Metamucil/Psyllium Fiber for Cats: Natural Constipation Remedy

Psyllium (Trade Name Metamucil) is a Fiber Rich Natural Fiber supplement that provides relief in Constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal bloating issues in cats, dogs, and most pets.

What is Metamucil?

Metamucil is the name of a psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid. It is a cholesterol-lowering product which is produced by P&G. IJSR says that it is made from hulls of ripe Plantago ovata seeds. 

According to metamucil.com, it is a mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber.

  • Soluble fiber absorbs water because it passes via the gastrointestinal tract to form a viscous gel. As it moves into the big gut it will increase fecal mass and softens the stool, promoting passage out of the body.
  • Insoluble fiber passes via the gastrointestinal tract undigested and adds bulk to the feces that can benefit constipated cats.

Psyllium has not been FDA permitted for use with cats. However, it is generally prescribed by vets to deal with constipation and diarrhea in cats and dogs.

Can I Give My Dog Or Cat Metamucil?

Yes, with the right dosage and diagnosis, Metamucil is safe for canines and felines.

Veterinarians might also additionally prescribe Metamucil as an adjunctive remedy for canines or felines that are already undergoing treatment for diarrhea. In conjunction with a bland, particularly digestible diet, antibiotics, and probiotics, a bulking fiber including Metamucil may assist to firm the stool. However, Metamucil is not often used as a laxative or stool softener.

Flatulence might also additionally increase with the use of Metamucil. Metamucil must never be used if an esophageal or different gastrointestinal obstruction is suspected, or in significantly dehydrated patients. Also, you must never use Metamucil if you suspect poisonous ingestion.

If you do suspect your furball is suffering from constipation, or you are trying to deal with diarrhea at home, do not administer Metamucil without consulting your vet first. The best route of action is to take your furball for a complete physical examination to decide the cause of the strange signs and then pursue the most suitable treatment plan.

Cat Constipation Symptoms

  • Dry poop
  • Lethargy
  • Yowling in the litter box
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hiding
  • Hard abdomen
  • Vomiting

Is Metamucil Safe For Cats?

Metamucil is very safe in felines. If an excessive amount is given, felines can also additionally experience stomach ache and/or diarrhea. If you see those signs developing, lessen the dose or stop completely. Psyllium is likewise available in tablet form.

Fiber supplements which include psyllium and Metamucil do not work for each feline and aren’t encouraged for long time use. The increased bulk of the stool can result in dehydration and might worsen constipation with time. Felines with chronic constipation commonly have an underlying clinical cause.

Possible clinical reasons consist of chronic kidney disease inflicting dehydration which ends up in constipation, compression of the colon from different internal factors which include enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged bladder or prostate, trauma to the pelvic canal, a boom in the colon, or megacolon – a situation wherein the colon no longer contracts to push stool out.

In all of these cases, long-term use of fiber additives will make the situation worse.

How Much Metamucil Can I Give My Cat For Diarrhea?

Adding 1/2 of a teaspoon of Metamucil into your cat’s meals with every feeding, mainly if he has gentle feces, often normalizes the poop.

The pills might also additionally contain 500mg or 1000mg. Therefore, ensure you examine the bottle carefully. The average cat over eight pounds must receive 500mg per day. You can either supply the pill entirely or open the pill and blend it with meals.

Cats below eight pounds must receive 250mg psyllium per day. Since it isn’t always available in this strength, you may open the pill and blend about ½ of the powder in the pill with meals.

Side effects of Metamucil

  • An allergic or anaphylactic reaction can arise in rare cases. If your feline displays any signs which include itching or difficulty breathing after administration of psyllium, go to the vet immediately.
  • Psyllium is normally safe. However, it can cause choking. Therefore, always make sure that fresh water is continually available.
  • Some side effects which include flatulence can be experienced at the same time as taking Metamucil.
  • You must never use Metamucil if you suspect an esophageal or different gastrointestinal obstruction, or in seriously dehydrated pets of yours. Also, you must never use Metamucil if you suspect poisonous ingestion.
  • If vomiting occurs, you must seize the use of Metamucil.
  • Overdosing is constantly dangerous. It might also additionally cause an increased quantity of soft or loose stools.
  • When administering the psyllium (Metamucil), maintain a keen eye on your feline’s condition. If the condition worsens or does not improve, stop product administration, and seek advice from your vet.

6 Ways To Help Your Constipated Cat

  1. Go for a new diet
  2. Maintain an average weight
  3. Feed fiber or probiotics
  4. Increase the water consumption
  5. Mitigate stress and anxiety
  6. Increase Exercise 
  7. Keep more litter boxes

Benefiber Vs Metamucil For Cats

Benefiber and Metamucil are fiber supplements. But, they are not the same. Benefiber has wheat dextrin. Also, it is only approved as a fiber supplement. On the other hand, Metamucil has psyllium.

It is approved as a fiber supplement and bulk-forming laxative. On top of that, Metamucil also binds fatty acids that help to lower LDL cholesterol. 

5 Safe Laxatives For Cats

  1. Sentry HC Petromalt
  2. Laxatone
  3. Lactulose
  4. Lax’aire
  5. Vetasyl

Frequently asked questions

What Kind Of Metamucil Can I Give My Cat?

If your cat is under eight pounds, begin with ¼ teaspoon per day. If your cat is over eight pounds, give ¼ teaspoon two times a day. Look for unflavored powder and blend it with canned meals. Cats 8 pounds and over can get a hold of 500mg per day.

How Much Miralax Do You Give A Cat?

For felines, the recommended dose is normally ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of powder mixed in with meals two times daily. Your vet will be capable of providing you with more specific commands based on your feline’s situation and needs. Make sure to talk with your vet before giving your cat Miralax.

How Much Psyllium Do I Put In Cat Food?

Most vets suggest that you blend 1/4 to 1 tsp. psyllium seeds with a cup of water and blend together with your fur ball’s meals

How Much Metamucil To Give A Cat With Diarrhea

Unflavored psyllium and canned pumpkin are easily available fiber supplements. No hard and fast guidelines for the way to dose psyllium or pumpkin in felines exist. However, beginning with 1-2 teaspoons of both blended into your feline’s meals over the course of the day is a reasonable region to start.

Psyllium Husk For Cats With Diarrhea

Psyllium fiber supplements are frequently used for their laxative properties. However, it may additionally help to enhance fecal consistency in felines with chronic large bowel diarrhea. The recommended dose is 1 tsp blended with meals a couple of times daily.

Where can I buy Metamucil?

Psyllium is available in pharmacies,  supermarkets, and health food shops under the brand name Metamucil as well as numerous generic names. Only use the original (unflavoured) powder.

Final words

Keeping in view all of the above-mentioned information, fiber supplements, including Metamucil, are safe for cats. They can assist relieve constipation, diarrhea, or any other bowel ailment in cats. Do not forget to ensure your feline is consuming sufficient water to prevent dehydration.

But if the situation does not improve within some days, the best route of action is to take your furball for a complete physical examination by your vet. The vet will determine the reason for the unusual symptoms and then pursue the most suitable remedy plan.