It’s in all of our Just Cat and Premium Cat products. Psyllium husk powder is a form of fiber which comes from the Plantago ovata plant. It is actually the husk from the plant’s seed.
Interestingly, it’s a bulk-forming laxative so it can correct or stabilize constipation, diarrhea, and so much more.
Psyllium is seen as one of the best sources of fiber for pets, which is essential for intestinal function. Psyllium creates softer bowel content, but is much safer than regular laxatives which may cause the body to lose important nutrients. The psyllium husks expand when they come into contact with water (from food or in the digestive tract), which forms a sort of gelatinous mass. If a stool is too loose, then the psyllium helps to absorb some of the moisture, firming it, in order to help create a healthier stool.
In case of constipation, psyllium helps the bowel to contract, providing more volume to the stool. The stool will also become more moist, or softer, so that there is a reduced chance of irritation of the anus.
Besides providing a healthier stool, Psyllium may also help related intestinal irritation. Scientific studies* show that hairballs in the stomachs of cats (and possibly dogs) can be removed naturally with the aid of Psyllium. Adding Psyllium promotes a healthy bowel function.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is usually marked by alternating bouts of constipation, diarrhea and vomiting, plus signs of straining to eliminate. Studies have shown psyllium helps some cats with IBS when dietary fiber is added to the diet in the form of psyllium.
Psyllium improves digestion so nutrients are more completely absorbed and therefore your cat’s health and fur condition will dramatically improve.
Psyllium also improves lipid levels which helps cats who might be prone to diabetes or have it already.
Psyllium is also helpful for weight loss because psyllium absorbs liquid in the gut, giving your cat the feeling of being full. This can help control the degree of hunger, reducing the amount of food one wants to eat, which can aid in weight loss.
Another plus is the taste is bland. Cat’s don’t notice it their food, or may even like it.
Psyllium requires moisture to be effective, which we have taken into account when formulating the Just Cat and Premium Cat products. The food contains a certain amount of natural moisture that we balance with the amount of psyllium in our formula.
We carefully formulate our foods to use highly effective ingredients like psyllium. This allows us to keep the foods simple yet provide a powerful dietary impact.
*Journal of Nutrition, Volume 134 Issue 8, August 2004, https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/134/8/2124S/4688894