Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
The importance of dietary fiber for dogs is often overlooked. Although it makes up only a small part of your dog’s diet, dietary fiber has a big impact on different body functions, from maintaining balanced blood sugar levels to improving the cardiovascular system.
In this article, you will know the significant roles of dietary fiber in canine health and also learn about natural fiber sources that can increase Fido’s fiber intake.
3 Main Types of Dietary Fiber for Dogs and Their Functions
Dietary fiber comes in different forms namely soluble, insoluble, and fermentable. While providing digestive support is their most widely known health perk, they have many other health benefits to offer.
1. Soluble Fiber
Soluble dietary fiber for dogs is viscous and gel-like in nature. It absorbs water and dissolves into it.
- Improves Digestion and Stool Formation
Adding this type of fiber to your canine companion’s diet slows down his digestion rate. It can resolve constipation and diarrhea problems by either firming up moist stools or softening hard stools.
- Protects Cardiovascular Health
Dogs with high cholesterol levels are usually predisposed to developing severe heart problems.
Soluble dietary fiber has shown the ability to reduce cholesterol levels. Experts theorize that it binds with cholesterol, which is later excreted through elimination.
- Eases Anal Gland Issues
Soluble dietary fiber for dogs assists in the creation of well-formed stools. The digestive aid it provides helps resolve anal gland disorders such as impaction.
When dogs poop, passing firm and bulky stools puts pressure on their anal glands. It expresses and empties the organ of liquid glandular secretions before they solidify and become an obstruction.
2. Insoluble Fiber
Insoluble fiber for dogs refers to a type of dietary fiber that doesn’t dissolve in water and passes largely intact through the digestive system.
- Combats Constipation and Regulates Bowel Activity
Insoluble fiber supports regular bowel movement by speeding up the transit of food in the digestive tract.
Moreover, it bulks up stools, making them easier to pass and preventing straining when pooping. These are all important qualities in insoluble fiber for dogs that combats constipation.
- Helps Manage Canine Diabetes
Insoluble dietary fiber can improve the glycemic control of dogs with diabetes mellitus. It slows down the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, preventing sudden fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
According to studies, dietary fiber for dogs also aids in decreasing the insulin resistance of diabetic canines.
3. Fermentable Fiber
Fermentable dietary fiber is a type of fiber that can be easily broken down into simpler substances by colon bacteria.
- Provides Energy To The GI Tract
It provides fuel to the digestive system of dogs. It does so by going through natural fermentation in the colon.
This process results in the production of short-chain fatty acids and butyrate. Both of these compounds provide energy to the intestinal cells found in the gut lining, which helps regulate the immune response of canines.
- Prevents Harmful Gut Bacteria Procreation
Fermentable dietary fiber for dogs serves as food for the good gut bacteria in the digestive system.
It provides them with sustenance to thrive and multiply, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacterial strains in the stomach, such as Clostridium difficile and E. coli.
How Much Dietary Fiber Do Dogs Need?
Healthy dogs generally only need between 2.5% and 4.5% crude fiber in their diet. Canines requiring a high-fiber diet may need to consume meals containing 6% to 10% fiber.
To find the fiber content of your dog’s food, look for the guaranteed analysis on the packaging. Then check the crude fiber information.
Keep in mind that it only states the estimated maximum amount of insoluble fiber in the product. Thus, the total amount of dietary fiber could be less than the one listed.
Seek the vet’s assistance to help you figure out the closest estimation of the fiber content in your dog’s food.
Top 10 Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs
Does your furry pal need more dietary fiber in his diet? Here are some dog-friendly and nutritious fiber-rich foods you can add to his meals.
1. Freekeh as a Natural Fiber Source for Dogs
Freekeh is an ancient grain that trumps the dietary fiber content of other popular grains. A cup of it provides up to 16 grams of fiber. It has more fiber (5 grams) than quinoa and more fiber (6.5 grams) compared to brown rice.
Freekeh also functions as a prebiotic that promotes the healthy growth of good gut bacteria in the digestive tract.
As this ancient grain is considered exotic, it is difficult to find it in regular grocery stores. Natural and organic food stores are your best bet. You can also try shopping at a store with a Middle Eastern food section.
