Psyllium husks to aid digestive health

Known for their remarkable ability to support digestive health, psyllium husks (Plantago ovata) have been valued for centuries for their soothing and bulking properties. The plant has been used in India and China in traditional medicine since 1500 BC. Used since then to treat constipation, diarrhoea, bladder problems and high blood pressure, it has also – much more recently – been used to reduce cholesterol and blood glucose.

Dietary supplement

Nowadays, psyllium husks are recognised worldwide as an effective dietary supplement, particularly for promoting gastrointestinal wellness in humans. And they are finding their way into commercial pet food, in canine diets and outside diet supplementation. Incorporating psyllium husks into a canine diet can offer multiple health benefits, primarily centred around digestive wellness. The soluble fibre in psyllium helps regulate bowel movements, support gut health, and manage weight. Additionally, it contributes to blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular health, making it a versatile and valuable ingredient in the Well Dog Pantry.

Note: Psyllium may cause wind problems and shouldn’t be given to dogs on medication, although your vet may prescribe psyllium supplements for digestion problems. I only use psyllium in moderation, in mucilage form, and mainly in baked products or the occasional smoothie.

Main Nutrients

Fibre

Psyllium husks are an exceptional source of dietary fibre, primarily composed of soluble fibre. This fibre absorbs water, forming a gel-like substance (mucilage), which helps to regulate bowel movements and improve stool consistency. Dietary fibre content aids in managing both constipation and diarrhoea, making psyllium a versatile ingredient for maintaining healthy digestion. Research to evaluate the inclusion of psyllium in the diet of police working dogs with chronic large-vowel diarrhoea showed an improvement in stool consistency, lower defecation frequency and some weight gain (with most subjects feeling the beneficial effects beyond the period of supplementation).

Prebiotics

Psyllium has great prebiotic potential[1]. The soluble fibre in psyllium husks aids with normal growth of beneficial microflora in the gut. This prebiotic effect supports a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for optimal digestive health and immune function in dogs. The dietary fibres can help to normalise colonic motility (colonic motility dysfunction leads to conditions like constipation, cramps and diarrhoea).

Mucilage

Psyllium husks contain a high amount of mucilage, a gelatinous substance that is activated upon contact with water. Mucilage is known for its soothing properties, which help protect and lubricate the digestive tract, reducing irritation and promoting healing in cases of gastrointestinal distress. This mucilage has even been used to promote absorption of curcumin[2].

Antioxidants

While psyllium husks are primarily recognised for their high fibre content, recent studies have highlighted that they are also a good source of arabinoxylans (AXs)[3], a type of non-starch polysaccharide. Arabinoxylans are known to exhibit antioxidant properties, which contribute to reducing oxidative stress in the body. This added benefit makes psyllium husks not only valuable for digestive health but also for enhancing the body’s defence mechanisms against oxidative damage.

Main Benefits – Key Takeaways

According to one study[4], the husks and seeds of the psyllium plant possess many medicinal properties, including (but not limited to) laxative, sedative, antibilious, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, astringent, antiulcer and even wound healing properties

Gut Health

Psyllium husks are renowned for their ability to support and regulate digestive health in dogs. The soluble fibre in psyllium forms a gel-like substance in the intestines, which helps to normalise bowel movements by absorbing excess water in cases of diarrhoea or adding bulk to the stool in cases of constipation. This dual action makes psyllium an invaluable ingredient for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or those suffering from gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, the prebiotic properties of psyllium husks help maintain a healthy gut microbiome by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. A balanced microbiome is crucial for efficient digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.

Blood Sugar Regulation

In addition to its weight management benefits, psyllium husks contribute to stabilising blood sugar levels in dogs. The soluble fibre in psyllium slows down the absorption of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, helping to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes psyllium an important dietary component for dogs with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. By modulating the release of glucose into the bloodstream, psyllium helps maintain steady energy levels and supports overall metabolic health.

