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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.
There’s been a boom in pet fibre supplements recently. You can find powders, chews and sachets in pet shops and online, each claiming to support your pet’s gut health, firm up stools or improve their microbiome.
But not all supplements are created equal. And not every pet needs one.
What makes a good supplement?
A quality product will clearly list its fibre sources – for example, beet pulp, psyllium husk, inulin or cellulose. It should also show the quantity of each and avoid vague terms like “natural fibre blend.”
The best supplements combine different types of fibre: soluble, insoluble and fermentable – in ratios that support gut health without overwhelming the system.
And finally, they need to be palatable. No matter how scientifically formulated a supplement is, it won’t help if your pet refuses to eat it.
What to avoid
Watch out for:
- Supplements containing xylitol or other sweeteners that are toxic to dogs.
- Products with exaggerated claims or lacking ingredient transparency.
- Human fibre supplements, the doses are often inappropriate for pets.
When to ask your vet
While some pets benefit from fibre supplements, others won’t – and in some cases, it can cause more problems than it solves.
If your pet has had a change in stool quality, is losing weight, straining or having episodes of diarrhoea, speak to your vet first. We’ll check for underlying issues, help you choose the right product and advise on dosage.
I explored all of this with veterinary technical advisor Ronan Fitzgerald in the podcast episode Poo Talk: Is Fibre the Secret to Your Pet’s Health?
🎧 Watch the episode here