2. Barley as a Natural Fiber Source for Dogs
Barley is an ingredient you will commonly see in many commercial dog foods. Some people dismiss this grain as a filler, but in truth, it is rich in dietary fiber and beneficial nutrients.
A cup of barley contains 13 grams of dietary fiber for dogs. It also contains high concentrations of iron, manganese, potassium, and protein.
When choosing barley for your pooch, go for the hulled or covered variety. Although its outer hull is removed, its bran and germ remain intact, which contain most of the grain’s nutrients.
Avoid pearled barley since it is heavily processed and devoid of bran and germ. Hence, it is inferior in nutrients.
3. Chickpeas as Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs
Chickpeas have a high fiber content. Every cup contains nearly 13 grams of dietary fiber for dogs.
Chickpeas make good plant-based protein sources as well. Plus, they are rich in essential minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc, which all play an important role in your dog’s overall health.
Do note, however, that chickpeas are hefty with carbohydrates. Carbs consist of around 67% of their calorie content. Thus, feed these legumes to your dog in moderation to keep him from packing pounds.
4. Lentils as Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs
Lentils pack a punch of dietary fiber for dogs. A cup of cooked lentils yields over 15 grams of dietary fiber.
These types of legumes make great plant-based protein sources too. Your pooch can gain 18 grams of protein per cup of lentils. Hence, they are not only great for your dog’s digestive system but also his overall health.
Lentils have antinutrients, which interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, particularly iron and zinc. Soaking them overnight before cooking will help get rid of these nasty compounds.
5. Artichokes as Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs
A medium-sized artichoke holds over 10 grams of dietary fiber for dogs. This vegetable is dense in inulin, which is a soluble fiber that also acts as a prebiotic. It feeds the good bacteria found in the colon and helps maintain balance in your furry pal’s gut microbiome.
Inulin enhances nutrient absorption as well as alleviates symptoms brought on by inflammatory bowel disease in canines.
6. Chia Seeds as Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs
Do not underestimate chia seeds. They may be small in size, but they house incredible amounts of dietary fiber. For every 2 and a half tablespoons, canines can obtain approximately 10 grams of dietary fiber.
Chia seeds are quite versatile and can be easily incorporated into your dog’s diet. They can be used as an egg replacer for homemade dog treats, added as a simple dog food topper, or mixed into your dog’s drinking water.
Just remember to soak them in water for around 10 minutes so they fully expand, averting the risk of intestinal obstruction.
7. Raspberries as Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs
Raspberries arguably have the highest dietary fiber content for dogs out of all dog-friendly fruits. They provide 8 grams of fiber per cup and are mostly composed of insoluble fiber.
Compared to other fruits, raspberries are low in sugar. Thus, they are great fruit options for diabetic dogs in need of high-fiber foods.
8. Green Peas as Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs
Green peas give a heaping dose of dietary fiber to dogs. A cup offers more than 7 grams of it and consists mostly of insoluble fiber.
Similar to lentils, antinutrients naturally occur in green peas. So be sure to soak them overnight before cooking to reduce the amount of these harmful compounds.
9. Pears as Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs
Pear is one of the best fiber-rich fruits. One medium-sized pear provides 6 grams of dietary fiber to dogs.
Most of the fruit’s fiber content is heavily concentrated on the skin. So avoid peeling it off when feeding pears to your canine friend.
10. Oats as Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs
Oats offer adequate amounts of dietary fiber for dogs. For every cup of this whole grain, your pooch can acquire 4 grams of dietary fiber.
Oats are most notable for containing the soluble fiber beta-glucan. Research indicates that it has a pacifying effect on the cholesterol of canines and also improves vaccine response.
Oats are also a good source of B vitamins, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus for dogs.
Adding new food to your dog’s meals without an expert’s guidance can lead to nutritional imbalances and deficiencies. Do not skip consulting the vet if you plan to make changes to your dog’s diet.
When to Give Your Dog Fiber Supplements
Sometimes dietary fiber from natural food sources is not sufficient enough to meet the special needs of dogs, especially if they have digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation.
