Fibre for Dogs: Benefits, Best Sources & How to Know if Your Dog Needs More
Fibre is often an overlooked component in canine nutrition, yet it plays a crucial role in digestive health, weight management, and even chronic disease support. Whether you’re feeding a raw, kibble, home-cooked, or fresh food diet, understanding fibre’s function can make a significant difference in your dog’s wellbeing.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of fibre for dogs, which diets fall short, how to recognise if your dog needs more fibre, the ideal percentage for healthy adults, and which dogs benefit from higher levels. We’ll also dive into the science behind soluble and insoluble fibres, list top fibre sources, and reference peer-reviewed studies to give you evidence-based insights.
What is Fibre and Why is it Important for Dogs?
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that the body can’t digest. Instead, it passes through the digestive system, where it provides essential functions like bulking up stool, feeding gut bacteria, and supporting regular bowel movements. In dogs, fibre can aid in:
Digestive health
Weight management
Anal gland health
Blood sugar regulation
Chronic disease management (e.g., renal disease, diabetes)
Peer-reviewed research shows that fermentable fibres (such as beet pulp and chicory root) positively affect the gut microbiome, leading to improved digestion and immune function (Beloshapka et al., 2016).
Which Diets Typically Lack Fibre?
Certain canine diets can fall short on fibre:
Raw diets (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food - BARF): These tend to be low in fibre unless owners add vegetables, seeds, or fibre supplements.
Home-cooked diets: Unless formulated by a qualified pet nutritionist, they often miss the mark on balanced fibre content.
High-protein, low-carb kibbles: These diets sometimes underdeliver on fibre, especially those marketed as “grain-free.”
Conversely, many commercial kibbles contain adequate to high levels of fibre
Signs Your Dog Might Need More Fibre
Knowing whether your dog needs more fibre is critical. Look out for these signs:
Frequent anal gland issues
Loose or inconsistent stools
Excessive grass eating
Frequent constipation
Scooting behaviour
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
If you notice these symptoms, consider a dietary review with a certified canine nutritionist.
Ideal Fibre Percentage for Healthy Adult Dogs
Veterinary nutritionists suggest that the optimal crude fibre content for healthy adult dogs falls between 2.5% and 4.5% on a dry matter basis (DMB). According to the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (National Research Council, 2006), fibre is not an essential nutrient but provides functional benefits when included at appropriate levels.
For comparison:
Commercial weight-management diets can contain up to 12-20% fibre DMB.
Veterinary therapeutic diets for specific conditions (e.g., diabetes, colitis) can go even higher.
Which Dogs Benefit From Higher Fibre Levels?
Some dogs thrive on higher fibre diets due to specific health needs:
1. Dogs with Renal Issues
Higher fibre helps trap nitrogen in the colon, which is then excreted in stool rather than urine, lightening the load on the kidneys (Hall et al., 2000).
2. Dogs with Anal Gland Problems
Increased fibre bulks up stool, encouraging natural anal gland expression during defecation (Oba et al., 2008).
3. Overweight Dogs
Fibre promotes satiety, helping dogs feel fuller on fewer calories. Studies have shown that fibre-enriched diets support safe weight loss without compromising nutrient intake (German et al., 2010).
4. Senior Dogs
Older dogs often suffer from slowed gastrointestinal motility. Soluble fibres improve stool quality, while insoluble fibres help prevent constipation (Swanson et al., 2002).
Soluble vs. Insoluble Fibre: What’s the Difference?
Both types of fibre serve distinct roles in your dog’s diet:
Soluble Fibre
Dissolves in water, forming a gel.
Fermented by beneficial gut bacteria.
Produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support colon health.
Best for: dogs with loose stools, irritable bowel, or inflammatory gut issues.
Insoluble Fibre
Does not dissolve in water.
Adds bulk to the stool and speeds up passage through the gut.
Best for: dogs with constipation, anal gland issues, and weight management.
List of Soluble and Insoluble Fibre Sources for Dogs
Soluble Fibre Sources:
Psyllium husk
Beet pulp (semi-soluble)
Oats
Barley
Chicory root (inulin)
Apples (pectin)
Carrots
Insoluble Fibre Sources:
Pumpkin
Sweet potato skins
Green beans
Brown rice bran
Flaxseed hulls
Cellulose
Wheat bran
Many veterinary diets blend both soluble and insoluble fibres to optimise gut health.
Peer-Reviewed Studies on Fibre in Dogs
Beloshapka et al. (2016) showed that fermentable fibre improves gut microbiota diversity in dogs.
Hall et al. (2000) found that fibre-enriched diets reduce blood urea nitrogen in dogs with chronic kidney disease.
German et al. (2010) demonstrated that high-fibre, low-energy diets aid effective weight loss in obese dogs.
Oba et al. (2008) concluded that fibre supplementation reduces the recurrence of anal sacculitis.
Swanson et al. (2002) reported improved faecal quality and nutrient absorption in senior dogs fed diets with a balanced fibre profile.
Conclusion: Fibre is Functional, Not Filler
Despite common myths, fibre is far from being a useless filler in your dog’s diet. Whether your dog is a healthy adult, a senior, overweight, or struggling with anal gland issues or renal disease, fibre can provide tailored support when used correctly.
Aim for a balanced inclusion — typically 2.5% to 4.5% DMB for healthy dogs and higher for therapeutic needs. Always consult with a qualified canine nutritionist before making significant dietary changes, especially if your dog has medical conditions.
By understanding the nuances of fibre — from soluble vs. insoluble, to optimal sources — you can help your dog achieve better digestion, healthier weight, and overall improved wellbeing.
If you need personalised advice regarding your dog’s diet or health, feel free to reach out to The Canine Dietitian at www.thecaninedietitian.co.uk. Or click here for a FREE diet assessment. We’re here to help ensure your dog gets the best nutrition possible!