Brewers Yeast With Garlic for Flea Control
Brewer's yeast is made from the one-celled fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Brewer's yeast is used to make beer and is also grown to make nutritional supplements. It should not be confused with baker's yeast, which also arises from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is used as a leavening agent in baked goods. Garlic, or Allium sativum, is a perennial plant with an underground bulb comprised of cloves. Brewer's yeast often is given to dogs as a nutritional supplement in conjunction with garlic, which is thought to repel fleas. Does this Spark an idea?
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Nutrition
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Brewer's yeast is a source of B vitamins (except for B12), chromium and selenium. Chromium and selenium are trace minerals important for regulating blood sugar and preventing oxidation damage, respectively. B vitamins help metabolize food and keep skin, coat and eyes healthy. Brewer's yeast often is recommended to promote coat health. Garlic is thought to boost the immune system, lower cholesterol levels and enhance liver function.
Effectiveness
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Brewer's yeast and garlic is often given to dogs with allergies who cannot tolerate traditional flea treatments. According to Narda G. Robinson, DVM, dietary management of fleas with brewer's yeast and garlic is the least effective form of flea control, as opposed to topical or environmental treatments. Product reviews of brewer's yeast and garlic tablets claim that they repel fleas while promoting coat health.
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Dosages
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According to 1-800-PetMeds, the usual dose for Four Paws' Brewer's Yeast with Garlic tablets is 1 tablet daily per 10 pounds of body weight. Double the dosage for pregnant or lactating dogs. According to Natural Dog Health Remedies, an owner who wants to give his dog fresh garlic should give a 10- to 15-pound dog 1/2 clove per day, a 20- to 40-pound dog 1 clove per day, a 45- to 70-pound dog 2 cloves per day and a 75- to 90-pound dogs 2-1/2 cloves per day.
Warnings
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According to Vet Info, garlic is high in sulfur and long-term use could cause anemia, particularly in small dogs. Although it is believed that the small amounts of garlic used in supplements will not harm the dog, a dog owner should be aware of signs of garlic poisoning, such as vomiting, pinkish urine and shortness of breath. Brewer's yeast is implicated in bloat, a condition in which the stomach fills with gas and may twist, impeding blood flow and eventually causing death. Dogs with bloat expel white foamy vomit and have a swollen abdomen and pale gums.
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References
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