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.
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.
Tasty Tips
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.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Beef & Zucchini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetables Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Whole Oats, and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Related articles
Is Pineapple Safe for Dogs?
It's a tasty treat, but is pineapple safe for dogs? Discover the pros and cons of feeding your dog pineapple and how to do it safely.
Does My Dog Have a Bruise?
If you've noticed an odd bump in your dog's skin, you may wonder if it's a bruise or something more serious. Learn what could be causing this type of issue.
Bronchitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Learn helpful info about bronchitis in dogs, including what causes this condition, typical symptoms, why it can become chronic and treatment options.
My Dog Ate Raw Chicken: What Should I Do?
My Dog Ate Raw Chicken: What Should I Do?
Enlarged Prostate in Dogs: Managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Signs of an enlarged prostate in dogs (benign prostatic hyperplasia) aren't easy to spot, so learn more about symptoms, treatments & prevention options.
Cherry Eye in Dogs: Which Breeds Get It, Causes & Treatment Options
Learn about cherry eye in dogs, including causes, breeds that are predisposed to developing the condition, treatement options & prevention tips.
Why Is My Dog Afraid of the Dark?
Discover common reasons why your dog seems afraid of the dark, including things like separation anxiety & traumas, and how to help reduce their fears.
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.
Aggression in Dogs: How to Train It Out of Them
Learn tips for identifying an aggressive dog, causes of aggression, and training methods to alleviate aggression toward an owner, other people & other dogs
Can Dogs Have Asthma?
Can dogs have asthma? Learn more about the clinical signs of dog asthma and how this condition is treated.
Caring for Your Dog: Common Myths & Realities
With all the misinformation available online about dogs, it's time you got the true canine facts. Learn about some common dog myths you may have heard.
Exercise Ideas for Your Large-Breed Dog
Discover creative ways you can provide your large breed dog with the exercise he needs to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.
How to Choose the Right Leash, Collar or Harness for Your Dog
Learn important considerations for choosing the right leash, collar or harness for your dog, including factors like their breed, size, age & energy level.
Diabetes in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover underlying causes, symptoms & treatment options for diabetes in dogs, as well as which breeds are most susceptible.
Make a Homemade Dog Bed Your Pup Will Love
Learn how to make an inexpensive homemade dog bed your pup will love, using low-cost materials and items you may have around the house!
How Can I Stop My Dog From Chewing?
Learn the real reasons why your dog likes to chew on your stuff and some effective ways you can control his crazy chewing habits.
Weight Loss Goals & How Your Dog Can Help
Learn some great ways to involve your dog in your weight loss goals, including exercise & activities you can both do and healthy snacks for both of you.
Why is My Dog Chasing Their Tail?
Learn why your dog can get overly excited about chasing his tail, including common reasons like boredom & parasites, and how you can help them stop.
How to Stop Your Dog From Barking at the Door
Learn why dogs bark at the sound of the doorbell ringing and how to train them not to.
Picking Up After Your Dog: Why It's Important
Picking up dog poop can be unpleasant, but there are lots of reasons it's important: local laws, bad smells, diseases and impact on grass are all factors.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.