Dogs sometimes need a food with high fiber content, usually due to the fact that they are suffering from intestinal issues or problems in their digestive tract. While it’s true all kinds and brands of dog food contain fiber, it is the varying sources and the amounts that are the most important factors that distinguish a high fiber dog food from an “ordinary” type. You will find that regular, commercial dog foods contain about two to four percent of crude fiber while high fiber brands contain at least 10 percent.
Some of the ingredients you will find in high fiber dog food include corn and its byproducts, soybean hulls, beet pulp, rice, and whole grains and cereals like barley and oats. Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes are also often included in dog foods with higher fiber content.
The great importance of fiber in our diets has been talked about for some time as most of us know we should be getting a certain amount. But most pet owners aren’t aware that it’s equally important for their dogs to be getting adequate fiber in their diets as well. Because a high fiber food for dogs will typically contain fewer calories as well as higher quality ingredients, they will need less food but still feel full, warding off conditions like obesity, which leads to diabetes and heart problems. Anal gland disease and constipation are other conditions that may warrant a high fiber food, which may reduce risks of colon cancer as well.
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.
3 Top High Fiber Brands:
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 Veterinary Diet Canine Calorie Control CC 26 High Fiber Dog Food: This formula for adult dogs is designed to promote weight loss in addition to providing more fiber. The food provides 18.30% of crude fiber and it must be purchased with a prescription from a veterinarian. Prices range from $20 for a 6-pound bag to $74 for the 33-pound size.
- Adult Lite Formula from Doctors Foster and Smith: This chicken and brown rice blend includes whole grains like brown rice and barley as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, and reduced calories in comparison to other, similar dog foods. This brand contains thirteen percent crude fiber and averages around $10 for a five pound package and $35 for the larger 23 pound bag.
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Dog Food: This dry dog food contains 18.5% crude fiber and ingredients such as soybean mill run, soybean meal, ground whole grain corn, and several vitamins. A five-pound bag averages $14 and the largest-40 pound size is $50.
Before taking matters into your own hands and changing to a high fiber food for your dog, ask your pet’s veterinarian for their advice and recommendations. Pet owners often make the mistake of misdiagnosing their dog’s symptoms, inadvertently doing more harm than good. Ask a professional before switching food and when making the change, do so over time to keep your pet’s digestive health operating at its optimal level and with as little disruption as possible.
Disclaimer: This article’s content is opinion only and is simply meant to provide the reader with general information. Nothing in this article should be looked upon as being medical advice. Always seek your veterinarian’s opinion before altering your dog’s diet in a major way.
Need more information about high fiber dog food? Check out my blog for help on the best way to compare dog foods and to learn how to make your own dog food.
Related posts:
- Study Related To Dog Food When it comes to dog food, there are several types of food, flavors, and brands to make dog food comparisons from. It can be a difficult process finding the best food and selecting the right dog food brands to maintain your dog's health. Luckily for dog owners, there are dog food reviews that can help you decide what is best for your dog....
- Organic Dog Food: Healthy Benefits For Your Pet Organic foods are in our supermarkets in greater abundance these days. It is because people really want a choice when it comes to foods that will help to improve health. But did you know that you can find organic dog food for your pet? Your favorite family friend will benefit from an improved diet. You should consider helping your pet stay healthy too....
- High Rated Pet Care Insurance If, like so many other devoted pet owners, you've decided that pet care insurance is an option you wish to explore to ensure the continued and excellent care of your beloved pet, then you're undoubtedly wondering how to go about wading through the sea of pet care insurance companies out there. One of the best things you can do to assuage your worry is to learn--with the help your veterinarian, the Internet, and other pet owners,--what the highest rated pet care insurance companies are....
- Did Your Veterinary Tell You About The Best Dog Food Brands? Do you think, just because a dog food brand is well known that it makes it the best dog food for your dog? Brand names are often well advertised but that does not mean they are what is right for your dog....
- The Must Know Amazing Advantages Associated With Providing Your Family Dog An Organically Produced Raw Dog Food Diet Organically produced fresh pet food was formulated from no non organic ingredients or preservatives. When selecting organically produced raw dog food make sure it's scrutinized by the USDA....