Abstract-based review · 2026
Psyllium-containing diets for chronic constipation in cats
Reported treatment failure was 26.9% with the test diet and 73.3% with control. Clinical signs improved in both groups.
Review scope
Abstract-based review. Full methods, complete statistical results and product equivalence have not been appraised. This is research context, not an individual feeding or treatment recommendation.
Study question and design
49 enrolled cats with chronic constipation; two excluded for noncompliance. Six-month comparison of gastrointestinal diets containing 6% or 0.5% psyllium as fed.
Main findings
Reported treatment failure was 26.9% with the test diet and 73.3% with control. Clinical signs improved in both groups.
Limitations and applicability
Cats switched groups and some contributed to both analyses. Results concern complete diets, not isolated psyllium or a universal dose.
Ingredients investigated
Multi-ingredient formulations
Psyllium
Multi ingredient · cat. Cats with chronic constipation; 49 enrolled and two excluded. Diet-switch analyses included 26 test and 30 control diet observations, not 56 independent cats.
Tested form: Psyllium husk incorporated into a complete gastrointestinal diet. Dose: 0.5% psyllium as fed (Percentage of the complete diet as fed; oral feeding). Duration: 6 months. Comparator: Complete gastrointestinal test diet containing 6% psyllium as fed.
Measured finding: Failure was reported for 26.9% of test-diet observations versus 73.3% of control-diet observations. Clinical signs improved with both diets.
Limitations: Whole-diet comparison and diet-switch observations; sample counts across analyses must not be added as unique cats. Authors included Royal Canin employees. Product inclusion level and formulation need separate verification.
This ingredient was part of a combined formulation; the study does not isolate its contribution.
Psyllium
Multi ingredient · cat. Cats with chronic constipation; 49 enrolled and two excluded. Diet-switch analyses included 26 test and 30 control diet observations, not 56 independent cats.
Tested form: Psyllium husk incorporated into a complete gastrointestinal diet. Dose: 6% psyllium as fed (Percentage of the complete diet as fed; oral feeding). Duration: 6 months. Comparator: Complete gastrointestinal control diet containing 0.5% psyllium as fed.
Measured finding: Failure was reported for 26.9% of test-diet observations versus 73.3% of control-diet observations. Clinical signs improved with both diets.
Limitations: Whole-diet comparison and diet-switch observations; sample counts across analyses must not be added as unique cats. Authors included Royal Canin employees. Product inclusion level and formulation need separate verification.
This ingredient was part of a combined formulation; the study does not isolate its contribution.
Evidence.pet interpretation
Apply this result only within its species, preparation and study conditions. An ingredient listing alone does not establish that a commercial product reproduces the tested intervention.
Funding and conflicts
All six authors disclosed employment by Royal Canin.
Ingredient references
These are research references. The tested form, dose and formulation must be matched before using a result to support a product claim.
Source
Rochon J; Charles H; Biourge V; Laxalde J; Goñi García-Falces M; Dito D. A psyllium-supplemented gastrointestinal diet is effective for the management of chronic constipation in cats: a 6-month controlled clinical trial. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/1098612X261420519.
Primary source record (PMID 41631677) · Publisher DOI
Reviewed 2 October 2026 · Next review 2 January 2027.