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Like humans, dogs are omnivores. They evolved alongside us, eating our food, so just like us, they need a varied diet. Fibre is a very important part of that, playing a vital role in maintaining their gut health and managing some diseases. But how do you go about finding good fibre for dogs? Read on to learn what kind of fibre your dog may need, as well as signs they could have a fibre imbalance.
The purpose of fibre for dogs
Fibre is a type of complex carbohydrate. It's different from other carbs in that it resists digestion in the small intestines. Typically, fibre is fermented in the large intestine, which means that it takes a lot longer to digest than simple carbohydrates. There are two types of fibre - soluble and insoluble. Both are important for gut health as well as playing an important role in overall health.
Fibre functions to increase bulk and absorb excess water, which aids in bowel regularity and helps produce firm, formed stools. Fibre also helps to produce a healthy intestinal pH, which inhibits growth of undesirable bacteria in your dog's gut.
Fibre and the gut microbiome
Research in recent years has revealed lots about the gut microbiome and just how incredibly important it is for health. The microbiome is made up of all the organisms, mostly bacteria, that live in our intestines, and those of our pets. A healthy gut microbiome is not only very important for a healthy gut, but also helps with mental and general physical health.
You may have heard lots of talk about probiotics. These are the ‘good bacteria’ given to people and animals to try to improve the balance of the microbiome. These can help, but prebiotics are much better, and this is where fibre comes in.
Prebiotics are blends of fibre that feed the good bacteria and help them reproduce naturally. Nourishing the good bacteria keeps the number of the bad ones down. The good bacteria also produce fatty acids from digesting the fibre that help nourish gut cells and keep them healthy. So you see, fibre is absolutely essential for dogs.
Sources of fibre for dogs
The fibre in dog food comes from a variety of sources, including grains like corn and brown rice, as well as soy, beet pulp, peanut hulls, pectin and cellulose. It’s important not to just add fibre to your dog’s normal food. This can unbalance their diet and may make it more difficult for them to get the nutrients they need from their food. Always increase fibre amounts with advice from your vet and by feeding a complete and balanced food.
How fibre can help manage disease
Fibre is very useful for managing diabetes in dogs (as well as in cats), as it helps regulate blood glucose levels and minimises fluctuations. It does this by slowing down the exit of food from the stomach. This means that nutrients, including glucose (sugar) are released more slowly and evenly into the bloodstream.
Dog food that contains a slowly fermentable fibre can also be helpful in managing your dog's weight or aiding in weight loss. This is because fibre increases bulk and helps dogs feel full while consuming fewer calories.
Dietary fibre has been proven to control body weight, discourage dietary indiscretions such as bin raiding (because they feel fuller), and help to manage conditions like chronic large and small bowel diarrhoea and constipation. Some kibble formulations also use fibre aligned in a specific way to reduce the build-up of tartar and plaque and help keep the teeth clean.
Signs of a fibre imbalance
If your dog has a fibre deficiency, they may have constipation or very watery stools. It's important to understand that excess fibre can also cause health issues. If your dog consumes too much fibre, they may have a hard time absorbing minerals. A fibre imbalance can lead to either diarrhoea or increased stool frequency, urgency to defecate and/or defecating in the house.
Adding fibre to your dog's meal plan
If your vet informs you that your dog needs more fibre, the simplest and most effective solution is to feed your dog a therapeutic food in accordance with the recommended feeding instructions. Depending on what your vet tells you about your dog's specific needs, this may mean an increase in soluble fibre, insoluble, or both. Remember that the bacteria in a dog's gut take time to acclimatise to changes, as dogs eat far more routine meals than people do. Always transition to a new food slowly over the course of one to two weeks.
Contributor Bio
Dr. Laci Schaible
Dr. Laci Schaible, is a small-animal veterinarian and veterinary writer. She has won numerous awards for her commitment to pet owner education and is considered a leading veterinary telehealth expert.
Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA and Dr. Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS
