Psyllium

Psyllium is a fibre from the seed husks of Plantago, a largely soluble fibre that strongly forms a gel on contact with water, used to regulate transit in dogs and cats. Its main value is its ability to absorb water and increase stool bulk, which makes it a so-called regulating fibre useful in two opposite situations: with loose stools it helps add consistency, and with constipation it aids transit by increasing the volume and hydration of the faecal mass (FEDIAF). It features in some gastrointestinal diets and in managing specific disorders, such as feline constipation or certain enteropathies. One practical point matters: psyllium must come with enough water intake, otherwise it can worsen an obstruction, so its use in a sick animal calls for veterinary oversight, since the cause of digestive trouble must first be identified (veterinary literature). Psyllium remains a functional fibre well tolerated at suitable doses. The marker: its gelling soluble nature sets it apart from insoluble fibres such as cellulose, which act mainly as bulk. It works in the same regulating register as cooked [pumpkin and squash](/glossary/squash-pumpkin), its effect is tracked through the [fecal score](/glossary/fecal-score), and it is one tool among many for the digestive concerns detailed in the [Petipedia glossary](/glossary), including [inflammatory bowel disease](/glossary/ibd-inflammatory-bowel-disease).

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General documentary information. For an individual animal, a veterinarian's advice takes precedence over any online content.