Is More Fibre For Dogs Necessary?

Every dog needs a properly balanced diet to keep them healthy and energetic. It's also vital to prevent any avoidable health conditions that can arise from poor food choices. As part of this, dogs require plenty of fibre in their diet to aid digestion. 

Usually, when we think of what a dog needs nutrient-wise, we often overlook this essential component. Fibre looks after the overall health of the digestive system, immune system and nervous system.

There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble.

Soluble Fibre: This is what feeds bacteria to help digestion. Too much soluble fibre causes loose and watery stools.

Insoluble Fibre: You don't really digest insoluble fibre; it passes through the gut unchanged. It's important because it stimulates movement within the digestive tract. For dogs suffering from constipation, insoluble fibre is a fantastic natural remedy.  

What are the benefits of fibre?

• Improves metabolism
• Aids movement of food and faeces through the digestive system
• Maintains constant level of moisture in intestines
• Prevents diarrhoea and constipation
• Helps intestines absorb more nutrients from food
• Makes the stomach feel full
• Controls consumption of calories (maintains bodyweight)

Here at Designer Dog Foods, we are passionate about providing nutritious recipes that contribute to your dog's overall wellbeing and longevity. As a result, we make sure all our products have enough fibre to maintain a healthy digestive system. We also make sure there are plenty of nutrients, vitamins and minerals to aid the growth, development and repair of your dog's body. 

You might be wondering, then, how to add fibre to your dog’s diet. I recommend choosing dog food that is high in fibre. Look out for fibrous ingredients like carrots or broccoli in a recipe. 

Whilst these vegetables are ideal in dog food, there are some risks when eaten normally. Carrots are safe for dogs, however, broccoli can be a massive choking hazard if not cooked properly. 

Your dog’s diet should consist of roughly 2-4% of fibre. The easiest way to meet this requirement is with grains. They are high in fibre and 

In many dog foods, grains are used to increase fibre in a dog’s diet. Since we are grain-free, we rely on our vegetables for both soluble and insoluble fibre.