Sometimes it seems impossible to find a dog food that is balanced, healthy, and, of course, delicious. Making sure that your dog is getting the proper nutrition is extremely complicated, and you might be a little unsure when it comes to fiber.
If a product is high in fiber when you’re shopping for yourself, you might put it in your basket right away, but do we do the same for our dogs? If your dog isn’t getting any fiber in their daily dinners, it might be time to switch things up. Fibre is an amazing ingredient that will help your dog thrive because it has many health advantages.
We’re here to provide you with the answers to all of your questions about fiber, including what it does, whether our dogs need it in their diets, and how to find a high-fibre dog food.
The surprising truth about dogs’ fiber requirement
Dogs technically don’t need any fiber in their diets. People are advised to consume approximately 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day, which calls for consuming lots of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. However, it isn’t because fiber contains any discernible nutrients. It doesn’t. It isn’t even easily digestible, which means that whatever nutrients or other substances it does contain can’t be absorbed by the bloodstream and used by the body because it passes through the stomach, small intestine, and colon essentially undigested. Instead, depending on its makeup, fiber can serve as nature’s equivalent of a broom, ensuring that food is properly absorbed by the body and that waste is eliminated without constipation or diarrhea. It is recommended for those with diabetes because it slows the body’s absorption of sugar and helps keep blood glucose levels more stable. It is also thought to help regulate appetite for those trying to manage their weight thanks to the bulk it provides.
Although there is no established optimal amount of fiber for dogs, it is interesting to note that fiber has many of the same benefits for both humans and dogs, including preventing constipation and diarrhea, controlling blood sugar levels, making overweight pets feel fuller, and even preventing excessive blood fat levels. The amount of fiber in each package of commercially prepared dog food is at least partially disclosed on all of the labels. Unfortunately, it’s not readily decipherable.
Veterinarians have discovered that fibers can lessen a dog’s sensitivity to insulin, though it’s unclear exactly how this happens at this time. However, it is known that many veterinarians feed diabetic dogs diets high in fiber. Of course, it varies from dog to dog as some diabetic dogs benefit from moderate to low fiber intake.
For dogs on a weight-management program, fiber is a great nutrient. Dog owners are reluctant to reduce the amount of food they feed their pets, despite the fact that obesity is the primary cause of many illnesses in dogs. When trying to lose weight for their dogs, owners should consider switching to a high-fiber dog food because fiber helps dogs feel satisfied while consuming relatively few calories. You might discover that the majority of commercially available dog foods for weight control contain a lot of fiber. If you don’t want to switch foods, you can also include wholesome sources of fiber in your dog’s meal, like green beans, while giving them a smaller portion than usual. They will receive a nutritious snack from this, consume fewer calories, and still feel full.
Although fiber is frequently overlooked as a nutrient in dog foods, our dogs actually benefit surprisingly from it. There are many nutritious ways to include it in your dog’s diet, even though it is made entirely of plant-based ingredients, including ingredients like sweet potatoes or green beans. Make sure your dog is receiving high-quality ingredients rather than unhealthy fillers because the quality of the fiber is also crucial. For instance, the ingredient “cellulose” may appear innocent, but it can originate from a variety of sources, including shredded paper.
The best choice when it comes to fiber and the majority of other ingredients is to look for whole sources, such as whole fruits and vegetables. But if fiber is so crucial, why aren’t more dog owners aware of it? After all, it has a number of advantages. The two types of fiber—soluble and insoluble—offer unique benefits. Soluble fiber creates gases by fermenting in the colon. Insoluble fiber is metabolically inert because it absorbs water as it passes through the digestive tract. Unlike soluble fiber, insoluble fiber does not produce intestinal gas. Gas and diarrhea brought on by an excessive amount of soluble fiber are typically experienced when fiber is first added to the diet or suddenly increased. These side effects will be lessened by starting with small doses and increasing them gradually. Insoluble fiber controls the speed of intestinal transit, increasing it during constipation and decreasing it during diarrhea. Too much insoluble fiber can cause weight loss, poor coat quality, vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence even though it is typically well tolerated in high doses, as it binds minerals and reduces the nutritional value of the diet.
Discover delicious food your dog deserves
Let’s start by explaining what fibre actually is.
Fibre can be found in plant-based things such as wholegrains (brown rice, oats, quinoa and more), fruit and loads of veggies too. Neither humans or dogs are able to digest fibre fully, which might sound strange, but it’s actually a good thing.
It aids in keeping stools firm and moving the digestive process along. Because the vegetables won’t have been properly digested, you may occasionally notice bits of vegetables passing through your dog’s stool. This is a completely normal thing to see if your dog has been consuming some vegetables!
Fibre is classified as a complex carbohydrate rather than a simple carbohydrate, so you should look for complex carbs in your dog’s meals. Complex carbohydrates are healthy, release a steady source of energy over time, preventing blood sugar peaks and troughs, and also help to keep your dog full.
Simple carbohydrates, on the other hand, take much longer to digest and process, resulting in unhealthy blood sugar spikes and an energy boost that will quickly wear off. It’s best to avoid them because they don’t satisfy and nourish you like a complex carb would. Simple carbohydrates are typically found in extremely sweet or processed foods, such as white bread and pasta.
Overall, fiber is a great addition to your dog’s diet because it helps to maintain and improve the health of the digestive system. It’s crucial to keep in mind that fiber can either be soluble or insoluble when looking for the best types for your dog. Both types have essential functions and should be perfectly balanced in your dog’s food because they function best together.
In the colon, soluble fiber ferments after absorbing water, producing gases and a gel-like binding substance that aids in the body’s steady absorption of nutrients. It can serve as a food source for the beneficial bacteria in the gut, and a healthy gut is essential for regular digestion and overall wellbeing.
While insoluble fiber continues to absorb water, it doesn’t ferment and produce gas the way soluble fiber does, essentially leaving the digestive system unchanged. Your dog’s stools absorb the water from the environment outside the colon, preventing constipation and promoting bowel movement. Essentially, it’s there to keep your dog ‘regular’.
FAQ
How do you know if your dog needs fiber?
Signs of an Imbalance in Fiber If your dog is lacking in fiber, they may experience constipation or have extremely watery stools. It’s crucial to realize that too much fiber can have negative health effects. Your dog may have trouble absorbing minerals if they consume too much fiber.
Should I add fiber to my dogs diet?
Although fiber is frequently overlooked as a nutrient in dog foods, our dogs actually benefit surprisingly from it. There are many nutritious ways to include it in your dog’s diet, even though it is made entirely of plant-based ingredients, including ingredients like sweet potatoes or green beans.
What can I feed my dog for fibre?
- Wheatgerm. The nutrient-rich center of wheat, known as wheatgerm, contains vitamin E, folic acid, and other essential nutrients for canines to thrive.
- Milled flaxseed. …
- Carrots. …
- Broccoli. …
- Kale. …
- Kelp. …
- Pumpkin. …
- Apples.
How much daily fiber does a dog need?
Dogs technically don’t need any fiber in their diets. People are advised to consume approximately 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day, which calls for consuming lots of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. However, it isn’t because fiber contains any discernible nutrients. It doesn’t.