How can I add fiber to my dog's diet?

While fiber is not essential to a dog's diet, Drs. Race Foster and Marty Smith, DVMs of Foster-Smith Animal Hospital, suggest adding fiber to your dog's diet to improve colon health and help with weight management, constipation and diabetes mellitus. Fiber can also help manage canine obesity as your dog will get full quickly while consuming fewer calories. Overall, fiber is good for your dog's intestinal health, especially when you feed it healthy foods such as brown rice, pumpkin, fresh vegetables and apples.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is an excellent fiber source as it has three times the fiber of white rice. Because of its high fiber content, gradually add it to your dog's diet in small amounts. Prepare the brown rice in a 2 qt. saucepan by bringing 2 to 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rice to the boiling water and then reduce the heat to allow the rice to simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Let the rice cool down, and then add 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp. to your dog's food at feeding time. Refrigerate the remaining rice in a stay-fresh container for future feedings.

Canned Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin is not only a good fiber source; it can also soothe an upset stomach. Add 1 tsp. of canned pumpkin to your dog's food each day. Be certain, however, not to substitute canned pumpkin with canned pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugars and other additives that are not healthy for your dog.

Vegetables

Most any fiber-rich vegetable is acceptable for your dog. Try a variety to determine your dog's personal favorites. Fresh vegetables are best as your dog will consume more vitamins; however, canned vegetables are acceptable as long as they have a low sodium (salt) content. According to the Vetinfo.com website, many dogs like carrots, peas and green beans. Grind or puree the vegetables in a blender and add 1/8 to 1/4 cup of the mixture to your dog's food at feeding time. Larger dogs may be able to tolerate the vegetables finely chopped instead of pureed.

Apples

Giving your dog small pieces of finely chopped apple is a tasty, fiber-rich treat. Apples can also help keep your dog's teeth clean, according to the Vetinfo.com website.

Tip

While fiber is good for your dog, too much of it can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. As you introduce fiber to your dog's diet, take note of the consistency of its bowel movements. If they become runny, reduce the amount of fiber-rich foods to ½ the amount you are feeding.

Source:

Drs. Foster and Smith: Dog Food FAQs: Fiber

Vet Info: Dog Fiber Diet Recommendations

Factoidz: How to Increase Fiber Content in Your Dog's Diet

More Information:

Dog Logic: Geriatrics in Canines

Pet Synergy: Holistic Pet Care: What Should I Feed My Cat and Dog to Keep Them Healthy?