Brewers Yeast for Cats: Benefits and Risks

The product that causes the most controversy and conflicting opinions among experienced veterinarians is brewer’s yeast as a dietary supplement for cats and dogs. Some scientists believe that brewers yeast for cats has a beneficial effect on the body, while others warn of possible serious consequences. Many pet owners search for information about using brewers yeast for fleas as a natural way to support their cat’s or dog’s health. The beneficial and dangerous properties of brewer’s yeast for cats and dogs will be discussed in the article below. In general, the most common strain of brewer’s yeast for animals, which is found in dietary supplements, is usually S. Cervisia. This strain is more nutritious and beneficial than others.

The Main Benefits of Cats Consuming Brewer’s Yeast

Let’s first consider the main benefits of brewer’s yeast for cats. A number of American scientists claim that brewer’s yeast is a valuable source of B vitamins. This is a positive statement, as vitamins in this group have a similar effect on cats as they do on humans. First of all, they are responsible for the health of a cat’s coat, skin, and eyes, as well as promoting good metabolism and supporting the liver and nervous system.

So, they believe it is a good natural flea treatment for cats. It is important to know that cat food often lacks vitamin B1, which can sometimes cause irreparable damage to your pet’s health. Such a deficiency can cause seizures, impaired coordination, and even death.

Brewer’s Yeast as a Flea Treatment

Another interesting fact in the study of the benefits of brewer’s yeast for cats was expressed by veterinarian Dr. Richard Pitcairn. He claimed that it is important for cats to receive a certain dosage of yeast in their diet. He claims that this method can prevent flea infestation. However, this thesis was later refuted after it was found that daily consumption of 14 g of brewer’s yeast by cats and dogs for a month did not repel fleas and had no negative effect on them. Moreover, many cats are allergic to brewer’s yeast, which can be quite dangerous to their lives. Therefore, this food supplement for cats is sometimes not entirely useful.

Kinds of Brewer’s Yeast for Cats and Dosages

However, if you decide to add brewer’s yeast to your cat’s diet, this supplement is available in liquid, tablet, and powder form. Moreover, if you want to use this supplement as a flea repellent, you should choose a product with a high sulfur content. This repels fleas from cats. This type of yeast with sulfur is usually grown on molasses. The dosage varies individually, depending on the cat, but 1 teaspoon of brewers yeast for cats per day is considered universal. For the best dosage, it is better to consult with your veterinarian or follow the instructions.

Allergy Symptoms

Brewers yeast for cats is usually extracted after the brewing process as a by-product. As we mentioned, animals can often be allergic to it. This is primarily due to some animals’ intolerance to yeast in general. The main problem is usually that flavor enhancers are added to such yeast, to which animals may also react poorly and which can often be harmful to cats and dogs and even threaten the animal’s life.

The main symptoms of beer yeast allergy in cats can include: itchy skin, skin irritation (in various areas of the cat’s body), ear infections, gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing and coughing, and periodic wheezing. Additional allergy symptoms include weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, pale gums, red urine, decreased or absent muscle coordination, increased or excessive salivation, and rapid heartbeat. If you notice similar symptoms, you should immediately contact your veterinarian, as they can be life-threatening to your pet.

Causes of Yeast Allergy

One of the additives that manufacturers add to eliminate the unpleasant taste of brewer’s yeast is garlic. Yeast for cats with this ingredient is one of the most toxic for the health. The toxicity comes from N-propyl disulfide, an oxidizing agent known to destroy red blood cells. As a result, the animal develops anemia (low red blood cell count). Anemia causes a decrease in oxygen transfer to organs and tissues, leading to kidney damage and, ultimately, oxygen starvation and failure of all vital organs.

Diagnosis of Yeast Allergy

After detecting the first symptoms of beer yeast allergy, consult a doctor immediately. Diagnosis will primarily be carried out using laboratory tests. Next, the veterinarian will collect a complete medical history, where you will need to describe what medications were given to the cat and in what form. The cat will then be examined, and blood and tissue samples will be taken for laboratory testing.

The veterinarian will order blood tests to determine the presence of hemolytic anemia, as well as blood smear results to indicate oxidative toxicosis.

After that, the veterinarian will be able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment plan.

Treatment

If your cat has a confirmed allergy to brewer’s yeast, treatment is quite categorical: any sources of yeast, as well as foods containing garlic or onions, should be completely removed from the menu. Be sure to check the ingredients of any yeast supplements you have been giving your pet. If garlic or onions are among the ingredients, you should stop giving them immediately.

Since bone marrow continuously produces new red blood cells, once the toxic factor (onions, garlic, or yeast with such additives) is eliminated, the destructive effect on red blood cells ceases, and over time, their number returns to normal. If necessary, the veterinarian will prescribe supportive treatment: infusions for vomiting and diarrhea, external skin remedies, and other medications that can be used at home.

At the same time, it is important to provide the animal with the most peaceful conditions possible. Excessive emotions or physical exertion increase the body’s need for oxygen, and due to a lack of red blood cells, this need may not be met, creating a risk of fainting. So make sure your cat has a quiet, comfortable environment and offer it healthy, high-quality food that is completely free of onions, garlic, and brewer’s yeast.

Recovery of Yeast Allergy

In fact, recovery after such a diagnosis is possible, and often even without significant adverse health effects. However, this outcome is only possible if the problem is detected and treated in a timely manner. It is worse when the cat’s body is severely intoxicated. In this case, a blood transfusion may even be necessary to ensure normal oxygenation. Then the bone marrow replenishes the damaged red blood cells.

So if your pet is allergic to brewer’s yeast, you need to supplement your cat’s diet with nutrients from other sources. A consultation with a veterinarian will help you create a proper and balanced diet for your cat.

Please comment below if you give your cats brewer’s yeast as a dietary supplement and if you have encountered individual sensitivity to yeast in your pet.

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