The header picture above is of Candy, my 15 years old Cocker Spaniel. I adopted her 6 years ago. At that time she was overweight, had a shedding dry coat, arthrithic back legs, ears and eyes infections. My husband, Richard and I felt that if she lived for one year or two, it would be a bonus. Since she has been in our lives, I have tried many different remedies to get her back into shape, and thankfully, she is now back to her former glory, looking svelte and glossy. Sadly the arthrithis started to worsen this year.
Several months ago while I was going through a box of old papers and photographs, I came across a piece of paper dated 1966 given to me by a young vet named Bruce Fogel when he was treating my two pomeranians and a miniature long haired dachshund. He prescribed the B-Complex supplements, one of which was Brewer's Yeast. At the time, everyone thought that was a bit.....phwoar!.... what?..... New Age!
I had completely forgotten about the benefits of Brewer's Yeast until a few months ago when I came across the contents of that shoe box. I have since introduced a spoonful per meal each day in Candy's food. The change in her mood, coat and the arthritis in just 6 weeks has been remarkable. She is full of bounce and very lively. It doesn't stop the blindness, deafness or ageing process but it certainly makes the quality of her life much better.
Let me tell you about Brewer’s Yeast. It is a one-celled fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is used to make beer. It has also been used for years as a nutritional supplement and an aid in treating some chronic diseases. (Stay awake please, as I have a little more technical explanation to tell you.)
Brewer’s yeast is an excellent source of Vitamin B-complex, chromium, and selenium. The B-complex vitamins in this yeast are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid pyridoxine, folic acid, and biotin. It doesn't have Vitamin B12 that is found in meat and dairy products. However, if you want energy, sparkling eyes and a nice shiny hairy coat then Brewer's yeast is perfect for you. Its also terrific for your dog!
If your dog is pudgy then you can help it to lose some weight by sprinkling a teaspoon of Brewer's Yeast on its food twice a day. It works well in weight loss by helping reduce body fat, although nothing beats exercise and feeding smaller portions for the best results. Brewer’s yeast is a good source of protein and gives an energy boost. I would recommend Brewer’s Yeast for dogs with weak stomachs, andfor those who have the "runs" at the drop of a hat.
Experience has shown me that Brewer’s Yeast is a great antioxidant and that applies to dogs as well as humans. By supplementing your dog’s diet with Brewer’s Yeast, the coat will be healthier and shed less. It will also help boost the immune system that will keep off ticks, fleas and anything else that takes refuge in your dog's fur. The selenium in the Brewer's yeast is good for the heart.
Candy, my 15 year old Cocker spaniel is arthrithic and it was obvious that her her back legs were painful in wet weather. Since giving her Brewer's yeast, she has taken on a new lease of life and is full of bounce - even chasing a ball in the park!
If your dog is stressed, nervous or suffering separation anxiety, Brewer’s Yeast will calm them down. The reason for the calming effect is the good source of vitamin B-complex. B vitamins are depleted rapidly when the dog is stressed or nervous. By adding a good source of vitamin B-complex, like brewer’s yeast, to the diet, it lessens the symptoms of separation anxiety,
Brewer’s Yeast smells good and tastes yummy to dogs. If your dog is a finicky eater or getting over an illness, add brewer’s yeast to the food.
Some folks are concerned about giving any yeast to a dog with yeast infections. The yeast you are feeding your dog is not the same as the yeast infection in the ears or skin.
Overall, Brewer’s Yeast is safe and beneficial. Don’t get it confused with other dietetic yeast out there. Baker’s yeast, nutritional and torula yeasts, are tpes of yeast that are low in nutrients such as chromium and selenium.
Brewer’s Yeast is a safe and beneficial supplement. It varies in price according to the manufacturer but I have found the best one to be from Holland and Barratt. You can get a large pack of powdered Brewer's Yeast online or instore from Holland and Barratt. Its a definitely a good supplement to add to your dog's food. Did I mention that fleas find the taste repellent? I have not had to use Frontline or other chemicals to keep the ticks and fleas at bay since giving on Candy, my cocker spaniel a teaspoon of Brewer's Yeast in each meal.
On a personal level, I too, take Brewer's Yeast to stop the 'mozzies' making a meal out of me. One bite and its bleurgh! As for keeping the fleas at bay, I can honestly swear, hand on heart, that I haven't yet had fleas!
Trivia...............
It's September. Summer is officially winding down. Which is weird because it feels like only yesterday that we were planning weekends filled with country walks, picnics on the seafront and Santander bike rides in the No Cycling part of the park. To make sure we're making the most of the last few weeks of British summer, here are a few things to tick off before the sun goes in:
Put away those shorts that only saw the light of day twice
sleep with duvet under 10 tog
leave house without backup jumper
eat swirly ice cream in a cone with a flake and sprinklies on top before they stop selling it
eat more than three Magnum lollies
leave house without backup umbrella
eat food anywhere without a roof
take to the woollie hat to keep your head warm
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Here's a clip of a cockatoo throwing a tantrum. I know many people who behave like this!
That's it for this month's blog. The next one will be in October.
Dawn (-,-)*
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