Let’s keep this simple. For over 20 years I’ve been using brewer’s dried yeast to prevent fleas on my dogs and cats – AND IT WORKS GREAT (except for those years that I didn’t start it early enough). If you want a FLEA-FREE SUMMER for your pets, you should get brewer’s dried yeast ASAP from a pet store near you. We don’t sell brewer’s yeast at Alywillow, although we do have amazing products to fight mosquitoes (Native Shield) and ticks (Fortify) - just contact us if you want more information about those.
Start in Early Spring
Early Spring is the right time to start the battle! For this to be effective, you must start your pet on brewer’s yeast BEFORE the fleas are a problem. If you wait until your pet gets fleas, you have waited too long! This happened to me a few years ago, and no matter how much brewer’s yeast I gave my pets, it didn’t work. I eventually covered the dogs and the house in diatomaceous earth for a few days (and repeated every 3 weeks) to stop the breeding cycle. The vet also offered some pretty expensive options (that sometimes work).
Which brand is best?
I’ve used many different brands of brewer’s yeast over the years with the same positive results. The brand I’m currently using suggests two tablets for every 10 lbs of weight, however we only do ½ tablet daily for each 10 lbs, because my dogs have sensitive stomachs. Every brand is a little different, so make sure to read the label and adjust the amount if needed for your dogs and cats.
It's so easy!
By the way, my dogs love the way it tastes! I give it to them as a treat every morning before breakfast. My cat, Calcifer, is a bit more finicky, so I add a ½ tablet to the top of her food and wham - she eats it every time!
Still have questions?
We aren’t experts concerning dogs (we are focused on human care), so always ask your vet if you’re not sure. Share this with your friends because flea prevention can be really easy!
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Also, here is some more information from Petguide.com
What is Brewer’s Yeast?
Brewer’s yeast is made from a type of yeast/fungus called saccharomyces cerevisiae, and because it is rich in a variety of nutrients, chromium, selenium, protein, and several B-complex vitamins, brewer’s yeast has several health benefits for dogs. One of the most notable benefits is related to the chromium content found in brewer’s yeast. Chromium is a trace element that helps to maintain blood sugar levels in the body. Brewer’s yeast is also rich in antioxidants which can make your dog’s skin healthier and his coat shinier. If your dog tends to suffer from itchy, dry skin, brewer’s yeast may be helpful. This supplement can also help to reduce stress and to calm nerves due to its high concentration of B-complex vitamins.
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Tips for Using Brewer’s Yeast
The rule of thumb to follow when giving your dog brewer’s yeast is to give no more than one tablet or one teaspoon per day. The exact dosage recommended will vary depending on your dog’s weight, so follow the instructions on the package. It is also important to note that some dogs may be allergic to yeast. If your dog is allergic he will likely develop dry, itchy skin and possibly a rash. If this happens stop supplementation, and wait for the rash to clear up. If the rash clears, do not give your dog any more brewer’s yeast. If the rash continues, however, it is likely due to some other cause, and you should take your dog to the vet.
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A Few Things to Consider Before Giving Your Dog Brewer’s Yeast
As with any other supplement that you are thinking about adding to your dog’s diet, it’s a great idea to consult with your veterinarian prior to adding brewer’s yeast to the mix. You’ll want to know that brewer’s yeast is safe for your unique pooch and his needs, especially if he has been diagnosed with a health condition or he’s taking medications or other supplements. For example, certain anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications might not interact well with brewer’s yeast. Also, if your pooch has been diagnosed with yeast allergies or if he’s prone to developing yeast infections, the brewer’s yeast should be avoided. Experts recommend that you avoid giving brewer’s yeast to a dog that is immunocompromised.
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As mentioned above, the amount of brewer’s yeast that you should add to your dog’s diet will depend upon his or her weight. However, in big dogs the higher amount of brewer’s yeast that would be necessary in order to be beneficial may also cause unwanted side effects. For example, the brewer’s yeast dose for a large dog might result in symptoms like intestinal upset or an upset stomach. Therefore, canines that have been diagnosed with any type of bowel disease, as well as dogs that have colitis, shouldn’t be given brewer’s yeast.
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Large dogs aren’t the only ones that might suffer from side effects after taking brewer’s yeast. All dogs might experience gas as a side effect as well, so this is worth considering before you give your pooch this supplement, especially if your pet, regardless of his size, is prone to digestive problems.
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Also, when shopping for a brewer’s yeast product, look for the highest quality options that are sold by reputable brands. Your veterinarian might be able to point you in the right direction in this regard. Read the label carefully, checking for any other ingredients that have been added to the yeast. You’ll want to avoid any brewer’s yeast product that contains other ingredients that won’t agree with your dog.
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Finally, it’s also important to know this yeast can be high in calories. There are roughly 80 kilocalories in just an ounce, but if the brewer’s yeast has been mixed with an omega-3 oil or other ingredients, there would be even more calories than that. Therefore, if your dog is having trouble maintaining a healthy weight or if you are hoping to help your dog lose some weight, you need to take this into consideration. When determining your dog’s daily caloric needs, add in the calories that he is getting from the brewer’s yeast supplement to ensure he’s not eating an excessive number of calories.
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If, on the other hand, you have a healthy adult pooch and you and your vet have concluded that brewer’s yeast can serve as a helpful supplement to his high-quality diet, you can give him a small dose to allow the benefits of the brewer’s yeast to take hold.
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In Conclusion…
Brewer’s yeast can provide several nutritional benefits for your dog. Not only can it improve his skin and coat health, but it may help to calm nerves and maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce infestations. To get your pet started on brewer’s yeast head to the pet store, and look for brewer’s yeast tablets of the right dosage for your dog’s size.