High Fiber Dog Food

High fiber dog food is beneficial for dogs with various health problems, such as constipation, obesity, anal gland problems, and diabetes.

We all know that if we do not have enough fiber in our diets, we will suffer from digestive problems such as constipation. The same is true for our dogs - insufficient fiber in their diets can cause digestive problems as well.

Dogs with certain health problems particularly benefit from food high in fiber contents.

You can find the following information regarding high fiber dog food in this page:

What are the pros and cons of high fiber dog food?
What are some good fiber sources?
Can we get high fiber foods in a package?

Pros and Cons of High Fiber Dog Food

The main advantages of feeding a dog high fiber foods include:

Healthy Digestive System
Fiber is effective in preventing both diarrhea and constipation. It prevents diarrhea and loose watery stools by absorbing the excess water in the stools. On the other hand, since fiber can also helps the intestines to retain water, it can help to prevent constipation as well.
A good and healthy digestive system, especially good colon health, may lower the risk of developing colon cancer.
Healthy Anal Glands
The dog anal glands produce a unique odor that identifies the individual dog and marks his stool to establish territory. The anal glands are emptied during defecation by the pressure of stool passing through the anus.
Sometimes, if the stools are too small or too soft, they cannot put too much pressure on the sacs during defecation. This will result in a condition called anal sac impaction, which means the anal sacs have become too full and are not emptied out completely. As a result, the sacs become swollen and tender, and the liquid secretion becomes extremely thick, plugging the openings of the anal sacs. Anal sac impactions may also be caused by constipation or infrequent bowel movement.
Since high fiber dog food can help prevent constipation and can make soft diarrheic stools firmer by absorbing extra water, dogs who are prone to have anal gland problems can benefit from high fiber foods.
Controlling and Preventing Obesity
Feeding an obese dog high fiber dog food is a good way to control his weight. The extra fiber in the diet increases bulk and promotes a feeling of fullness and satisfaction in the dog, without adding calories.
Controlling Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a rather common incurable metabolic disease in dogs, especially in middle-aged to older dogs. Insulin therapy and a special high-fiber, high-carbohydrate diet are needed to control the disease.
High fiber foods benefit dogs with diabetes in two ways.
First, fiber (as well as complex carbohydrates) can slow absorption of food and help minimize blood sugar fluctuation after eating. This can stabilize blood glucose and prevent hyperglycemia which can otherwise occur to diabetic dogs after eating.
In addition, obesity is one common cause of canine diabetes. Also, an obese dog with diabetes has reduced tissue responsiveness to insulin, making diabetes difficult to control. Since high fiber dog food can help prevent and control obesity, it follows that such a diet is beneficial for dogs with diabetes to control weight.

So, are there any disadvantages of feeding high fiber foods to dogs?

Dogs on a high fiber diet produce larger, bulkier stools, which may not be exactly pleasant for the dog parents when it comes to scooping up after the dogs.

There is also the possibility of having too much fiber in the dog diet, which can actually do more harm than good. An excess amount of fiber in a dog's digestive system may hinder the proper absorption of minerals, nutrients, and vitamins. Too much fiber can also cause gas and sometimes upset stomach to a dog.

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Good Sources of Fiber

Fiber is the insoluble carbohydrates that resist enzymatic digestion in the small intestine, and is mostly found in the cell walls of plants and grains. Thus, carbohydrate sources are good fiber sources, for example:

Bran of whole grains, such as rice bran and oat bran
Whole grain and cereals (e.g. oats, barley)

Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, as well as cooked pumpkins and sweet potatoes are also often used in dog diets with higher fiber content.

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A Good High Fiber Dog Food Product

Here is an excellent source of high fiber food for adding to your dog's diet:

Dr. Harvey's Veg-to-Bowl for Dogs: This is perhaps the easiest way to supplement your dog's diet with fiber. It contains high fiber ingredients such as sweet potatoes, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, green beans, peas, and beets, and can be simply added to any food that you are currently feeding your dog.