Vets often recommend increased fiber for dogs with diarrhea, constipation, or anal gland issues, but not all fiber works the same way. Learn more about the types of fiber, benefits of fiber, and ways to add fiber to your dog’s diet from integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby.
If you watch TV regularly, you might recall a time when you saw a commercial for a fiber supplement like Metamucil or Benefiber. This might have led you to ask yourself, “Am I getting enough fiber in my diet?”
And then, especially if your furry friend was curled up on the couch with you, you might have begun to wonder “Do dogs need fiber too?” and “If so, how do I add fiber to my dog’s diet?”
As it turns out, fiber isn’t an essential nutrient for dogs, but it is definitely a helpful one. As such, it is a good idea to be aware of the types, benefits, and sources of fiber for dogs, especially if your dog is prone to fiber-responsive conditions like diarrhea, constipation, or anal gland problems.
Ever watch your furry friend struggling to do their business in the backyard and wonder if something’s missing from their diet? The answer might just be fiber! As a pet parent who’s spent countless hours researching the best nutrition for my pups, I’ve discovered that fiber is often the unsung hero in doggy diets
At Bernie’s Best, we believe that what goes in affects what comes out (literally!). Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about fiber for dogs – why they need it, how much they should have, and the tell-tale signs your four-legged friend might be fiber-deficient.
Why Dogs Need Fiber: More Than Just Poop Talk
Just like humans dogs benefit tremendously from fiber in their diet though they don’t necessarily need it for energy. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that comes from plants and serves several crucial functions in your dog’s body
- Supports a healthy digestive system by helping food move through at the right pace
- Promotes regular bowel movements and helps create that “perfect poop” we all hope to see
- Feeds the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut (the microbiome)
- Helps manage weight by creating a feeling of fullness
- Supports anal gland health by creating firmer stools that express the glands naturally
What many dog owners don’t realize is that there are different types of fiber, and they each play unique roles in your dog’s health.
Two Main Types of Fiber Your Dog Needs
-
Soluble Fiber
- Dissolves in water during digestion
- Acts as a prebiotic, feeding good gut bacteria
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
- Can help with diarrhea by absorbing excess water
- Found in foods like pumpkin and flaxseed
-
Insoluble Fiber
- Doesn’t dissolve during digestion
- Adds bulk to stool
- Helps with constipation by moving waste through the system
- Promotes regular bowel movements
- Found in ingredients like Miscanthus grass
The best approach is making sure your dog gets both types in their diet for optimal digestive health.
10 Signs Your Dog Needs More Fiber
How do you know if your furry friend is fiber-deficient? Here are the most common signs to watch for:
1. Irregular Bowel Movements
If your dog is constantly struggling with constipation or has unpredictable bathroom habits, insufficient digestible fiber could be the culprit. Fiber helps regulate the digestive system and promotes those regular, predictable potty breaks we all appreciate.
2. Weight Management Issues
Is your pup packing on the pounds despite your best efforts? Fiber helps dogs feel fuller longer, which can reduce begging and overeating. If weight management is a challenge, adding appropriate fiber might help.
3. Excessive Gas
Nobody wants a stinky dog! While some gas is normal, excessive flatulence can indicate fiber imbalance. Either too much low-quality fiber or not enough quality fiber can lead to a gassy pup.
4. Loose Stools
One of the most obvious signs your dog needs fiber adjustment is soft or runny poop. Quality fiber helps form well-formed, firm stools – what we at Bernie’s like to call “Perfect Poop!”
5. Anal Gland Issues
Those anal glands are designed to express naturally when your dog poops, but they need firm stool to do their job. If your dog is scooting or requiring frequent vet visits for anal gland expression, fiber could be your solution.
6. Poor Skin and Coat
Surprisingly, fiber impacts more than just digestion! A lack of proper fiber can affect nutrient absorption, leading to dull coats and skin issues. Fiber-rich foods help dogs absorb the nutrients they need for shiny, healthy coats.
7. Low Energy Levels
If your once-bouncy buddy seems constantly tired, their diet might be missing crucial fiber. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, providing steady energy throughout the day rather than spikes and crashes.
