How to Feed Your Dog More Fiber

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Naturally supplement your dog's diet with rich sources of fiber

Co-authored by Brian Bourquin, DVM and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: October 7, 2023 Fact Checked

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High-Fiber Foods & Supplements

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How much fiber does your dog need?

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Signs Your Dog Needs More Fiber

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Benefits of Fiber

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Expert Q&A

Fiber helps your dog regulate their digestive system, gut health, and body weight. Adding fiber to your dog’s diet can help relieve diarrhea, constipation, or even promote weight loss.^{[1]
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Research source} We’ll fill you in on the best foods and supplements that add helpful fiber to your dog’s meals and how much fiber your dog needs, plus when you should ask your vet about a diet change and how fiber can benefit them. That said, always consult a veterinarian before mixing up your dog’s diet, since it’s a delicate nutritional dance.

Things You Should Know

Offer your dog 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of pure pumpkin, chopped green beans, or sweet potatoes at mealtimes to give them more fiber.
Give your dog a few apple slices or a couple of baby carrots to provide extra fiber, as well as essential vitamins.
Opt for a high-fiber dog food recommended by your vet, like a prescription fiber formula, to help your dog get more regular fiber in their daily diet.

Section 1 of 4:

Adding Fiber to Your Dog’s Diet

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Canned pumpkin Pumpkin contains large amounts of soluble fiber, which helps to regulate your dog’s digestion. Feed your dog pure pumpkin puree, or mashed raw pumpkin.^{[2]
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Research source} Give a small dog only about 1 US tbsp (15 mL) per feeding. Offer a large dog of 50 lbs (22.67 kg) or more about 1/4 cup (236.58 ml) per meal.^{[3]
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- Be sure to give your dog only pure pumpkin, with no additives, spices or sugars, which can counteract the nutritional benefits.
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Steamed green beans Fresh green beans are an additional source of fiber for dogs and contain other vital nutrients like B and A vitamins.^{[4]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Prepare a handful by lightly steaming them in a microwave for 20-30 seconds, then let them cool completely. Chop them into chunks, then incorporate them into your dog's meal, replacing about 10% of their food with the green beans.^{[5]
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- Raw green beans are less digestible, so your dog won't experience all of the possible nutritional benefits. However, they make a good snack during games and training.
- Avoid canned green beans, which tend to have unusually high amounts of salt.
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Skinned sweet potatoes A single medium-sized sweet potato contains over 3 grams (0.11 oz) of fiber.^{[6]
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Research source} They also help your dog’s digestive system stay more regular.^{[7]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} To serve sweet potato to your dog, peel it first (the skin may upset your dog’s stomach) then chop it into small cubes. Put the cubes into a shallow bowl with a small amount of water, cover it with plastic wrap, and steam it in the microwave until you can easily pierced the chunks with a fork.^{[8]
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Research source} Then incorporate 1–3 tsp (4.9–14.8 mL) of the chunks into your dog's main meal.
- Avoid feeding your dog sweet potatoes or yams if they have an existing heart condition, since these contain high amounts of fat.
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Bran flakes, cooked oats, or rye Whole grains are another ideal and inexpensive way to supplement dog meals with fiber, as well as improve their gut health.^{[9]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} Give your dog 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of any of these grains along with their regular food for a quick boost in fiber. That said, stay away from any products that have any additives like sugars or flavoring, which may not be healthy for your dog.
- Avoid feeding your dog brown rice, which is often hard to digest and isn’t recommended for dogs with stomach issues. So long as your dog isn’t diabetic, feed them a spoonful of white rice with their meal—the starch may help them with digestion.^{[10]
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  Trustworthy Source
  
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  
  Go to source}
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Carrots or apple slices Dogs love apple slices, which is fortunate, since they contain high amounts of fiber and vitamins A and C. The same goes for raw carrots.^{[11]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Thinly slice either vegetable (removing the seeds and core from the apple) then offer your dog about a quarter of the apple or 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) of carrot once a day. Or, chop them into chunks and add the same amount to one of your dog’s meals.
- Avoid vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, kale, or kelp. These may be safe for your dog to eat in small amounts, but those small amounts make them less-than-ideal if you’re looking to significantly up your dog’s fiber intake.
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Blueberries or strawberries Strawberries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and enzymes that can white their teeth.^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source

American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Blueberries, too, have high amounts of fiber, and also a number of healthy antioxidants. In fact, one study involving sled dogs with diets supplemented by blueberries found that the dogs had significantly increased antioxidant levels, even after strenuous exercise.^{[13]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
- These fruits are also high in sugars, so feed them to your dog in moderation. Offer them no more than 1-2 strawberries or 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of blueberries a day.
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Over-the-counter fiber supplements Fiber supplements like Metamucil, psyllium, or a canine-formulated fiber supplement can help your dog through periods of diarrhea or constipation. Sprinkle it over your dog's food for the fastest way to resume regular bowel movements. Use about 0.5 tsp (2.5 mL) for small dogs, or up to 2 US tbsp (30 mL) per meal for very large dogs.^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} Add a small amount of water to blend the fiber.
- Always consult a veterinarian before adding a concentrated nutritional supplement to your dog’s diet.
- Use fiber supplements sparingly and for no more than 2 days to ensure you don’t overdo it and give your dog diarrhea.
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High-fiber dog food Switching to a dog food with a higher listed fiber content, such as those made with grains, might be an easier way to supplement additional fiber without extra shopping or preparation steps.^{[15]
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Research source} Or, talk to your veterinarian about a prescription dog food, which is specially formulated to meet your dog’s fiber needs.
- Stick to dog foods that have been labeled with the approval stamp of the AAFCO, a nonprofit organization that regulates the nutritional content of dog food.

