Brewer's yeast and garlic tablets for dogs contain yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is a type of fungus, that is a byproduct of the beer brewing process. The yeast cells are dead and have been sterilized, as well as dried. This yeast is used to ferment the sugars in grains to make beer. While there is no evidence that brewer's yeast repels fleas, it does help keep your dog's skin and coat healthy. The garlic in the tablets is what is thought to actually repel fleas and ticks.
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Benefits
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Some of the benefits of giving your dog a daily tablet containing brewer's yeast and garlic are that fleas and ticks will be repelled, your dog will have healthy skin and a shiny, glossy coat, as well as a reduction in shedding.
Nutritional Content
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Brewer's yeast has many nutrients that are beneficial for your dog. It is a good source of protein, and has all the essential amino acids, as well being a good source of RNA, a nucleic acid that enhances the immune system, and may slow down the aging process, as well as possibly help your dog from getting degenerative diseases. Brewer's yeast is also a wonderful source of B-complex vitamins such as biotin, riboflavin, folic acid and niacin to name a few. In conclusion, it is high in minerals as well such as, zinc, iron, phosphorus and chromium to name a few.
Considerations
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Some vets and dog care specialists say that it is not a good idea to feed your dog brewer's yeast and garlic, because the garlic has an ingredient called thiosulphate, which may decrease the number of red blood cells in your dog and thus cause anemia. However, according to the National Research Council and National Academy of Sciences there is no evidence to support this from studies. One problem with this though is that in most studies the garlic is applied to the skin only once, rather than through ingestion, and because of this there is no way to tell the long-term effects on dogs who digest garlic over long periods. The safest dosage of garlic for your dog is 10 mg per pound of your dog's body weight each day.
Warning
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One health problem that can be triggered by your dog ingesting brewer's yeast is bloat. Bloat is a very serious health problem for a dog, and can result in death in as little as six days. Also, dogs who are diabetic should not be given brewer's yeast because it affects blood sugar levels. So it may be a good idea to have your dog tested for diabetes by your vet before beginning a brewer's yeast and garlic regime.
Prevention/Solution
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One way to get around the problems that brewer's yeast can cause for some dogs is to not have your dog ingest it at all. Instead some vets say that to get the same results in your dog's skin and coat, simply dissolve some brewer's yeast in a spray bottle of water and then spray it on your dog's coat. Finally, take a brush and brush the solution through your dog's coat and this will have the same or similar benefits as your dog ingesting brewer's yeast.
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