Brewer's yeast

What is brewer's yeast?

Brewer's yeast is a fungus that is produced during the fermentation of beer. It is skimmed off the surface of the beer after the brewing process and dried. Brewer's yeast is a natural source of many vitamins, especially from the B complex, such as B1, B2, B5, B6, B12 and folic acid. It also contains important amino acids that are needed to build protein in the body. It also provides minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper and zinc as well as fiber.

What are the benefits of brewer's yeast for dogs?

Brewer's yeast can support your dog's health in various ways:

• It promotes skin and coat health by stimulating the production of keratin. Keratin is a protein that is responsible for the structure and shine of skin and hair. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can soothe skin irritations.
• It strengthens the immune system by activating the immune cells and promoting the formation of antibodies. As a result, it can prevent infections or accelerate the healing process.
• It improves the intestinal flora by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria and combating harmful germs. As a result, it can reduce digestive problems such as diarrhea or flatulence and improve the absorption of nutrients.
• It regulates blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and improving glucose utilization. It can therefore prevent diabetes or support its treatment.
• It has an antioxidant effect by neutralizing free radicals and preventing cell damage. As a result, it can slow down the ageing process and prevent chronic diseases.

What are the disadvantages of brewer's yeast for dogs?

Brewer's yeast is generally well tolerated and has few side effects. However, there are some situations in which you should be careful:

• If your dog is allergic to yeast or other ingredients in brewer's yeast, you should not feed it. Possible symptoms include itching, skin rash, breathing difficulties or gastrointestinal problems.
• If your dog has a fungal infection or is susceptible to it, you should not give them brewer's yeast. This is because the yeast fungi can promote the growth of other fungi and make the infection worse.
• If your dog has an ear infection or is susceptible to it, you should also avoid brewer's yeast. This is because the yeast fungi can colonize the ear canal and exacerbate the inflammation.

How do you dose brewer's yeast correctly for your dog?

Brewer's yeast is available to buy in various forms, for example as a powder, flakes or tablets. You can simply mix it into your dog's food or give it as a treat. The correct dosage depends on your dog's weight. A general recommendation is:

• For dogs up to 10 kg : 1 g brewer's yeast per day
• For dogsfrom 10 to 20 kg: 2 g brewer's yeast per day
• For dogs over 20 kg: 3 g brewer's yeast per day

You should increase the dosage slowly and observe your dog's tolerance. If you are unsure how much brewer's yeast you should give your dog, you can consult your vet.