When asked what psyllium husk is, a very large portion of people would shrug without even knowing whether this is food, some strange plant, or who knows what else. If you fall into the group of people who are expanding their search for a healthy lifestyle, and escape the clutches of the fast food monster that has got a hold of the entire world, you probably know a lot about healthy foods. However, if you are in this group of people, then you are probably aware of the fact that you are the minority here.
Psyllium husk is a type of seed that is rich in fiber. Now, this is one of the major reasons why many people are interested in including psyllium husk in their daily nutrition. When compared to other sources of fiber, the husk is an absolute winner containing the highest amount of fiber. According to researches, psyllium husk has been known to help with weight loss, and many products for colon cleansing are based on it.
However, there is always the question of whether the fact that something is safe for humans automatically implies that it is safe for pets. In many instances these implications go on to become complications. To clarify this with the example of cats – there are a lot of foods that are frequently consumed by people, whereas these same foods can have a poisonous effect on cats. Garlic, grapes, onions, and even milk can harm cats if taken in large quantities for a long period of time. This being said, we’ll tell you a little something about cats and psyllium husk, and what the connection between these two is.
Can I Give My Cat Psyllium Husk? Answer: Yes, But Use Caution.
It is generally considered that cats can be given psyllium husk, due to the fact that they often have problems with constipation. This type of seed is perfect for helping cats get rid of this problem, but there is one thing you should take into consideration prior to everything else. Namely, you should check whether your furry friend is allergic to psyllium husk or not. People have been known to have major allergic reactions to the husk, and in some cases these were life threatening. Psyllium husk can lead to anaphylactic shock, and this is something you want to avoid when it comes to people as well as cats. So, check with your vet whether or not your cat should be taking this type of seed.
If your cat is not allergic to the husk, a whole array of choices will open for it food-wise. Cat owners who like to cook for their pets probably already know that psyllium husk powder is almost an inevitable ingredient in many delicious recipes for cat food.
Great amounts of carbohydrates are the number one cause for bad digestion, weight gain, and irregular bowel movements. Cats are carnivores, and when fed large amounts of carbohydrates, this will generally cause some of the abovementioned problems. Psyllium husk, being very rich in fiber, can help cats with digestion, and have a more balanced nutrition.
Don’t Give Your Cat Too Much Psyllium Husk
This is yet another example where that certain rule of thumb can be applied: nothing can be good in excessive amounts – neither can psyllium husk. This seed is to be fed to cats in small amounts, in order to avoid diarrhea, as doing the opposite would result in exactly this. So, pay great attention to how much husk you give your cat.
Water, Water, and Some More Water
Cats should always have a fresh bowl of water by their side, and when it comes to feeding them psyllium husk, it is even more important that your cat has plenty of water. The reason for this is the fact that dinking the husk with a great amount of water will help the seed to take effect in much less time than without great water consumption.
Keep the Safety of Your Cat in Mind
Psyllium husk comes with a lot of benefits, but you should never let these benefits overshadow the health of your pet. So prior to considering whether to give it to them or not, visit your vet and ask them for advice in order to be absolutely sure your cat will be safe taking psyllium husk.
What is a small amount? An 1/8 or 1/4 of a tsp?
My vet recommended I give my cat Metamucil which is made from psyllium husk. Of course, it also has sugar. She suggested I start with 1/8 tsp and, if needed, move to 1/4. I’m thinking that’s the appropriate amount.
You can buy sugar free psyllium. All natural, no sugar. That’s what I bought for my cat because I didn’t want to give him sugar.
Thanks so much for the info. I’ve been giving my cat Miralax everyday for a while and I’m worried about side effects. I think fiber will be better!
Make sure that it is pure Psyllium Fiber and that it has no artificial sugars, added sugars/flavors or other ingredients which could be harmful/fatal to your cat. I recommend reading the label ingredients carefully.
Konsyl Original is one of the few available at department stores or pharmacies that does not have harmful ingredients. I have used it in very small amounts +/- 1/8 teaspoon up to two times a day and it has been helpful with short-term constipation. I hope this is helpful!
My vet recommended giving my cat 1 tsp of Metamucil at each feeding to help with his inflammatory bowel syndrome. Of course I couldn’t get him to eat it and I didn’t like the fact that it has other stuff like sugar in it. So I bought pure psyllium husk and empty capsules and fill them myself. He takes them well with a pill shooter. It also helps to coat the capsule with coconut oil so it goes down easy.
I would hide the plain psyllium husk powder in the wet food and avoid the pill drama.
My cat is 17 years old. I don’t ever see her drinking water. The vet said to give her 1 teaspoon 2 times a day for her anal glands problem. That was too much so I went down to 1/8 tsp twice a day. Still too much! I’m going to try just 1 time a day. I’m concerned about the not drinking water thing though.
I suggest you give your cat wet food, and add a little water, mix it together well and that should help. Also, keep water glasses/dishes in various places to entice her. Mine won’t drink next to the dry food bowl but they love to find various water throughout the house. I hope this helps!
You can add hot water to the wet or dry food to increase the cats H2O. Be sure to test the temperature. They actually like it warm. I stick my pinkie in the food to see if it’s warm, not hot.
About 30 minutes ago my cat ate 2,500mg of Psyllium husks fiber capsules. I’m giving the cat water wet food with water. Is he in danger?
Works really well to mix in a little water and give with a syringe and then I give her several syringes on plain water after.
Exactly how do I add Psyllium to dry cat food?
Try raw species appropriate cat food, from a reputable pet store that carries great brands or dehydrated cat food chicken/pork – crush it up and add a little water then add a small amt of psyllium husk. Kibble is the real enemy in so many ways. Also put down filtered water in glass/aluminum bowls in different locations, not necessary to be beside their food.
Make sure you use Organic Phsyllium Husk. Frontier Co-op sells it. You don’t want GMO husk. It dies work and I used it for my cat when he had issues with bowels awhile back. Good idea to make sure enough water mix some up in small cup and out 1/8 tsp ir less in wet cat food. This way the cat will have water with it.