The most common reason to use brewer’s yeast for dogs (or cats) is for its multitude of health and nutritional benefits. Brewer’s yeast is rich in essential nutrients like zinc and protein, making it a perfect nutritional supplement for pet fur and skin. While it’s important to make sure your little friend has a healthy coat of hair and nice skin, brewer’s yeast actually has numerous benefits.
1. Skin conditioning and shedding control
Perhaps the most common reason to give your dog or cat yeast is to improve the health of their skin and coat. One of the key nutritional components of most brewer’s yeast supplements is biotin. Biotin is very important for healthy skin and a healthy coat. Another essential nutrient is zinc, which also supports healthy skin.
2. Other ingredients provide additional health benefits
Most yeast supplements for dogs come with additional ingredients, such as garlic, that provide more nutritional benefits for your pets’ skin and coat, as well as helping other major problems like digestion. Brewer’s yeast formula is often high in certain proteins, amino acids, and phosphorous.
3. Good nutrition makes a pet happy and active
The old saying “happy wife, happy life” can also be applied to pets. Have you ever seen that TV show on Discovery Channel about the dog whisperer? Unhappy animals can make the owner very stressed. Supplements like yeast help provide a more nutritionally balanced pet, which in turn equates to a more active and happy pet.
4. Brewer’s yeast for dogs can help dogs with digestive problems
The most common use of yeast for dogs, as detailed above, is for healthy skin and coat; however, yeast is also a recommended supplement to help with digestive problems in swamps.
5. Brewer’s yeast can help control fleas
Pet owners are highly searching for natural flea control remedies, especially those who are reluctant to use chemicals or traditional medicines to prevent fleas from infesting their pets. Yeast creates a subtle odor on pet fur (not noticeable by humans) that deters fleas.
While yeast may sound like the ‘magic blue pill’ to your pet, remember that it is also best to consult with a veterinarian before starting a new nutritional or supplemental routine with your animal. It is important to understand that pet nutrition is a comprehensive topic and involves a calculated balance of different formulas. While yeast is rich in certain proteins and amino acids, it is often recommended that pet owners supplement it with calcium to balance the phosphorus and cod liver oil (for vitamin A and vitamin D) which helps the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
