Fiber is an important nutrient when it comes to dog nutrition, and there are many ways to add fiber to your dog’s diet. Fiber helps to absorb water and add bulk to the stool, helping to keep your dog’s gut regular and stool shaped and hard. It can also promote good gut health by keeping intestinal oxygen levels unsuitable for harmful bacteria, preventing their growth and colonization. Fiber comes only from plant ingredients, and it can be soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber absorbs water and is broken down and utilized by the body, while insoluble fiber cannot be digested. If dogs are fed too much soluble fiber, or if they are fed too quickly, they may become bloated and/or have diarrhea. Although insoluble fiber is difficult to digest, it is beneficial because it helps regulate transit time in the intestines. This means that insoluble fiber can increase the transit time in case of constipation and reduce it in the case of diarrhea. However, too much insoluble fiber can hinder the absorption of other important nutrients and may lead to weight loss, poor coat, vomiting, and diarrhea. In commercial dog food, fiber can come from grains such as rice and corn, as well as from soybeans, beet pulp, and peanut shells, among others.
All commercial dog food will have a statement called AAFCO that states whether the food has been formulated (i.e., the company has made a list of required nutrients and added ingredients that meet those nutrients) or whether the food has been tested for animal feeding (these tests are designed to ensure that the nutrients are actually bioavailable for the dog to digest and use), and it also states for which life stage the dog food was made. As of now, AAFCO only recognizes two life stages: adult maintenance and growth/reproduction. It is important to note that if a food product is labeled as “all life stages”, it will be more in line with the rules for growth/reproduction as these regulations are more stringent. Obviously, this is not representative of the elderly pet population. As dogs age, they may need less protein and more fiber in their diet. Unfortunately, because senior dogs don’t have a recognized life stage, you may find that if your senior dog has chronic gastrointestinal issues, it will require fiber supplementation.
The Healthiest and Best Way to Add Fiber to Your Dog’s Diet
The easiest way to increase your dog’s fiber intake is to add high-fiber foods to your diet. The most common item is a pumpkin. It is easily sold in the form of canned pumpkins. Smaller dogs only need to add about a tablespoon to their meals, while larger dogs may need up to a quarter cup. As with any dietary changes for dogs, it is advisable to start slowly, so if you have a larger or giant breed, start with a small amount of pumpkin and slowly increase to a quarter cup.
Mung beans are another natural food and a great source of fiber. Raw mung beans are not easily digested but can be steamed to make them easier to digest. Obviously, before giving your dog, make sure they have cooled down sufficiently. Alternatively, frozen green beans are also a good choice. Similar to pumpkins, small dogs may only need about a tablespoon (you can chop them up for easy measurement), while large dogs can need a quarter cup.
Sweet potatoes are another great option for a natural boost of fiber for dogs. As with green beans, steaming is the best way to prepare for your dog. Once cooked and cooled, they can be added to your dog’s food in the form of small pieces or they can be mashed. Again, depending on the size of your dog, you can add a tablespoon to anywhere in a quarter cup.
Over-the-counter plantain powdered fiber supplements are also an option, but this is better suited for short-term use, such as when dogs may be constipated. Adding fiber in this way should be done with caution so as not to add too much too quickly and cause diarrhea. Small dogs can tolerate about 1/2 teaspoon per day, while large or giant dogs can tolerate up to 2 tablespoons per day. Mix the powder with food and make sure your dog drinks plenty of water. Sugar-free formulations should be avoided to prevent possible exposure to xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. As always, consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s diet, especially if you’re trying to address the issue.
Stay Away from Anything
When you want to add fiber to your dog’s diet, there are a few things you should avoid. If you choose pumpkin puree, make sure you only buy canned pumpkins, not canned pumpkin pie mix. This is because the canned pumpkin pie mix contains added sugar and spices, which may cause an upset stomach in your dog.
Canned green beans should also be avoided if possible. This is because they have a higher sodium content than fresh or frozen ones. If all you have is canned food, look for low-sodium varieties.
Fiber is an essential nutrient for dogs, but some dogs may need more fiber in their diet than others. Consult your veterinarian for more information about your dog’s dietary needs and how best to supplement his diet.