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There are two types of fibre: soluble or insoluble, and both are important for a healthy dog’s diet:
Soluble fibres are also known as prebiotics, because they promote and stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the gut. After your dog has eaten soluble fibre, it helps digestion as it becomes food for good bacteria when it gets broken down in the colon. Soluble fibre can also help absorb excess water, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant runny bowel movements.
Insoluble fibres, on the other hand, don’t dissolve. Instead, it collects and bulks together, which helps your dog feel full, and keeps them to regular bowel movements.
When dogs don’t get enough fibre, they can experience discomfort and constipation. But it’s all about balance: too much fibre, and your dog can experience excessive flatulence or inflammation of anal glands.
Fibre plays several important roles in the health of your dog, such as:
A combination of both soluble and insoluble fibre will help with the above to keep your dog healthy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all guide to how much fibre should be a dog’s diet – it will vary a lot by breed, and the individual dog.
Most commercial dog foods will have an average of 2-5% crude fibre, which is generally suitable for most dogs. However, your pup might need a little extra fibre if:
Some veterinary-prescribed diets can contain as much fibre as 10-15%, but this should only be done under professional guidance.
Most dogs will be fine on a standard diet with moderate levels of fibre. However, there are instances where additional fibre might be necessary to keep your canine companion happy and healthy.
As dogs get older, their bodies can slow down. As their digestion becomes weaker and their bowels have reduced motility, they can become prone to constipation. A higher intake of fibre can take some of the pressure off their bodies, particularly from easily digestible sources like cooked pumpkin or sweet potato.
If a dog is overweight, feeding them fibre-rich foods can allow you to reduce their calorie intake while still letting them feel full. Replacing their main food and/or treats with high-fibre, healthy alternatives like our high fibre weight control food can make a big difference.
A vet may recommend a fibre-enriched diet for dogs with diabetes. This is because fibre helps slow the absorption of sugar, which can stabilise glucose levels in the blood.
In short – yes! In fact, one of the most common reasons for increasing fibre in a canine diet is weight management.
Due to the way fibre adds bulk to food, this food group can help people and dogs alike to feel full and satisfied, without bringing many calories with it.
At Burns, our specialist high fibre weight control dog food is perfect for helping bring your beloved pet back to a healthy weight.
You don’t need to rely on shop-bought treats to ensure your dog’s getting all the nutrition they need. In fact, many fruits and vegetables are a cheap and healthy alternative, particularly if you’re looking for something that’s high in fibre to prevent overeating or digestive troubles.
If you’re looking for a high fibre dog treat, consider giving your pet a small portion of:
Always introduce any new food to your pet slowly, and in small amounts. And remember, treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s total daily diet.
At Burns, we make sure that we supply food for all dogs, so of course we have a high fibre dog food option for overweight dogs.
As with all our dog food, dietary restrictions don’t mean less delicious. Our weight control food is made with chicken and oats for fantastic flavour, and has 7.5% crude fibre, making it perfect for overweight and greedy dogs.
High fibre foods are just one helpful factor to introduce if your dog’s struggling with their weight. Visit our content hub for further advice.
