Brewer’s Yeast for Dogs: What Is It and Can Dogs Have It?
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When it comes to your dog’s health and well-being, you might think about nutritional supplements to add to their daily routine. There are many choices for your pup, and one option is brewer’s yeast.
As with any other nutritional supplements, if you are looking to add brewer’s yeast to your dog’s diet, it’s very important to ensure it is safe.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about brewer's yeast for dogs, and how to safely give it to your pup.
What Is Brewer’s Yeast?
While you might think that brewer’s yeast is only used in making beer, it’s also an increasingly popular nutritional supplement for people and some pets.
Brewer’s yeast is a one-celled fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and it’s a by-product of the beer brewing industry.
This means that once beer is made, the brewer’s yeast that is left over is collected and then used as an ingredient in supplements as well as in dog food. It’s now also manufactured on its own.
Brewer’s yeast has been used for many centuries for its positive health effects and natural medicinal properties. In addition to vitamins E and C, it’s rich in the following B vitamins:
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B1
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B2
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B3
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B5
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B6
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B7
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B9
It's also high in protein (amino acids) and minerals such as selenium, potassium, chromium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
If you are looking for vitamin B12—an essential vitamin found in most dog food—it’s NOT in brewer’s yeast.
Can You Give a Dog Brewer’s Yeast?
Yes!
Brewer’s yeast has many benefits and can be given to dogs if it’s properly prepared and is of the right concentration. Look for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal on the packaging to make sure that the brewer’s yeast supplement is of high quality.
It’s important to discuss any new supplements with your veterinarian before giving them to your pet, because there are certain health conditions that would make brewer’s yeast unsafe for your dog.
Dogs that have a compromised immune system, yeast allergies, or those prone to yeast infections should not take brewer’s yeast supplements.
Dogs on certain medications—such as those for cognitive dysfunction (selegiline) or to treat anxiety—should not take a brewer’s yeast supplement.
Human brewer’s yeast products should never be given to dogs, as they likely will not be the right quality and can have other ingredients that are harmful to them.
Thankfully, there are plenty of NASC-approved brewer's yeast products that pet parents can give their pups.
How Much Brewer’s Yeast Can You Give to a Dog?
Follow the instructions on the product label and speak to your veterinarian to know exactly how much brewer’s yeast to give your specific pup.
Brewer’s yeast can be found in dog food, treats, and nutritional supplements, such as:
While they might be helpful to your dog, vitamin and mineral supplements (including brewer’s yeast) are not needed if your dog is fed an AAFCO-approved diet that’s right for their age group (puppy, adult, senior).
Brewer’s yeast comes as a dried powder that's no longer a living organism.
This powder can be used as is or it can be made into chews or tablets. As with any supplement, make sure that it has the NASC approval seal and that it’s specifically made for dogs.
Benefits of Brewer’s Yeast for Dogs
A few benefits of brewer’s yeast for dogs include:
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Promotes healthy skin (helps itchy, dry skin and soothes any irritation)
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Helps build strong nails
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Helps creates a shiny haircoat
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Helps boost liver and immune function as well as eye health
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Source of high fiber to aid healthy digestion
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Has many B vitamins
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May reduce anxiety
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Converts nutrients in food to usable energy
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Enhances brain function
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Helps produce antibodies to fight disease
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Has essential amino acids and protein to build lean muscle mass
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Boosts flavor and palatability when added to dog food
Side Effects of Brewer’s Yeast for Dogs
Side effects can occur with any supplement, medication, or even food.
A common side effect of brewer’s yeast for dogs is stomach upset such as excess gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. These effects often clear up over a few days as your dog’s digestive system gets used to this supplementation.
Since brewer’s yeast has protein, it’s not recommended for dogs with kidney disease, as their diet should be protein-restricted.
If your dog is given a human supplement or they eat an overdose of brewer’s yeast, call your veterinarian right away or call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661) for guidance.
Brewer’s yeast is high in calories (80 calories per ounce), which should be considered with dogs that are overweight or obese or prone to being overweight.
Brewer’s Yeast for Dogs FAQs
Can brewer’s yeast cause itching in dogs?
Brewer’s yeast should not cause itching in dogs unless they have an intolerance to one of its ingredients.
Brewer’s yeast has been shown to be helpful for itchy, dry skin because it has nutrients important for the skin’s natural barriers.
How much brewer’s yeast can you give a dog?
The amount of brewer’s yeast depends on the specific product you are using.
It's best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label to know how much brewer’s yeast to give your dog. If you are unsure how much to give, consult with your dog’s veterinarian.
Can a dog have too much brewer’s yeast?
Yes, dogs can have too much brewer’s yeast. In supplements with garlic, too much would cause a serious garlic toxicity, which can be fatal.
If your dog eats too much brewer’s yeast, you should seek veterinary attention right away or consult with the Pet Poison Helpline.
References
Rummell LM, Steele MA, Templeman JR, et al. A proof of principle study investigating the effects of supplemental concentrated brewer's yeast on markers of gut permeability, inflammation, and fecal metabolites in healthy non-challenged adult sled dogs. Journal of Animal Science. 2022;100(11):skac281.
