Are you worried that your pup gobbled up some of the nutritional yeast from your kitchen counter? If this is the case – then don’t worry. Nutritional yeast is not harmful to canines. In fact, in small quantities, it can have health benefits for your pet too.
But remember that nutritional (inactive) yeast is not the same as baking (active) yeast. The latter can be harmful and even dangerous for dogs, as it can lead to life-threatening bloat or alcohol toxicity.
Nutritional yeast has multiple health benefits for humans. It is trendy among vegans because it is a complete plant-based protein and contains all B vitamins, fiber, and essential minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, chromium, magnesium, and selenium.
It can have the same nutritional and health benefits for canines as well. But remember to always consult with your veterinarian before adding new human foods to your pup’s diet.
Read on to find out the answer to the question “can dogs eat nutritional yeast?” and what are its health benefits.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Nutritional Yeast For Canines?
This deactivated yeast contains the complete spectrum of the vitamin B complex group, including riboflavin, thiamin, folate, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6.
Vitamin B1 can help improve the metabolism of your furbaby. Vitamin B2 helps boost its immune system, and vitamin B9 is essential for the mental alertness of your pet.
Veterinarians often prescribe it to dogs suffering from vitamin B deficiency.
Yeast also is an excellent complete protein and contains essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, chromium, selenium, and zinc.
Some nutritional yeast added to your pup’s food can make it healthier and improve its taste, which is great news for dog parents with pets who are picky eaters. The component which makes this type of inactive yeast so flavorful to canines is glutamic acid. This amino acid is known as MSG seasoning when in salt form.
Some studies show that adding some nutritional yeast to your dog’s diet can help improve gut health by lowering fecal E.coli counts.
What Is The Safe Way To Add Nutritional Yeast To My Dog’s Diet?
First of all, you should select a veterinarian-approved brand or type of nutritional yeast before feeding it to your dog. Not all types which are healthy for humans are suitable for dogs. In fact, some of these supplements for people can contain garlic powder which can be toxic to canines.
To stay safe, you can buy nutritional yeast in supplement form, which has been specifically formulated for canines.
Speak to your veterinarian about the safest and best dosage of nutritional yeast for your pup.
Keep in mind that some dogs with digestive issues or those who take medications should not eat nutritional yeast.
Pups with kidney disease should not consume nutritional yeast due to its high protein and phosphorus content too.
Also, too much of this yeast can lead to gastrointestinal issues or weight gain in canines.
Once more, dog parents need to keep in mind that nutritional yeast is not the same as activated yeast used for baking, which can be harmful and even dangerous for dogs.