I N C E P T I O N A I

Beta Glucan and Yeast-Derived Immunomodulators in the USA — Top 5 Evidence-Informed Options for Small Animals (2025): A Veterinary-Informed Guide to Choosing the Right Immune Support

Supplements containing beta glucans and other yeast-derived polysaccharides are growing in popularity across the United States as targeted adjuncts for small animal immune care. These products aim to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, helping improve infection resistance and long-term immune resilience. Pet owners and veterinary professionals increasingly prefer formulations that pair yeast-derived immunomodulators with complementary probiotics, antioxidants, or vitamins to support gut-associated immunity and recovery after vaccination or illness. The category appeals because it offers a non-prescription, evidence-informed option for chronic immune support and peri-vaccination strategies, with a range of delivery formats designed for ease of dosing in dogs and cats.

Top Picks Summary

1. Best Budget Pet Beta-Glucan

2. Best Human-Grade Beta-Glucan

3. Best Value Pet Immune Support

4. Best Liquid DMG Immunomodulator

5. Best Whole-Food Yeast Immunomodulator

Top Picks Summary

  1. NaturVet Immune Support Plus Beta Glucan
  2. Thorne Research Immugen
  3. NOW Pets Immune Support
  4. Vetri-Science Vetri-DMG Liquid
  5. Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete
1
BEST BUDGET PET BETA-GLUCAN

NaturVet Immune Support Plus Beta Glucan

NaturVet Immune Support Plus Beta Glucan
🏠 Local Product

NaturVet Immune Support Plus Beta Glucan earns a best-in-class spot for pet owners seeking an affordable, pet-focused beta‑glucan product formulated specifically for dogs and cats; its value pricing and palatable formats make it an accessible choice for routine immune support with yeast‑derived immunomodulators. Compared with premium clinical brands like Thorne, NaturVet trades some laboratory-standardization for broader retail availability and lower cost, while offering a more budget-friendly alternative to NOW Pets and Wholistic Pet Organics and a direct beta‑glucan focus rather than the DMG-centric approach of Vetri‑Science.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Tasty soft chews

  • Beta-glucan boost

  • Tasty soft chews

  • Beta-glucan boost

Review Summary

82%

"Users find it an affordable, easy-to-give immune support that produced modest improvements in pet energy and fewer minor illnesses for many long-term users, though a noticeable minority reported little to no effect."

  • Dog-approved treat

  • Contains yeast-derived beta-glucan formulated to support canine immune response

  • Dog-approved treat

  • Contains yeast-derived beta-glucan formulated to support canine immune response

Increased Safety & Security

NaturVet Immune Support Plus Beta Glucan earns a best-in-class spot for pet owners seeking an affordable, pet-focused beta‑glucan product formulated specifically for dogs and cats; its value pricing and palatable formats make it an accessible choice for routine immune support with yeast‑derived immunomodulators. Compared with premium clinical brands like Thorne, NaturVet trades some laboratory-standardization for broader retail availability and lower cost, while offering a more budget-friendly alternative to NOW Pets and Wholistic Pet Organics and a direct beta‑glucan focus rather than the DMG-centric approach of Vetri‑Science.

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$15-25 USD

2
BEST HUMAN-GRADE BETA-GLUCAN

Thorne Research Immugen

Thorne Research Immugen
🏠 Local Product

Thorne Research Immugen stands out as the market leader for clinical-grade yeast‑derived immunomodulators and beta‑glucan preparations, emphasizing standardized potency, third‑party testing, and ingredient traceability for users who prioritize research-backed purity. While it carries a premium price compared with mass-market options like NaturVet and NOW Pets, Thorne’s technical rigor and consistency make it appealing for practitioners and consumers seeking a higher-assurance product versus multi-ingredient or liquid formats such as Vetri‑Science or whole-food blends like Wholistic Pet Organics.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • Clinically dosed blend

  • Targeted immune support

  • Clinically dosed blend

  • Targeted immune support

Review Summary

88%

"Long-term users praise the high purity and consistent immune benefits, often reporting fewer respiratory issues; criticisms focus on the premium price and occasional non-responders."

