If you're on the hunt for a natural flea treatment or researching pet supplements, you may have come across brewers yeast for dogs. While using brewer's yeast may seem like a simple way to repel fleas or get rid of a flea infestation, brewer's yeast isn't all it's cracked up to be.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What is brewer's yeast
- Is brewer's yeast safe for dogs
- Can you use brewer's yeast tablets for fleas
- 5 benefits of brewer's yeast for dogs
What is brewer's yeast
Brewers yeast is a type of yeast used in beer and bread fermentation. It's made from saccharomyces cerevisiae, and is sometimes used as a dietary supplement for humans, dogs, and cats.
In recent years, brewer's yeast has become a common ingredient in commercial dog food. Brewer's yeast is also found as powder or in chewable tablets to supplement your dog's wet or dry food diet.
What does brewer's yeast do
Pet parents use chewable tablets of brewer's yeast or brewer's yeast powder to support their dog's immune system and overall health. Brewer's yeast is also commonly used as a natural flea treatment in the summer months.
Is brewers yeast safe for dogs
Brewers yeast is safe for some dogs, when given in the correct dosage for intermittent or supplemental feeding. However, brewers yeast is not safe for dogs who:
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have yeast infections
- Take medications
- Suffer from yeast allergies
Side effects of brewers yeast
In order for brewer's yeast to be effective, your dog would need a dose appropriate for their body weight. The larger your dog is, the more brewers yeast they need to feel any health benefits or side effects.
The most common side effects of brewers yeast for dogs include:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Inflammatory bowel disease
In large breed dogs, the amount of brewers yeast needed to have any positive health effects can cause gastric upset. Brewers yeast can also interact with some anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications in dogs.
In tablet form, brewer's yeast may contain added garlic flavoring or garlic, omega-3 oils, or other ingredients like:
- Ascorbic acid
- Stearic acid
- Coconut oil
- Magnesium stearate
- Thiamine mononitrate
- Vitamin C
The risk of garlic for dogs
Garlic and garlic flavoring can be toxic to dogs and cats when served in large amounts. Garlic contains thiosulfate, which damages red blood cells.
Recent studies of brewers yeast's effect on fleas included mixing brewer's yeast with garlic flavoring. However, the amount of garlic needed to have an effect on repelling fleas was dangerous for large dogs.
Can you use brewers yeast tablets for fleas
The truth is, none of the vitamins and minerals in brewers yeast are proven to repel fleas and ticks on their own. It's best to protect your dog from fleas with veterinarian-formulated flea and tick prevention. Pet parents can also use a flea comb to remove dead fleas from their dog's coat.
It's possible that brewer's yeast mixed with vitamins and minerals or other ingredients may be effective. But, not all dogs will have a positive effect on fleas from brewers yeast.
5 benefits of brewers yeast for dogs
It's not uncommon for pet parents to give their dog brewer's yeast. Here are some benefits of using brewer's yeas to supplement your dog's diet.
1. It is full of B vitamins.
B vitamins and B complex vitamins are essential to many dogs' and pets' health. Brewers yeast is full of B vitamins, including Vitamin B, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9 that support:
- Red blood cell production
- Brain function
- Digestion
- Eye health
- Hair and skin health
- Liver function
B vitamins may also reduce anxiety in dogs. B vitamins are also good sources of antioxidants including niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin.
2. It contains essential minerals.
Brewers yeast also contains minerals found in new supplements that support dogs' and cats' health. The minerals in brewers yeast formulas include iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Iron
Iron is helpful for growth and development in dogs. Iron also supports red blood cells and helps maintain enzyme functions.
Zinc
Zinc helps support hormones and cognitive function. Similar to humans, zinc also contains essential fatty acids that promote healthy skin in dogs.
Magnesium
Magnesium supports muscle function. It also helps maintain blood glucose levels.
3. It promotes a healthy skin and coat on dogs.
Brewer's yeast is popular among pet parents because it promotes healthy skin and improves coat health on dogs. But, there are plenty of supplements out there to help maintain your dog's glossy coat.
If you have a German Shepherd or another dog breed with a double coat, using other remedies like coconut oil or a multivitamin supplement are better options. If your dog is suffering from skin issues caused by fleas, consult your doctor of veterinary medicine or purchase a flea killer immediately.
4. It supports lean muscle mass.
The B vitamins, protein, and amino acids in brewers yeast for dogs support lean muscle mass. The B complex vitamins in brewer’s yeast also help convert nutrients in your dog's food into energy.
5. It can make food more appealing to dogs.
Adding brewers yeast to your dog's food may make it tastier for your pup. If your dog is a picky eater, adding brewers yeast formula may entice them to try new foods.
If you try brewers yeast tablets, be sure you know how much to give your dog based on their weight. And, talk to your veterinarian before adding brewers yeast to your dog's diet.