Adding fiber to your dog’s diet is essential to improve your dog’s health. Reports state that fiber provides valuable nutrients to the colon’s cells and bacteria. Fiber can also prevent the absorption of some toxins.
Introducing high-fiber foods for your dog has lots of health benefits. But finding a high-fiber dog food that your dog will eat can be difficult. Some dogs can be picky when it comes to healthier dog food. Every dog wishes that garbage dog food had nutritional value. But it doesn’t. And you value your dog health, so check out the list of the best high-fiber foods for dogs.
What is fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body can’t break down. Note that some animals, like dogs, are better at breaking down carbs than others. Fibers are mostly still whole when they leave the digestive system.
So why is fiber good for us if the body can’t digest it?
Well, small amounts of fiber affect your dog’s body in a number of good ways as it goes from the front door to the back door. For example, fiber helps to control the way the intestines work, keep the colon healthy, slow the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the blood, and support healthy gut bacteria. But not all fibers are the same, and there are several important ways in which they are different. Most dog owners should know that the most important difference is how well the fiber can absorb water.
You might have heard this difference called “soluble” or “insoluble” fiber. Soluble fiber soaks up a lot of water. Most insoluble fibers don’t soak up a lot of water. The way fiber affects your dog’s body depends on this small difference. Both types of fiber are good for your dog, but soluble fiber is usually better because it absorbs water in your dog’s digestive tract and moves through her system more easily.
Do Dogs Need Added Fiber?
Most dogs already get enough fiber from their diet naturally since most foods contain adequate fiber sources. However, some breeds may need more fiber, depending on their digestion. You should consult with your veterinarian to determine if your dog needs a high-fiber diet.
While fiber can aid your dog’s digestion and relieve constipation, fiber can also cause gas and diarrhea if your dog has too much fiber. It’s a delicate balance. That’s why it is so important to talk to your vet to find out if more fiber is suitable for your dog.
What is the Fiber Content of Dog Food?
The amount of fiber in most regular dog foods is between 2% and 5%. So, since there is no official group that sets rules for the term “high fiber,” we’ll call any food with more than 5% fiber a “high fiber food.”
Because fiber levels above 10 or 12 percent could be bad, most high fibre dog food has between 6 and 10 percent fiber.
Fiber values in dog food can vary quite a bit, but the fiber is cheap, so manufacturers are usually happy to give owners as much as they want. This isn’t just for your dog’s benefit, as some manufacturers may try to reduce the amount of protein or fat in your dog’s formula in favor of fiber.
10 Great Sources of Fiber for Dogs
Beet Pulp
Beet pulp has been characterized as a filler product in pet nutrition circles. But it’s a great source of fiber for dogs. Beet pulp is a colorless and stringy byproduct of sugar beet processing and is easily digested.
Pumpkin
This fall favorite is a tasty source of healthy fiber for dogs. You can find it year-round in grocery stores. Just be sure you buy a plain pureed pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. You can feed fresh pumpkins, too. When feeding pumpkins to dogs, it’s better to start small and see how they react.
Flaxseed
It is a rich source of omega-three fatty acid, which means it’s good for your dog’s skin, coat, brain, and overall nervous system. Flaxseed is also a great source of dietary fiber and antioxidants and can help intestinal health. It’s best if the flaxseeds are ground right before use. As with any new food, you start with a small teaspoon is plenty as a starting point.
Kelp
If you’re a sushi fan, you might think of kelp as the seaweed wrapped around your sushi rolls. Of course, the Japanese have long known of its health benefits. Kelp is high in iron, and as it turns out, it’s also a high-fiber food that’s safe for pups.
Apples
Many dogs love munching on apple slices as a high-fiber treat. As a bonus, apples are low in calories and help clean canine teeth. Try offering your pup a slice of apple and see how they like it. As always, keep the pieces proportionate with your dog’s size and never give your dog the seeds or core.
Carrots
Many pet parents buy bags of baby carrots to feed as treats. Like apples, they’re low in calories, which is perfect for pups who’d benefit from a bit of weight loss and are high in fiber to keep your pup fuller longer.
A study also revealed that feeding dogs raw carrots could help improve a dog’s liver and kidney function. Consider green beans as another addition to the veggie selection for your pet. They’re also low-calorie and full of fiber for a healthy, high-fiber dog treat.
Brown Rice
Recent grain-free trends aside, brown rice turns up in many high-fiber dog foods because it’s an excellent fiber source, according to a 2016 research study. It also mixes well with veggies like carrots and green beans.
Strawberries and Blueberries
Your pup can enjoy fresh strawberries and blueberries along with you. Just rinse them and eat. These natural sources of fiber for dogs can also give your pet an antioxidant boost.
Don’t overdo the berries since fruits like strawberries and blueberries contain natural sugar. Too much won’t be good for your dog.
Why high-fiber dog food is good
Fiber helps dogs in many of the same ways that it helps their owners. Here are some of the most important:
Better digestive health
Fiber has an amazing ability to control how the digestive system works. It can help draw water into the intestine when needed to help with constipation, and it can help absorb water from the intestine to help with diarrhea. It also gives your dog’s stools more bulk, which can help make sure his digestive system works well.
Fiber is great for your dog, no doubt. If your dog’s poop isn’t always the same shape, fiber may help. Be careful, though. Too much fiber in your dog’s food will make her poop a lot more than she should, and it can also make her gas smell horribly. It’s important to slowly increase the amount of fiber in your dog’s food.
Blood Sugar Levels Are Better
Fiber keeps your dog’s blood sugar levels more stable, which can help prevent obesity and diabetes in dogs. In fact, is usually full of fiber. It has the same effects on people, who should also eat a lot of fiber to keep their blood sugar stable.
Satisfied with fewer calories
Fiber takes up a lot of room in your dog’s stomach, and because the body doesn’t digest it, it helps your dog feel full and satisfied without adding calories.
Obviously, your dog still needs a lot of protein, fat, and easily digestible carbs, but if you add a few high-fiber ingredients, your dog will feel full while eating fewer calories.
This is why fiber is often the most important ingredient in dog foods that are meant to help your dog lose weight. If your dog is overweight, it might be a good idea to give it high-fiber treats instead of the usual ones.
Frequently Asked Question
Will fiber aid in the firming up of dog poop?
Fiber absorbs fluid and, depending on the breed, can aid in firming up soft stools or even preventing diarrhea in dogs.
How do I determine if my dog needs fiber?
Fiber is essential for stool production in your dog’s digestive tract, and examining their stool is one of the most effective ways to assess if they are getting enough fiber. The fact that insoluble fiber absorbs water means that it can aid to soften a dog’s stool by drawing moisture from outside the colon.