8. Frequent Vomiting
Digestive issues, including vomiting, can sometimes be traced to inadequate fiber. Adding appropriate fiber can help promote healthy digestion and reduce those unpleasant clean-up moments.
9. Dental Health Problems
Fiber-rich foods and treats can contribute to better dental health by reducing plaque and tartar. Chewing on fibrous treats helps keep those canine chompers clean!
10. Slow or Difficult Pooping
If your dog takes forever to do their business or seems uncomfortable while trying, fiber could help things move along more smoothly and comfortably.
How Much Fiber Do Dogs Need?
This is where things get a bit complicated. Unlike with proteins or fats, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for fiber requirements. Most commercial dog foods contain approximately 2-4% crude fiber, but some dogs might benefit from higher amounts.
Factors that influence fiber needs include:
- Age (senior dogs often need more fiber)
- Size and breed
- Activity level
- Existing health conditions
- Current digestive health
It’s always best to consult with your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s fiber intake. They can help determine the right amount for your specific pup.
Sources of Quality Fiber for Your Dog
When it comes to adding fiber to your dog’s diet, quality matters just as much as quantity. High-fiber dog foods may advertise themselves as good for your dog’s gut health, but the sources and quality of fiber make all the difference.
Excellent Fiber Sources for Dogs:
| Food Source | Fiber Type | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin | Soluble & Insoluble | Helps with both diarrhea and constipation |
| Flaxseed | Soluble | Supports gut bacteria and provides omega fatty acids |
| Miscanthus grass | Insoluble | Helps bulk up stool and improve consistency |
| Green beans | Mixed | Low-calorie fiber source great for weight management |
| Brussels sprouts | Mixed | Rich in nutrients and supports digestive health |
| Carrots | Insoluble | Great for dental health and digestion |
| Broccoli | Insoluble | Nutrient-dense and supports healthy digestion |
How to Add More Fiber to Your Dog’s Diet
If you’ve noticed signs your dog needs more fiber, here are some practical ways to increase their intake:
- Review your dog’s current diet – Check the crude fiber content on the label of their food
- Consider a high-quality fiber supplement – Products like Bernie’s Perfect Poop combine premium fibers with probiotics and digestive enzymes
- Add fiber-rich veggies – Small amounts of cooked vegetables can boost fiber intake
- Try canned pumpkin – Plain, unsweetened pumpkin (not pie filling!) is a great fiber source
- Transition gradually – Always introduce new fiber sources slowly to avoid digestive upset
Important Dog Health Tip:
Always check with your vet before making changes to your dog’s routine—whether it’s diet, supplements, or exercise. What works for one dog might not work for another, and sudden changes can cause stomach upset.
Senior Dogs and Fiber: Special Considerations
As dogs age, their digestive systems become less efficient. Senior dogs (generally considered 7+ years for most breeds, 11+ for smaller breeds) often benefit from additional fiber, but the approach needs to be tailored.
Some senior dogs may need more fiber to combat constipation and help with weight management as they become less active. However, others might actually need less fiber if they’re having trouble absorbing nutrients.
Working with your vet to determine the right balance for your aging pup is crucial, as their needs will change throughout their golden years.
Can Dogs Get Too Much Fiber?
Yes! While fiber is beneficial, too much can cause problems including:
- Excessive gas and bloating
- Decreased absorption of important nutrients
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Decreased energy levels
- Dehydration (since fiber absorbs water)
This is why it’s important to increase fiber gradually and monitor your dog’s response.
Our Experience at Bernie’s Best
At Bernie’s Best, we created Perfect Poop after struggling to find quality fiber sources for our own dogs. We worked with canine experts to develop a supplement that combines premium dietary fibers (pumpkin, flaxseed, and Miscanthus grass) with pre- and probiotics and digestive enzymes.
The results have been amazing – not just firmer, more regular poops, but happier, healthier dogs overall! We’ve seen firsthand how the right balance of quality fiber can transform a dog’s digestive health.
