Many of us are concerned about the amount of protein, fat, and ingredients in our dog’s food.
However, I have noticed many dog parents overlook the importance of fiber.
The quantity and quality of fiber in your dog’s diet is equally as important as protein. Fiber plays a significant role in a dog’s digestive system, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood sugar levels.
So the question is, how much fiber should be in dog food?
The answer depends on the dog. Healthy adult dogs require less than dogs with specific health issues.
However, below I have answered this question and more, including some recommendations on adding fiber to your dog’s diet and the best foods with ample fiber.
How Much Fiber Does a Dog Need Daily?
A healthy adult dog needs between 2.5%-4.5%[1] crude fiber to maintain optimal health.
However, dogs who require a higher fiber diet should eat food with a fiber content of 6%-10%.
When reading the crude protein information on the label (learn more about crude protein in dog food), it reflects a percentage, which breaks down into grams.
For example, if a dog food label states crude fiber max 2.5%, there is a maximum of 2.5 grams of crude fiber for every 100 grams of the food.
It is important to note that the label states the maximum amount of fiber, meaning that there could be less than the amount of fiber listed.
Related: How to Safely Store Dog Food
Is Your Dog Getting Enough Fiber?
There are few ways to determine if your dog’s diet contains an inadequate amount of fiber.
The two most common symptoms that your dog is not getting the right amount of fiber are constipation and diarrhea.
However, other signs your dog is not getting adequate amounts of fiber include[2]:
- Anal gland issues such as infection or disease
- Diabetes
- EPI (Endocrine pancreatic insufficiency)
- Enteritis
- Small intestinal problems including infection and disease
- Intestinal neoplasia
- Colitis
- Dental disease
- Dietary indiscretion
- Pancreatic issues
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Megacolon
- Weight management
It is important to point out that dogs can also have too much fiber.
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A diet with excessive amounts of fiber can adversely impact your dog’s body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals properly.
Click here for the best low-fiber dog foods!
What Is a Good Source of Fiber for Dogs?
There are two types of fiber soluble and insoluble; both are essential to a healthy diet.
When looking for healthy fiber sources in dog food, it is best to check if insoluble and soluble ingredients are listed.
Good examples of soluable fiber include:
- Pumpkin
- Ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal
- Greens like kale and spinach
- Kelp
- Grains like rice
- Soy
- Oats
- Beans
- Lentils
- Peas
- Apples
- Chicory root
- Guar gum
- Inulin
How Can I Add More Fiber to My Dog’s Diet?
Besides switching your dog’s food to a higher fiber food, you can add fiber to your dog’s diet through treats, toppers, and supplements.
Calvin has many digestive issues that require a fiber supplement; we use Diggin’ Firm Up Pumpkin.
What I like about Diggin’ Firm Up is that it is hypoallergenic with only two ingredients.
However, other good fiber supplements include:
- Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites – Includes good sources of fiber as well as probiotics (It also comes in a senior formula)
- NaturVet No Scoot Plus Pumpkin Soft Chews
If your dog only needs added fiber from time to time, using canned pumpkin works great.
Just be sure only to use plain canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie mix.
Also, using fruit and vegetables for treats or food toppers are an excellent way to add fiber to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has weight issues.
Some great choices include green beans, apples, broccoli, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and squash.
Best Dog Foods with Fiber
If you need to change your dog’s food to one with more fiber here are some excellent choices:
Wellness CORE RawRev – Healthy Weight
Wellness Core RawRev is the perfect choice for dogs that require a grain-free, healthy weight dog food.
This recipe includes high fiber ingredients like ground flaxseed, spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, kale, and chicory root.
What I like best about this formula is that it has a high protein and fiber content:
- Crude Protein Not Less Than 35%
- Crude Fiber Not More Than 8.5%
The higher protein content helps build and maintain muscle mass and aids in keeping your dog feeling satiated.
Click here to try Wellness Core RawRev!
Diamond CARE Adult Weight Management Formula
Diamond CARE Adult Weight Management Formula has a high fiber content with the crude fiber content of not more than 10%.
It also has an average protein quantity for dogs who would not benefit from a high protein diet.
Diamond Care Adult Weight Management is a perfect choice for those looking for a grain-free hypoallergenic recipe.
The primary high fiber ingredients include sweet potatoes, powdered cellulose, flaxseed, kale, chia seeds, pumpkin, blueberries, kelp, and spinach.
Click here to try Diamond CARE!
Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous Alaskan Pollock Weight Control
Solid Gold is one of my favorite brands.
This recipe, Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous, contains barley, rice, oatmeal, ground flaxseed, pumpkin, blueberries, and dried chicory root, all excellent forms of fiber, and includes a maximum of 10% fiber.
Click here to try Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous!
Tuffy’s Nutri Source Weight Management Chicken Formula
Nutri Source Weight Management with grains is the food we feed Ginger in the winter because she is less active.
Nutri Source Weight Management has a very high crude fiber content of 16.2%.
The fiber in this recipe comes from grains, beet pulp, and flaxseed. Plus, this formula contains several probiotics, chondroitin, and glucosamine.
Though this food does not contain many fruit and vegetables, we add those as toppers and treats.
Click here to try Nutri Source Weight Management!
ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Duck and Pumpkin
ACANA is a premium brand that uses high-quality ingredients and has now come out with a grain inclusive formula.
This Duck and Pumpkin recipe contains a balanced combination of fiber sources like pumpkin, oats, kelp, and chicory root.
The fiber content is 6% with a 27% protein content, making it a well-rounded food.
I just discovered this food when researching how much fiber should be in dog food, but after finding it I placed an order for it from our local pet supply store.
Click here to try ACANA Duck and Pumpkin!
Conclusion
Whether you have a healthy dog or your dog suffers from health issues, fiber plays a significant role in ensuring your dog stays healthy.
The good news is that there are several easy ways to add fiber to your dog’s diet.
If your dog shows fiber deficiency symptoms, it is ideal to contact your vet to ensure your dog does not have anything more serious going on.
FAQs
Is Rice Good Fiber for Dogs?
Yes, rice is a good source of soluble fiber.
Is Pumpkin a Good Source of Fiber for Dogs?
Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber and can aid in managing GI issues.
How Can I Add More Fiber to My Dog’s Diet?
You can change your dog’s food to one with higher fiber content, use a dog-approved fiber supplement, use canned pumpkin, or add fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet.
Resources
- https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/feeding-your-adult-dog-faq
- https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/acvn-nutrition-notesfeaturing-fiber-understanding-types-fiber-clinical-uses/
- https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/dr-coates/2015/february/all-fiber-not-same-32501
- https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2019/11/fiber-frustrations/
