Dogs need a healthy and balanced diet to thrive, and one of the most important components of this is fibre. Fibre plays an essential role in maintaining digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and even reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best dog foods high in fibre, as well as some tips for incorporating more fibre into your dog’s diet.
What is Fibre and Why is it Important?
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the body. Instead, it passes through the digestive system, helping to regulate the passage of food and waste through the intestine. There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestine, while insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to the stool.
Fibre is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps to maintain digestive health by keeping the digestive system working efficiently. Secondly, it can help to regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly important for dogs with diabetes. Finally, fibre has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including colon cancer and breast cancer.
Best Dog Foods High in Fibre
When it comes to choosing a dog food that is high in fibre, there are a number of options to consider. Some of the best dog foods high in fibre include:
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe
This dog food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, and contains no grains, which makes it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities. It also contains a range of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which provide a good source of fibre.
Ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, DL-Methionine, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
2. Wellness Core Grain-Free Original Recipe
This dog food is made with high-quality proteins, such as chicken and turkey, and contains no grains, which makes it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities. It also contains a range of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which provide a good source of fibre.
Ingredients:
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Broccoli, Carrots, Choline Chloride, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight
This dog food is designed to help dogs maintain a healthy weight, and contains a good source of fibre to help regulate digestion. It is made with high-quality proteins, such as chicken and turkey, and contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Ingredients:
Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Pea Fiber, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Oat Fiber, Chicken Liver Flavor, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Coconut Oil, Pork Flavor, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Carrots, Iodized Salt, Lipoic Acid, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, minerals (Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.
Tips for Incorporating More Fibre Into Your Dog’s Diet
If you’re looking to incorporate more fibre into your dog’s diet, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can choose a dog food that is high in fibre, such as the ones listed above. Secondly, you can add some fibre-rich foods to your dog’s diet, such as cooked sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or green beans. Finally, you can speak to your vet about adding a fibre supplement to your dog’s diet.
1. Choose High-Fibre Foods
When choosing a dog food, look for one that is high in fibre. This will usually be listed on the packaging, or you can ask your vet for recommendations. Some high-fibre foods to look for include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Add Fibre-Rich Foods to Your Dog’s Diet
In addition to choosing a high-fibre dog food, you can also add some fibre-rich foods to your dog’s diet. Some good options include cooked sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or green beans. These foods are not only high in fibre, but they are also packed with vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to stay healthy.
3. Speak to Your Vet About Fibre Supplements
If your dog is not getting enough fibre from their diet, you can speak to your vet about adding a fibre supplement. These supplements come in a variety of forms, including powders, tablets, and chews, and can help to regulate digestion and promote overall health.
Conclusion
Fibre is an essential component of a healthy and balanced diet for dogs. By choosing a dog food that is high in fibre, adding some fibre-rich foods to your dog’s diet, and speaking to your vet about fibre supplements, you can help to ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy for years to come.