US Patent 7485325 Animal food supplement compositions and methods of use

An animal food supplement particularly useful in treating gastrointestinal problems, such as colic. Psyllium husks are provided in dry form for convenience of handling prior to feeding. In examples of embodiments, psyllium husks are admixed with binding material and the admixture is formed into pellets, crumbles, mashes, or licks. Upon consumption by the animal, the psyllium husks take up water from the moist environment of the animal's gastrointestinal tract and form a gelatinous bolus that sweeps through the gastrointestinal tract of the animal, clearing the gastrointestinal tract of intestinal detritus, such as sand, toxins, and microorganisms, which agglomerate with and/or are carried away by the psyllium husk gel.