Top 5 Great Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs & How Much They Need Daily?

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⦿ Top 5 Great Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs & How Much They Need Daily?

Although fiber cannot be digested and so is not regarded as a necessary nutrient, it is nonetheless an important part of a dog's diet since it supports the health of the digestive system. Despite the fact that most dog foods contain some sort of fiber, some dogs don't get enough in their diets and might use a little extra. Fortunately, there are many of excellent soluble and insoluble sources of fiber. Here are six excellent options to try if you want to add more fiber to your dog's meals on a regular basis:

Why is Fiber So Important for Dogs?

A dog's diet must have enough of fiber. It is essential for sound digestion. Both dogs and humans can benefit from its bulking and stool-passing properties. Additionally, some types of fiber are prebiotics, which means they support the "good bacteria" in the digestive tract by feeding and maintaining them.

Although fiber is present in the majority of dog diets, certain recipes don't provide enough for your dog to benefit. Dogs with a fiber shortage typically have very loose, liquid-like stools or repeatedly experience constipation, but the best place to get a definitive diagnosis is from your veterinarian.

Soluble and insoluble fiber are the two types of fiber. In the colon, soluble fiber transforms into a gel-like substance that slows and helps control digestion when it is dissolved in water or another liquid. Although insoluble fiber does not disintegrate at all, it actually gives the stool volume and makes it easier to pass. Your dog needs to ingest both types of fiber on a regular basis for healthy digestion and intestinal function.


How much fiber is required for my dog?

All breeds and sizes of dogs require fiber, however the precise quantity depends on your dog's size and the amount of fiber already present in the diet. 2-4% dietary fiber is recommended for a balanced diet, while dogs that have digestive problems may require 5% more. Again, it's important to discuss food and nutrition with your doctor, especially if you want to increase the amount of fiber in your dog's diet.

Supplements vs. Natural Sources

Although fiber can be easily obtained from natural sources like grains and fruits, it might not be sufficient for your dog's particular needs. In the pet sector, there is a heated discussion over natural vs supplement products. While natural forms of fiber are excellent on their own, your dog's health may also be improved by supplements. We strongly advise speaking with a veterinarian who focuses on nutrition when it comes to vitamins for your dog. Ask your veterinarian and do what's best for your dog because every dog has different nutritional requirements.

The 5 Best Natural Fiber Sources for Dogs & 1 Supplement

5. Pumpkin Pulp (Natural) Fiber: 2g in 4 tablespoons

One of the finest sources of dietary fiber for dogs, cats, and people is pumpkin pulp. It is simple to include in your dog's diet since it has a robust flavor that most dogs like. Pumpkin is undoubtedly the most well-liked natural form of fiber since it is a superfood that is nutrient-dense and low in calories. Ensure that the canned pumpkin pulp you purchase is organic and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is extremely sugary and has little to no nutritional value.

4. Green Beans (Natural) Fiber: 1.7g in ½ cup

NOTE: This is not the Green Bean Diet for overweight dogs; rather, it is a fiber supplement for your dog's food.

Green beans are one of the best foods for adding fiber to your dog's diet because they are inexpensive, organic, and low in calories. Additionally, they provide additional necessary nutrients for your dog, such as Vitamin C, Iron, and Vitamins B1, B3, and B6. If you want to replace the sweets with something other than biscuits, green beans are a fantastic substitute. Green beans come in canned, cooked, and raw varieties, so you may select the one your dog prefers. To avoid potential health issues, stay away from green beans that have been cooked with oils, butter, spices, or salt.

Feed dogs once or twice day, depending on serving size. Start with around 10% of your dog's feed and keep an eye out for any adjustments. No more than 20% of your dog's diet should be increased. If you are unsure of how much your dog requires, speak with your veterinarian.

3. Ground Flax Seeds (Natural) Fiber: 1.9g in 1 tbsp


*NOTE: Before introducing flaxseed to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has thyroid, heart, or diabetes issues, speak with your vet first.

Ground flaxseed, a potent superfood, may completely alter your dog's diet. Additionally to being a good source of dietary fiber and other vitamins and minerals, ground flaxseed may help keep your dog healthy and energetic. As a result of the naturally occurring Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, it can also benefit your dog's skin and coat. Although they both come from the same plant, ground flaxseed has more fiber than flaxseed oil. To avoid potential health problems, never give your dog raw or unprocessed flaxseed; always purchase organic flaxseed meal.

2. Apples (Natural) Fiber: 4.4g in 182g Apple

 

Serving Size: Start with minimal servings since some fruits might make you feel sick. Start with 1 or 2 apple cubes, especially for toy and tiny breeds. Start with 1 whole slice for larger dogs, and don't give them more than 12 an apple every day. Given that apples contain a lot of sugar, speak with a veterinarian first.

Apples are a delicious fruit that dogs love because they are crisp and juicy. They are low in fat and high in fiber, with one medium-sized apple providing nearly 4g of dietary fiber. Apples are nutrient-rich fruits that can also help your dog, but they also contain a lot of sugar and may not be the greatest choice for dogs that have thyroid, obesity, or diabetes problems. If you want to reduce the amount of pesticides your dog consumes, go for organic apples.

1. Wheat Germ (Natural) Fiber: 1g

 

Wheat germ, another nutrient-rich grain product with tremendous health advantages, is a fantastic source of insoluble fiber. The word alludes to the reproductive portion of the wheat plant's seed, which aids in the growth of new wheat plants and is produced naturally by grain mills as a byproduct when wheat is processed. Magnesium and phosphorus are also present, both of which are necessary for a balanced diet. If ground flaxseed meal is too potent for your dog's digestive system, wheat germ is a wonderful substitute.

Dog digestive supplement Zesty Paws Core Elements Probiotic Soft Chews (Supplement)


Active Ingredients: Pumpkin, papaya, Total Microbial Count, GanedenBC30 (Bacillus Coagulans GB!-30, 6086), and Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus Brevis, Lactobacillus Fermentum, and Lactococcus Lactis are the active ingredients.

Inactive Ingredients: Pea flour, palm fruit oil, garbanzo, tapioca, flaxseed, sunflower lecithin, natural vegetable flavoring, coconut glycerin, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols, and sorbic acid. (Natural Preservative). 

In one little chewable tablet, Zesty Paws Core Digestive Supplement chews combine two excellent natural sources of fiber: pumpkin and flaxseed. Probiotics and other nutrients are also present in these chews to support overall gut health, which can assist control your dog's digestive system. The Zesty Paws Digestive chews may be a better option for your dog if pumpkin by itself is ineffective. Before beginning any new supplements, speak with your veterinarian first.

Final Words

Although dietary fiber is crucial for both gut health and dog nutrition, not all dog foods include enough of it to offer both advantages. There are several methods to increase the fiber in your dog's diet while simultaneously giving him access to other possible health advantages. Your dog may gain from a fiber boost as long as you keep an eye out for symptoms of indigestion and don't overburden their digestive system.

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