The Best Type of Fiber for Dogs

Dogs, like humans, can use extra fiber in their diets to keep their intestinal track healthy, increase the feeling of fullness and help them go to the bathroom if they are having difficulty. Adding fiber to your dog's diet can also help it lose a few pounds, as well. However, when choosing fiber for your pup, ensure you select the correct kind of fiber.

  1. Soluble Fiber

    • Soluble fiber is the fiber you want to feed to your dog. Soluble fiber dissolves into water and will make your dog feel full when eating. This is helpful for overweight dogs. Soluble fiber does not speed up digestion like insoluble fiber does, which is why dogs who consume insoluble fibers may have an accident inside your home. To encourage healthy, vitality and a proper digestion/intestinal tract, feed your dog foods rich in soluble fibers.

    Foods Rich in Soluble Fiber

    • Plenty of fruits and grains are rich in soluble fiber. Citrus fruits, psyllium, oats, barley, legumes, oat brand, vegetable gum and beans are all rich in soluble fiber. Go to your local pet store or grocery store and read the ingredients on the back of a few different bags of pet food. The pet foods that contain these ingredients will be the best ones to purchase for your dog. Blue Buffalo, Natural Balance and Pro Plan, among other, are known for being high in fiber. You can, however, simply add your own fiber to your dog's diet if you prefer.

    Adding to Diet

    • Instead of purchasing expensive dog food brands that contain soluble fibers, add your own fiber to your dog's food. Consider purchasing a few different oat bran cereals. According to Precious Pets, oat bran cereals contain the highest amounts of soluble fivers. Crush a cup of oat bran up in your hand and add it to your dog's food dish for at least one meal a day. This will help keep your dog healthy, active and full. You can also do this with regular oats and barley.