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Are you concerned that your dog isn’t getting enough fiber in their diet?
Or perhaps you are asking because your buddy’s bowel movements have become irregular? Constipation and/or diarrhea aren’t fun!
Here’s the deal:
There are times when dogs can benefit from more fiber, but too much could also worsen digestive troubles! It’s all about striking the right balance.
A Fiber Boost Can Help Your Dog Overcome Short Term Gastro Issues
A quality canine chow, at least under normal circumstances, covers this basic requirement.
It makes sense to add fiber when your dog needs gastrointestinal relief. But otherwise, a carnivorous diet (ie. lots of protein and calcium) is of primary importance.
Fiber should only make up a modest 1 to 7 percent of meals.
One exception would be older dogs. It is not uncommon for geriatrics to need a specialized diet that, among other components, contains extra fiber.
Regarding Fiber Supplements
Benefiber and Metamucil are certainly effective at alleviating constipation. No doubt about that!
But for your pet dog, it’s best to get the same results with nourishing foods such as:
- Pumpkin
- Banana
- Carrots
- Oatmeal
Whenever possible, avoid using pharmaceuticals intended for humans.
The Benefits of Fiber
As you know, a diet with some roughage eases constipation and the discomfort that comes with it.
What’s much less known about fiber is that it can also head off obesity.
Overweight dogs often develop, among other problems, heart conditions and high blood pressure. Fiber assists with weight loss which is heart healthy.
Last but not least, fiber helps to control sugar levels.
But again, you don’t need to concern yourself with giving your dog extra fiber unless there is a specific reason!
Two More Ideas For Fiber
Apples are also a fantastic source of fiber. By all means, cut up small pieces and let your dog enjoy this terrific treat once in awhile!
Brown rice is another great way to add fibre.
Add some chicken or another type of meat and you’ve got a well-rounded fiber rich meal for your precious pet pooch!
Careful of Causing Diarrhea
It’s easy to give your dog too much. Diarrhea could easily occur in which case you should decrease the amount of fiber in order to give the tummy time to normalize.
Deciding on the right amount can be difficult to determine.
Why not talk to your vet about how much fiber is optimal!
The Bottom Line
Fiber is a useful tool for helping your pet dog battle the occasional bout of constipation and the like.
Be very familiar with foods that offer lots of fabulous fiber. Rather than giving a digestive health supplement, bulk up your dog’s stool with nourishing and wholesome meals.
With all that being said, sufficient fiber should already be in the dog food you are feeding.
The truth is that additional roughage is usually not necessary for your animal to thrive.
I have a Schnauzer who consistently produces hard, clay-like stools. How much fiber content should be in his food? Would dry food or canned food be better? He is not fat at all, just seems that his stool is harder than it should be. Thank you.