Best High Fiber Dog Food?  What We Recommend Instead

Dakota says that she thinks the Best High Fiber Dog Food may be what her friends need in order to develop a good digestive system.

Well, let’s find out in this article whether Dakota is right or not.

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In order to find out if Dakota is right, we will first define what fiber is.  Then, we dive into the different types of fiber that exist.

dogs pose

“dogs pose” by University of Liverpool Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

We’ll follow that up with what requirements to look for in high quality fiber (as opposed to just looking for a product that is the best high fiber dog food).

We’ll talk about ways to tell if your pooch is getting enough fiber.  And then, talk about why it’s important that they gets enough quality fiber.

Finally, we’ll review the top brands of dog food with the right amount of quality fiber and why they are great dog foods for your Cutie-Pie.

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What Is Fiber?

In general, “Dietary fiber” or “fiber” for short, is usually made up of plant roughage.  Typically, the indigestible fiber portion of dog food is derived from plants.

Fiber is comprised of two categories:

  • Soluble fiber
  • Insoluble fiber (or fermentable)

Unlike other foods that the body absorbs as sugar, fiber cannot be broken down.

The process of fiber intake in humans is similar for Dakota and her friends.  However, the amount is typically different.

Although fiber can be difficult to digest, even dogs need dietary fiber to pass through their digestive tract.  During the digestion process, the fiber cleanses the intestines from excess cholesterol, blood sugar and more.

dogs 003

“dogs 003” by Heather Ortega, via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Types of Fiber

Typically, different types of fiber are categorized in terms of traits like solubility or fermentability.

Soluble fiber or fermentable fiber is the first type of fiber.  From the word itself, soluble fiber dissolves easily in water.

zombiefoodpyramid-vegan (examples of BAD Fiber)

“zombiefoodpyramid-vegan” by Kelly Garbato, via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

When water dissolves soluble fiber, the result is a form a viscous gel.  This gel is a chemical which helps food passage while traveling through the digestion system.  Soluble fiber is otherwise known as nutrient yielding fiber.

On the other hand, insoluble fiber is tough to digest.  Ingredients such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts can be difficult to dissolve in the digestive system.  And, these are bad examples of fiber (just like the pyramid).

But, don’t worry, just because insoluble fiber is difficult to digest, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t still provide usefulness.  Insoluble fiber plays a great role in the digestive system.  It adds bulk to waste that prevents constipation and keeps your dog regular.

Fiber Requirements

A Good Source Of Fiber

“A Good Source Of Fiber” by William Prost, via Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Unlike humans, high-fiber is not always beneficial for dogs. Because dogs have shorter digestive tracts, high fiber can sometimes cause digestive problems.

Dogs are more carnivorous animals than omnivorous.  So, their nutritional needs are best fulfilled by meats rather than fruits and vegetables.

So, how much fiber should you really give to your dogs?

Dakota’s friends are choosy when it comes to fiber-rich foods because an excess can cause them digestive problems. In many instances, plant fibers have no direct nutritional value for dogs.

Even so, dogs can ingest fiber with other proteins like meat.  The use of raw food diets can fill the GI needs that dogs have for meat.

Remember that your dogs do not absolutely require high-fiber foods intake.  Only small amounts are enough to supplement their nutritional needs.

When dogs consume high-fiber dog food, it may hinder the normal digestion process as well as the regular absorption of nutrients in their stomach and intestines.

How To Recognize Enough Fiber Intake

A dog’s stool is the only distinguishing factor in determining if your dog is getting the right amount of fiber in their foods.

Everybody Poops Sometimes

“Everybody Poops Sometimes” by Tomas, via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

This can be seen in three ways:

  • Fiber Deficient Diet
  • High Fiber Diet
  • Proper Amount of Fiber

A fiber deficient diet tends to cause diarrhea or constipation. So, if your dog’s poop is watery or they cannot eliminate altogether, you can suspect a fiber deficiency.

If your dog is on the best high fiber dog food diet, it may be keeping consistent bowel movements that seem to be normal.  But, if there is too much fiber, this will likely not last!

With too much fiber, stool can become large, or elimination may become very frequent.  The amount of stool can even exceed the amount of fiber that was consumed.

When your dog gets the proper amount of fiber in their diet, they will easily produce small and firm stools.

Why Give Your Dogs Fiber at All?

