how to add fiber to dogs diet

Adding fiber for dogs is one way to ensure they'll have the longest and healthiest life possible. But you need to know more about that to pick the best option for your pup.

So, what can you add to your pup's daily nutrition to keep it healthy?

Let's have a look at the different fiber sources and find out how you can improve your pup's diet.

In this article, you'll learn:

How Much Fiber Does a Dog Need?
Fiber and Health Conditions
Benefits of Fiber for Dogs
High Fiber Foods
Fiber Food Alternatives
How to Increase Your Pup's Fiber

Fiber for Dogs

We all know it's great for humans, but is fiber good for dogs?

Yes, it keeps your dog's gut in shape by helping it maintain a healthy amount of bacteria which aids digestion.

Fiber has many benefits but only if used correctly. By the end of this article, you'll know how to do it properly .

So, how much fiber does a dog need? Experts recommend a moderate level — usually about 2-4% of their total diet.

If your dog struggles with constipation or other digestive issues, it might be better to increase fiber to around 10% of their diet.

Discuss your pup's food with your vet to ensure you're giving the best possible care.

Fiber is made up of carbs but it doesn't become blood glucose unlike other starch types. We'll discuss more about your dog's sugar levels a bit later.

You need to figure out which are right for your pup. We'll mention examples of the best fiber for dogs a little later.

Benefits of Fiber for Dogs

There are many advantages to a dog diet that includes fiber. Here's what you should know.

Keeping a Healthy Weight

One of the biggest benefits of fiber is maintaining your furry friend's healthy weight. Still, you should feed your dog the right amount to avoid obesity.

The gut contributes to the overall wellbeing of your dog. Fiber helps balance the cells and bacteria within the stomach, affecting your pup's sugar levels and weight.

Also, with it your pup will feel fuller longer, meaning they eat less. Specialists recommend a low fat high fiber diet for dogs to reduce the extra pounds.

Aiding Digestion

As a whole, you can improve your dog's digestive system with fiber.

Its fermentation promotes fatty acids that prevent bad bacteria and help the colon recover from injury such as colitis or stomach bugs.

Also, fiber could protect your dog from colon cancer.

Fiber for Health Issues

As a responsible owner, you always want the best for your furry friend. So, if you notice a change in your pup's bathroom habits, we recommend you look into sources of fiber for dogs.

Fiber for Dogs with Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be horrible for you and your pet. Finding foods that prevent it can save you lots of hassle and worry.

Soluble fiber for dogs, found in pumpkin, adds bulk to your dog stomach's content, acting as a sponge and protecting from loose stools.

Squash prebiotics produce good bacteria needed by cells that guard against harmful microbes causing diarrhea.

Fiber for Dogs with Colitis

Colitis is colon inflammation that can be a one-time event or a chronic condition that needs ongoing treatment.

Fiber can treat and prevent it by protecting the stomach against toxins that build up and inflame the large intestine. We recommend checking with your vet if your pup has this condition. The treatments and amount of fiber will vary for each pooch.

Improve Diabetes With Fiber

Canine diabetes can be challenging to manage.

Start by looking for food that stabilizes your pup's sugar levels. A great source of that is pumpkin fiber for dogs.

Consistency is key, so feed your dog at the same time to balance its glucose.

Anal Gland Issues and Fiber

Not the most pleasant part to read but it's all in the name of your pup's health!

Anal glands secrete a waxy substance with each bathroom break. Sometimes they get clogged, which is painful for your pup.

To ease the symptoms and prevent it from happening again, fiber for dogs can save you and your puppy from hassle. It can bulk up stools to make your pet poop frequently.

Best Fiber for Dogs

Finding the right food can be a challenge. To make things easier, here are the ones with the best source of fiber for dogs.

Pumpkin

It's one of the greatest sources of fiber for dogs. There are few calories in it and vitamins that are essential to your pet's health.

Canned pumpkin includes nutrients like magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamins A and C.

This veggie is helpful for constipation and diarrhea. It's also recommended as a way to relieve your pet's upset stomach. Just be careful to buy it plain — no added spices or sauces. Vets recommend adding one tablespoon to start and observing your pup's reaction.

You need to cook any veggies for your pup. It's also good to have a list of foods dogs can't eat.

Steamed pumpkin is the healthiest but you can also roast or puree it.

Explore different options to find what works best for you. If you're looking for other dog fiber treats, consider baking your own pumpkin dog biscuits.

If you don't have time for cooking, you can try Native Pet Organic Pumpkin for Dogs. Simply add water for a delicious pumpkin puree.

Lettuce

Lettuce see if this veggie is a good source of fiber for dogs.

It contains almost no calories and a good amount of fiber — perfect for pups that need to shed a few pounds. Lettuce is high in vitamins C, K, and A, which support the overall health of your doggo.

As we often like to remind, moderation is key. Don't overfeed your pet with lettuce. Instead, start off with a small amount to see how they respond.

Carrots

They're one of the best fiber treats for dogs.

Carrots are a healthy and nutritious snack that you can use as a low calorie alternative to a doggy biscuit.

Freezing this veggie gives it that extra crunch that many pups love. Besides, your four-legged friend's dental health may also improve, how great is that?

Remember to always wash carrots before feeding your pup and cut them into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking.

Green Beans

Another low calorie, high fiber veggies your dog might love are green beans. You can serve them raw or straight out of the can. Alternatively, you can prepare some scrambled eggs for your dog with this veggie.

Green beans are full of vitamins K, C, B6, and A and are one of the best foods to help dogs poop.

