Although dogs have a digestive system that is unable to digest and absorb fiber, it is a necessary nutrient in their diet that provides important benefits for their intestinal he alth. As a general rule, dogs need 2-5% fiber in their diet, although there are certain physiological and pathological situations in which this value should be higher.
Why is fiber important for dogs?
Dogs are monogastric animals (they have only one stomach) which means that they are not able to digest fiber. However, even though you don't digest it, fiber has important benefits for your gut he alth, making it a necessary nutrient in the diet of dogs. Specifically, fiber should represent between 2-5 % of the dry matter in the dog's diet.
The main benefits of fiber for dogs are as follows:
- The fiber provides volume to the ration and creates a feeling of satiety, which is especially relevant in dogs as they are very voracious animals that are not easily satiated.
- Insoluble fiber (that which has high amounts of cellulose and lignin) accelerates the speed of intestinal transit, which is especially beneficial in animals prone to constipation.
- An adequate amount of soluble fiber in the diet regulates stool consistencyWhen the supply of soluble fiber is low, the stool they are not sufficiently formed (they have less consistency), which can lead to impaction of the anal sacs, a process that causes great pain and discomfort in dogs.
- As we have mentioned, dogs do not have the necessary enzymes to digest fiber sugars, so it is a nutrient that does not serve as a direct source of energy for the animal. However, once fiber reaches the large intestine, it is fermented by the gut microbiota (bacteria and yeast), providing these microorganisms with energy and promoting the growth of beneficial gut microbiotaTherefore, fiber is considered a prebiotic.
In addition, there are certain physiological and pathological situations in which it is recommended to increase the level of fiber in the diet, since it provides important benefits when we find dogs in these situations:
- Advanced age: In older dogs it is advisable to increase the level of fiber for two reasons. On the one hand, the basal metabolism decreases up to 20%, which implies that the energy intake of the diet must be reduced. An efficient way to reduce the energy of the ration without implying a lesser feeling of satiety is to increase the fiber levels. In addition, older dogs tend to constipation, so an increase in the level of insoluble fiber together with a greater intake of water and moderate exercise will favor the intestinal transit of our pet.
- Obesidad: in overweight dogs, the level of fiber can be increased by up to 15%, as it creates a feeling of satiety and adds volume to the diet without increasing the energy value. Learn more about how to avoid obesity in dogs? reading the following article on our site.
- Diabetes: the diet of diabetic dogs is characterized by being low in fat (less than 15%) and, above all, very rich in fiber (between 15-22%, both soluble and insoluble fiber). Fiber is especially important in the diet of diabetic dogs, as it reduces glucose absorption and decreases insulin needs. If you want to know everything about Diabetes in dogs - Symptoms, treatment and complications, do not hesitate to visit this link on our site.
- Digestive processes: Dogs with diarrheal processes such as enteritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will need diets richer in soluble fiber since It absorbs some of the water during digestion and helps to achieve more formed stools. On the other hand, dogs with a tendency to constipation will need a diet richer in insoluble fiber, which will increase the speed of intestinal transit.
High Fiber Foods for Dogs
There is a wide variety of high-fiber dog foods. Specifically, the foods that are usually used as a source of fiber for dogs are vegetables, by-products of vegetable originand the whole grains
- Vegetables (fruits and vegetables). The main vegetables with fiber for dogs are carrots, pumpkin, spinach, chard, peas and green beans. Remember that all of them should be administered cooked, not raw. Fruits like apples are also a good source of fiber for dogs, although we should not offer it to excess and, when we do, we should remove the core with the seeds as they can be toxic.
- By-products of vegetable origin. Among them, the pulps are especially recommended because they provide soluble fiber. One of the most used as a source of fiber for dogs is beet pulp.
- Whole grain and bran. Brown rice or wheat bran are also good sources of fiber for dogs.
Also find out on our site the fruits and vegetables prohibited for dogs and be able to take care of your dog's diet to perfection.
Fiber supplements for dogs, when are they necessary?
As we have already mentioned, the diet of dogs should include between 2-5% fiber, so the vast majority of feeds respect these ranges to meet the nutritional needs of your dog. However, we have also pointed out that there are certain physiological and pathological situations in which it is necessary to increase the percentage of fiber in the diet.
As a reminder, the situations in which your dog will require a higher intake of fiber are the following:
- Advanced age. Here you can find out more about feeding your dog according to his age.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- Digestive diseases: diarrhea, constipation and impaction of the anal sacs. If you are interested in knowing more about the subject, read the following article on Digestive problems in dogs - Causes, symptoms and treatments.
To cover the higher fiber requirements in these cases, you can choose to administer a dietary fiber supplement. These supplements are usually made with vegetable ingredients, pulps and bran, so they have a high concentration of fiber. An alternative to fiber supplements can be the administration of feed with fiber for dogs There are feeds on the market specifically formulated for the cases described above (senior feeds, light, feed for diabetic dogs or gastrointestinal feed). Regardless of the way in which you decide to implement the supply of fiber to your dog, remember to consult your trusted veterinarian beforehand to avoid any unwanted effects.
