Brewers Yeast

[Darlene]

Is brewers yeast ok to give to ferrets?? If not,reason why not?

I'm asking because on another forum,a person is recommending
giving brewers yeast instead of ferretone or ferretvite.

[animalsgetrevenge]

I don't know the answer, but for humans, brewer's yeast is full of vitamins and it's delicious too. I was raised on brewer's yeast and popcorn.... YUM. Dang hippie dad!

[jojodancer]

It was once thought that brewer's yeast was beneficial for ferrets since it stabilizes blood sugar. But more recent research shows that it in fact lowers blood sugars, so is crazy scary for ferrets with insulinoma.

Once this was discovered, any recipes that called for brewer's yeast was removed from the AFA recipe book.

That being said, you'll see Brewer's Yeast in some kibbles (like Marshalls). This may be to counteract the glucose spike that occurs due to the carbs. I'm not sure.

Since many ferrets are borderline insulinomatic and/or don't show huge outward signs, it would be risky to add BY to any of your ferret's foods. That is just my opinion, though. For my ferrets (3 of which are over 6.5) I choose not to add it.

Reference posts:
pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/message/6472
www.afip.org/consultation/vetpath/ferrets/PDF/insulinoma.pdf

[Heather]

The only feedback that I've ever had for it was for cats and was told that though cats love it they shouldn't have it. I gather it does crazy things for their blood sugar...I would think that it would be the same thing for ferrets but I honestly don't know. I personally wouldn't use it. I will opt for using marine fish oils. It once again goes for the thing if it's good for humans it's good for our furkids....we can metabolize plant or similar matter whereas carnivores cannot. It's just a thought. I will see if I can find any research material with some information.
ciao

[Darlene]

Thanks guys.

[mustelidmusk]

It's true that Brewer yeast was once thought to help with insulinoma, but was later found to lower blood sugar, which is exactly what you DON'T want. So I agree - I would not recomend brewers yeast for ferrets!

-jennifer