Other health problems like anal gland impaction, megacolon and diabetes may require an increased fiber intake. Dogs with these medical conditions can benefit from fiber supplementation.
Consult the vet or better yet a certified vet nutritionist to ascertain if giving your furry pal supplements is the best route to take.
Read: 5 Homemade Sugar-Free Diabetic Dog Treats
How to Find The Most Suitable Fiber Supplement for Your Dog
There are many types of fiber supplements for dogs sold in the market. Choosing a product that best fits your dog’s needs might seem overwhelming. However, if you know what to look for, this task will be a breeze.
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when shopping for fiber supplements for dogs:
- Determine the type of fiber your dog needs. Remember that different forms of fiber have different functions. Check with the vet to make sure you are searching for a product that is specifically formulated to address your dog’s condition.
- Avoid fiber supplements for dogs containing additives. The use of fillers, artificial flavoring, preservatives, and coloring can trigger allergies in some dogs. Certain ingredients belonging to these categories may also cause other health disturbances.
- Take into account any preexisting illnesses your dog has. Some ingredients in fiber supplements for dogs are innocuous, but they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of certain ailments.
For instance, fiber products made from wheat can incite adverse reactions in dogs with grain allergies or gluten sensitivities. Avoid these ingredients to keep your dog’s health problem from worsening.
- Watch out for xylitol. Fiber supplements for humans might be prescribed to your pooch by the vet. Beware as some sugar-free products may contain xylitol, which has caused fatal poisoning in canines.
- Choose third-party-tested products. It ensures that fiber supplements truly contain the ingredients stated in their ingredients list and are free from harmful contaminants.
Look for products containing the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) label. The presence of a ConsumerLab label is also a good indicator that the fiber supplement is of high quality.
Cautions to Take When Giving Your Dog Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplements for dogs can interact with certain drugs such as medications for diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Fiber supplementation can affect the effectiveness of these drugs.
Talk with the vet so they can provide a proper dosing schedule to avoid risks of drug interactions.
When your dog is on fiber supplements, make sure that he has an unlimited supply of fresh drinking water. He needs to be well-hydrated for the product to work.
Remember that soluble fiber absorbs water for good stool formation. On the other hand, while insoluble fiber does not absorb water, it uses the water pulled from your dog’s intestine to bulk up his stools for easy elimination.
FAQs About Fiber for Dogs
1. Do Dogs Need Fiber in Their Diets?
Yes, dogs need fiber in their diets because it promotes regular bowel movement, better stool formation, and lowers the chances of digestive issues.
Apart from improving your dog’s digestive health, fiber also aids in mitigating canine ailments like diabetes, heart problems, and anal gland disorders.
2. Can I Give My Dog Fiber Every Day?
Yes, you can give your dog fiber every day. As we have mentioned before, the daily diets of healthy dogs should contain around 2.5% to 4.5% crude fiber.
On the other hand, dogs in need of a high-fiber diet will have around 6% to 10% fiber in their daily meals.
3. Is Rice Good Fiber for Dogs?
Rice is a good fiber source for dogs provided that you are using the brown variety. Its high fiber content comes from its bran and germ.
On the other hand, refined or white rice offers lower concentrations of fiber because both of these parts are removed during the refining process.
4. Is Too Much Fiber Bad for Dogs?
Yes, too much fiber can be bad for dogs. Excessive intake hinders the proper absorption of minerals into his body. It can cause a domino of health issues like dull and brittle coats and abnormal weight loss.
Digestive upset may also take place. Your dog may suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, bloat, and flatulence.
Summary
Do not disregard the valuable significance of dietary fiber to your dog’s health. Maintaining a well-functioning digestive system is its key role.
Aside from that, dietary fiber also supports improved immune function and heart health as well as combats diabetes.
Feeding your furry pal fiber-rich foods is the easiest way to increase his fiber intake. If this does not work, fiber supplementation is another option you can try.
When making any of these decisions, always work with the vet to ensure that these dietary changes have no adverse side effects on your dog.
Learn more natural ways to improve various aspects of your canine friend’s health by visiting our Diet & Recipes section.