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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
If you’ve ever struggled with your pet’s toilet habits – too loose, too hard, too frequent – you’ll know just how frustrating it can be. One minute they’re straining to go, the next you’re cleaning up diarrhoea on your kitchen floor.
It’s no wonder that fibre is one of the first things vets reach for when tackling gut issues. But while it can make a big difference, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
How fibre can help
- Diarrhoea – Certain fibres absorb excess water in the gut and slow things down, helping to firm up loose stools.
- Constipation – Insoluble fibre adds bulk and encourages the colon to contract, making it easier for your pet to pass a stool.
- Anal gland problems – Firmer stools help the anal glands express naturally during toileting, reducing the risk of impaction and infection.
- Weight control – Fibre adds volume without calories, helping pets feel fuller and stay on track with weight management.
- Microbiome support – Fermentable fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria, improving everything from digestion to immunity.
In all these cases, fibre works best when tailored to your pet’s specific needs – and introduced gradually to avoid sudden changes in gut function.
When fibre isn’t the fix
Fibre can be incredibly helpful, but it’s not suitable for every condition. In cases like full intestinal blockages, severe colitis or certain megacolon cases in cats, more bulk can actually make things worse.
That’s why I always advise owners to avoid self-diagnosing. You might be tempted to add bran or psyllium to the food, but without knowing the cause of your pet’s symptoms, this can do more harm than good.
When to get advice
If your dog or cat is having ongoing gut problems, or if you’re just unsure, speak to your vet before making changes. We can help work out whether fibre is right, and which type to use.
This is something I explored in my latest episode of The Consult Room, Poo Talk: Is Fibre the Secret to Your Pet’s Health?, in conversation with veterinary nutrition expert – Ronan Fitzgerald. We cover the practical tips and the science in equal measure.
🎧 Listen to the episode here
