Can I Give My Dog or Cat BeneFiber?

###Yes, but... When you think of BeneFiber, you think of that trilogy of commercials featuring geriatric couples touting the joys of regular bowel movements, the amazing benefits associated with membership to the AARP, and the ease of installation of the Safe Step walk-in tub. But BeneFiber does have its “BeneFits.” It’s a wheat-based, soluble fiber supplement that is directly absorbed by the cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Not only does it provide gentle stimulation of the colon, it also nourishes that irritable bowel. BeneFiber is generally used in veterinary medicine as an adjunctive treatment for cats and dogs with intermittent chronic diarrhea. While fiber usually makes us think of causing increased, and sometimes unwanted, bowel movements, the right amount of the right kind of fiber, can actually help to bulk up loose stool. Keep in mind though, **BeneFiber is not a reliable laxative or stool softener for dogs and cats.** In animals with fiber responsive diarrhea, where other causes of diarrhea, such as parasites, infection, and metabolic diseases have been ruled out, a bulking fiber can be a dog or cat’s best friend. That being said, BeneFiber should only be used under the direction and supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Remember that there are many different causes for diarrhea, some of which may be life-threatening. Trial treating at home without consulting your veterinarian may mask serious symptoms or unnecessarily delay the appropriate veterinary medical treatment your pet is in need of, resulting in a pet that is very sick! BeneFiber can lead to increased flatulence / gas and it should never be administered if a gastrointestinal obstruction, esophageal foreign body, or toxic ingestion is suspected, or in severely dehydrated patients. So, can you give your dog or cat BeneFiber? **The answer is: Yes!** BeneFiber is a relatively safe fiber supplement that can be helpful in controlling chronic diarrhea. If you do decide to try BeneFiber for your dog or cat, check this out first: **Dosing Guidelines:** BeneFiber comes in a **powder form**. Use ONLY **BeneFiber Regular Strength**. Avoid any flavored formulas, especially those containing chocolate or the sweetener xylitol, as these can cause toxicity and severe adverse reactions. Each teaspoon of BeneFiber contains approximately 2 grams of wheat dextrin. When using BeneFiber it is important to make sure your pet is consuming enough water and staying well hydrated. **For cats:** mix 1/2 rounded teaspoon into a small amount of canned food every 12 to 24 hours. The small amount of food ensures that they are more likely to eat the entire dose. **For small dogs, weighing 20 lbs. or less:** mix 1 rounded teaspoon into a small amount of canned food or moistened kibble every 12 to 24 hours. The small amount of food ensures that they are more likely to eat the entire dose. **For medium to large dogs, weighing over 20 lbs.:** mix 1-2 rounded teaspoon(s) into a small amount of canned food or moistened kibble every 12 to 24 hours. The small amount of food ensures that they are more likely to eat the entire dose. Always ask yourself this: am I using a drug or supplement properly and for the right reasons? Do I know what I’m treating? If your answer to any of these is “no,” then it is recommended to contact your veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made.