High Fiber Dog Food

If you are wondering whether high fiber dog food is necessary for your dog, read on! This page looks at the sources of fiber in dog food, and how a high fiber dog diet can help dogs with health issues and problems, such as obesity, constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, and anal gland problems.

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Dog food that is high in fiber may benefit dogs with certain health issues.

One way to give your dog extra fiber is to choose a commercial, organic high fiber dog food. Alternatively, you can simply add fiber-rich food to your dog's daily diet. However, just like anything else in life, moderation is the key! Too little or too much fiber in your dog food may do more harm than good. It is advisable to consult with your veterinarian to see if your dog can benefit from a high fiber diet.

Want to know more about the roles played by fiber in dog foods? Wonder if your dog may be a candidate for high fiber food? Read on... This page looks at the following topics:

Sources of Fiber in Dog Food

High Fiber Dog Food for:
An Excellent High Fiber Food Product for Dogs

A note of caution: When introducing a new diet or new food ingredients to your dog, do it slowly and in small amount. For example, if you are switching from the existing dog food to a high fiber diet, make the switch over a period of at least one week so that your dog's digestive system can get adjusted to the new foods. Otherwise, your dog may suffer from diarrhea or other digestive problems.

Sources of Fiber in Dog Food

Almost all carbohydrate sources contain some fiber. Fiber is basically the insoluble carbohydrates that resist enzymatic digestion in the small intestine, and is mostly found in the cell walls of plants and grains.

Some common food sources of fiber that are commonly found in dog foods include:

bran of whole grains, such as rice bran and oat bran
corn and corn-byproducts
soybean hulls
rice hulls
beet pulp

Other common foods that are high in fiber and are beneficial to dogs include cooked pumpkins, cooked sweet potatoes, and whole cereals.

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High Fiber Dog Food for Colon Health

While fiber is generally not considered by many as an essential nutrient and energy source in dog food, it is beneficial for the dog's colon health.

The main function of fiber in a dog's diet is to increase both bulk and water in the intestinal contents. It means that fiber is good for both diarrhea and constipation. Fiber absorbs extra water in watery stools, which prevents diarrhea. Also, it helps to hold onto water, which prevents constipation.

Some fiber is broken down in the intestine into fatty acids. These fatty acids help to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. They will also help the colon cells to recover from injury and possibly help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

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High Fiber Dog Food for Obesity Prevention

Dog food high in fiber is commonly fed to obese dogs as a mean of weight management. The extra fiber in the diet is useful in reducing and preventing obesity by increasing bulk and therefore promoting a feeling of fullness without adding calories. A dog that eats high fiber food feels satisfied and full, but consumes fewer calories and thus loses weight.

Of course, feeding a high fiber diet should not be the ONLY way to use to help an obese dog lose weight. Equally important is to provide the dog with regular exercise, and to cut back on the amount of food and treats.

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High Fiber Dog Food for Anal Glands

In dogs, the anal sacs contain a powerful, foul-smelling substance. During defecation, when the pressure of the stool presses on the glands, some of the secretion is deposited on the stool and therefore the anal sacs are emptied out (or "expressed").

However, if a dog suffers from constipation or if the stools are not hard enough, the anal glands cannot be emptied out, resulting in a condition called anal gland impaction.

Since high fiber dog food can prevent constipation and can give absorb water in diarrheic stools, it follows that dogs with impacted anal glands benefit from food high in fiber.

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High Fiber Dog Food for Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a common metabolic disease in dogs. It is also a disease that has no cure. To control the disease, insulin therapy is required together with diet management.

Research has shown that by feeding a diabetic dog a high fiber diet, the swings in blood sugar levels are greatly reduced, thus minimizing the peaks and valleys in blood glucose that often accompany this disease. As a result, it is now a common practice to feed dogs with diabetes a high fiber diet.

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An Excellent High Fiber Dog Food Product

Dr. Harvey's Veg-to-Bowl for Dogs

Veg-to-Bowl is an easy and fantastic way to add fiber as well as essential vitamins and minerals to your dog's diet. In addition to various vegetables (beets, sweet potatoes, beans, carrots, etc.), it also contains useful herbs such as parsley, ginger, and garlic. Great product!

Also click here to look at some high quality, all natural vegetarian dog food brands.

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