As dog parents we all want our pups to be happy and healthy.
Previously, we learned how to see if our dogs are happy through their body language.
Similarly, we can learn a lot about our canine’s health by examining their poop!
And while it may seem a yucky business to go searching for answers in poop, it’s actually an excellent way to reveal the condition of their digestive system.
So, just think of it as one of your not-so-glamorous doggy daycare duties!
When our pooch exhibits loose stool with a runny frequency, adding fibre to our dog’s diet helps to improve the consistency of their stool.
So, let’s start by taking a look at why fibre is so important for our darling dogs.
Benefits of Fibre For Your Dog
Fibre is a carbohydrate that helps regulate a healthy balance in your dog’s gut.
Dr Kathy Boehme of The Drake Center says, “The colon loves fibre. Fibre is kind of magical because it can aid in both diarrhoea and constipation. There are a lot of puppies with chronic diarrhoea, and they respond beautifully to fibre.”
Benefits of fibre include:
- Promoting healthy bowel movements.
- Promoting good colon health.
- Relieve constipation.
- Provide bulk to loose stools.
- Aid in weight management.
Its nutritional value also helps older dogs who suffer from weak health or disease.
However, it’s important to note that not all dogs need fibre added to their diets.
Boehme adds, “A dog doesn’t need a diet loaded with fibre unless they have a lot of gastrointestinal problems.”
So, in the case of diarrhoea, colitis or runny, loose stool; fibre is a beneficial supplement to add to your pooch’s diet.
It’s always recommended to consult with your vet before making a change to your doggy’s diet.
Top 8 Best Fibre Sources For Your Dog
All dogs are different and have their own unique dietary requirements.
There’s a range of options out there that could work for your dog from high-fibre food to certain grains and vegetables.
Let’s take a closer look at those options and check out the best fibre sources available for your pooch.
1/ Pumpkin
A teaspoon of pumpkin is all your pup needs to boost its fibre intake.
Pumpkin is a doggy super food and also contains a wide range of beneficial minerals and vitamins!
It’s important to note that you must buy a plain pumpkin or canned pumpkin and NOT pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains a dangerous chemical called xylitol which is toxic for dogs.
So, make sure you check that label!
2/ Lettuce
Finely chopped green lettuce is an easy fibre boost for your dog. Just chop it up and add it to their regular grub!
Important to note that this is for green lettuce only as iceberg lettuce doesn’t have the same high fibre content.
3/ Carrots
Carrots are a great healthy treat to introduce into your dog’s diet!
They’re both high in fibre and low in calories, so they’re ideal if you’re looking to manage your dog’s weight.
Studies also show that by feeding your pooch raw carrots, you’re simultaneously improving their kidney and liver function.
4/ Apples
Did you know that apples are a great high-fibre snack for your pooch?
A lot of dogs enjoy chomping down on an apple and why not.
Low in calories, high in fibre, and another bonus?
They help keeps their teeth clean too!
Always remember to never give your dogs the seeds or the core and to keep the slices in line with your dog’s size.
5/ Flaxseed
A super addition to your dog’s diet is flaxseed.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and is great for your dog’s skin, coat, and brain function!
It’s also full of fibre and has been proven to be super beneficial for colon health.
Simply sprinkle ground flaxseeds into their food – 1 teaspoon is plenty! – and your furry friend will start reaping the rewards.
6/ Kelp
Any of our sushi-loving readers will know all about this next one!
Kelp is a seaweed that you see wrapped around sushi rolls.
It’s safe for dogs, super high in fibre and also has a lot of iron too – making it a great boost to add to your pal’s diet!
7/ Brown Rice
Brown rice is an excellent option to boost your dog’s fibre intake.
It should be used as a supplemental fibre source, so you should add it to your dog’s everyday meal.
Simply sprinkle a small amount over their grub and start keeping note of its effects.
This research study details the positive effects it can have on your dog.
8/ High Fiber Dog Food
Regular dog food usually has a fibre content of under 5%.
Higher fibre dog food options contain between 6-10%.
Head down to your local pet store and discuss the best brands with the staff to see which one works best for your pal.
Final Bark
It’s very important to note that all of our doggies are different.
After consulting with your vet to see if added fibre is what your furry friend needs, start slowly adding it into their diet in small amounts and take note of the effects it starts having on their stool consistency and general well-being.
Too much fibre can lead to bloating, excessive gas and ironically loose stool- so don’t overdo it or you may defeat the purpose!
Enjoy this piece? Be sure to check out the rest of our doggy library and join the pack on our journey to finding out more about our dogs one paw at a time.
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