Brewer's yeast in cat treats - why?

[gannawdm]

I was looking at the ingredient's list of "Temptations" cat treats and was surprised to see "Brewer's Yeast" on the list. Any idea what purpose it might serve?

 

[Revvy]

Brewer's yeast and Brewing yeasts are 2 different things...brewer's yeast is actually dead yeast (we call them yeast hulls) and is found in most health food stores, it is an excellent source of b and b-complex vitamins.

It also can be grown specifically to make nutritional supplements. Brewer's yeast is a rich source of minerals -- particularly chromium, an essential trace mineral that helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels; selenium; protein; and the B-complex vitamins. It tastes bitter and should not be confused with baker's yeast, nutritional yeast, or torula yeast; all those types of yeast are low in chromium. Brewer's yeast has been used for years as a nutritional supplement.

General

Brewer's yeast is often used as a source of B-complex vitamins, chromium, and selenium. The B-complex vitamins in brewer's yeast include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and H or B7 (biotin). These vitamins help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which provide the body with energy. They also support the nervous system, help maintain the muscles used for digestion, and keep skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver healthy. However, brewer's yeast does not contain vitamin B12, an essential vitamin found in meat and dairy products; vegetarians sometimes take brewer's yeast mistakenly believing that it provides B12, which can be lacking in their diet.

Diabetes

Some studies suggest that chromium supplements may help people with diabetes control blood sugar levels. People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin -- a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life -- or cannot use the insulin that their bodies produce. Chromium may reduce blood sugar levels as well, improving glucose tolerance (reducing the amount of insulin needed). Because brewer's yeast is a rich source of chromium, scientists think it may be effective in treating high blood sugar.

High Cholesterol

A few studies suggest that brewer's yeast may help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in the blood and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Researchers aren't sure whether that is due to the chromium in brewer's yeast or another substance, and not all studies have found the same benefit.

Weight Loss

Although some studies suggest that chromium may help reduce body fat, the amount of fat lost is not much compared to what can be lost with exercise and a well-balanced diet. However, brewer's yeast is used as a protein supplement and energy booster, so it may help with weight management.

Other Uses

At least one study has found that brewer's yeast may improve acne. Another linked it to a reduced risk of a second skin cancer.
Available Forms:

Brewer's yeast is available in powder, flakes, tablet, and liquid forms.

 

[Revvy]

It's really common in cat stuff, in fact if you've ever bought that hairball stuff that comes in a toothpaste tube and they are supposed to lick? It's autolysized yeast- it's pretty similar to vegem ite that folks like to eat in England.

 

[TheSeether]

Brewer's yeast is included in cat and dog foods because it is a natural pest (flea and tick) repellent once it is metabolized in their bloodstream.

 

[Revvy]

Brewer's yeast is included in cat and dog foods because it is a natural pest (flea and tick) repellent once it is metabolized in their bloodstream.

So that's why I never seem to have problem with those buggers anymore.

 

[doctorRobert]

Why is it included in oscar meyer turkey bacon?

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

I am going to start adding turkey bacon and cat treats as nutrients in my beer.

 

[Rhoobarb]

And believe it or not, they have run 'taste tests' and cats prefer Coors yeast over any others. Researchers don't know why.

 

[TheSeether]

Why is it included in oscar meyer turkey bacon?

To make doubly sure that it doesn't resemble real bacon in any fashion whatsoever.

 

[shawnbou]

To make doubly sure that it doesn't resemble real bacon in any fashion whatsoever.

LOL. But all kidding aside, many companies add yeast and yeast extract to turkey-based and veggie-based "meat alternative" products to make it actually taste more like real meat. Fortunately I've never had autolysed yeast flavor in my beer, but many descriptions describe it as a "rotting meat" flavor. And if you've ever had Vegemite or Marmite, you know it tastes very savory and ... well, meaty. So aside from its other health benefits (B vitamins and pest repellent) it's also a way to add a meaty flavor cats love.

On a side note, I've actually been trying to figure out a way to make my own cat treats out of spent grain and harvested yeast, because my cats love Vegemite. Any ideas?

 

[TheSeether]

Someone on here just poured spent wet grains on a cookie sheet, cut them with the mouth of a glass and baked at 350F for a few minutes to make dog biscuits. He said the dogs loved them. I'd say something similar could be accomplished for the felines. No idea what thread that was in, heck, may have been an OP.

 

[Revvy]

On a side note, I've actually been trying to figure out a way to make my own cat treats out of spent grain and harvested yeast, because my cats love Vegemite. Any ideas?

When I was googling to try to find out more info I actually came upon cat treat recipes that called for brewer's yeast and whole grain bread crumbs, so I would just work in wet spent grain to some of These.

 

[gannawdm]

So how would I process my yeast to make it into "brewer's yeast". Is it just a matter of heating it up until it dies?

 

[shawnbou]

When I was googling to try to find out more info I actually came upon cat treat recipes that called for brewer's yeast and whole grain bread crumbs, so I would just work in wet spent grain to some of These.

Awesome! That's a great idea. Thanks for the tip, Revvy.

 

[RensBerserker]

Having spent a significant time in Golden, CO and after some private tours in/around the Coors facilities, I know that they sell off 'yeast condensate' to cat food factories. My understanding is that this yeast condensate is basically dehydrated yeast slurry, the result of processing it to extract fuel-grade ethanol, which they also sell off (though hopefully not to the same cat food factories....).

Unfortunately, when I learned all this, I wasn't yet knowledgeable enough about the brewing practice to get specifics on the yeast, etc. I was more focused on getting just enough info out of the tour to write my class paper on their ethanol process, and still have enough time to visit the tasting room. :cross:

 

[ingchr1]

I just came across this:

Brewers Yeast Tablets