Dogs sometimes need a food with high fiber content, usually due to the fact that they are suffering from intestinal issues or problems in their digestive tract. While it’s true all kinds and brands of dog food contain fiber, it is the varying sources and the amounts that are the most important factors that distinguish a high fiber dog food from an “ordinary” type. You will find that regular, commercial dog foods contain about two to four percent of crude fiber while high fiber brands contain at least 10 percent.

High fiber dog food may contain whole grains, corn and corn byproducts, beet pulp, or rice and soybean hulls. Vegetables like sweet potatoes are also found in high fiber foods as well as whole cereals and fruits like apples.

The great importance of fiber in our diets has been talked about for some time as most of us know we should be getting a certain amount. But most pet owners aren’t aware that it’s equally important for their dogs to be getting adequate fiber in their diets as well. Because a high fiber food for dogs will typically contain fewer calories as well as higher quality ingredients, they will need less food but still feel full, warding off conditions like obesity, which leads to diabetes and heart problems. Anal gland disease and constipation are other conditions that may warrant a high fiber food, which may reduce risks of colon cancer as well.

Switching to a higher fiber food for your dog will help create larger, bulkier stools, which may not be exactly pleasant when it comes time to clean up the yard, but it just may help to put extra pressure on the anal glands, helping to solve the common but also irritating problem of anal gland disease. Anal gland disease may include abscessed, impacted, or infected anal glands, which are the two sacs just inside the opening of the anus that secrete fluid. Bulky stools can help to ease constipation as they put pressure on the inside of the intestines as they pass through the digestive tract, stimulating the entire process.

Keep in mind that too much fiber can actually do more harm than good. In addition to outward symptoms such as flatulence and diarrhea, an excess of fiber in a dog’s system may prevent the usual absorption of much needed minerals, nutrients, and vitamins.

Three Of The Best Brands of High Fiber Food For Dogs:

Based on consumer opinion, ingredients, and cost, here are three of the top brands of dog food with high fiber content:

- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Calorie Control CC 26 High Fiber Dog Food: This formula for adult dogs is designed to promote weight loss in addition to providing more fiber. The food provides 18.30% of crude fiber and it must be purchased with a prescription from a veterinarian. Prices range from $20 for a 6-pound bag to $74 for the 33-pound size.

- Doctors Foster and Smith: Averaging around $10 for a 5 pound bag and $35 for the 23 pound size, Adult Lite Dog Food with chicken and brown rice by Doctors Foster and Smith contains 13% crude fiber. Ingredients in this reduced calorie, higher fiber food include apples, barley, brown rice, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

- Adult Light Dog Food from Hill’s Science Diet: Containing multiple vitamins, soybean meal and mill run as well as ground whole grain corn, this formula from Hill’s Science Diet provides eighteen and a half percent crude fiber. The biggest bag of this high fiber dog food, which is 40 pounds, averages around $50 and the smallest is five pounds, which averages around $14.

Although it may seem like a good idea for you to switch to a high fiber food for your pet’s health, always consult with your own veterinarian first as there may be other underlying health issues to consider. When switching brands or types of dog foods after the approval of your vet, the process should be a gradual one to avoid stomach upset or the risk of causing additional digestive problems.

Disclaimer: This article’s content is opinion only and is simply meant to provide the reader with general information. Nothing in this article should be looked upon as being medical advice. Always seek your veterinarian’s opinion before altering your dog’s diet in a major way.

Want to find out more about high fiber dog food? Visit my blog to learn how to compare dog foods and to find out how to make your own dog food.