? Jerry- Constipation and the use of flaxseed What type is used?

[Vicki and Jerry]

I read somewhere that some use flaxseed for constipation. Jerry is back to being constipated and I use the Mirlax and pumpkin but thought this other might work better. Any thoughts? Is this a oil ? Can it be purchased at Walmart? http://www.walmart.com/c/kp/flaxseed-oil TIA

 

[Doodles & Karen]

Eeeks. @julie & punkin (ga) told someone about flaxseed and it worked well but can't remember who or what form it was. Hopefully someone will remember and help out!

 

[Vicki and Jerry]

Thanks Karen! He is doing so good I hope I can figure out this constipation he keeps getting.

 

[Doodles & Karen]

Think it might have been @Gussie's mom who just started using flaxseed.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Think it might have been @Gussie's mom who just started using flaxseed.

Hi yes it was! Both your memories are correct! It was @julie & punkin (ga) who recommended it. It is where the flour and cornmeal is in the grocery store. It is ground flaxseed meal. I bought Bobs RedMill organic but any would do, not an oil, ground flaxseed meal. ( resembles the bran my dad stirred into Everything when we were kids! The recommendation was start with a teeny pinch on the food and work up to a regular pinch. I'd been using the miralax and still do. The miralax is a stool softener and the flax I think works as fiber to move things along. If he's really constipated I use the miralax and up to 1/2 tsp is what my vet said was ok, and I use the flax daily to keep things going

 

[DebG]

I read about the flax seed in raw form being toxic . They say to boil it first before adding to food.
It said that flax seed contains cyanogenic glyscosides that release toxic hydrogen cyanide.
That is from felinenutrition.org.
Can anyone here speak to this statement? I wush I would have read this before I added small amounts on my cats food.
Also psyllium husks should only be used short term as its effectiveness wears off.
Is your kitty getting enough water in their diet? I read aleo vera juice helps with constipation. I have never used it. Coconut fiber and olive oil were also mentioned. If its occasional constipation one of these mught help. If cronic you might want to invole your vet.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Interesting, guess I will go back to miralax and pumpkin! Thanks!

 

[Jane & Boo (GA)]

Here is a link to a site that gives info about the flax seed/cyanide connection and safe consumption for humans. Don't know how helpful it is for determining safe usage for our kitties though.

 

[Vyktors Mum]

Coconut oil is another safe option for constipation. Many kitties like it and will eat it willingly