17 Best Fiber Sources for Dogs
This post shows you the 17 Best Fiber Sources for Dogs.
Is your dog struggling with digestion or constipation? Adding fiber to their diet can make a world of difference!
While dogs don’t need fiber as much as they need protein and healthy fats, fiber is still important because it supports healthy digestion!
Fiber is great for regulating weight and keeping your dog’s gut healthy. It supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut that help with nutrient absorption, so your dog will get better use of other foods as well!
In this post, you’ll find 17 of the best fiber-rich foods and sources you can easily add to your dog’s meals. I promise you—no fancy stuff that will break the bank. From everyday kitchen staples to store-bought options, you’ll find the best fiber sources for dogs!
1 Pumpkin
You’ll often see pumpkin making the list of best foods for dogs, and that’s because it’s such an amazing source of good nutrients and healthy fiber!
Pumpkin is gentle on the stomach, and it contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which means it can help with both diarrhea and constipation.
Soluble fiber absorbs water, which helps make stools less watery and less runny, so diarrhea will stop.
Insoluble fiber is helpful when your dog is struggling to go potty, as it adds bulk to the stool and makes it easier for your dog to poop.
Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamins E and C, and it contains powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body.
2 Sweet Potatoes
Just like pumpkin, sweet potatoes are one of the best fiber sources for dogs! They are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs and for dogs that are feeling a bit sick and tired, and they’re amazing for providing nutrients with just a few calories!
Similar to pumpkin, sweet potatoes have both soluble and insoluble fiber, so they can help with both diarrhea and constipation. Soluble fiber absorbs excess water in the intestines, which helps firm up loose stools, while insoluble fiber adds bulk and makes it easier for your dog to go potty.
When it comes to antioxidants and vitamins, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C. They also have natural sugars, which can provide energy without being heavy on the stomach.
3 Green Beans
Another powerful, low-calorie vegetable for dogs is green beans. They are an excellent source of fiber and pretty gentle on the stomach! They are also rich in minerals! Green beans contain iron and calcium, which are important for cardiovascular health and strong, healthy bones!
Since they are one of the best fiber sources for dogs, you can include green beans in your dog’s food bowl, share them raw, or even serve them frozen!
4 Carrots
Carrots are one of the best fiber sources for dogs, as they are low-calorie, super crunchy, and incredibly nutritious! Carrots are full of good fiber that’s great for digestion, and they are very refreshing, so most dogs really enjoy them.
Along with fiber, carrots are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, which is important for your dog’s eye and skin health.
5 Apples
Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins and one of the best ingredients for homemade dog snacks. They go great with peanut butter and even better with yogurt and oats.
Since they are low in calories, low in sugar, and high in fiber, they make a great snack that you can share pretty often. Good fiber helps with digestion, constipation, and improving gut health!
6 Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the best fiber sources for dogs! If your dog isn’t fond of fruits and veggies and you need to include more fiber in their diet, try oatmeal!
It’s very easy to digest and light on their stomach, and with a few add-ons like peanut butter, you can trick your dog into eating oatmeal!
Oats are high in soluble fiber. If you’ve been reading Dog Inspector, you know that we mostly talk about the importance of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The key is to find balance, help dogs have regular bowel movements and avoid constipation.
On top of fiber, oatmeal is good for dogs because it has lots of vitamin B, which is important for cell and brain function and the overall immune system!
7 Brown Rice
Brown rice is a simple, wholesome, natural fiber source for dogs. It contains insoluble fiber, which helps with regular stools and better digestion.
It’s also good for dogs with sensitive stomachs!
Unlike white rice, brown rice retains its outer layer, which means it has more fiber and nutrients. It’s also a great energy source, so if you have an active dog, you can include more rice in their meals.
8 Blueberries
Blueberries are a superfood! They are one of the best fiber sources for dogs! Rich in antioxidants and fiber, they are a great combo that helps with digestion and boosts overall health!
Because they’re low in calories and full of nutrients, blueberries make a perfect snack and a great food topper! Most dogs love them, so you’ll often see them in homemade dog treats and other dog recipes.
9 Canned Beets
Beets are a great source of fiber (both soluble and insoluble), and they can really help with digestion! They also have lots of nutrients, including antioxidants and minerals like potassium, that support gut health and the growth of good bacteria.
Since canned beets often contain added salt, it’s best to rinse them well before serving or buy canned beets with no added salt. You can also cook fresh beets until soft and enjoy some with olive oil and vinegar while sharing some plain cooked beets with your dog!
10 Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are one of the best plant-based fiber sources for dogs. They help with digestion, regulate bowel movements, and support gut health. On top of that, flaxseeds are an amazing source of omega-3!
Since whole flaxseeds are hard to digest, the only way to share them with dogs is to buy ground flaxseeds and mix them into their food!
11 Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a simple yet amazing source of fiber and omega-3s. They support gut health by promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, as they absorb water and form a gel-like consistency.
Since chia seeds expand when they absorb liquid, they should always be soaked before serving. This makes them easier to digest and helps prevent any risk of bloating or stomach discomfort.
12 Broccoli
Broccoli is a great fiber source for dogs, as it’s low in calories and packed with nutrients. It supports digestion and provides essential vitamins like C and K, which are great for overall health.
While broccoli is a healthy choice, it can cause gas, so it’s best to serve it in small amounts. Cooking it in boiling water for a couple of minutes (light steaming also works) makes it easier to digest. Cooking won’t destroy the antioxidants, so don’t worry!
13 Spinach
Spinach is a good source of folic acid and iron, and it’s one of the best leafy greens you can eat!
It’s incredibly healthy for dogs but best in small amounts! It helps regulate bowel movements and keeps your dog’s gut healthy.
Spinach is safe for most dogs, but if your dog has kidney issues, talk to your vet before sharing. Spinach contains oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption.
14 Peas
Peas are one of the easiest fiber sources for dogs to add to their meals. They are also a good plant-based source of protein and contain important vitamins like A, K, and B.
Peas are super convenient! You can use frozen, fresh, or cooked peas, but be sure to avoid canned peas, as they often contain added salt.
15 Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds aren’t a typical dog food, but with their combination of healthy fats, minerals, and fiber, they’ve earned a spot on this list!
Pumpkin seeds contain minerals like zinc and magnesium, and their natural oils (healthy fats) contribute to beautiful skin and shiny fur!
Since salted or flavored pumpkin seeds aren’t safe for dogs, it’s best to use plain, unsalted roasted seeds. You can serve them whole or grind them up to mix into meals.
16 Pears
Just like apples, pears are another fiber-rich fruit that makes a great snack for dogs. They are tasty, low in calories, crunchy, and refreshing.
They are best served fresh, cut into small pieces without the core. You can also use pears as an oatmeal topper or mix them with yogurt when making frozen treats.
17 Whole Grain Bread (Occasionally)
Whole grain bread can be an occasional treat for dogs, as it provides fiber and energy in small amounts. While it’s healthy in moderation, it should never replace more nutrient-dense fiber sources.
When choosing bread, always go for plain whole-grain bread with no added sugar, raisins, or spices like cinnamon, which aren’t safe for dogs.
Adding fiber to your dog’s diet is an easy way to improve digestion, manage weight, and keep them healthy.
Start with one or two of these fiber-rich foods today and watch your dog thrive!
Which of these fiber sources does your dog love the most? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these tips handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you the 17 Best Fiber Sources for Dogs.
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