So, do dogs need fiber in their diet? Absolutely YES! Fiber is an essential component of a healthy canine diet that supports digestive health, promotes regular bowel movements, helps maintain a healthy weight, and contributes to overall wellbeing.
By paying attention to the signs your dog might need more fiber and working with your vet to find the right balance, you can help ensure your furry friend enjoys optimal digestive health for years to come.
Remember, what goes in affects what comes out – and when it comes to your dog’s poop, we’re all hoping for perfect!
Have you noticed signs your dog might need more fiber? What fiber sources have worked best for your pup? Share your experiences in the comments below!
This article was created by the Bernie’s Best team, a passionate group of pet lovers dedicated to improving dogs’ lives through natural and science-backed nutrition. When we’re not researching the latest in canine wellness, you’ll find us spoiling our own furry family members and embracing every moment of joyful chaos that comes with life as dog parents.
Fiber for diarrhea in dogs
Most dogs will deal with a bout of diarrhea at least once in their lifetime, and it is a medical concern that veterinarians see amongst their patients almost every day. Diarrhea can have an acute onset, related to issues like stress or intestinal parasites. Or dogs may may suffer from chronic diarrhea that may be intermittent or persistent.
Acute diarrhea patients do well with soluble fibers with higher viscosity. One example is pectin, a rapidly fermenting soluble fiber that is one of the active ingredients in Vetoquinol’s Pro-Pectalin. While the pectin fiber can absorb water and help firm up stools, other ingredients like kaolin can reduce intestinal inflammation. Plus, its probiotic ingredients can support beneficial gut bacteria.
Patients with chronic diarrhea can benefit from soluble fiber products too. However, rapidly fermented fibers could contribute to more gas production. Thus, your veterinarian might recommend a soluble fiber like psyllium which has good viscosity but is only moderately (i.e. slowly) fermentable.
Metamucil, which is an over-the-counter fiber supplement, is often a good choice for these dogs with chronic diarrhea. It has psyllium as its active ingredient, and also contains some insoluble fibers for a more balanced effect.
Fiber for constipation in dogs
On the other side of the spectrum, dogs can occasionally become constipated. The stool may be dry, hard, and sometimes have a larger-than-normal diameter. All of these factors make it difficult for the dog to pass the stool, so dogs may go too long without pooping or strain to defecate.
The vet will probably need to use laxatives, enemas, and/or fluids to initially relieve severe constipation. Then fiber supplementation can be quite helpful in preventing future episodes of constipation. However, finding the right fiber type for constipated dogs can take a bit more trial and error.
Your vet may recommend using an insoluble fiber supplement to add bulk to the stools, promote intestinal motility, and draw water into the stools. This can make it easier for some dogs to poop. Other dogs may respond well to high fiber dog foods, many of which contain beet pulp as an ingredient. Beet pulp is a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers which can help increase colonic motility.
Alternatively, your dog could do best with a fiber supplement like Benefiber. It contains soluble non-viscous fibers like wheat dextrin to create less bulky stools. Finally, sometimes a longer-lasting soluble fiber supplement like psyllium does the trick.
Best Sources Of Fiber For Dogs
FAQ
What is a good source of fiber for dogs?
Good fiber sources for dogs include fruits (like blueberries, apples, and raspberries), vegetables (such as pumpkin, green beans, carrots, and leafy greens), whole grains (like brown rice and oats), and even some superfoods (such as kelp and shiitake mushrooms). Always introduce new foods in moderation to avoid discomfort and consult a veterinarian before adding fiber supplements or making significant changes to your dog’s diet.
What happens if dogs don’t get enough fiber?
Fiber can regulate your dog’s bowels, preventing constipation and loose stools. Dogs who don’t get enough fiber often have trouble eliminating, and adding the right amount can help them become regular.
How do I add fibre to my dog’s diet?
To add fiber to your dog’s diet, gradually introduce fiber-rich foods like cooked sweet potatoes, pumpkin, green beans, or brown rice, or opt for a prescription high-fiber dog food recommended by your veterinarian. Begin with small portions, like a tablespoon of pumpkin or a few green beans, and monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset. Always check with your vet before making significant dietary changes.
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