Diet can be a key component in the management all of intestinal disorders, such as constipation, colitis and diarrhoea which respond to dietary fibre.

Your veterinary practice has recommended Fibre Response, ideally after a veterinary consultation, to help reduce your pet's abnormal gastro intestinal signs.

Royal Canin Fibre Response diet should be your pet's sole source of food unless otherwise indicated by your veterinary practice.

The gastrointestinal tract is a complex system, disorders affecting different regions of the tract require a different dietary approach. Disorders of the colon (large intestine) can manifest in a number of ways, generally affecting your pets defecation habits. Cats and dogs may show signs of constipation, colitis and even diarrhoea.

Dietary support is an important part of the management of cats and dogs with large intestinal disorders. Royal Canin Fibre Response diet, available in dry format, has been specially formulated for the nutritional management of cats and dogs in this category.

The key features of the Royal Canin Fibre Response diet are:

n Provides fibre content tailored to your cat or dog's individual requirements

n Specific mix of insoluble and soluble fibres for ease of processing food/gut transit

n High digestibility to reduce intestinal workload

n High in EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acids, shown to support digestive health

n Feline diet offers urinary security with an 'S/O Index'

Will I need to change how much I feed my pet?

Some high-fibre diets contain fewer calories than average pet foods as fibre contains very little energy. The specific formulation of Fibre Response however means that calories are maintained at a level to avoid the need for big changes in the amount you feed. Always note the feeding guide recommendations on the bag and follow your Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Nurse s advice.

What is colitis?

Colitis literally means inflammation of the colon, also known as the large intestine. Inflammatory cells come into this area to cause digestive upsets, often seen as diarrhoea. Dietary management of pets with this condition is common.

Why do cats require a specific fibre mix for constipation?

The cat s intestinal tract is different to that of the dog. In addition, digestive transit can be slowed by a sedentary lifestyle. Substances such as psyllium help by absorbing water, regulating the movement of digesting food and reducing diarrhoea. Another difference is the occurrence of hairballs in cats. Hair consumed during grooming can come together to form an indigestible ball (known technically as a trichobezoar ). Fibre in the diet can influence their easy elimination.

My dog has been recommended Fibre Response for blocked anal glands, how can this help?

The insoluble fibre in Fibre Response has a bulking effect on the faeces. An increased intestinal residue at this stage in the digestive process may help provide the physical stimulation required to naturally express the anal glands. Your Veterinary Surgeon should be able to assess the effectiveness of this dietary approach after stabilisation on the Fibre Response diet.

What is the difference between constipation and obstipation?

Constipation is an acute or early symptom whereby elimination of faecal material is delayed and therefore less frequent. The delay generally occurs at the level of the colon/large intestine. Obstipation is where constipation becomes intractable; extreme and persistent constipation is often caused by a blockage in these later stages of the digestive tract. Further build-up of faecal material in an obstipated cat or dog can become dangerous and veterinary attention is strongly advised.

The recommended diet

Changing your pet s diet

A specific diet for your pet

Psyllium; a natural mucilage

Antioxidants

Key features

Royal Canin Fibre Response diet is enriched in antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, taurine and lutein) to help maintain health and vitality.

'Antioxidant' is a general term for nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and other components naturally present in many foods. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals produced during normal body metabolism that can cause damage to body cells. Free radical production increases when your pet is ill.

Changing your pet s diet should always be carried out over several days. It is not uncommon for pets to refuse a new diet or to suffer from stomach or gut upsets if the change is not gradual. On day 1, begin by adding a small amount of the new diet to your pet s existing food. As each day passes, add more of the new diet to less of the original food, until eventually you are only feeding the new diet. This change should take around 5-7 days.

Royal Canin are leaders in palatability. So confident are we that your pet will enjoy their food that we offer a no quibble, money-back guarantee. Simply return the food to your veterinary practice for a full refund*.

* Terms and conditions apply

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS What is the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre?

Soluble fibres such as psyllium easily interact with water. By doing so they promote softer stools. Insoluble fibres have less affinity for water. For this reason they remain largely undigested until later in the gut. They are able to bind local irritants and when digested, can produce substances which feed the gut cells.

In combination both soluble and insoluble fibres modulate the time over which your pet s food travels through their gastro-intestinal system. This healthy movement also helps sustain the release of nutrients.

What are FOS and MOS?

FOS stands for Fructo-Oligo-Saccharides and MOS stands for Mannan-Oligo-Saccharides. They are prebiotics which feed the healthy gut bacteria and line the intestinal wall with the aim of supporting local immunity and discouraging growth of pathogens. Together they support what we call digestive security in a cat or dog, meaning Fibre Response helps manage pets with digestive upsets.

What will a high fibre diet do to my pet s stools?

The specific mix of fibre in Fibre Response aims to promote softened yet well-formed stools without an abnormally high moisture content. This eases faecal elimination and helps relieve constipation. Your pet's motions may be larger in size and volume to what you re normally used to.