Does your dog have periodic bouts of diarrhea or constipation? Do they have issues expelling their anal gland due to having soft poop? If so, a dog fiber supplement may help to alleviate their symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
Types Of Fiber
First, it is important to know about the different types of fiber dogs consume. There is soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Soluble Fiber
A soluble fiber is able to be broken down by the body. When bacteria break down soluble fiber in the digestive tract, it creates fatty acids that aid in bulking up a dog’s stool.
This type of fiber can also act as a prebiotic, providing healthy bacteria with food to help improve digestion.
Examples of soluble fiber include fruits and vegetables, psyllium husk, flaxseed, oats, and beet pulp.
Insoluble Fiber
Insoluble fiber is not able to be broken down by the body. This means it passes through your dog’s body without being changed in form. Insoluble fiber is good for dogs who need to maintain or lose weight, as it allows your dog to eat more without the extra calories.
Insoluble fiber helps to bulk up your dog’s stool and can help dogs with constipation and allows stool to flow more regularly.
Examples of insoluble fiber include: beans, wheat, brown rice, potatoes, and green beans.
What Is The Best Fiber To Give To Your Dog?
The best fiber to give to your dog is a combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber. This will help your dog have more regular bowel movements with firm stool that is easy to pass.
What Is The Benefit Of Firm Stools?
When your dog has firm stools, this creates a pressure by the anal glands as your dog goes to the bathroom. This helps to naturally expel the fluid in the anal sacs, which are on either side of the anus.
If your dog has consistent soft or loose stool, the anal sacs may fill up and not get expelled naturally on a regular basis, leading to an impaction. In this case, your dog will need to have their anal sacs expelled manually. If this is not done, it may lead to an abscess, which is very painful for your dog.
Another benefit of your dog having firm stools is that it is easier for you to pick up and dispose of.
What Is The Best Way To Add Fiber To A Dog’s Diet?
The best way to add fiber to a dog’s diet is to provide them with food that contains sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
If they are unable to get what they need from their dog food, a fiber supplement may be beneficial for your dog. Speak with your veterinarian to determine the best supplement to suit your dog’s specific needs.
Is It Ok To Give My Dog Fiber Pills?
It is ok to give your dog fiber pills under the guidance of your veterinarian. You want to be sure you are giving the correct type of fiber to help your dog’s specific condition.
Dog fiber supplements come in various forms including powder, soft chew, grass bits, and capsules that are opened and sprinkled over food.
What Can I Feed My Dog To Firm Up Their Stool?
If your dog has loose or soft stool, there are some high fiber foods to help firm or bulk up the stool.
- Pumpkin. Natural pumpkin and not pumpkin pie.
- Brown Rice.
- Psyllium Seed Husk.
- Apples.
The good news is that many fiber supplements include these ingredients or a combination of them to help firm up your dog’s stool.
What Should I Look For In A Fiber Supplement?
When choosing a fiber supplement for your dog, look for the proper fiber source your dog needs for their symptoms. Ideally, you want to choose a supplement that has a combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Common ingredients include:
- Psyllium Seed Husk. This is a soluble fiber.
- Beet Root. This provides both soluble and insoluble fiber.
- Pumpkin. Provides both soluble and insoluble fiber.
- Apple. This is a soluble fiber.
- Miscanthus Grass is a source of insoluble fiber.
- Flaxseed is a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber.
- Dandelion Root provides soluble fiber.
Some supplements may also include prebiotics, which provide food and promotes growth of good bacteria in the gut and probiotics that keep your dog’s gut healthy.
Best Dog Fiber Supplements
These are top rated fiber supplements for dogs. Product descriptions are according to the manufacturer.
Fiber supplements are mostly in powder form, but can also be found as soft chews and grass bits.
Best Dog Fiber Supplement Powder
These are top rated fiber supplements in powder form. Powders are usually mixed in with your dog’s food.
Bern Dog Brand Fiber For Dogs
- All natural.
- Non-GMO.
- Preservative free.
- No artificial flavors, colors.
- Corn free.
- Wheat free.
- Soy free.
- Powder.
- Contains psyllium seed husk powder and dehydrated beet root powder.
- Made in the USA.
Diggin’ Your Dog Firm Up!
- Blend of Pumpkin, Apple Fiber, and Cranberry.
- Also available in a Cranberry free formula.
- Contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
- Has potassium, magnesium, fiber, and beta carotenes.
- Can be fed wet or dry.
- Powder form.
- Made in the USA.
Cranberry Free Formula:
Native Pet Organic Pumpkin Fiber
- Contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber.
- Dairy free.
- Grain free.
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients.
- Includes Organic Pumpkin, Organic Pumpkin Seed, and Organic Apple.
- Powder form.
- Made in the USA with US and Canadian ingredients.
Ventique Labs Glandex
- Supports healthy anal glands.
- Contains Omega Fatty Acids to decrease inflammation and allergies.
- Includes a fiber blend to firm and bulk up stools.
- Powder form.
- Also available as a soft chew.
- Made in the USA.
Best Dog Fiber Supplement Soft Chew
If you prefer to give your dog fiber in a treat form, these soft chews are given according to your dog’s weight.
PetHonesty Super Pooper
- Peanut Butter flavor.
- Eases occasional digestive upset.
- Includes probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and fiber.
- Contains 800 mg. of fiber.
- Soft Chew.
- Made in the USA.
Vet Classics No Scoot
- Supports healthy anal gland function.
- For dogs over 12 weeks old.
- Includes Beet Pulp, Psyllium Seed Husk, Flaxseed, Dandelion Root, and Pumpkin Powder to provide fiber to your dog.
- Non-GMO.
- Soft chew.
- Made in the USA.
Grass Bits
Grass bits can be used as a food topper or mixed in with your dog’s food.
Bernie’s Perfect Poop
- Comes in cheddar cheese or chicken flavor.
- Reduces gas, stool odor, and bad breath.
- Improves stool quality and firmness.
- Enhances a healthy immune system.
- Non-GMO.
- Contains Miscanthus Grass, Pumpkin, and Flaxseed for fiber.
- Includes prebiotics and probiotics to support the digestive tract.
- Has added enzymes to break down food and increase absorption.
- Grain free.
- Gluten free.
- Grass bits.
- Made in the USA.
A dog fiber supplement can help keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly by keeping our dog “regular” with easy to pass, yet firm stools.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.