  • Travel-friendly capsule

  • Contains a standardized yeast-derived beta-1,3/1,6 glucan intended for immune modulation

  • Travel-friendly capsule

  • Contains a standardized yeast-derived beta-1,3/1,6 glucan intended for immune modulation

Self-Improvement & Personal Growth

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Thorne Research Immugen stands out as the market leader for clinical-grade yeast‑derived immunomodulators and beta‑glucan preparations, emphasizing standardized potency, third‑party testing, and ingredient traceability for users who prioritize research-backed purity. While it carries a premium price compared with mass-market options like NaturVet and NOW Pets, Thorne’s technical rigor and consistency make it appealing for practitioners and consumers seeking a higher-assurance product versus multi-ingredient or liquid formats such as Vetri‑Science or whole-food blends like Wholistic Pet Organics.

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$70-100 USD

3
BEST VALUE PET IMMUNE SUPPORT

NOW Pets Immune Support

NOW
🏠 Local Product

NOW Pets Immune Support is positioned as a strong value-tier option that balances quality and cost, leveraging NOW Foods’ in‑house manufacturing and GMP practices to offer a competitively priced beta‑glucan and supportive nutrient blend. It provides a middle ground between low-cost specialty pet brands (like NaturVet) and premium clinical lines (like Thorne), delivering good retail availability and broad ingredient support without the higher price or single‑compound focus of Vetri‑Science’s DMG liquid.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Yeast-derived formula

  • Easy powder mix

  • Yeast-derived formula

  • Easy powder mix

Review Summary

78%

"Buyers appreciate the value and palatability and some report periodic immune support, but results are inconsistent across users and a portion report limited benefits after extended use."

  • Tail-wag magnet

  • Blends beta-glucan with complementary botanical and nutrient supports for pets

  • Tail-wag magnet

  • Blends beta-glucan with complementary botanical and nutrient supports for pets

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

NOW Pets Immune Support is positioned as a strong value-tier option that balances quality and cost, leveraging NOW Foods’ in‑house manufacturing and GMP practices to offer a competitively priced beta‑glucan and supportive nutrient blend. It provides a middle ground between low-cost specialty pet brands (like NaturVet) and premium clinical lines (like Thorne), delivering good retail availability and broad ingredient support without the higher price or single‑compound focus of Vetri‑Science’s DMG liquid.

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$20-35 USD

4
BEST LIQUID DMG IMMUNOMODULATOR

Vetri-Science Vetri-DMG Liquid

Vetri-Science Vetri-DMG Liquid
🏠 Local Product

Vetri‑Science Vetri‑DMG Liquid is notable for its distinct technical approach: a liquid DMG formulation derived from yeast that offers flexible dosing and rapid administration for animals, making it a go‑to when precise or adjustable dosing is required rather than a straight beta‑glucan supplement. It complements the list by providing an alternative immunomodulatory mechanism to beta‑glucans—trading the chewable/tablet convenience of NaturVet and NOW Pets and the clinical standardization of Thorne for liquid versatility and targeted use.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Fast-absorbing liquid

  • Precise drop dosing

  • Fast-absorbing liquid

  • Precise drop dosing

Review Summary

87%

"Many pet owners report improved energy, recovery and overall immune resilience with the liquid DMG format and good palatability; a minority saw little change."

  • Puppy-approved flavor

  • Delivers dimethylglycine (DMG) in a palatable liquid for flexible dosing in dogs and cats

  • Puppy-approved flavor

  • Delivers dimethylglycine (DMG) in a palatable liquid for flexible dosing in dogs and cats

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Vetri‑Science Vetri‑DMG Liquid is notable for its distinct technical approach: a liquid DMG formulation derived from yeast that offers flexible dosing and rapid administration for animals, making it a go‑to when precise or adjustable dosing is required rather than a straight beta‑glucan supplement. It complements the list by providing an alternative immunomodulatory mechanism to beta‑glucans—trading the chewable/tablet convenience of NaturVet and NOW Pets and the clinical standardization of Thorne for liquid versatility and targeted use.

