Supporting dietary supplements for allergies and hair loss in dogs: Brewer's yeast and Biotin

09. November 2024
Podpůrné doplňky stravy při alergiích a výpadcích srsti u psů: Pivovarské kvasnice a Biotin

If you are interested in Allergies in dogs and their symptoms, you can find them in our article

BREWERY YEAST

Brewer's yeast can be very beneficial for dogs with coat problems because it contains many nutrients that support skin health and coat quality. Here are a few reasons why brewer's yeast can help:

1. High content of B vitamins

Brewer's yeast is rich in B vitamins, which are key for skin and coat health:

  • B1 (thiamine) : Helps support proper metabolism and provides energy, contributing to the dog's overall health.
  • B2 (riboflavin) and B5 (pantothenic acid) : They support coat growth and quality, improve the regeneration of damaged coat and increase shine.
  • B7 (biotin) : Especially important for skin and coat health. Biotin can help strengthen the coat, prevent breakage, and reduce hair loss. It also helps with dry or irritated skin problems.
2. Promotes hair growth and regeneration

Thanks to its protein and amino acid content, brewer's yeast can help regenerate the coat and promote its growth. Proteins are the basic building blocks of the coat, and enough quality protein helps improve the structure of the coat and prevents its damage.

3. Promotes skin health

Brewer's yeast contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage. This supports overall skin health and can help relieve itching, dry skin or irritation, which can be a problem for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.

4. Strengthening the immune system

In addition to improving the quality of the coat and skin, brewer's yeast also contains minerals such as selenium and zinc, which strengthen the dog's immune system. A stronger immune system helps the body better fight skin infections and inflammation that can result from allergies or other health problems.

5. Preventing hair loss

With a combination of B vitamins and protein, brewer's yeast can help reduce hair loss, especially in dogs that suffer from excessive shedding due to stress, poor nutrition or allergies. It helps keep the coat strong and promotes healthy growth.

How to give brewer's yeast to dogs

  • Dosage : Brewer's yeast dosage depends on the size of the dog. It is usually given in small amounts (e.g. 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon for small dogs, 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon for larger dogs). It is recommended to start with a smaller dose and gradually increase it to avoid digestive problems.
  • Forms : Brewer's yeast is available in a variety of forms – powder, tablets, or flakes. They can be easily added to your dog's food.
  • Combination with other supplements : Brewer's yeast can often be combined with other supplements, such as fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which also support coat and skin health.

Notice

  • Allergic reactions : Some dogs may be sensitive to yeast. If you notice any signs of an allergy in your dog, such as increased itching, redness, or digestive problems, you should stop giving brewer's yeast and consult your veterinarian.
  • Suitable for dogs with yeast infections : For dogs predisposed to yeast infections (e.g. ear infections or yeast dermatitis), it is best to be cautious as yeast can aggravate these infections. In such cases, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian about the use of brewer's yeast.

Therefore, brewer's yeast can be of significant help in solving coat and skin problems, but as with all supplements, it is important to consult a professional before using it, especially if your dog has health problems.


BIOTIN BENEFITS

 Biotin , also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, plays a key role in the health of the dog's skin, coat, and overall metabolism. This vitamin is often recommended, especially for dogs suffering from allergies or coat problems. Here are its main effects and benefits:

1. Improving coat quality

Biotin promotes the growth of a healthy, shiny coat. It helps strengthen hair follicles, which is key for dogs with brittle, brittle or shedding coats. Regular supplementation with biotin can improve coat texture and promote coat density.

2. Promotes healthy skin

Biotin plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin. It helps keep your dog's skin hydrated, reducing the risk of dryness, flaking, and itching. For dogs that suffer from allergies or dermatitis, biotin can help reduce irritation and inflammation.

3. Support in the fight against allergies

Allergies in dogs, which often manifest as itching, rashes, skin inflammation or hair loss, can be partially alleviated with biotin. Biotin strengthens the skin's defense barrier, which can help alleviate allergic reactions to external stimuli such as pollen, dust mites or certain dietary ingredients.

4. Support for fat and protein metabolism

Biotin is important for the proper processing of fats and proteins in your dog's body. These nutrients are key to healthy skin and coat. A lack of biotin can lead to problems such as brittle hair, flaky skin, or hair loss.

5. Reducing excessive shedding

For dogs that tend to shed excessively, biotin can help alleviate this problem by strengthening the hair structure and minimizing hair loss outside of the natural shedding cycle.

6. Support for treatment of dermatological problems

For dogs with dermatological problems such as dry skin, eczema, dandruff or skin inflammation, biotin can be part of the treatment. It helps improve skin cell regeneration and promotes the healing of damaged skin.

7. Supplemental nutrition for specific problems

Biotin is often given as a supplement to treat skin and coat problems that arise from a variety of causes, including nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, parasites, or infections. Its effects are especially evident when combined with other vitamins and minerals, such as zinc or omega-3 fatty acids.

Dosage and administration of biotin

  • Biotin is commonly available as a dietary supplement for dogs, both in the form of tablets, capsules, and powders that can be easily added to food.
  • The dosage of biotin depends on the size of the dog and the specific needs of its coat and skin. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian for dosage, especially if the dog suffers from more serious coat or skin problems.

Natural sources of biotin

In addition to dietary supplements, biotin can also be obtained from natural sources. Foods rich in biotin that can be added to your dog's diet include:

  • Eggs (especially yolks)
  • Liver
  • Fish oil
  • Oatmeal

Summary

Biotin is an important vitamin for maintaining a healthy coat and skin in dogs, especially those with allergies, dry skin or excessive shedding. Regular biotin supplementation can make a significant contribution to addressing these issues and supporting your dog's overall well-being.

Published   09. November 2024