We all know yeast from the kitchen: it is used to leaven bread and brew beer. But yeast is often added to horse feed as a supplement that is said to “support digestion.”
What is yeast?
Yeast is a microorganism – a single-celled fungus. The most commonly used species in both food and feed is Saccharomyces cerevisiae . It is not normally found in the intestines of horses, so it must be supplied continuously if a given effect is to be achieved.
- In the kitchen, it makes bread rise by forming carbon dioxide (CO₂).
- In breweries, it is used to ferment sugar into alcohol.
- In the feed industry, it is used in various forms because it is believed that it can affect the intestinal flora.
Different types of yeast in feed
There are several forms that are often confused with each other – and in the table of contents they may be listed under their Latin names:
- Live yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae )
– still active, can multiply and affect fermentation in the intestine. - Inactivated yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae inactivata )
– heated or treated so that the cells are dead. Acts more as a protein source than as a probiotic. - Yeast cultures / fermentation products ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentum or “yeast culture”)
– residual products from yeast fermentation, e.g. brewer's yeast. Contains cell walls, B vitamins and other components.
Why is yeast added to horse feed?
The manufacturers highlight three alleged benefits in particular:
- Better fiber breakdown in the hindgut.
- More stable digestion on starchy rations.
- Increased appetite and feed utilization.
👉 The problem is that the research shows very mixed results. Some studies find changes in the gut flora – others do not. Some find positive effects, others find increased risk of acid, gas and shifts in the bacteria.
Why might it be a risk?
When you add a live microorganism to your horse's feed, you are directly interfering with the natural intestinal flora. And the horse's intestinal system is extremely sensitive.
- In some studies, yeast is linked to increasing the presence of more acid-producing bacteria, which, in other studies, are associated with colic, ulcers, and constipation if there are too many of them.
- In other studies, changes in diversity are seen in a downward direction, i.e. there is lower diversity – which may mean more inflammation and poorer sugar regulation.
- In laboratory experiments, yeast has also been linked to more gas and CO₂, which can cause bloating and discomfort.
🚫 No yeast in Regulator Complete.
✅ Only balanced fiber, protein and omega-3 - for a stable intestinal flora and calm digestion.
👉 Studies have shown that adding yeast can be like playing Russian roulette in a horse's stomach : the outcome is unpredictable - and when it goes wrong, it is linked to colic, stomach ulcers and lameness.
And the consequences are not only felt by the horse:
- Emergency veterinary bills for colic.
- Long and expensive treatment courses for stomach ulcers.
- Blacksmith bills and special fittings for imprisonment.
In the worst case, feeding errors can cost you both the horse's well-being and many thousands of kroner in extra expenses.
Facts
📦 How yeast can appear in the list of ingredients
When you read the bag, yeast may be listed with different names – typically in Latin:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae → live yeast
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae inactivated → inactivated yeast
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentum → yeast culture / fermentation product
- Brewer's yeast → residual product from the brewery, may also be referred to as “brewer's yeast”
👉 If you see one of these names on the ingredients list, it means the food contains yeast – regardless of whether it is listed as “live”, “inactivated” or “culture”.
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