Metamucil Vs Benefiber?

[macoduck]

Mazy's poop is usually on the soft side. Recently she had a week of cowpatty poop. No changes in demeanor or activity.

 

We stopped using Iams green bag a few months ago. Switched to a lamb and rice ProPlan. Regular soft poop on both.

 

We've used owelo carrots in the past. Helped a little bit for a while. A bit too pricey to maintain use.

 

Poop turned into cowpatties about the time that DH started doling out pieces of bread as treats. I asked him to stop giving her bread while I was out of town for a weekend. He did not scoop poop in the backyard plus it rained, so it was hard to tell if it firmed up (although I think it did). The no-bread experiment will continue.

 

I read a post on GT where Metamucil was suggested. So today, for the first time, I added less than half a teaspoon of Benefiber (Dextrin) to her dinner. Added extra water in with her kibble. As soon as she was done eating she went to a back room and laid down. Didn't even get up to beg for DH's dinner. Did get up for one soft training treat but laid back down.

 

This is so not like her. Googling Benefiber (Dextrin) and Metamusil showed both OK to give dogs. The amount I gave her was below the suggested amount for her weight.

 

The only thing I can think of is possible gluten intolerance as the product label mentioned it and me thinking the bread may have given her soft poop?

 

Anyone go through something similar?

[MaryJane]

Did you give the recommended amount of water for the 1/2 teaspoon?

[NeedlenoseJake]

I know with humans it is best to start fiber supplements slowly and gradually work up to the recommended dose. Also, I believe metamucil and benefiber have different kinds of fiber so you may want to switch it up.

[macoduck]

Did you give the recommended amount of water for the 1/2 teaspoon?

I did give less water. Recommended serving age 12 to adult human: 2 teaspoons. I gave 1/2 teaspoon and made her kibble soupy rather than moist.

Mazy is up and moving around now. Also drinking water.

[macoduck]

Mazy just pooped and yay! it's a bouncy one. Haven't seen that in ages. Makes me think that the bread DH had been giving her was to blame.

 

I will hold off on giving any more Benefiber.

Edited September 28, 2015 by macoduck

[Guest TheGirlz]

FYI, I have coeliac disease (allergic to gluten), can't comment on Benefiber but I know that Metamucil IS gluten free - just for future information

 

Great to hear Mazy is all sorted

[macoduck]

TheGirlz - I do remember seeing "gluten free" on the Metamucil label. Doesn't say that on the Benefiber label.

[XTRAWLD]

I've used Benefibre for both Kasey and Ryder because it is "clear and taste free" and very little added to it, unlike sugar in Metamucil, etc. (states on the label in fact no added fillers, sugar, colour, sweetener or artificial flavour and has one ingredient - Inulin which is a natural vegetable fibre from chicory root). However, my vet did caution me saying that it might help, it might not, it won't hurt, but give it a try, but don't overdo it. She recommended only 1/4 teaspoon tho, not the rounded teaspoon suggested for people. I only use it when I notice Ry needs it, and don't regularly feed it. When I do, I certainly add water to his meal to help things move along. You just need to find the sweet spot for dosage and I think you might be on to something!

Edited September 29, 2015 by XTRAWLD

[2fawnhounds]

Ducky, Dingo was on a teaspoon of Metamucil for most of her 15 years. Cured all of her digestive issues. We tried to give her the unflavored one but it got harder and harder to find. Good luck!

[macoduck]

Thanks Trish! So far just omitting bread from the snack list has helped to firm her up.