Pet Doctor

Rockwall Vet Clinic says dogs sometimes need a food with high fiber content, usually due to the fact that they are suffering from intestinal issues or problems in their digestive tract. While it’s true all kinds and brands of dog food contain fiber, it is the varying sources and the amounts that are the most important factors that distinguish a high fiber dog food from an “ordinary” type. You will find that regular, commercial dog foods contain about two to four percent of crude fiber while high fiber brands contain at least 10 percent.

Some natural ingredients in high fiber food for dogs include fruits and vegetables such as apples and sweet potatoes, whole grains, cereals, rice, the hulls of soybeans, beet pulp, and corn products.

The great importance of fiber in our diets has been talked about for some time as most of us know we should be getting a certain amount. But most pet owners aren’t aware that it’s equally important for their dogs to be getting adequate fiber in their diets as well. Because a high fiber food for dogs will typically contain fewer calories as well as higher quality ingredients, they will need less food but still feel full, warding off conditions like obesity, which leads to diabetes and heart problems. Anal gland disease and constipation are other conditions that may warrant a high fiber food, which may reduce risks of colon cancer as well.

The bulkier your dog’s stool, the more stimulated their intestinal tract will be, which will help it digest food more easily. Fiber also absorbs liquid and can help regulate your pet’s bowel movement habits if they’re having difficulty in that department. And, if you’ve ever seen your dog scooting across the living room floor you may be aware of anal gland disease, in which two small glands located on either side of the anus responsible for secreting fluids become abscessed, infected, or impacted. Changing to a high fiber food will create bulkier stools, which in turn put pressure on the glands and in many cases, solve the problem. Bulkier stools will also help to solve the problem of constipation because of the extra stimulation to the intestines.

But, as is the case with just about anything, too much fiber can be bad for your dog’s health. Besides diarrhea and excessive flatulence, too much fiber can inhibit the way the body absorbs the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs.

Three Of The Best Brands of High Fiber Food For Dogs:

Here are three of the best brands of high fiber food based on ingredients, price, and consumer opinion:

- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet High Fiber Dog Food: Royal Canin’s Calorie Control CC 26 dog food is formulated to aid with weight loss and contains more than eighteen percent of crude fiber. To purchase this food from Royal Canin you will need a prescription from your veterinarian. For the large 33-pound bag, expect to pay an average of around $74 and $20 for the small six-pound bag.

- Doctors Foster and Smith Adult Lite Dog Food Chicken Brown Rice Formula: This food contains 13% crude fiber, reduced calories, and has whole grains including barley and brown rice, fruits like apples, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots. A five-pound bag averages $10 and the 23-pound size is $35.

- Hill’s Science Diet: Averaging around $14 for a small, 5 pound bag and $50 for the 40 pound size, Adult Lite Dog Food from Hill’s Science Diet contains 18.5% of crude fiber thanks to ingredients like whole grain corn that’s been ground, soybean meal, and soybean mill run. This high fiber food also contains added vitamins and minerals.

Before increasing the fiber in your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian to ensure there isn’t another solution that might be more appropriate. Also, if you are switching brands or types of dog foods, only do so gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach or exacerbating any existing digestive problems.

Disclaimer: This article’s content is opinion only and is simply meant to provide the reader with general information. Nothing in this article should be looked upon as being medical advice. Always seek your veterinarian’s opinion before altering your dog’s diet in a major way.

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