Brewer’s Yeast and Dogs: What Pet Parents Should Know

By Barri J. Morrison, DVM. Reviewed by Melissa Boldan, DVM

Updated Jun. 17, 2026

Brewer's yeast for dogs is held in a pet parent's hands.

Cristian Storto Fotografia/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Brewer’s yeast for dogs is a nutritional supplement that may provide B vitamins, protein, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support overall health. While some pet parents use brewer’s yeast to promote skin, coat, and immune health, its benefits and safety can vary depending on a dog’s individual needs and the specific product used.

Before adding brewer’s yeast to your dog’s diet, it’s important to understand its potential benefits, risks, and when veterinary guidance may be needed.

Key Takeaways

Brewer’s yeast is an inactive form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that can provide dogs with B vitamins, minerals, and protein, and may support skin/coat health, digestion, and immune function when used appropriately.
Choose a dog-specific product with the NASC quality seal, follow label directions, and check with your veterinarian before starting—especially if your dog has a yeast allergy, a history of yeast infections, immune compromise, kidney disease, or takes ce
Side effects are usually gastrointestinal (gas, diarrhea, vomiting) and may improve as your dog adjusts but stop the supplement and contact your vet if symptoms are severe, your dog has an overdose, or the product contains garlic (toxicity risk at high

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 byproduct 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:

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 may have 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 who 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 pup.

Brewer’s yeast can be found in dog food, treats, and nutritional supplements.

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

Benefits of brewer’s yeast for dogs may include:

Promotes healthy skin (helps itchy, dry skin and soothes any irritation)

Helps build strong nails

Helps creates a shiny haircoat

Helps boost liver and immune function as well as eye health

Source of high fiber to aid healthy digestion

Has many B vitamins

May reduce occasional stress

Converts nutrients in food to usable energy

Enhances brain function

Helps produce antibodies to fight disease

Has essential amino acids and protein to build lean muscle mass

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.

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 who are overweight or obese or prone to being overweight.

Brewer’s Yeast for Dogs FAQs

Does brewer’s yeast get rid of yeast in dogs?

No. Brewer’s yeast will not clear a yeast infection in your dog. If your dog has yeast in their ears or on their skin, they likely have underlying allergies that need to be addressed.

Can you feed brewer’s yeast to dogs?

You can feed brewer’s yeast to dogs. Some dogs may experience benefits while others may not. Talk to your vet before starting any supplement in your pup.