Section 2 of 4:

How much fiber does your dog need?

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Adult dogs need between 2.5 and 4.5% of their diet to be fiber. Your dog’s nutritional needs vary by size, age, and breed, so it’s hard to say exactly how much fiber a dog needs. Experts tend to think that a typical adult dog needs their diet to consist of between 2.5 and 4.5% of fiber.^{[16]
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Research source} Usually, that amount is more than covered by your dog’s typical wet or dry food.
- When supplementing your dog’s diet with high-fiber foods, replace their normal food with no more than 10% of the supplementary food to avoid giving your dog too much fiber.^{[17]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source}
- Feeding your dog too much fiber can cause them to miss other vital nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, or damage their digestive system, so it’s vital to consult a veterinarian when making any changes to a dog’s diet.

Section 3 of 4:

Signs Your Dog Needs More Fiber

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Diarrhea or constipation Constipation and diarrhea in dogs is often a symptom of too little (or even too much) fiber in their diet.^{[18]
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Research source} Observe your dog’s stool for 2 days. If the problem doesn’t resolve within that time period, consult your vet about a change in diet or adding sources of fiber to your dog’s food.
- If the problem persists even after a change in your pet's diet, or for more than 4-5 days, bring your dog to a vet and ask about health problems other than a low-fiber diet.^{[19]
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Low-fiber dog food Many foods have adequate levels of fiber already provided. Look for dog food brands that are approved by the AAFCO, a dog food regulation organization. Foods labeled as “complete” and “balanced” have the adequate amount of nutrients, including dietary fiber, and in healthy ratios.^{[20]
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- If your dog food isn’t approved by the AAFCO, ask your vet about its nutritional content. It’s often hard to decipher dog food nutrition yourself, since nutrition amounts are measured in “guaranteed analysis,” or the maximum possible amount of an ingredient, rather than the actual amount.^{[21]
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The symptoms of constipation can overlap with those of urinary obstruction, which is very serious. If you see your pet repeatedly straining to pass stool, gaining weight, or having diarrhea, then a vet check is strongly advised.^{[22]
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Research source} Ask your vet to include a rectal exam. If the primary issue turns out to be one of diet and digestion, your vet may suggest fiber supplementation.

EXPERT TIP

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian

Our Expert Agrees: If you're considering giving your dog fiber to treat loose stools or diarrhea, take them in to the veterinarian first. Most fortified diets contain all the fiber your dog needs, so the problem could be something like internal parasites, a food allergy, or something more serious, like pancreatitis.

Section 4 of 4:

Benefits of Fiber

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Soluble fiber can help your dog’s digestive and immune system. Soluble fiber is fiber that easily absorbs water. These fibers are also converted into short-chain fatty acids, which give your dog’s colon energy and help it to pass stool. Soluble fibers also aid in the lower intestine’s immune system, making for healthy stools.^{[23]
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- Soluble fibers are often found in fruits and veggies, like apples and carrots.^{[24]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
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Insoluble fiber helps your dog pass stool. These are fibers which don’t dissolve in your dog’s digestive system. They go out the same way they went in. This helps to add volume to your dog’s stool, as well as help them pass stool more frequently, which can also aid in weight loss. These kinds of fibers are often found in whole grains and wheats.^{[25]
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- Diets high in soluble and insoluble fiber can also help reduce the risk of colon cancer and regulate your dog’s diabetes when administered with the help of a vet.^{[26]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

My dog has started to have problems with her anal glands. What food supplement should I give her?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Some dogs suffer from anal gland issues if their stool isn't firm and bulky enough. If that is the case you're looking to make her stool more voluminous but maintain firmness. Any of the suggestions mentioned in the article above should do the trick.

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Question

Can fiber caplets be used as a substitute for powdered psyllium husk?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It's not a good idea. Whilst you may get away with it, it can be tricky to get the dosage correct. Remember, the caplets are designed for people and therefore much more concentrated fiber. In addition, there's a risk of choking if the dog doesn't drink water straight after taking the caplet. Also, always read the packaging and remember that any product containing an artificial sweetener (such as Xylitol) is NOT suitable for dogs. If your can't source psyllium husk, then consider other options such as pumpkin or the fresh vegetables suggested above.

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Question

What diet is best for my eight-year-old dog with diabetes?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

What to feed diabetic dogs is controversial, and there is no easy answer. On the whole, it's generally agreed that carbohydrates are digested more quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar level, so it seems wise to look for a food that contains slowly-digested carbohydrates, such as vegetables, legumes, fruits, and some whole grains. Ingredients such as sweet potato and brown rice are intermediately digested, and OK for most diabetics, while highly processed ingredients, such as white rice or bread, are best avoided. Protein takes longer to digest, so source a food that has a named meat (e.g. lamb, beef, or chicken) heading up the ingredient list.

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Warnings

Never pursue any home remedies without contacting your veterinarian first. If your dog is experiencing any bowel problems, a medically trained professional can recognize health issues and help create a plan of action to prevent dog constipation.

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