Hard stools

[BettinaT]

@Dr. Jeff @Dr. Jean Hofve
I have now got this home Ultimate Probiotic 9 Strains with Prebiotics - Gut Microbiome Health f

How should I feed it, can I sprinkle it over their raw food? How much should I give and for how long?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Not normal, but fairly common.

It sounds like they still need balancing of their microbiome.

Patience and perseverance pays off Bettina.

 

[BettinaT]

@Dr. Jeff @Dr. Jean Hofve
I have now got this home Ultimate Probiotic 9 Strains with Prebiotics - Gut Microbiome Health f

How should I feed it, can I sprinkle it over their raw food? How much should I give and for how long?

And what do you think here @Dr. Jeff ?

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

This looks fine. It recommends 1/4 rounded tsp but if you're feeding in meals just split that between them, you can mix into the food.

Then you wait... see how they do, what the response is. If it keeps working, keep giving it!

 

[BettinaT]

@Dr. Jeff @Dr. Jean Hofve

My female cat's feces are still quite thin. And I was wondering if she could have the same problem again, the anal gland not being emptied properly. I asked the vet about it and she said it was a good idea to give some fiber, she recommended psyllium.
What do you think about it?
Like as Medical Medium friendly advice as possible, thanks

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

Is she straining? Gassy? Tender tummy? Grumpy? Poor BEAM? Why do you think it is a problem?

 

[BettinaT]

Is she straining? Gassy? Tender tummy? Grumpy? Poor BEAM? Why do you think it is a problem?

No to all your questions.

When I went to the vet on Tuesday for a health check and blood test, the vet said that it was good that my cat was getting more fiber, so her stools will be thicker, so she can empty her anal glands properly.

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

I guess I don't understand the question. She is already getting fiber in the probiotics, she isn't having any problems, it sounds like the vet is okay with how she's doing; why do you want to change it?

 

[BettinaT]

I guess I don't understand the question. She is already getting fiber in the probiotics, she isn't having any problems, it sounds like the vet is okay with how she's doing; why do you want to change it?

She still just have the thin stool. The vet say the probiotic was not enough. And therefore the vet say i should add in more fiber .

About the probiotic. I did give it two weeks Should i start on that again , and should i give it every day until the bottle is finish?

Ultimate Probiotic 9 Strains with Prebiotics - Gut Microbiome Health f

Support your cat’s gut health with Ultimate Probiotic 9 Strains—a veterinarian-formulated supplement with nine probiotic strains plus the prebiotic, FOS. This high-quality blend helps promote digestive balance and overall well-being.

petwellbeing.com

Its this one i have add at home

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

She should still be getting the probiotic. Why did you stop giving it? Since she hasn't been getting it, that may explain the stool since the fiber is an important part of that supplement. Once is stable on that then we can see if she needs any additional fiber.

 

[BettinaT]

She should still be getting the probiotic. Why did you stop giving it? Since she hasn't been getting it, that may explain the stool since the fiber is an important part of that supplement. Once is stable on that then we can see if she needs any additional fiber.

It was the vet who said it was not good to give it for so long at a time and that I should take a break from it.

 

[NancyK]

It was the vet who said it was not good to give it for so long at a time and that I should take a break from it.

What about rotating probiotics? I have concerns about using the same one for extended periods but maybe rotating them can help avoid out of balance conditions with the different strains of bacteria? For my particular dog, I found that digestive enzymes are more helpful than probiotics.

Nancy

 

[GinnyW]

I'd agree with Nancy that rotating them is a valuable concept - one which I use as well. Both enzymes and probiotics would be part of a prototypical canid diet. The value of and necessity for supplemental fiber will depend on the makeup of the diet, and can be varied over time as well - but there's nothing wrong with using a pure fiber product as needed.

 

[BettinaT]

I'd agree with Nancy that rotating them is a valuable concept - one which I use as well. Both enzymes and probiotics would be part of a prototypical canid diet. The value of and necessity for supplemental fiber will depend on the makeup of the diet, and can be varied over time as well - but there's nothing wrong with using a pure fiber product as needed.

Do you have cats ? If so, what different kinds are you using for them ?

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

If you stop using probiotics, they stop working. The fiber that comes with good quality probiotics also doesn't work if you don't give it! ;-) It's excellent to rotate different ones, but I consider it important to give some probiotics daily, especially when there are GI issues or if antibiotics have been given within 12 months. (It takes at least that long for the gut to re-balance.)

Fiber is an interesting issue. Carnivores have no physiologic need or requirement for it. (Neither do humans, BTW!) But pets that have been fed commercial pet food have gotten fiber in every meal and may develop something like a dependence on it.

In my experience, harsh fibers like psyllium can do more harm than good, especially if you give too much or for too long.

That's different from the prebiotic fibers used in probiotic supplements, which feed the microbes and don't scratch up the intestinal lining.