2 Types Of Fiber
There are two main types of fiber which be beneficial for your dog: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fiber ferments in the colon to create gases; too much can cause diarrhea, and this is common when the fiber is first introduced into the diet. For this reason, it is a good idea to start slowly and build up.
Insoluble fiber absorbs water as it makes its way through the digestive tract and helps to regulate the intestinal transit time. Excess of insoluble fiber can decrease nutrition in a diet, as it binds minerals. This can lead to weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and poor coat quality.
By ensuring that your dog’s diet has enough fiber, you can help to reduce and prevent diarrhea and constipation. The soluble and insoluble fibers both combine to add moisture to your dog's excrement. When this moisture is taken from outside the colon, it helps to reduce the likelihood of constipation.
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Higher Fiber Helps With Overweight Dogs
Weight loss is also an area that can benefit from the introduction of fiber. Fiber can help your dog to feel more full, leaving them satisfied without the consumption of too many calories.
Dog food that is high in fiber often has the ability to absorb a higher volume of water. This also helps to make your furry companion feel fuller faster, and so reduced the number of calories they need to consume.
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How To Introduce A High-Fiber Diet?
A high fiber diet has a huge range of benefits for your dog and can prove a bonus to overall health and fitness, as well as having the potential to stave off some serious illnesses and conditions later on. Before switching to a high fiber diet, there are some considerations to make in order to make the change comfortable for your pooch.
Step 1: Observation And Evaluation
You should start by observing and evaluating what your dog had been consuming thus far. Your dog’s stomach will be used to the diet they have been given, and a sudden change can cause disruptions and problems with digestion. Consider how much fiber they are used to, and take steps to introduce it slowly.
Step 2: Research
The next step is to consider which forms of fiber will be most beneficial to your dog. Many complete canine foods already offer close to the recommended amount of fiber, so you may simply need to add a few more elements such as vegetables or supplements.
Do your homework; discover how much fiber your dog has been receiving and from what sources. You have the option to either change the food completely or simply add more fiber to the existing diet. Make sure you are clued up on the best primary sources of dietary fiber, where they can be found, and the best supplements.
A chat with your vet is a good idea, as they will be able to help you tailor your plan to your canine.
Step 3: Gradual Introduction
If you decide to completely overhaul your dog's diet, it is important to do this very slowly, gradually mixing the new food with the existing food to prevent an upset tummy.
Gradually increase the level of high fiber food until you have fully switched over. Similarly, if you are introducing new elements into your dog's diet, make this a steady process to help the digestive system get used to the changes.
Always follow your dog’s lead; if they seem to be struggling with a change, take a step back and reassess your approach.
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Examples Of High Fiber Foods
As well as complete dog food options, there is a range of foods that are naturally high in fiber, and which can be added to your dog's existing diet with no issues or huge overhauls. Fruits and vegetables are the ideal options for adding fiber, and there are certain sources that are particularly useful for dogs, such as:
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Avocados
- Peaches
- Apples
- Green vegetables such as spinach, green beans, and broccoli
- Beet pulp
- Pumpkin
- Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans
Green beans are an ideal vegetable and can offer a useful supplement to your dog's diet, as well as being easy to add to their dinner. They are also easy to prep; simply steam, chop, and mix them in for an easy way to increase the fiber content of your dog's food.
Sweet Potatoes
There is a good reason why sweet potatoes are the central ingredient of so many dog foods; they are super high in fiber, with over 3g in a single medium-sized sweet potato. They are also easy to include in your dog's food; simply wash, prick with a fork, and cook for between 8 and 10 minutes. Once cooked, scoop out the inside from the skin, mash, and mix between 1 and 3 tablespoons in with your pooches normal meal.
Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is also a super simple way to increase the amount of fiber in your dog's diet; double-check to make sure you do not pick up pumpkin pie mix as this has far too much sugar. Pumpkin is high in fiber, and so needs to be carefully controlled depending on the size of your pooch. A smaller dog only needs around a teaspoon mixed with food, while larger dogs, such as those greater than 50 pounds, can have up to a quarter of a cup.
Consider Natural Fiber Supplements Too!
In most cases, your dog will be able to get the fiber they need merely from a carefully balanced diet and adding in suitable foods and additions where necessary.
However, in some cases, your vet may recommend supplements to help with bowel movements and to keep your dog's digestive system in tip-top condition.
While there is a variety of over-the-counter options, many owners are understandably reluctant to add chemicals or medications into their dog's diet where natural alternatives are available. One of the best ways to supplement your dog's fiber requirements is through additions such as flaxseed.
Flaxseed is a naturally occurring substance that comes with a variety of benefits and can be particularly helpful for adding fiber and helping out the digestive system.
What Is Flax?
The flax plant produces small golden-brown seeds and a nutty flavor. It is often seen in ground form and can be sprinkled on your dog's food, or added in a capsule.
Health Benefits Of Flax
The biggest benefit of flax is the high level of fatty acids and omega 3 which contributes to cell membrane structure, cell function, immune function, healthy skin and coat, digestion, and growth of bones and muscles.
How Much Flax To Give Your Pooch?
It is particularly beneficial for healthy digestion, and it is flexible enough to help with both diarrhea and constipation. For this reason, it is often already added to many complete dog food, but you can also add it to your dog’s diet if this is not the case.
When using ground flaxseed, the dosage is based on the weight of your dog. As a rule, amounts are as follows:
- Teacup size dogs -= ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon a day
- Small dogs - start with ½ teaspoon, and increase to 1 teaspoon a day
- Medium dogs - start with 1 ½ teaspoon, and increase to 2 full teaspoons a day
- Large dogs - 2 ½ teaspoons, and increase to 1 full teaspoon a day
- Giant breeds - start with 1 ½ to 2 full teaspoons a day
You should always check with your vet if you have any concerns or questions, or if your dog is diabetic or hypoglycemic or suffering from any other medical conditions.
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