Pets Benefit from Brewer's Yeast

    Many of you have heard me mention the addition of brewer's yeast to your pet's diet, or may have noticed it as a recurring ingredient in recipes I have shared. Brewer's yeast is also an important base ingredient our W.O.W. Powder supplement.  Why is it good for our dogs and cats? Because it contains important food-based nutrients that are often missing in commercial foods or reduced by the cooking process.  

    One of the best immune-enhancing supplements available in food form, yeast is a living food and is a source of vital energy, replacing many amino acids and B vitamins lost when pet foods are cooked, whether homemade or canned.  B vitamins aid in cell metabolism and B Complex (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin , pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid and biotin) is used by the body to break down carbs, fats, and proteins which provide the body with energy.  they also support the nervous system, digestive muscle group, and keep the skin, coat, eyes and liver healthy.  A strong, well-functioning immune system aids in the prevention and reduction of internal and external parasites.  Brewer's yeast is a powerful antioxidant supporting that function. 

    Stress depletes the body of B vitamins.  Whether a car ride, trip to the vet, separation anxiety or excessive licking, the addition of brewer's yeast to your pet's diet may help their bodies better process stress hormones thus keeping him/her more calm and balanced.   It can take 2-4 weeks of daily dosing before you notice an improvement, stick with it, you both will be happier in the long run.  

    Dogs and cats like the taste of brewer's yeast and adding even a small amount to the food offered to a finicky eater can encourage food consumption.  As with any new addition to your pet's diet, introduce the brewer's yeast in small amounts, slowly increasing until the ideal dosage is reached.  The suggested full daily dosage is 1/2 teaspoon daily for small dogs and cats, and 1 teaspoon for medium and large dogs, giant breeds may be given 2 teaspoons daily.

    Other benefits of feeding brewer's yeast include:

• shinier coat
• reduced shedding
• improved metabolism
• reduced dry skin and itchiness
• repels biting insects
• support of muscle development
• improved appetite

    

    

    

Seafood Dinner for Kitty

While you are whipping up something tasty for you and your dog, remember that our feline friends appreciate home cooked meals as well.

The following recipe will keep for 2 days refrigerated or 1 month when kept frozen.

6 1/2 ounce can chopped clams

2 ounce can anchovies

2 tablespoons brewer's yeast

1 tablespoon fish sauce

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ( or 2 teaspoons parsley flakes)

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

Using a blender or food processor, combine clams, anchovies, fish sauce and brewer's yeast

Place a saucepan over medium heat and combine the fish mix with the rice and parsley. Cook for 10 -  12 minutes until heated through. Allow to cool to room temp before serving.

Cooking for Fido

    What is wrong with feeding dogs people food? Nothing!  If you know how to eat a healthy, well- balanced diet (and avoid using foods that are toxic to pets) you can apply that same principle to feeding your dog. 

    Remain open to changing your thinking about the true nutritional value of most commercial dog foods.  The problem with blindly believing what big brands tell us about dog nutrition lies in the fact that a dog's nutritional needs cannot be adequately met by a diet that is scientifically (and often artificially) formulated, over processed, filled with chemical preservatives, and packaged into bags and cans. 

No freshness, no variety and little taste.

    Feeding your pooch a handmade meal even just 2 nights a week can have long lasting health benefits for them.  Many common ailments such as food allergies, joint stiffness, flaky skin and flatulence can benefit from or be prevented by using human grade foods for our pets.  I find it amazing how quickly owners will pump medicines and man made chemicals into their pets without a second thought.  Of course, there is a time and place for seeking and utilizing medicinal support for their health and I see huge benefits from combining aspects of traditional allopathic medicine with a wholistic health approach to wellness. I urge pet owners to not blindly follow any one chain or source of advice. Use common sense. Ask questions. Seek second opinions.  We all want our pets to live long, healthy lives and feeding them a natural diet is a great means to that end.