Doggy diets need our full care and attention.
Mouth-watering taste is crucial. But so are those body-boosting nutrients.
One nutrient that’s often overlooked is fiber. Here’s why you should be paying it more attention.

Fiber & Diet For Your Dog – What You Need To Know

A healthy diet is always one that’s well-balanced.

Serving up the right amount of fiber plays a huge role in keeping our pup’s fighting fit. 

Fiber is a complex carbohydrate. 

Carbs usually equal energy. 

Well, that’s not the case with fiber. Our pets actually gain no nutrients from it, due to the fact it’s not digested as it passes through their bodies. 

What it does do is help your dog maintain a healthy gut by keeping their digestive system in prime condition.

It promotes healthy bowel movements, keeps the colon clean, and can be used to relieve constipation and diarrhea.

A high-fiber dog diet will also have your four-legged friend feeling full for longer, so it’s a great tool for supporting weight loss.

This point is backed up in a paper published through the British Journal of Nutrition, which looks at ’The effects of dietary fiber type on satiety-related hormones and voluntary food intake in dogs’. The study found that dogs who were fed a higher fiber diet for seven weeks, showed less appetite for food at the end. 

Vets may also recommend a high-fiber diet for dogs who are suffering from diabetes as it can help regulate blood sugar levels. 

The right quantity is key to getting biggest benefits for your pooch.  

As mentioned in this Vets Times article, there can be side-effects associated with fiber, especially around consumption. “While fiber is beneficial in many conditions, there are potential side effects,” reads part of the article. “As it is low in calories, high-fiber diets can result in unintentional weight loss. Other potential and undesirable side effects include decreased absorption of nutrients, poor palatability, increased flatulence and faecal volume.”

Fiber should make up around 2% to 4% of a healthy and complete dog diet, and it should always be eaten alongside high-quality meat protein, along with other essential vitamins and minerals.

If you think your dog requires more fiber in their diet, it may be worth speaking to a vet first.

High-Fiber Foods Your Dog Will Love

High in fiber doesn’t mean low in taste.

Here are a few fiber-rich foods your furry friend will love.

Pumpkin Pumpkin isn’t just a fall favorite, it’s a fiber-rich natural pick me up that can alleviate both constipation and diarrhea. Canned pumpkin is available all year round, and can be added to your pet’s mealtime. Alternatively, you can mix in Applaws’ Chicken Breast with Pumpkin Terrine Cup; full of tasty textures and essential vitamins. Pumpkin should always be cooked, and never served raw.
Carrots Low in calories, high in fiber. Ideal for dogs struggling with weight issues, and who may be experiencing tummy trouble. Can be given as a snack, or finely cut and added to dry dishes. For even more flavor, try mixing in our Lamb with Zucchini, Carrot & Chickpeas in Gravy Pouch.
Apples Apples are an excellent source of fiber as well as vitamins A and C. Slice and add straight to the bowl, or mix in Applaws’ Chicken Breast with Broccoli, Apple & Quinoa in Broth Pouch for even more nutrients.
Green beans A green and friendly treat that’s full of fiber. Perfect as a snack or a mealtime mix-in, green beans are low in calories but brimming with health properties. Your four-legged friend can get their green bean fix in our yummy Beef with Green Beans, Sweet Potato & Red Pepper in Broth Pouch.
Brown rice Brown rice may not sound too appetizing, but it’s a fantastic fiber-rich meal side. If your dog is suffering from a poorly tummy, brown rice is a natural soother. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
Sweet potatoes A little sweet potato makes for a great addition to your doggy’s bowl. Not only do they promote digestive health, they’ll give their immune system a boost. And they taste even better in our Beef with Green Beans, Sweet Potato & Red Pepper in Broth Pouch. Never feed your dog raw sweet potato, always ensure it is cooked.
Strawberries Succulent strawberries are not just a fantastic natural source of fiber, they can give your pet a real antioxidant boost, too. Rich in magnesium, potassium and folic acid, as well as multiple vitamins and essential omega-3 fatty acids; strawberries may be small, but they carry a big benefits.