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Yeasts

Yeast is a single-celled fungus that ferments sugars for energy, producing beneficial compounds in the process. In dog nutrition, yeast provides B vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants that support skin, coat, and immune health. Certain yeast strains are also used as probiotics to promote a balanced gut microbiome and aid digestion.
Last Reviewed Date: 01/02/2026

Contents

Overview

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Food Family

Food Meta: Fungi

Food Type: Yeasts

Food Meta: Fungi

Food Type: Yeasts
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Food Component Groups

Info Ingredient sources group of Yeasts
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Foods

Info Types of Yeasts
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Follow the Research

Info Studies providing deeper insight into Yeasts
Title Information
Effects of increasing levels of purified beta-1,3/1,6-glucans on the fecal microbiome, digestibility, and immunity variables of healthy adult dogs

At a Glance

A 2024 feeding trial in healthy adult dogs tested purified beta-1,3/1,6-glucans sourced from yeast. At a 0.14% inclusion in dry food, dogs showed improved protein digestibility, a microbiome shift toward generally beneficial bacteria, and a small uptick in an immune balance marker, with no adverse clinical effects noted. The authors frame beta-glucans as a family of fibers also found in fungi such as mushrooms, so these yeast results help inform the broader beta-glucan conversation.

Connecting the Dots
  • The study tested purified beta-1,3/1,6-glucans derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls. This confirms that yeast-derived fractions, already common in pet diets and supplements, can measurably modulate microbiota composition and certain immune markers in healthy dogs.
  • Because the glucans were isolated and refined from yeast, the outcomes here—such as increases in Firmicutes and beneficial genera like Faecalibacterium—are directly relevant to yeast-based functional ingredients.
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    Microbiota in mild inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be modulated by beta-glucans and mannanoligosaccharides: A randomized, double-blinded study in dogs

    At a Glance

    This 2024 randomized, double-blinded clinical trial tested daily oral prebiotics in dogs with mild inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic intestinal condition where the immune system reacts abnormally to food and normal gut bacteria, disturbing the microbiota (“dysbiosis”). Over 60 days on a standardized hypoallergenic diet, beta-glucan supplementation improved bacterial diversity and supported groups often reduced in dysbiosis; adding mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) did not show clear extra benefit. Dogs stayed clinically stable and the products were well tolerated.

    Connecting the Dots
  • Both beta-glucans and MOS were derived from yeast cell walls, and the trial specifically examined how these yeast-derived components influenced the gut microbiota in dogs with mild IBD.
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    Dig Deeper

    Info Q/A's related to Yeasts
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    Blog Articles

    Info Articles related to Yeasts
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