Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Brewer's yeast for horses

I'm curious if there is any merit to feeding brewer's yeast. My husband bought a bucket by mistake and I thought what the heck, let's see if it does anything. 

It's a probiotic, I guess, and the label says it's useful during shedding season, or for horses with loose stools. 

Germans always say shedding hair affects the immune system negatively, and horses require supplements bi-annually during these times. 

Someone please say so if it's not a good thing. 

 

 

12 comments:

TeresaA said...

I don't think that it hurts anything. I'd watch to see if he shows any signs of digestive upset. I don't think horses need more supplements when shedding though.

Megan said...

There is a specific specie of yeast that was recommended for loose stools that I tried, but didn't see any improvement. I tried over fall and winter, so I can't comment on his coat. He's a messy yak during that time.

Irish horse said...

I fed it for a few years. It smells delicious. I can't even remember why I did originally, certainly causes no harm! (Nice to "see" you again blogging. I need to get back to it as well!)

HHmplace said...

You hadn't updated your blog for so long, I'd removed it from my reading list. So glad to have you back! As to Brewer's Yeast, here's an article I found - https://www.totalhorse.co.uk/health/feed-supplements/brewers-yeast/

lytha said...

You are so not German then LOL: ) Thanks for the comment, I just figured out I have to enable comments for some reason, after all this time...no idea. I fed the entire bucket of yeast and only saw a sheen on my donkey that someone noticed. She doesn't need any more nutrients....

lytha said...

Thank you. I did not see any difference at all so a big waste of effort and money. Oh well!

lytha said...

Thanks for commenting. I don't know why I suddenly need to approve comments. You're a techie, ideas?

lytha said...

Thanks Connie. I have a broken arm now as you might know, from falling over on my ebike. SO embarrasing, not like your accident. I just lost my balance waiting for a car to pass me. I cannot pick up poop nor chop an onion, it just runs away from me.

HHmplace said...

I saw your comment on my blog today! Bummed about your injury! How long have you been riding the ebike?

AareneX said...

You forgot to tell me about the broken arm! I know nothing about adding brewer's yeast, only what Susan Garlinghouse DVM would say: if you don't have a reason to feed something, don't. :-)

Of course, you published this a month ago, so I'll add: how's that going? And also: ARM???

lytha said...

The brewer's yeast put a really nice shine on both my animals, despite them being non-reflective colors so naturally never shiny. But not worth it.

My arm isn't letting me do simple things pick up a pan, open a door, or put on a jacket, without searing pain. I had to call in "unable" this week to work (I cannot do the Judo tournaments, someone might need help that requires two arms).

lytha said...

I got the ebike used in 2019. It's so heavy I blame that for the fall. I wonder if they've gotten lighter nowadays. I use it to get to work/doctor/grocery store cuz we only have one car.