7 High Fibre Foods for Dogs

26 June 2023Dog Nutrition & Food

We know that fibre has many health benefits such as supporting digestion and lowering the risk of heart disease in humans and is an important part of our nutrition. But what about our dogs?

Find out how important roughage is in our pets’ diets and 7 natural sources of fibre that you can easily incorporate into their meal times or look out for when choosing high-quality and nutritious dog food.

Do dogs need fibre in their diets?

In short, yes! Just like us, our furry companions absolutely need fibre in their diets, and plenty of it.

Fibre plays a crucial role in your dog’s overall health and well-being by aiding the proper functioning of their digestive system, ensuring that food moves smoothly through the gut and preventing issues like constipation or diarrhoea.

Fibre can also help with weight management with the Vet Times reporting that “dietary fibre has been reported to reduce hunger and decrease food intake”. Thus, consuming fibrous foods can make your pet feel fuller after their meal and for longer, preventing overeating and all the problems that come with it.

Certain types of fibre can also promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria to promote improved gut health and a stronger immune system, helping your pup to feel their best.

7 natural sources of fibre for dogs

Whether you suspect that your dog is suffering from digestive problems, you’re looking to give them some fibre-rich snacks to further improve their health or you want to know what are some great, healthy ingredients to look out for in dog food, there are lots of sources of fibre to consider.

Let’s take a look at 7 natural foods that are packed with fibre:

Apples

Various fruit and vegetables can not only be high in fibre but have other health benefits. Apples are a tasty, nutritious treat that are low in calories, ideal for when you’re keeping an eye on your dog’s weight.

Looking for dog food recipes that contain fresh apples is a good way to easily feed your dog this ingredient and reap the benefits. Alternatively, you can give them apple slices as a healthy snack to help to clean your pup’s teeth, just remember to remove the seeds and core!

Carrots

Just like apples, carrots are another low-calorie, high-fibre food, making them ideal for dogs that could benefit from weight management.

These fibrous treats have been linked to improved liver and kidney function and are rich in carotene which is a source of vitamins A, K and B6. These vitamins contribute to maintaining healthy eyes and ensuring that your dog is receiving their essential daily vitamins and minerals.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another highly nutritious vegetable that supports the health of your furry friend.

Its high fibre content aids digestion and helps your dog to feel full after a meal, preventing overeating.

It’s also packed full with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K which supports blood clotting and the antioxidant vitamin C which protects your dog’s cells from damage.

It also contains potassium, promoting the proper functioning of nerves and muscles and calcium which is vital for bone health.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another great example of a food that is fibre-rich to aid digestion, low in calories and has a high nutritional value.

Sweet potatoes are particularly high in vitamin A, supporting eye and skin health and the immune function of your dog.

The clues in the name! Another benefit is that the naturally sweet taste of sweet potatoes means that they are often well-received by our furry friends, making them a happy dog and you a popular owner.

Chia Seeds

First up we have chia seeds, a lesser known food that’s high in dietary fibre but the star of the show.

Chia seeds promote healthy digestion and can help manage the weight of your dog by making them feel full and satisfied after their meal. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds can contribute to your dog’s skin and coat health as well as supporting brain function and controlling inflammation. They’re also a great source of protein and are loaded with antioxidants, providing cells with protection from harmful free radicals.

If that wasn’t enough of a reason to include chia seeds in your dog’s diet, they also contain essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus that support strong bones and teeth.

All of our Different Dog hand-cooked recipes are made from fresh ingredients and include chia seeds as one of many sources of fibre to provide dogs with the best nutrition possible.

Ground Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are another seed that are rich in dietary fibre and are a beneficial addition to your dog's diet. When ground or milled, flax seeds bind with cholesterol and fats to support the healthy functioning of your dog’s digestive system.

Like chia seeds, they are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and shiny coats as well as supporting the brain and nervous systems and are rich in antioxidants which can enhance your pet’s intestinal health.

Kelp

Known for its high fibre content, kelp maintains digestive health and is particularly beneficial for dogs prone to constipation or other digestive problems.

It’s also a good source of iron, which is crucial for healthy blood and proper metabolic function.

How can Different Dog help?

Different Dog are committed to producing freshly cooked dog food using locally sourced ingredients to provide dogs with the best nutrition possible.

All of the 8 sources of fibre that you’ve just read about are used in our hand-cooked recipes, which are made from fresh fruit, vegetables and superfoods, 100% British meat and fish... and that’s it! No grains, legumes, cheap fillers, preservatives, colourants or nasties. Just drool-worthy real food that lives in the fridge and freezer.

Our expert vet, canine nutritionist and behaviourist check and approve every recipe, every ingredient and every added vitamin, so you can be sure each mouthful is packed full of the right balance.

Discover our range of fresh dog food recipes or create a meal plan for your dog or puppy today!