Evaluating the Need for Additional Fiber in Your Dog’s Diet
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1 Check your dog’s current food. Many foods have adequate levels of fiber already provided. The ‘Guaranteed Analysis’ provided on your pets’ food bag should note the maximum crude fiber concentration. Most pet foods contain about 5% crude fiber
Best Sources Of Fiber For Dogs
When it comes to nutrition, your dog needs a well-balanced diet in order for them to live a happy, healthy life. Fiber offers many benefits for the health of your pup, so it is critical to ensure they are getting what they need. Here is everything you need to know about fiber and your dog’s diet.
At its root, fiber is a carbohydrate that cannot be digested. While the majority of carbohydrates are broken down and converted into glucose, fiber cannot be broken down in this way. When your pup eats fiber, it simply passes through their body, undigested. There are several types of fiber, but we will focus on the two main categories.
When we look at fiber, there are two key types: soluble and insoluble. Both forms of fiber are beneficial to your dog’s health for different reasons.
Soluble fiber is a fiber that dissolves in water. As this fiber moves through the digestive tract, it absorbs water and creates a thick substance that slows down digestion. So, that’s why this form of fiber assists in lowering glucose levels.
Healthy blood sugar levels are important for all dogs, and some may experience blood sugar issues more than others depending on a variety of reasons (weight, activity level, genetics). A great treat to give your dog that contains soluble fiber is pumpkin!
Insoluble fiber is the opposite of soluble fiber and does not dissolve in water. This helps keep digestion moving and prevents things like constipation. This keeps your dog’s digestive system regular and comfortable. Brown rice is a great source of insoluble fiber for you to try with your dog.
Fiber is a nutrient that all dogs need but isn’t often talked about. It keeps your pet’s digestive system moving which can lower their chance of developing diarrhea or colon cancer. Aside from digestion, there are several other benefits of making sure your dog is getting all the fiber they need.
Obesity is a common factor in dogs with illnesses ranging from heart disease to liver problems. A dog that gets the proper amount of fiber in their diet will eat less food and consume fewer calories overall. That’s because fiber helps keep your dog feeling full. Many dog foods focused on weight management have more fiber than the average food.
Dogs who eat high-fiber diets can have better control over their blood sugar levels. The slowing of digestion speed has been found to help dogs with diabetes mellitus. It can help decrease a dog’s resistance to insulin.