Like with all pupper treats, remember — no added spice or flavoring.

Flaxseed

Flaxseeds are a good source of fiber for dogs that can aid digestion. The easiest way to prepare this snack is to grind it up and put it directly into your dog's food.

Keep in mind that flaxseed needs refrigeration as it can go rancid.

This marvelous plant can also give your pup a shiny coat and boost their immune system.

Apples

Full of calcium, vitamin C, and phosphorus, apples are one of the best high fiber foods for dogs.

Any doggo with a sweet tooth will love this juicy and healthy snack.

The best way to serve apples is to cut them up, removing the whole stem and seeds, since that can be toxic to your pupper.

You'll find amazing dog apple treat recipes online, so research away and see what works best for your furry bestie.

a big black dog playing with an apple in the grass

Kelp

This type of seaweed contains a large amount of amino acids for your pup. It's also super high in fiber.

Some dog food and treats already contain kelp, so keep an eye out. But if you're looking for a great pet fiber addition, check out the NaturVet Kelp Help Supplement Powder which contains the right amount for your furry pal.

Always consult your vet before changing your puppy's diet.

Bran for dogs

Bran is rich in fiber and helps your dog's colon health and weight management.

If you need to increase the amount of bran for your doggo, we recommend trying Bob's Red Mill Wheat Bran.

Some dog food contains bran already, so be careful not to overfeed your pupper with it.

Fiber Alternatives

If your pup doesn't like any of the foods above, don't panic. There are other alternatives.

Fiber Pills for Dogs

You can get these pills if your dog needs extra digestive help. They're a brilliant choice for fussy pups.

We recommend Virbac Vetasyl Fiber Capsules, which are easy to administer and contain 100% natural ingredients. This way you'll have peace of mind that your pup receives everything it needs for a long and healthy life.

Beet Pulp

This is another great source of fiber for dogs.

Beet pulp is the byproduct of processes that remove most sugar and carbs from the plant. It's full of fiber and great for your doggo, especially if they have an upset tummy.

The pulp can help with multiple issues such as constipation, skin allergies, and inflammation. Your pup can get back to full health with the antioxidants in it.

Consider trying a non-gmo product like the Olewo Dehydrated Red Beets Itch and Allergy Relief Dog Food Supplement. It's entirely natural and highly recommended by pup owners.

Psyllium Fiber for Dogs

You can use psyllium fiber for yourself and your pet. This amazing plant is great for diarrhea, constipation, and anal gland issues seen in pups.

Check out Fiber for Dogs psyllium seed husk powder & dehydrated beet root powder. The formula is based on vets' recommendations and has all the nutrients to keep your dog's gut healthy with no artificial flavors or ingredients.

Products with natural ingredients are the best for your pup's health.

Fiber foods for dogs

Finding ways to increase your pup's fiber can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. Many dog foods contain high-fiber ingredients to make things easier for you.

High Fiber Canned Dog Food

It's vital to find a high fiber wet dog food that provides all the necessary ingredients to keep your pet lean and healthy.

One such example is Taste of the Wild Canned Dog Food. Premium ingredients including real meat protein, fruit, veggies, and fatty acids are perfectly blended for a high fiber dog diet. Plus, it contains no fillers, grains, or wheats, and it's sustainably sourced.

High Fiber Grain Free Dog Food

Finding the right dog food for your pup is extremely important. It's best if 95% of its diet is based on a vet's recommendation.

If you're looking for natural ingredients, you can try Nature's Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. The formula is for doggos of all ages and it's easy to digest. Besides, there are no added preservatives or artificial flavors. It's great for sensitive tummies.

That said, with thousands of options on the market, speaking to your vet is the best way to ensure your pupper's needs are taken care of.

a puppy golden retriever eating a fiber treat

Fiber Treats for Dogs

A treat every once in a while is a great way to keep your pet interested and show them that you care. Also, it's brilliant for training.

Dog treats should also be high in fiber to improve gut health and not cause any digestive issues.

Tasty low calorie and all-natural options are Fruitables Crunchy Baked Dog Treats. With ingredients like fresh pumpkin, they're a strong fiber source.

How to Add Fiber to Dog Diet

So, now that you have an idea of which foods have more fiber, how do you go about it?

All pups are different, so what works for one may not work for another. As an owner, you should identify the best fiber source for your dog. Since this takes time, you need to be patient.

As we mentioned, start out with small amounts to see how your pupper will react. Most high fiber foods will work on a healthy pup quite quickly. The general advice is to try adding one teaspoon and see how it goes.

If your dog has any health or digestive issues, speaking to your vet is the number one priority. They have the necessary skills to advise you on the best way forward.

Food labels don't contain the necessary information on fiber for dogs, so you can't make informed decisions alone. You'll need advice, like we all do from time to time.

Watching your pup do their business is part of being a responsible owner. No need to feel self-conscious. Monitoring what's going in is just as important as what's coming out and it will help you catch any health issues early.

Pups can't talk to us but their stool can tell us a great deal.

Wrap up

You've learnt a great deal about fiber for dogs. Let's recap.

Dogs need fiber to maintain a healthy gut. It also helps with issues like constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, and colon cancer.

A good source of fiber for dogs can come from the right dog food and supplements for your pet's needs.

Some human food such as pumpkin, lettuce, and bran are brilliant for upping the fiber in your pet's diet. But be sure to start slowly and monitor closely.

Who knew there was so much to learn about fiber for dogs? We hope this information will help you and your four-legged pal on the road to a happy and healthy lifestyle.