Heart Health

The fibre content in psyllium husks is also beneficial for cardiovascular health in dogs. Regular consumption of psyllium can help lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the intestines, which are then excreted rather than reabsorbed. This process reduces the body’s cholesterol levels, supporting a healthy heart and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, by assisting in weight management, psyllium indirectly contributes to heart health, as maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the risk of heart-related conditions.

Colonic health

Psyllium husks promote colon health by ensuring regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. The bulk-forming action of psyllium supports the smooth passage of stool through the intestines, reducing the strain on the colon and minimising the risk of conditions such as anal gland impaction or colitis. For older dogs or those with a history of digestive issues, psyllium can be a gentle and effective way to support colon health and prevent complications related to irregular bowel movements.
The phenomenon of “runner’s diarrhoea”, which affects from 30 to 90% of human athletes and has a toll on their performance, may also be present in working dogs. This also includes gastrointestinal problems such as cramping, bloating and nausea. Several studies[5] [6] found psyllium to be useful in the management of diarrhoea in working dogs.

Weight Management

Psyllium husks can play a significant role in canine weight management. The high fibre content promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing the tendency to overeat. Psyllium’s ability to slow down digestion and prolong the absorption of nutrients also helps in stabilising blood sugar levels, making it a valuable ingredient for managing weight and preventing obesity-related conditions in dogs.

References:

[1] Ren Y., Yakubov G.E., Linter B.R., MacNaughtan W., Foster T.J. Temperature fractionation, physicochemical and rheological analysis of psyllium seed husk heteroxylan. Food Hydrocoll. 2020;104:105737. doi: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2020.105737.
[2] Monge Neto AÁ, Bergamasco RC, de Moraes FF, Medina Neto A, Peralta RM. Development of a technique for psyllium husk mucilage purification with simultaneous microencapsulation of curcumin. PLoS One. 2017 Aug 17;12(8):e0182948. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182948. PMID: 28817614; PMCID: PMC5560559.
[3] Muhammad Waleed, Farhan Saeed, Muhammad Afzaal, Bushra Niaz, Muhammad Ahtisham Raza, Muzzamal Hussain, Tabussam Tufail, Amara Rasheed, Huda Ateeq & Entessar Al Jbawi (2022) Structural and nutritional properties of psyllium husk arabinoxylans with special reference to their antioxidant potential, International Journal of Food Properties, 25:1, 2505-2513, DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2022.2143522pictures
[4] Marjhan, H. N.; Kalam, M. A. Review on Pharmacological Properties of Ispaghula (Plantago ovata Forsk.) Husk and Seed. Hamdard Univ. Bangladesh. 2018, 4(2), 23.
[5] Alves, J.C., Santos, A., Jorge, P. et al. The use of soluble fibre for the management of chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhoea in police working dogs. BMC Vet Res 17, 100 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-02809-w
[6] Leib MS. Treatment of chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhoea in dogs with a highly digestible diet and soluble Fiber. J Vet Intern Med. 2000;14:27–32.

Want to know more? These studies may be useful:

  • Marjhan, H. N.; Kalam, M. A. Review on Pharmacological Properties of Ispaghula (Plantago ovata Forsk.) Husk and Seed. Hamdard Univ. Bangladesh. 2018, 4(2), 23.
  • Lappin MR, Zug A, Hovenga C, Gagne J, Cross E. Efficacy of feeding a diet containing a high concentration of mixed fiber sources for management of acute large bowel diarrhea in dogs in shelters. J Vet Intern Med. 2022 Mar;36(2):488-492. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16360. Epub 2022 Feb 17. PMID: 35174561; PMCID: PMC8965269.
  • Patel MK, Mishra A, Jha B. Non-targeted Metabolite Profiling and Scavenging Activity Unveil the Nutraceutical Potential of Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk). Front Plant Sci. 2016 Apr 5;7:431. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00431. Erratum in: Front Plant Sci. 2016 May 06;7:614. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00614. PMID: 27092153; PMCID: PMC4821064

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!