How to Add Fiber to a Dog's Diet

When a veterinarian suggests extra fiber for a dog's diet, it is usually to help the dog avoid constipation or keep the anal glands working normally. Older dogs often need extra fiber to keep healthy. Here are easy ways to add fiber to a dog diet. Start with small amounts and experiment to see what works best with the dog.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Apple
• Bran
• Canned pumpkin
• Carrots, green beans or peas
• Cooked brown rice
• Oatmeal

1. Add a sprinkle of bran to the dog food. Rice bran, wheat bran and oat bran are all high in fiber. The bran is the outer layer of grain and is often removed when grain is processed so that part of the nutritional value is lost. A small amount of bran is best. Soak it in a bit of water to improve the digestibility.

2. 

   Share an apple. Apples are high in fiber and other nutrients. Remove the seeds and core. Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide which can be harmful to pets. Some dogs like red apples while others prefer tart green apples like Granny Smith. A spoonful of unsweetened applesauce is a great kibble topper.

3. 

   Spoon unseasoned canned pumpkin on dog food. Use only canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Use 1/2 tsp. for a small dog and up to 1 tbsp. for medium to large dogs. Dogs like the flavor and it may help both diarrhea and constipation. Pumpkin freezes well so it can be spooned into ice cube trays and then tipped out and the cubes stored in freezer bags until needed.

4. Fix brown rice for a family meal and save leftovers for the dog. Brown rice has three times the fiber of white rice. Spoon a little brown rice as a topper onto the dog kibble. It can be flavored with plain broth if necessary.

5. 

   Mix healthy vegetables in the dog food or use them as treats. Many dogs like carrot sticks, peas or green beans. Do not use canned vegetables as they are often high in sodium, which can be harmful to pets. Frozen mixed vegetables low in sodium are handy and can be quickly thawed or cooked. For a finicky dog, a touch of chicken broth in cooking improves the flavor.

Tips & Warnings

• Your veterinarian can recommend fiber supplements.

• Pet stores carry snacks and treats that are rich in fiber.

• It takes only a small amount of fiber with regular food to help a dog. If the dog poops a lot with loose stools, cut back on the fiber.

• Use a light touch with fiber. Some dogs bloat easily.

• Fiber also makes the dog have more gas. Too much gas can be painful for the dog. An extra walk or two can often help work out the flatulence.