How to add more fibre to your dog’s diet

Quick facts

• Dogs that don’t eat enough fibre may suffer from bowel issues, diabetes and anal gland problems.
• Vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli are great natural sources of fibre.
• A personalised meal plan helps take the guesswork out of your dog’s diet.

 

If your dog isn’t pooing as regularly or you’re noticing runny poos, it could be that your dog is lacking fibre.

Fibre can help your dog’s digestive system function normally – and it can help to regulate things like blood sugar levels, too.

The good news is, that it’s easy to add fibre to your dog’s diet if you think they need it.

You could switch your dog food to a high-fibre option, or add natural sources of fibre to their diet. Speak to your vet if you think the balance is off and they can advise.

 

How do I know if my dog needs more fibre?

You’ll know your dog needs more fibre in their diet if they’re experiencing constipation, which can often come with straining or bloody poos.

While occasional constipation is normal, regular constipation is a sign that you might need to switch up their diet.

Diarrhea can also be caused by a lack of fibre, as it helps to absorb water in the intestine.

Other symptoms could be overeating, anal gland issues or diabetes, which is why fibre can be important for dogs.

 

What are the best sources of fibre for dogs?

Here are some of the top ways to add more fibre to your dog’s diet: 

1. A nutritionally balanced dog food

First and foremost, your pooch should be getting their main source of fibre from their dog food.

Not all commercial dog foods are created equally, so check the ingredients carefully – it’s important that as well as fibre, your dog has the right balance of fats and proteins, too.

Natures Menu meal plans are personalised to your dog, right down to the fibre content. All the ingredients used in our raw and raw-inspired meals have been hand-picked for their nutritional benefits to your pet’s diet.

Alongside high-quality meat, poultry and fish, our ingredients list includes fresh fruits and vegetables to tick off all the vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre your dog needs.

Natures Menu Complete & Balanced 60/40 nuggets, for example, contain up to 40% vegetables and brown rice – and there are grain-free nuggets available, too.

We don’t add any artificial colourings or preservatives, and they arrive frozen so you can pour, thaw and serve.

 

2. Natural sources

As well as ensuring your dog food contains enough fibre, you can add natural fibre sources to their diet if needs be.

This adds variety and will liven up meal times for your dog, but be careful to choose healthy fibre sources. Those include:

 

Cooked pumpkin

A great source of soluble fibre, which will help to bulk out your dog’s poos – particularly if they’re suffering from diarrhoea.

 

Broccoli

This has a whole host of vitamins as well as plenty of fibre. Dogs can eat it raw or cooked, but go easy on the quantity as too much can upset your pet’s stomach.

 

Sweet potatoes

As well as being a great source of fibre, sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A – which helps your dog’s skin and coat.

You can mash, boil or bake a sweet potato and feed it to your dog occasionally or add it as a topper – just make sure there are no seasonings, and particularly no salt.

 

Carrots

High in fibre, low in calories and packed with carotene, carrots are a source of vitamins A, K and B6 – all of which are great for eye health. They can be served raw or cooked, and are often included in many dog foods.

 

Apples

Slice or dice these fibre-rich fruits and your dog will thank you for it, but remember to remove the core – as apple seeds can be toxic to dogs.

 

Strawberries and blueberries

While they should only be given as an occasional treat due to the natural sugar content, strawberries and blueberries are another great source of fibre for dogs.

They’re also rich in antioxidants. Just make sure you give them a rinse first.

If you’re adding natural sources of fibre to your dog’s diet, steer clear of processed options.

For example, canned vegetables often contain dangerously high levels of sodium, and pureed pumpkin can be high in sugar.

And remember to feed all of these in limited quantities – your dog’s main food should contain the bulk of their fibre intake, so it’s important not to overdo it.

 

3. Fibre supplements

If your dog needs more fibre after making dietary changes, your vet may recommend fibre supplements.

These can be a useful way to get more fibre into your dog if they have bowel issues, are obese or have diabetes – or if you’re struggling to get them to eat the fibre sources in fresh food.

Always talk to your vet before starting supplements, as they can recommend the right approach for your dog.

Getting a balanced diet is the most important thing, and fibre is a key part of that.

 

Adding fibre to your dog’s diet – FAQs

Do I need high-fibre puppy food?

If your puppy is struggling with constipation or loose poo, it’s worth talking to your vet before making dietary changes.

Puppy food is specially created to include the right amount of fibre for younger dogs, alongside other essential nutrients and vitamins.

 

Does my dog need more fibre as they get older?

Senior dogs are more prone to constipation, so you might find they need more fibre to keep things regular as they age.

You might also want to consider senior dog food.

 

Can dogs eat Weetabix?

Weetabix isn’t recommended for dogs, so it shouldn’t be used as a source of fibre. If they consume a little by accident, don’t panic – it’s not toxic in very small amounts.

 
Want to kickstart a healthier diet for your dog? Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients – including fresh fruits and vegetables.