Read This Before Giving Metamucil To Your Constipated Dog!

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Metamucil is a fiber supplement that normalizes bowel movements, but does it make sense for dogs?

You’ll be happy to hear this bulk-forming laxative can help your canine with constipation.

Can I Give My Dog Metamucil?That’s right. Metamucil is effective for dogs and vets do prescribe it.

But it’s best to go with a version with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners — unlike the one pictured here.

Dogs Can Take Unflavored Metamucil

The main fibrous ingredient, psyllium, is pretty safe.

And Metamucil has been found to be reliable for relieving constipation in dogs —  straining as well.

A study out of Brazil concluded there was a, “laxative effect of psyllium in dogs.”

They evaluated 24 canines of which 19 had easier defecation after being put on a diet supplemented with 2% of psyllium. The animals had dry or hard feces which later normalized.

In other words: It works!

How to Give Metamucil

Using Metamucil on your dog isn’t complicated. Simply mix the soluble powder in with your pet’s food or even water.

Be patient. It may take a couple of days for bowel normalization.

Some folks combine Metamucil with a dog-friendly probiotic for even better results.


Warning: Psyllium should not be given for a bowel obstruction or other condition such as colitis. To be sure, a diagnosis is highly recommended!


The Right Amount For Dogs

Be conservative with dosing — especially when going it alone.

The amount of Metamucil should factor in body weight, but also the dog’s age and overall health.

Rule of Thumb: Small breeds can have 1/2 teaspoon twice daily. For larger dogs, 2 teaspoons of Metamucil taken 2 times per day.

While Metamucil is not considered dangerous, giving your dog too much may cause diarrhea.

Confirm exact dosing with your vet!

The Absorption Action

Psyllium, the main ingredient, tends to make bowel movements much easier to pass.

The husks from this plant are called Plantago ovata. They will soak up excess water in your dog’s gut.

With enough absorption, the dog’s stools will normalize.

Metamucil basically acts as a binder.

It will bring back your buddy’s regularity when loose and frequent bowel movements occur.

2 Other Options To Consider

Benefiber is similar and also works.

And not only for constipation! It’s good for both hard and soft stools.

Of course, some owners overly rely on these types of products. Try not to do that.

Consider that pumpkin is equally effective and likely a better choice for your dog. It’s also super nutritious!

When To Get Your Vet’s Help

Irregular defecation presents both dog and owner with a dirty dilemma.

Here’s the deal though…

There are underlying conditions that a bunch of fiber can’t address. Metamucil won’t do much for such situations.

One example is when a dog has parasites!

For that, an entirely different type of treatment is needed. And, of course, any chronic or recurring bowel symptoms require veterinary assistance.

The Bottom Line

You can give your constipated dog Metamucil – 100% Psyllium. It usually does the trick and is generally safe.

At the same time, now would be a good time to evaluate what you feed your dog.

Sometimes gastro issues call for a diet change or medical checkup rather than reaching for Metamucil.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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12 thoughts on “Read This Before Giving Metamucil To Your Constipated Dog!”

  1. I have a 4.5 pound dog and since I brought her home from the vet I haven’t seen her poop. I think she is constipated. How much of unflavored Metamucil can I give her?

  2. My 10 pound dog is unable to poop. I gave her some milk last night and some this morning but still no results. Should I try Metamucil and if so, how much?

  3. My puppy has anal strictures and has dry, hard stools. I have tried pumpkin, olive oil, plain yogurt with inconsistent results. She is also on prescription canine ID diet. Lactulose hasn’t really made a difference either.

    It’s very frustrating to watch her strain. Miralax works well, but I don’t want to rely on it long-term. My vet thought that fiber would absorb the water and could cause drier stools. I’ve been reluctant to try Metamucil.

    Has anyone had a dog with anal strictures that has some good advice? Thank you!

  4. I give my dog the generic CVS version in capsule form. Seems to work very well – though it takes a few hours for the action to happen. I agree that a lot of hydration is key.

  5. Do not use sugar free! It’s very bad for dogs. Use unflavored regular Metamucil.

  6. My puppy is a 10 pound, 7 month old Chiweenie. Is it okay to give Metamucil to her? Her stools are small and kind of hard and she bites at her tail and chases it. She acts like something is bothering her when she’s biting at the base of her tail. Sometimes she even scoots her bottom on the carpet. How much should I give her?

    1. If your dog is scooting her bum on the floor, she likely needs to have her anal glands expressed. But generally hard poos are enough to do this on their own. Have you checked her poo for worms? Little white grains of rice, or longer like spaghetti noodles could be signs. If she’s constantly biting at her bum, I’d take her to the vet to be sure that it isn’t something else.

      In the meantime, yes, you can give her Metamucil. I’d recommend a quarter of a teaspoon twice a day, with a meal would probably be best. But like I said, only a vet can give a proper diagnosis.

  7. My vet recommended that I give my 20-pound dog 1 Metamucil fiber biscuit each day to help bulk-up her stools, which helps the anal glands to express on their own. It works great and she thinks it is a cookie. The only problem is that she is sensitive to wheat. So I’m looking for a wheat-free fiber supplement. The internet recommends brown rice, so I’m going to try that next.

  8. One of my dogs has been having some strange symptoms the past few days. When I pick her up she is fidgety and doesn’t want me supporting her under her bum. Also, her stool has been very soft and she has been acting odd, not really very social.

    She is normally a more nervous dog but never like this. I can tell she is uncomfortable so I am going to try Metamucil and hopefully she feels better. If not I will be making a trip to the vet very soon.

  9. This has helped greatly. I tried the pumpkin and it worked good, but he won’t eat it anymore. I want to give him Metamucil, but it would be easier in pill form. Would this be the same? Also, how many should I give a 45 pound older dog?

    1. I have the same question as Gloria. Is the dosage the same in the pill form? I emptied some capsules into a measuring spoon and 5 pills is a little less than 1 teaspoon. My dog weighs 25 pounds.

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