Signs to look for
- stools are small and break off short
- hard and dry
- straining or apparent pain when passing
- avoiding defecation
Why it happens
A healthy stool is long like a sausage and even in thickness. Small stools that break off short mean the volume being produced is simply too low.
Too little volume, and the urge to pass never builds properly, so the stool sits in the colon. The colon absorbs water, so the longer it sits the harder it gets.
Repeat that and passing it injures the rectum and anus. A painful experience turns into avoidance, and avoidance turns into chronic constipation.
Insoluble fibre adds volume; soluble fibre softens the texture. You need both quantity and quality for a healthy stool.
Signs that mean go to the vet
Stools that are unusually thin and ribbon-like — the passage may be narrowed by inflammation or a tumour, and this needs veterinary examination
Related ingredients
Related behaviour
General nutrition information. It does not replace a diagnosis or a prescription. If your animal has a medical condition or is on medication, talk to your veterinarian first.