Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Effects of yeast supplements on digestion and skin in adult dogs
By De La Guardia Hidrogo VM et al.·2025·Department of Animal Sciences, United States·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Effects of Yeast Products on the Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility, Oxidative Stress Markers, Skin Measures, and Fecal Characteristics and Microbiota Populations of Healthy Adult Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of healthy adult dogs was fed different types of kibble, some containing brewer's yeast mixed with a high-fiber ingredient called functionalized canola meal (FCM). The dogs that ate the yeast-enriched food had slightly wetter stools, but their overall nutrient absorption remained high, above 80%. The study found that the yeast did change some gut bacteria, but it didn't negatively impact other aspects like skin health or oxidative stress levels. This suggests that adding yeast to dog food can be beneficial without causing digestive issues.
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Abstract
Brewer's yeast has high nutritional value and contains bioactive compounds that may promote health. Functionalized canola meal (FCM) is a high-fiber ingredient that has been proposed as a carrier for brewer's yeast. The objective of this experiment was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of diets containing yeast-enriched FCM and test their effects on the fecal characteristics and microbiota, skin measures, and serum oxidative stress markers of adult dogs. Twelve dogs were fed four extruded kibble diets (control (no FCM or yeast), FCM + low yeast dose, FCM + medium yeast dose, and FCM + high yeast dose) in a replicated 4x4 LSD. Dogs fed yeast-enriched FCM had greater wet fecal output (~15% greater than control). The ATTD of DM, OM, and fat was lower in the diets containing FCM, although the values remained >80% for all macronutrients. The yeast-enriched FCM altered the relative abundance of a few bacterial genera (<i>Eubacterium brachy</i>, <i>Peptoclostridium</i>, <i>Ruminococcus gnavus</i>) and fecal phenol and indole concentrations. Other fecal characteristics, metabolites, bacterial diversity indices, skin measures, or oxidative stress markers were not affected. These findings suggest that yeast-enriched FCM can be incorporated into canine diets without compromising stool quality or nutrient digestibility and may affect microbial metabolism.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/40218439