What’s the difference between pumpkin powder and other fibre sources (like psyllium husk)?Updated 4 days ago

Pumpkin powder and psyllium husk are both sources of fibre, but they aren’t the same. Psyllium husk is a concentrated, single type of fibre, while pumpkin powder is a whole food that naturally contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, along with extra nutrients.

Pumpkin powder:

• Whole food: Made from the pumpkin pulp, not isolated fibre.
• Balanced fibre: Contains soluble fibre (helps with diarrhoea) and insoluble fibre (helps with constipation).
• Gentle: Easier on sensitive stomachs compared to harsher bulking fibres.
• Extra nutrition: Provides vitamins (A, C, E), potassium, and antioxidants, not just fibre.
• Palatable: Dogs generally enjoy the mild, sweet taste.

Psyllium husk (and similar fibres):

• Single-function fibre: Almost entirely soluble fibre.
• Powerful bulking agent: Can firm up loose stools but may cause gas or bloating in some dogs.
• No additional nutrients: Pure fibre, nothing else.
• Taste and texture: Some dogs dislike the gritty texture.

Which is better?

• For everyday digestive health, anal gland support, and sensitive stomachs, pumpkin powder is the gentler, more rounded choice.
• For short-term relief of acute diarrhoea, psyllium can work quickly, but it’s usually used more like a short-term “tool,” not a daily supplement.

Pumpkin powder provides a natural balance of fibre plus added nutrients, making it ideal for daily digestive support. Psyllium and other concentrated fibres can be helpful in specific cases, but don’t offer the same whole-food benefits.