Believe it or not, fiber is among the trickiest pet nutrition questions out there (more on that in a moment). We know it’s an important nutrient for your dog’s health, just as it is for humans. The most common reason to consider adding more fiber to your dog’s diet is if he frequently has irregular stools (either too hard or too soft). Fiber can nourish important gut bacteria, draw water into the stool, help hold water that is already there and speed up or slow down digestion. Your veterinarian may also recommend extra fiber if your pet has diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, anal gland problems, low energy or weight issues. But knowing how much your dog needs—or even how much he’s currently getting—can be difficult. Pet foods vary dramatically in their fiber content, which can explain why some dogs do great on one food but not as well on another.
Brands are required to list their products’ “crude
What you need fiber” content on the “guaranteed analysis” label (the pet-food equivalent of the Nutrition Facts panel). However, this number only represents the amount of insoluble fiber (aka roughage, like wheat bran) but not soluble fiber. (In pet food, common sources of soluble fiber include chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke.) If you think your pet might benefit from more fiber —and your vet agrees—you have some options. First, you can switch to higher-fiber pet food. For the most accurate fiber count, buy a therapeutic diet, sold through your veterinarian, since these products are tested for their total dietary fiber, not just their crude fiber. You can also add fiber to your pet’s current food. Common supplements include psyllium seed husk, wheat bran, cellulose, and inulin, all of which are available commercially for humans.
Based on factors like health goals and size, your vet can determine which kind and how much of this added fiber you should sprinkle on kibble or wet food. You can also top meals with high-fiber vegetables, such as canned pumpkin puree or green beans. However, it’s tough to make sure your dog is getting a consistent dose since different veggies have different amounts and types of fiber. And their fiber content is relatively low compared to a supplement, so your pet may not be able to get enough from food alone. Whichever route you take, your vet will likely suggest starting with a small amount of extra fiber and increasing the dose until you notice a difference in your dog’s bowel movements or see no change and can rule out a lack of fiber as the cause.
Brands are required to list their products’ “crude
What you need fiber” content on the “guaranteed analysis” label (the pet-food equivalent of the Nutrition Facts panel). However, this number only represents the amount of insoluble fiber (aka roughage, like wheat bran) but not soluble fiber. (In pet food, common sources of soluble fiber include chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke.) If you think your pet might benefit from more fiber —and your vet agrees—you have some options. First, you can switch to higher-fiber pet food. For the most accurate fiber count, buy a therapeutic diet, sold through your veterinarian, since these products are tested for their total dietary fiber, not just their crude fiber. You can also add fiber to your pet’s current food. Common supplements include psyllium seed husk, wheat bran, cellulose, and inulin, all of which are available commercially for humans.
Based on factors like health goals and size, your vet can determine which kind and how much of this added fiber you should sprinkle on kibble or wet food. You can also top meals with high-fiber vegetables, such as canned pumpkin puree or green beans. However, it’s tough to make sure your dog is getting a consistent dose since different veggies have different amounts and types of fiber. And their fiber content is relatively low compared to a supplement, so your pet may not be able to get enough from food alone. Whichever route you take, your vet will likely suggest starting with a small amount of extra fiber and increasing the dose until you notice a difference in your dog’s bowel movements or see no change and can rule out a lack of fiber as the cause.
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