The proper amount of fiber in your dogs diet can give them benefits in the following situations:

  • Prevent Constipation and Diarrhea.  Old beliefs say that too much fiber in your dogs diet can cause diarrhea.  But actually, the opposite is true.  Really, fiber can help prevent your dog from having diarrhea. This is because fiber can keep consistent bowel movements. And, if your dog regularly poops, they will not get constipated because the fiber will regularly cleanse their digestive tracts.
  • Prevent Cancer.  Dogs are also prone to colon cancer.  Fiber can be of great tool that can help to prevent cancer.  Good bacteria ferments fiber intake and converts it to short chain fatty acids.  These short chain fatty acids repair the colon of dogs and swell the fecal matter in it.  This is also one of the reasons why we don’t recommend a high fiber dog food.  This is because it may produce large amount of short chain fatty acids in their body, breaking the balance.
  • Avoid Canine Diabetes.  Yes, you heard it right. Dogs can also have diabetes. And, canine diabetes can be avoided with the right amount of fiber intake.  Insoluble fiber performs a major role that slows down the regular process of nutrient absorption. When nutrients are absorbed gradually it prevents an increase in blood sugar levels.

Alternatives for the Best High Fiber Dog Food

Dakota has questioned her friends and we’ve taken her input and done research to find what we believe are alternatives for the Best High Fiber Dog Food products.

These are not only great products.  But, they have a balanced amount of dietary fiber that can keep your best friend regular.

Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Healthy Weight Dog Food

Wellness dog food aims to give the complete and balanced everyday nutrition to your dogs.

It has a healthy weight formula that features a reduced calorie diet.  It is made with delicious deboned chicken and peas.  And, it will help your dog satisfy their hunger as well as maintain a good weight.

Also, the ingredients in Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Healthy Weight Dog Food  are all natural and contains only the premium natural ingredients.

It does not have lower quality high-fiber ingredients such as wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, or even artificial flavors and preservatives.

Wellness manufactures its Wellness Complete Health dog food in the USA.

They are a family-owned company that has passion in raising dogs and producing diet dog foods.

Wellness pursues their mission to provide only pet foods with the finest natural ingredients, quality in standard and dogs find it to be delicious.

The company’s mission is to strive to bring their customers not only uncompromising nutrition for their dogs by also unrivaled quality standards and support for pets.

Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food

Wilderness dog food is not only a high protein food but also a fiber-rich food.

In one 24-pound bag, it contains a real dog food ingredient which is grain-free.

It has no by-product, no corn, no wheat or even soy.

Moreover, Wilderness contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits.

This is a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are tested to supply the nutritional needs of your dogs.

Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food is a meat-rich diet which is inspired by the diet of wolves.

Wolves are the legendary animals and are famous for endurance.

Thus, Wilderness is made to be a protein-rich, grain-free food that has everything that dogs love in their delicious meats.

We find this dog food to have the perfect amount of fiber.  We consider it to be much higher quality dog food than even the best high fiber dog food.

Nutro Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb for Large Breed

Nutro dog food is perfect for the sensitive digestive system of adult large breed dogs.

Adult dogs have a more delicate digestive system.  Because of this they required limited ingredient dog foods.

So, you must take serious consideration when selecting food for an adult dog.

But not to worry, because this great-tasting Nutro Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb for Large Breed  has a recipe of breed lamb and whole brown rice.

At the same time, you adult dogs will surely enjoy the premium taste of this dog food with this blended formula that provides the necessary vitamins, minerals as well as antioxidants for your adult dogs.

Thr complete nutrition from Nutro is helpful to give them a healthy metabolism that slows down due to aging.

Plus, it has a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin that will help them build strong joints.

Best of all, it has an exact amount of fiber that your adult dogs need in their daily activities. Nutro has no corn gluten meal, wheat or soy protein that are high-fiber dog foods that may likely to give them digestive irregularities.

Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina is a very popular brand for pet foods.

This Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is fully-packed with adult chicken and rice formula.

It is a high-quality dog food rich in protein due to its main ingredient of real chicken.

Also, it has hard kibble combined with tender, shredded pieces for a taste and texture that your dogs will be sure to love.

Furthermore, the level of protein in this Purina dog food is an optimal amount.  It gives your dog the ability to maintain a ideal body weight.

Aside from great protein levels, this Purina dog food is perfect for dogs of any ages because of its natural prebiotic fiber.

This natural fiber was sourced from wheat bran, which helps your dog promote a strong digestive system.

The Best High Fiber Dog Food Conclusions

One of the nutrients your dog needs is fiber.  So, if you are concerned for their digestive health, make sure to feed your dog fiber-filled foods with the proper amount of quality fiber.

Yes, Dakota was right that her friends need fiber in their diet.  But, it should not be a food that has too much fiber.

Do You Want The BEST Alternative to High Fiber Dog Food?

YES - GET IT NOW

Your dog’s fiber intake should be monitored using the methods we described.  This will allow you to determine if your best friend needs more or less fiber.  Please do remember that if you best friend is having elimination problems, to always consult your veterinarian to make sure there aren’t actual health issues.

Or, if you decide to give one of our featured better alternative products to the Best High Fiber Dog Food a try, Dakota says you won’t be disappointed.


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