Some dogs actually need more fiber in their diet than the average kibble can deliver. Once you learn why fiber can be so beneficial and the reasons for making a switch, you will need to determine which brands are richer in fiber.
List of High Fiber Dog Foods
The following brands offer varying levels of high fiber formulas, but that doesn't guarantee the complete quality of all the ingredients. Consult your vet about the overall quality of any formula before switching your pet to a high fiber diet.
- Satiety Support by Royal Canin supports weight loss with a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber to make a dog feel fuller while consuming fewer calories overall. The guaranteed crude fiber analysis is 18.20 percent maximum.
- Innova Senior offers a higher fiber content derived from whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The guaranteed crude fiber analysis is 5.5 percent maximum.
- Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Formula for Weight Management uses wheat bran to promote a healthy digestive system. The guaranteed crude fiber analysis is 5.5 percent maximum.
- Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites combines a low-fat formula high in fiber to help control a dog's weight. According to Petco, this formula has a crude fiber maximum of percent.
- Nutro Ultra Weight Management is rich in fiber and contains superfoods such as salmon and flaxseed. The guaranteed crude fiber analysis is 6.00 percent maximum.
Other Ways to Add Fiber to Your Pet's Diet
If you have difficulty finding a high fiber formula locally and you don't want to incur the cost of shipping, there are other ways to increase your pet's fiber intake. You can add a little of one of the following foods to your dog's regular diet, but it's best to consult your vet about the proper amount to add according to your dog's weight, as well as how often to add it.
- Plain, canned pumpkin
- Cooked sweet potato
- Oat bran
Reasons a High Fiber Diet May Be Needed
Fiber can be as important in your dog's diet as it is in yours. According to Drs. Foster and Smith, fiber can help address a number of health concerns.
- Reduces obesity - A diet that's higher in fiber can help a dog feel fuller without taking in additional calories, so he can eat the usual amount and still lose excess weight.
- Stabilizes blood sugar - A high fiber diet is often recommended for diabetic dogs to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
- Reduces anal gland issues - Since insoluble fiber makes stools firmer, they express the anal glands more efficiently when a dog passes stools.
- Improves digestive health - Some types of fiber are fermented into fatty acids which aid digestion.
- May help prevent colon cancer - These same fatty acids may help repair injured colon cells.
- Treats diarrhea - The extra fiber helps firm watery stools.
- Treats constipation - The fiber helps move hardened stool through the digestive tract.
Let Your Vet Make a Recommendation
A high fiber diet can benefit some dogs, but it's best to let your vet decide whether your dog needs a change in diet. Too much fiber can cause gastric upset, so rely on your vet's expertise and ask for a specific recommendation about which high fiber formula might be best for your pet.
