Last Updated on
Canine constipation is quite common so it’s no wonder owners ask about Benefiber!
Is your buddy straining to go to the bathroom?
Here’s the deal:
It’s often the case that bowel irregularity will return back to normal without a need for intervention.
Though Benefiber can provide your dog with much-needed relief, chronic symptoms (ie. a possible bowel obstruction) should be properly diagnosed.
Dogs Can Take Benefiber
There’s a strong case to be made that it’s safer than similar alternatives such as Metamucil.
We like that Benefiber has few added ingredients. In fact, it is 100% natural!
But again…
A fiber supplement may not be the right treatment for your dog’s constipation. An underlying medical problem should be ruled out.
Other Downsides For Dogs
Benefiber is rarely harmful, but dogs sometimes experience some level of discomfort after taking it.
This dietary fiber may cause gas and stomach cramps. Thankfully, these side effects typically subside as the body adjusts.
Pro Tip: Gastro upset can usually be avoided by gradually introducing Benefiber as opposed to providing too much, too fast. More on dosing your dog later!
Another thing to keep in mind is that Benefiber is a soluble fiber. This means, unlike insoluble formulas, it gets digested and is a source of calories. In particular, the product contains lots of wheat dextrin.
This may or may not matter but…
It isn’t out of the question that your dog could have an intolerance to gluten (although the amount is less than 20ppm which is essentially gluten-free.)
How Much Benefiber to Give
Dosing Benefiber for your dog mostly depends on their body weight.
A general rule of thumb is this:
Give at least 1 generous teaspoon of Benefiber for breeds under 20 pounds, and up to 2 teaspoons for bigger dogs (provided not more than twice per day).
Pro Tip: Mix the powder in with a bit of dog food. That will ensure that your furry friend consumes the full dose of fiber.
Some Amazing Alternatives
Other constipation cures are seriously worth considering.
A quality soft chew K9 probiotic is highly recommended because your dog’s gut health could be out of whack.
Or instead of giving Benefiber, you should know that many owners swear by canned pumpkin.
And steamed rice or cooked sweet potato, mixed with regular chow, works wonders for many dogs.
Certain bland foods tend to clear out the digestive system and also make stools bulkier and softer. Such a strategy is preferable to Benefiber.
And to further that point…
You may be able to prevent your dog from getting constipation or diarrhea in the first place by selecting more easily digestible ingredients as part of an overall healthy diet.
The Bottom Line
Benefiber is pretty safe and effective for dogs.
Extra fiber could do the trick for mild constipation. However, if bowel issues linger for long, getting your vet’s expertise would be well worth it!
Further, while Benefiber is not dangerous, bowel regularity is best achieved with the right foods.
First thing’s first: Do an evaluation of your dog’s diet before relying on this supplement.
Fiber, such as Benefiber and Metamucil, cannot cause diarrhea. It actually treats the symptoms of diarrhea as well as constipation.
My vet recommended that I give my dog Benefiber. I’m only dusting her food with a light amount. Maybe about 1/8 teaspoon. It is helping. My best answer would be to ask a veterinarian.
It’s not a good idea to self-diagnose and medicate your animals. However, many vets recommend giving dogs a fiber supplement to help bulk their stools. Even many high quality dog foods are relatively low in fiber which causes smaller stools which, in turn, can cause impacted anal glands.
Dogs’ anal glands are emptied by the force of a firm (not hard) bulky stool passing out the rectum. When the stool is small and hard (or too soft), the anal glands cannot empty properly and may become impacted, infected or even rupture.
Fiber supplements, ground green beans, canned pumpkin (not pie filling) and bran cereal are all things that can be added to help keep the fiber content up. As always, talk to your veterinarian before adding over the counter supplements to your dog’s diet.