round container with brown powder

Key points

  • Brewer’s yeast is a common food additive that can have many positive effects on humans and animals;
  • Brewer’s yeast contains many nutrients, antioxidants, and B vitamins which can improve your pet’s digestive functions, help maintain steady blood sugar levels, and have a positive effect on various skin and liver conditions;
  • A combination of brewer’s yeast and garlic can be used as a preventative measure against insect bites in dogs;
  • It’s best to consult with a qualified vet who can determine the correct brewer’s yeast dosage for your pet by taking your pet’s weight, age, and health conditions into account.

Every caring pet owner wants only the best for their doggo. However, it is essential to be careful about the diets of our four-legged friends to avoid doing more harm than good. In this article, we address the topic of brewer’s yeast as a food additive for dogs. Find out more below.

What is Brewer’s Yeast?

Before considering adding brewer’s yeast to your dog’s diet, it is vital to understand the origin of this supplement, its nature, and its potential uses in food. Brewer’s yeast is made from a common yeast species called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This organism has been used for human consumption for many centuries. In fact, it is still used today in the production of beer, fermented foods, and even medicine. At the same time, brewer’s yeast is an excellent source of nutrients, B vitamins, antioxidants, chromium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium. Naturally, it has been used as a food additive for humans because of its implied health benefits, including blood sugar level regulation.

brown powder on white surface

Brewer’s yeast usually looks like a flaky yellow substance. Humans consume this supplement in many forms, including powder that can be added to beverages, such as milk. Brewer’s yeast for dogs usually comes in the form of a pill or a powder that can be added to the dog’s kibble. When choosing what type of brewer’s yeast to give to your dog, it is crucial to consider each alternative, including brewer’s yeast pills for dogs.

Benefits of Brewer’s Yeast For Dogs

The benefits of brewer’s yeast for dogs result from its characteristics and contents. In particular, its high chromium content helps maintain blood sugar levels in dogs. On the other hand, various antioxidants can help your dog’s coat look shinier while improving the pet’s overall skin health. Furthermore, B vitamins reduce the animal’s stress levels, contributing to their overall health.

brown round food on white ceramic plate

Yeast pills and brewer’s yeast powder for dogs may also serve as a repellent against various biting insects, such as fleas and ticks. Recent studies also suggest that brewer’s yeast and garlic are effective in repelling ticks and fleas in dogs. In addition, dried brewer’s yeast can also positively affect the dogs’ eyes, hair, and liver function because of its rich mineral content. Similarly, microorganisms found in brewer’s yeast can aid digestion, while the protein found in the substance can help maintain the animal’s muscle mass.

Risks and Side Effects of Yeast For Dogs

The primary source of risk associated with brewer’s yeast for dogs relates to its excess intake. If you follow the guidance of a certified medical professional and give your pet only moderate amounts of the supplement, you should not experience any issues. Consulting a veterinarian will allow you to implement brewer’s yeast tablets for your pet as part of a healthy diet and a balanced nutritional plan. This recommendation is particularly vital if your pet has any health conditions that require it to take medications or supplements. For example, antianxiety and antidepressant drugs do not interact well with brewer’s yeast.

black and white short coated dog

Potential allergic reactions caused by the addition of brewer’s yeast to the diet require specific attention. Dogs may also suffer from gas as a side effect of yeast intake, especially when the dosage does not account for the weight of an animal. Thus, a small dosage is preferable to avoid gastroenterological issues and maintain a healthy diet for a dog.

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FAQ

Is brewer’s yeast good for dogs?

There is sufficient evidence supporting the positive effects of brewer’s yeast for dogs. However, it is essential to consider potential side effects, monitor the pet’s condition, and consult a veterinarian before adding yeast tablets to your dog’s diet.

How much brewer’s yeast should I give to my dog?

The average recommended serving size of brewer’s yeast is one tablespoon, which is equal to 0.5 ounces or 14 grams, per day mixed with food. It is possible to moisten the yeast to facilitate its ingestion. However, it is crucial to consider each animal’s individual needs based on its characteristics, such as weight, health condition, age, and more. You should always consult a vet before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet.

How does brewer’s yeast help dogs?

Brewer’s yeast is an excellent source of vitamins, amino acids, nutrients, and minerals. Adding this supplement to your pet’s diet can help improve its skin condition, digestion, and blood sugar levels. Yeast tablets for dogs may also serve as a repellent against ticks and fleas, especially when mixed with garlic.

How long does it take for brewer’s yeast to work?

Regular addition of brewer’s yeast to your pet’s food should provide results within 8-12 weeks, with the initial positive effects visible after a month.