Signs to look for
- does not hold its shape
- collapses when picked up
- smells far worse than usual
Why it happens
An ideal stool holds its shape when picked up while still feeling appropriately moist. Too loose means the gut is not absorbing water.
Soluble fibre absorbs water, becomes a gel, and raises viscosity. Softening a hard stool and firming a loose one — that two-way action is what characterises this ingredient.
A foul smell suggests either an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or undigested protein and fat putrefying in the gut. A normal stool smells faintly nutty from fermentation by beneficial bacteria.
Signs that mean go to the vet
Vomiting alongside it, or any blood in the stool — see a vet immediately
Vomiting and regurgitation are different. If it comes straight back up with no warning signs — no drooling, no retching — that is regurgitation, and the cause is different
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.