You might've heard from your veterinarian that fiber is key to your dog's nutrition. It's also vital for maintaining their health and managing some diseases. But how do you go about finding good fiber for dogs? Read on to learn what kind of fiber your dog may need as well as signs they could have a fiber imbalance.

The Purpose of Fiber for Dogs

Fiber is a type of complex carbohydrate. It's different from other starches in that it resists digestion in the small intestines. Typically, fiber is fermented in the large intestine, which means that it takes a lot longer to digest than simple carbohydrates.

Fiber functions to increase bulk and absorb excess water, which aids in bowel regularity and helps produce firm, formed stools. Fiber also helps produce a healthy intestinal pH which inhibits growth of undesirable bacteria in your dog's gut.

Finding Good Fiber for Dogs

When shopping for dog food containing fiber, the main things to look for are the solubility of the fiber and the amount of total digestible fiber (TGF). Soluble fiber readily disperses in water, whereas insoluble fiber maintains more of its structure in watery environments, like the gastrointestinal tract. Insoluble fiber supports dogs' gut health.

Unfortunately, pet food nutrition labels don't provide information about fiber solubility or TGF. Instead, you'll need to ask your veterinarian to help you figure out which dog food will provide what your dog needs. Keep in mind that dogs and their unique gut microbes respond differently to different fibers. This means that it will take trial and error to find the right type and amount of fiber for them.

Golden retriever laying behind white bowl licking lips.

Sources of Fiber for Dogs

The fiber in dog food comes from a variety of sources, including grains like corn and brown rice, as well as soy, beet pulp, peanut hulls, pectin and cellulose.

Many dog parents use canned pumpkin as a DIY fiber booster. However, since it's about 80 percent water, it usually doesn't contain enough fiber to provide a therapeutic benefit. If you feed your dog canned pumpkin, be sure not to give them canned pumpkin pie mix, which can be high in calories and sugar, and avoid canned pumpkin that has added sodium. You can also buy dried pumpkin powder, which can be dosed similarly to dried psyllium husk (often sold as the fiber source in Metamucil). Make sure to consult your veterinarian before adding anything to your dog's meals.

How Fiber Can Help Manage Disease

Fiber is very useful for managing diabetes in dogs, as it helps regulate blood glucose levels and minimizes fluctuations. Dog food that contains a slowly fermentable fiber can also be helpful in managing your dog's weight or aiding in weight loss. This is because fiber increases bulk and helps dogs feel full while consuming fewer calories.

Dietary fiber has been added to therapeutic pet foods to help reduce accumulation of dental plaque and tartar, balance blood cholesterol levels, control body weight and discourage dietary indiscretion (when dogs eat things they shouldn't, like non-foodstuffs or spoiled or rotten food), and help manage chronic large bowel diarrhea and constipation.

Signs of a Fiber Imbalance

If your dog has a fiber deficiency, they may have constipation or very watery stools. It's important to understand that excess fiber can also cause health issues. If your dog consumes too much fiber, they may have a hard time absorbing minerals. A fiber imbalance can lead to:

  • Diarrhea
  • Increased stool frequency, urgency to defecate and/or defecating in the house

Adding Fiber to Your Dog's Meal Plan

If your vet informs you that your dog needs more fiber, the simplest and most effective solution is to feed your dog a therapeutic food based on their recommended feeding instructions. Depending on what your vet tells you about your dog's specific needs, the meal plan should contain increased amounts of either soluble or insoluble fiber.

Remember that the bacteria in a dog's gut take time to acclimate to abrupt changes, as dogs eat far more routine meals than people do. Always transition to a new food slowly, over the course of one to two weeks, and know that any change to your dog's food may cause diarrhea.

Dr. Laci Schaible Dr. Laci Schaible

Dr. Laci Schaible is a small animal veterinarian, veterinary journalist, and a thought leader in the industry. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University and her Masters in Legal Studies from Wake Forest University.

Related articles

Helpful Tips for a Teething Puppy

Teething is a part of a puppy's life. Use these 3 tips to help your puppy through this difficult time and protect your household from teething incidents.

Managing Megaesophagus in Dogs

Learn about megaesophagus in dogs, how it makes digestion difficult & impacts your dog's health, and tips for helping you manage this condition.

How to Make Your Garden Safe for Your Dog

If you have a garden, find out how you can protect your dog from potential hazards such as plants, garden tools, and water features.

Frozen & Fun Dog Treats for Hot Summer Days

Learn how to make frozen dog treat recipes that can help keep your pup cool in the summer heat, including which ingredients work best to keep him hydrated.

Managing Your Dog's Farts & Gas Problems

Learn the underlying causes behind excessive dog farting, signs that gas problems may be a larger health concern, and how to help manage these issues.

Clinical Signs of a Dog Ear Yeast Infection

Learn more about the clinical signs of ear yeast infections in dogs, including physical and behavioral symptoms, as well as which breeds are most at risk.

Clipping Dog Nails for Puppy Pedicures

Learn the basics for safely trimming your dog's nails at home, including tools you'll need and the technique for making trimming painless and easy.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe While Hunting

If you're considering training your dog to help you hunt, follow these safety tips to make sure he stays out of danger.

Are Grapes & Raisins Bad for Dogs?

Learn why grapes & raisins are poisonous for dogs, how to manage the situation if they've eaten them, symptoms to watch for, and when to go to the vet.

Why Your Dog Should Exercise

Learn how much exercise is right for your dog's breed, age & size, as well as how choosing the right dog food affects his ability to exercise & stay active

Dog Scooting & Recognizing Anal Gland Problems

If your dog regularly scoots on the carpet, the cause may be their anal glands. Learn how to recognize issues and how you can help relieve the itch.

Heat Exhaustion in Dogs: Signs Your Dog Is Overheating

Learn the signs of heat exhaustion & heat stroke in your dog, as well as how to tell if he's overheating and what to do in that emergency.

The Science Behind Your Dog and His Behavior

Discover how the field of dog science is giving us more and more insights into the inner workings of our furry best friends.

How to Treat A Cut on A Dog (& What to Put on It)

Learn basic steps & precautions for treating a cut on your dog, including what you can put on the cut, and when you should take them to the vet.

Tips for Leaving Your New Dog Home Alone

Check out these helpful tips on how to housebreak your puppy and feel confident in leaving him alone while you're at work.

How to Give a Dog a Pill: Helpful Tips & Methods

While getting a dog to take a pill can be tricky, learn valuable tips for helping them to take pills, liquids and other medications without a fuss.

What Does Dog Pointing Mean?

Why do dogs point? Discover what your dog is telling you with his nose and which breeds are naturally suited for training to point.

Dog Dewclaws: What Are They?

Learn why your dog has that extra nail on the side of his paw, what it's purpose is and where it came from.

Getting Rid of Your Dog's Ear Mites

Ear mites in dogs can cause your pup irritation & pain. If you think his ear scratching might mean he has mites, learn what to do for treatment.

Dog Not Pooping or Peeing?

Learn what to do if your dog is experiencing constipation or an inability to pee. If he isn't going at least twice a day, learn what steps you should take.