Making The Switch To High Fiber Dog Food
Switching to high fiber dog food is usually recommended for dogs with certain intestinal or digestive issues. Ordinary commercial dog food typically contains two to four percent crude fiber content whereas the high fiber variety will have at least 10 percent. All types of dog foods naturally contain some fiber, but it's the amount and the source that's most important.
Some natural ingredients in high fiber food for dogs include fruits and vegetables such as apples and sweet potatoes, whole grains, cereals, rice, the hulls of soybeans, beet pulp, and corn products.
You've probably heard of the importance of fiber in our diet but many pet owners don't realize the impact it can have on their dogs. Problems like obesity, constipation, and anal gland disease are all often treated with a high fiber diet, which is said to reduce the risk of colon cancer. High fiber ingredients are usually lower in calories and will cause your dog to feel fuller longer, but without the added calories that contribute to weight gain.
As a general rule, the bulkier a dog's stools are, the easier time it will have digesting food as the intestinal tract will be more stimulated than usual. Fiber is necessary for regulating bowel movements as it works to absorb liquids from foods. Anal gland disease is yet another reason dogs need a certain amount of fiber to be healthy. Anal glands, also called scent glands, secrete fluid and may become infected, abscessed, and impacted. However, with a high fiber diet that puts excess pressure on the intestines and glands, the problem may be eliminated. Fuller, bulkier stools that come after switching to a high fiber diet are actually helpful as they stimulate the dog's intestinal tract, which in turn usually helps to eliminate the problem of constipation.
But, as is the case with just about anything, too much fiber can be bad for your dog's health. Besides diarrhea and excessive flatulence, too much fiber can inhibit the way the body absorbs the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs.
3 Top High Fiber Brands:
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 High Fiber Dog Food: Royal Canin's Calorie Control CC 26 dog food is formulated to aid with weight loss and contains more than eighteen percent of crude fiber. To purchase this food from Royal Canin you will need a prescription from your veterinarian. For the large 33-pound bag, expect to pay an average of around $74 and $20 for the small six-pound bag.
- 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.
Medical Disclaimer: Please remember that the content in this article reflects the author's opinion only and is intended for informational purposes. This article should not be considered to be medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before you change your dog's diet in a significant manner.
Some natural ingredients in high fiber food for dogs include fruits and vegetables such as apples and sweet potatoes, whole grains, cereals, rice, the hulls of soybeans, beet pulp, and corn products.
You've probably heard of the importance of fiber in our diet but many pet owners don't realize the impact it can have on their dogs. Problems like obesity, constipation, and anal gland disease are all often treated with a high fiber diet, which is said to reduce the risk of colon cancer. High fiber ingredients are usually lower in calories and will cause your dog to feel fuller longer, but without the added calories that contribute to weight gain.
As a general rule, the bulkier a dog's stools are, the easier time it will have digesting food as the intestinal tract will be more stimulated than usual. Fiber is necessary for regulating bowel movements as it works to absorb liquids from foods. Anal gland disease is yet another reason dogs need a certain amount of fiber to be healthy. Anal glands, also called scent glands, secrete fluid and may become infected, abscessed, and impacted. However, with a high fiber diet that puts excess pressure on the intestines and glands, the problem may be eliminated. Fuller, bulkier stools that come after switching to a high fiber diet are actually helpful as they stimulate the dog's intestinal tract, which in turn usually helps to eliminate the problem of constipation.
But, as is the case with just about anything, too much fiber can be bad for your dog's health. Besides diarrhea and excessive flatulence, too much fiber can inhibit the way the body absorbs the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs.
3 Top High Fiber Brands:
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 High Fiber Dog Food: Royal Canin's Calorie Control CC 26 dog food is formulated to aid with weight loss and contains more than eighteen percent of crude fiber. To purchase this food from Royal Canin you will need a prescription from your veterinarian. For the large 33-pound bag, expect to pay an average of around $74 and $20 for the small six-pound bag.
- 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.
Medical Disclaimer: Please remember that the content in this article reflects the author's opinion only and is intended for informational purposes. This article should not be considered to be medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before you change your dog's diet in a significant manner.
About the Author:
Need more information about high fiber dog food? Check out my blog for help on the best way to compare dog foods and to learn how to make your own dog food.
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