If you’ve ever turned your cat’s food packet around and spotted the words “brewers dried yeast” on the ingredient list, you might have paused and wondered, “Isn’t that used for making beer? What’s it doing in my cat’s food?”
You’re not alone. Brewer’s yeast sounds like an odd addition to a cat’s bowl, but it’s actually a pretty common ingredient in both dry and wet cat food today. Some cat parents swear it’s the secret to shinier coats and better digestion, while others are skeptical or worry about allergies.
So, what exactly is it, and is it good for your cat? Let’s take a closer look inside the bowl.
What Is Brewer’s Yeast?
Brewer’s yeast, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a type of yeast originally used in beer making. But the version used in pet food is deactivated, which means it’s safe for cats and no longer has any fermenting properties.
It’s naturally rich in several nutrients that cats can benefit from, including B vitamins, amino acids, minerals like selenium and zinc, and compounds that may support a healthy gut. In ingredient lists, you’ll often see it written as “brewers dried yeast.”
Here’s a quick overview of what brewer’s yeast brings to your cat’s food:
| Component | Effect |
| B vitamins | |
| Protein | |
| Beta-glucans |