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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Fiber is an important part of human diets, supporting bowel health, cholesterol and blood sugar levels—similarly, it’s also an important part of your dog’s diet. But is a fiber supplement for dogs, in addition to the fiber in dog food, necessary? Read on to learn about fiber supplements, and be sure to check with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your dog’s meals.
Do You Need Fiber Supplements for Dogs?
- Your dog needs vitamins and organic compounds for balanced nutrition and normal growth. Fiber is an important part of your dog’s diet and contributes to them having a healthy digestive and intestinal system. Dogs (like other animals and people) cannot produce vitamins and minerals naturally, so they have to consume foods that provide them. In the case of fiber, the highest content can be found in whole grains, psyllium, beans, veggies such as carrots, beets, broccoli, green beans and sweet potatoes, and fruits such as pumpkins, apples and berries. Both soluble and insoluble fiber play a role in your dog’s body and a veterinarian can help you determine which type more accurately addresses your dog’s specific needs.
According to Dr. Gary Richter, an award-winning vet and member of Rover’s Dog People Panel, “All dogs are of the species Canis familiaris and as such have very similar nutritional needs.” Commercial dog food is specifically formulated to meet those needs. If your dog’s food is labeled “complete and balanced,” it contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog requires.
So, generally speaking, a well-balanced diet that includes a good-quality dog food is going to cover your dog’s fiber needs. But there are some exceptions, which we’ll explore next.
When to Give Your Dog Fiber Supplements
Dogs with specific health and wellness concerns may benefit from fiber supplements. Digestive issues such as diarrhea may be addressed with adjustments to fiber, and fiber can also aid in managing other health issues, such as anal gland disease, diabetes, and weight. It’s possible that large breed dogs may also have more digestive issues than small breeds, which additional fiber may help address.
Another consideration is whether your dog consumes a homemade, whole food diet (highly recommended by Richter). If so, you may not have access to the specific vitamins and minerals your pet needs from food alone. That’s where supplements, such as fiber for dogs, can also come in handy.
“It is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian regarding any questions about nutrition,” Richter notes. This is especially important when feeding your dog a homemade diet. Your vet may even refer you to a veterinary nutritionist to determine the best course of supplements for your dog.
How to Choose Fiber Supplements for Dogs
- As noted, you should always talk to your veterinarian about what, if any, supplements your pet needs. In general, be aware that ingredients in some herbal supplements can interact with medication. Too much fiber can wreak just as much havoc on a dog’s digestive system as too little, causing gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, depending on your dog’s system, water intake, and other factors. Keep careful tabs on your dog’s fiber dosage and, if you and your vet decide to include a fiber supplement in your dog’s diet, be sure to build up gradually.
Richter has some general guidelines on choosing supplements for dogs:
- Look for brands that have commissioned clinical studies of their products.
- Read labels carefully to ensure quality and safety.
- Look for a lot number on the product. This is a sign that the company uses quality control checks.
- Choose brands with confirmed expertise.
- Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true. Vitamin supplements are just that—supplements. They are not cure-alls or medications.
- Do not give human supplements to dogs, as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
- In general, the best options will be available through your veterinarian.
The bottom line about fiber supplements for dogs: Talk to your vet first before introducing any nutritional supplement into your pet’s diet.
Fiber Supplements for Dogs
To address a health condition, see your veterinarian for prescription fiber supplements that can help. The over-the-counter supplements below contain fiber-rich ingredients, which may help keep your dog regular.
NaturVet Stool Ease Dog Soft Chews
Fiber is key in these soft chews for dogs, which are formulated to help your dog poop and maintain bowel health. Each chew includes fiber-rich oats, flax meal, psyllium husk, sugar beet pulp, among its fibrous elements.
Shop on ChewyGlandex Anal Gland Support Soft Chews
Healthy poops equal healthy anal glands! Anal glands are not the prettiest of topics, but the butt scooting is real. These peanut butter flavored chews are corn-, wheat-, and soy-free, and blend together fiber, digestive enzymes, and probiotics to create more substantial, firm stools that help empty glands come potty time.
Shop on ChewyBernie’s Perfect Poop Chicken Flavor Digestion Support
Made in the USA, Bernie’s bits help address a myriad of digestion issues from gas to diarrhea. The formula contains fiber from ingredients such as miscanthus grass, dried pumpkin, and flaxseed, along with other healthy-stool-promoting additions like prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes. It comes in chicken flavor (above), as well as cheese flavor—both are free from gluten, GMOs, and grains.
Shop on ChewyRaw Paws Pet Organic Pure Pumpkin Digestive Supplement
Free of preservatives and GMOs, this powder supplement is made in the USA from 100% certified organic pumpkin, a commonly used digestive aid. Sprinkle on dog food to help with diarrhea and constipation, or to help maintain regularity.
Find on AmazonVirbac Vetasyl Fiber Capsules
These capsules are primarily derived from psyllium husk for help with constipation. The fiber-rich pills are made without sugars, artificial colors or flavors, or preservatives.
Find on AmazonNow that you know more about fiber supplements and when to consider them, you can more easily keep your dog’s digestive system humming along—but remember to always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your dog’s diet. And read some of our other stories below for more ways to keep your dog’s nutrition balanced.
Further Reading
- How to Give Pills to Your Pet
- All About Vitamin Supplements for Dogs and When to Use Them
- 9 Surprisingly Dangerous Foods for Dogs (Starting with Popcorn)
- Your Complete Guide to Homemade Dog Food
- Decoding Dog Food: Your Guide to What You’re Really Feeding Your Pet
- Got Allergies? Exploring Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Featured image by Shutterbug75/Pixabay