Chia Seeds/gel/oil for Cat constipation

[TammiL]

Hello Dr. Jeff or anyone who wants to chime in! :0)

My 2 cats, Chewey and Tigger, raw fed are having an issue with constipation and some raw foods make it worse. It was mentioned on the Holistic Actions for Animals Facebook page to use Chia Gel. Chewey is long hair and Tigger is short hair.

Can someone tell me which is the better route and how much to start and what to work up to.....for the following:

Chia seeds whole having soaked in water overnight

Chia seeds ground and having soaked in water overnight

Chis seed oil???

Thanks so much!
Tammi
:0)

 

[aruna]

@TammiL, sorry for late response, @Dr. Jeff, @Dr. Christina, @Dr. Sara - do you have any input on using chia seeds for Tammi?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Thanks so much Aruna for pointing out Tammi's posts!

Chia seed oil is great to use!

Chia Seed Oil for Dogs and Cats

Chia seed oil is a natural supplement that helps dogs and cats lead healthier lives. It is recommended by a Master Herbalist for the wellness of your animal. Enjoy more organic, whole food supplements and herbal remedies by visiting The Pet Health and Nut

www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com

 

[TammiL]

Purchased the Chia Seed Oil!
Thanks so much!
Which would be better to try first the Chia Seed Oil or the GI Supplement Dr. Jeff also suggested:

ANIMAL ESSENTIALS Colon Rescue Herbal GI Support Dog & Cat Supplement, 1-oz b​

Thanks!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Both (if the kitties are willing to take both)! They work in different ways.

 

[TammiL]

Well, I didnt catch it fast enough and Chewey threw up a small cat. I can see the relief and umph back in him! He's much happier right now than last 2 days!
He was so hungry last night and this morning too. Which explains why his barf is so dark. He's eating stella and Chewey raw frozen Rabbit at the moment.
Just got the Chia Oil. 1/4 tsp a day it says, do I need to work up to that by giving half for a week or just give that to start?
Thanks!
???

@Dr. Jeff

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Lovely (good work Chewey!)...

You can start the Chia at 1/2 dose and work up over 5 days if they are doing fine with it

 

[TammiL]

Thanks Dr. Jeff!
Chat with you tomorrow at 430 for 15 min. call!

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

Chia is a good source of fiber, which helps some constipated cats, at least temporarily. In my experience, increased fiber alone isn't a long-term solution for constipation. Too much fiber can be irritating to the gut lining. Fortunately the gel-forming ability of chia may mitigate any potential irritation. I find it pretty soothing myself. I usually give it apart from meals so it does not interfere with nutrient absorption.

Like all plant-based Omega-3s, chia seed oil contains only alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is essential, and is good for skin and coat--which, given Chewey's epic hairball, may be a good thing!

Edible oils are digested and absorbed in the small intestine. For escorting things through the whole GI tract, I would not expect chia oil to do much for constipation because it never reaches the colon.

The Omega-3s most needed by our pets, due to the way meat is raised in the U.S., are EPA and DHA. The best source for those is marine oils. Despite what you may read on the internet (mostly written by people selling plant-based oils based on a deceptive claim of anti-inflammatory or neurological benefits, which ALA does not have), cats cannot convert ALA into EPA or DHA. And again, because they are absorbed higher up in the GI tract, they wouldn't necessarily help with constipation anyway.

Here is an article with every trick I know for constipation, both conventional and holistic. When I have a kitty in this uncomfortable situation, everything is fair game to help them feel better quickly! Constipated Cats | Little Big Cat