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$30-50 USD

5
BEST WHOLE-FOOD YEAST IMMUNOMODULATOR

Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete

Wholistic Pet Organics
🏠 Local Product

Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete is recognized as a market leader for pet owners seeking a whole‑food, multi‑nutrient approach that can include yeast‑derived immunomodulators alongside broader nutritional support; its emphasis on organic or minimally processed ingredients appeals to buyers prioritizing natural formulations. Compared to single‑ingredient beta‑glucan products or clinical-grade isolates like Thorne, Wholistic positions itself as a comprehensive lifestyle formula—typically at a higher price point than mass-market options but offering a broader ingredient profile than the DMG‑focused Vetri‑Science or the narrowly targeted NaturVet.

4
★★★★☆

  • All-in-one nutraceutical

  • Supports immune health

  • All-in-one nutraceutical

  • Supports immune health

Review Summary

75%

"Several long-term users credit it with better coat condition and digestion and like the comprehensive formula, but others cite dosing hassle, cost, and variable results over time."

  • Tablet dogs love

  • Whole-food style formula featuring brewers' yeast and other beta-glucan–rich ingredients

  • Tablet dogs love

  • Whole-food style formula featuring brewers' yeast and other beta-glucan–rich ingredients

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete is recognized as a market leader for pet owners seeking a whole‑food, multi‑nutrient approach that can include yeast‑derived immunomodulators alongside broader nutritional support; its emphasis on organic or minimally processed ingredients appeals to buyers prioritizing natural formulations. Compared to single‑ingredient beta‑glucan products or clinical-grade isolates like Thorne, Wholistic positions itself as a comprehensive lifestyle formula—typically at a higher price point than mass-market options but offering a broader ingredient profile than the DMG‑focused Vetri‑Science or the narrowly targeted NaturVet.

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$40-70 USD

What the Research Says About Beta Glucan and Yeast-Derived Immunomodulators

Scientific and preclinical research provides a clear biological rationale for beta glucans and related yeast polysaccharides as immune modulators. Studies in laboratory animals and some clinical trials in companion animals point to consistent mechanisms of action, along with measurable changes in immune markers and clinical outcomes when products are used appropriately. Evidence quality varies by product and species, so understanding the types of studies and what they measured helps pet owners set realistic expectations and choose higher-quality brands.

Mechanism: Beta glucans interact with pattern recognition receptors such as Dectin-1 on innate immune cells, enhancing macrophage and neutrophil activity and supporting antigen presentation that links innate and adaptive responses.

Preclinical evidence: Rodent and in vitro studies show improved pathogen clearance, reduced inflammatory damage, and stronger antibody responses after immunization when beta glucans are used as adjuncts.

Clinical evidence in pets: Controlled trials and pilot studies in dogs and cats are smaller in number but report beneficial effects such as improved vaccine response, fewer upper respiratory infections, and better recovery from immune stressors when using veterinary-formulated products.

Safety and dosing: Yeast-derived immunomodulators are generally well tolerated in small animals when dosed per label or veterinary guidance. Product purity, standardization of active fractions, and correct species dosing materially affect outcomes.

Formulation matters: Combining beta glucans with probiotics, antioxidants, or targeted micronutrients can enhance gut-immune interactions, which is why many leading products use multi-ingredient strategies.

Practical guidance: Look for brands with third-party testing, clear concentration or standardized extract information, and veterinary formulation focus. Always discuss new immune supplements with your veterinarian, particularly for animals on immune-modulating medications or with autoimmune conditions.

In USA in 2025, pet owners have several well-formulated beta glucan and yeast-derived immunomodulator options to support small animal immune health. The five products reviewed on this page — NaturVet Immune Support Plus Beta Glucan, Thorne Research Immugen, NOW Pets Immune Support, Vetri-Science Vetri-DMG Liquid, and Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete — each offer distinct formulation strengths, from pet-centered dosing to research-backed ingredient standards. For most companion animal owners seeking a pet-specific, evidence-informed immune support product, NaturVet Immune Support Plus Beta Glucan is the best starting choice because it is formulated specifically for dogs and cats and pairs practicality with an accessible evidence profile. We hope you found the comparison useful; you can refine or expand your search using the site search to focus on species, ingredient preferences, or veterinary recommendations.

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