High Fiber Dog Food

Switching to high fiber dog food is usually recommended for dogs with certain intestinal or digestive issues. Ordinary commercial dog food typically contains two to four percent crude fiber content whereas the high fiber variety will have at least 10 percent. All types of dog foods naturally contain some fiber, but it’s the amount and the source that’s most important.

High fiber dog food may contain whole grains, corn and corn byproducts, beet pulp, or rice and soybean hulls. Vegetables like sweet potatoes are also found in high fiber foods as well as whole cereals and fruits like apples.

Most of us are aware of the great role fiber plays in our own diets, but unfortunately, most pet owners don’t realize that the same importance applies to our dog’s diets as well. Digestive issues, obesity, and anal gland disease are ailments that are often treated with high fiber foods rather than prescription medication, and adding fiber to a dog’s diet may also help to reduce risks of colon cancer. High fiber foods usually contain less unhealthy fillers, which in turn help the dog to feel fuller for a longer period of time, but produce bulkier stools.

Switching to a higher fiber food for your dog will help create larger, bulkier stools, which may not be exactly pleasant when it comes time to clean up the yard, but it just may help to put extra pressure on the anal glands, helping to solve the common but also irritating problem of anal gland disease. Anal gland disease may include abscessed, impacted, or infected anal glands, which are the two sacs just inside the opening of the anus that secrete fluid. Bulky stools can help to ease constipation as they put pressure on the inside of the intestines as they pass through the digestive tract, stimulating the entire process.

Although helpful and healthy, it’s important for pet owners to ensure their dogs aren’t getting too much fiber, which can have adverse health effects like excessive flatulence and diarrhea. Also, getting too much fiber can affect the way a dog’s system absorbs vital nutrients they need to thrive.

Three of the Best Choices When It Comes To Dog Food With High Fiber Content:

The following is a list of three of the best brands of high fiber food for dogs, taking factors such as consumer reviews, cost, and ingredients into consideration.

- Royal Canin: Averaging around $20 for a six-pound bag and $74 for a 33-pound bag, Calorie Control CC 26 High Fiber Dog Food from Royal Canin Veterinary Diet contains 18.30% crude fiber. With natural ingredients designed to promote weight loss while adding fiber, this variety from Royal Canin will require a prescription from a veterinarian for purchase.

- Doctors Foster and Smith: Averaging around $10 for a 5 pound bag and $35 for the 23 pound size, Adult Lite Dog Food with chicken and brown rice by Doctors Foster and Smith contains 13% crude fiber. Ingredients in this reduced calorie, higher fiber food include apples, barley, brown rice, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

- Adult Light Dog Food from Hill’s Science Diet: Containing multiple vitamins, soybean meal and mill run as well as ground whole grain corn, this formula from Hill’s Science Diet provides eighteen and a half percent crude fiber. The biggest bag of this high fiber dog food, which is 40 pounds, averages around $50 and the smallest is five pounds, which averages around $14.

Before increasing the fiber in your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian to ensure there isn’t another solution that might be more appropriate. Also, if you are switching brands or types of dog foods, only do so gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach or exacerbating any existing digestive problems.

Medical Disclaimer: Please remember that the content in this article reflects the author’s opinion only and is intended for informational purposes. This article should not be considered to be medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before you change your dog’s diet in a significant manner.

Want to find out more about high fiber dog food? Visit my blog to learn how to compare dog foods and to find out how to make your own dog food.