10 Great Sources of Fiber for Dogs

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Fiber is important for a healthy digestive tract and overall wellness. It helps keep people regular, controls blood pressure, and can even regulate blood sugar levels. 

But do dogs need fiber in the same way humans do? To get answers, we asked three veterinarians about dogs and fiber and the best sources of fiber for dogs.

Do Dogs Need Fiber?

Fiber is a carbohydrate that plays a beneficial role in gut health. It comes in both soluble (digestible) and insoluble (not digestible) forms, and both have their place in the body’s ecosystem. 

“Digestible fiber refers to the fiber that can be broken down into simple molecules that can be eaten by bacteria in the pet’s gut,” says Dr. Sam Kovac of Southern Cross Vet. “Indigestible fiber can be thought of as carbohydrates that offer little nutritional value but massage the gut to reduce inflammation and clean the mucous membranes.” 

Basically, fiber helps your dog maintain a healthy balance in the gut, which regulates the bowels and keeps the colon healthy, too. 

“The colon loves fiber,” adds Dr. Kathy Boehme of The Drake Center. “Fiber is kind of magical because it can aid in both diarrhea and constipation. There are a lot of puppies with chronic diarrhea, and they respond beautifully to fiber.”

How Much Fiber Do Dogs Need?

This is where it gets tricky because not every dog needs fiber added to their diets. “A dog doesn’t need a diet loaded with fiber unless they have a lot of gastrointestinal problems,” says Dr. Boehme. 

According to Dr. Jeff Feinman of Holistic Actions, most dogs get their necessary fiber from their diets. But dogs with digestive problems like diarrhea may benefit from fiber supplements for dogs. “My rescue pup has colitis, which causes diarrhea and even tinges of blood in the [stool]. He does quite well with a little fiber,” Dr. Feinman says. “Some dogs need it and some don’t.”

Natural Sources of Fiber for Dogs: 10 Healthy Options

Whether your pet has some mild digestive issues, your vet suggests a fiber boost, or you just want to provide some occasional fiber-focused snacks to keep your dog full and focused, there are lots of sources to consider... and some of them could be in your pantry or refrigerator right now!

Many natural sources of dietary fiber can also serve as healthy (and yummy) treats you can add to your dog’s daily diet. Just make sure to discuss these additions with your veterinarian before giving them to your pup. 

If you’re wondering how to add fiber to your dog’s diet, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular sources of fiber for dogs.

Beet Pulp

Beet pulp has been characterized as a filler product in some pet nutrition circles. But it’s one of the best sources of fiber for dogs. Beet pulp is a colorless and stringy byproduct of sugar beet processing and easily digested. “Beet pulp is common in many pet foods,” says Dr. Boehme. You’ll find it in many high-fiber dog foods.  

Pumpkin

Turns out, this fall favorite is a tasty source of healthy fiber for dogs. You can find pumpkin year-round in grocery stores—just be sure you buy plain pureed pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. You can feed fresh pumpkin to dogs, too. 

When feeding pumpkin to dogs, it’s better to start small and see how they react. Dr. Feinman recommends “a teaspoon or less.” 

Ground Flaxseed 

Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs, which means it’s good for their skin, coat, brain, and overall nervous system. Flaxseed is also a great source of dietary fiber and antioxidants and can help intestinal health, according to the Flax Council of Canada.

There are many ways you can add flaxseed meal or ground flaxseeds to your dog’s diet. You can sprinkle it on your dog’s food, mix it with peanut butter and roll into balls for treats, or mix with a bit of plain, organic yogurt. It’s best to ground the flaxseeds right before using. As with any new food, start with a small amount—a teaspoon is plenty as a starting point. 

Kelp

If you’re a sushi fan, you might think of kelp as the seaweed wrapped around your sushi rolls. Of course, the Japanese have long known of its health benefits. Kelp is high in iron, and as it turns out, it’s also a high-fiber food that’s safe for pups. 

Lettuce 

Green lettuce can be a source of good fiber for dogs—even if its high water content doesn’t provide a lot of additional nutrients. You’ll want to chop it up so it’s easier to eat and make sure it doesn’t have any dressing or other elements that could be harmful to your pup. Iceberg lettuce might taste good, but it has very little fiber.

Apples

Many dogs love chomping on apple slices as a high-fiber treat. As a bonus, apples are low in calories and help clean canine teeth too. Try offering your pup a slice of apple and see how they like it. As always, keep the pieces proportionate with your dog’s size and never give your dog the seeds or core.  

Carrots 

Many pet parents buy bags of baby carrots to feed as treats. Like apples, they’re low in calories, which is perfect for pups who’d benefit from a bit of weight loss and are high in fiber to keep your pup fuller longer. A study also revealed that feeding dogs raw carrots can help improve a dog’s liver and kidney function (1).

Green Beans 

Consider green beans as another addition to the veggie selection for your pet. They’re also low-calorie and full of fiber for a healthy, high-fiber dog treat. 

Brown Rice 

Recent grain-free trends aside, brown rice turns up in many high-fiber dog foods because it’s a great fiber source, according to a 2016 research study (2). It also mixes well with veggies like carrots and green beans.

Strawberries and Blueberries

Got fresh berries? Your pup can enjoy fresh strawberries and blueberries along with you. Just rinse them and eat. These natural sources of fiber for dogs can also give your pet an antioxidant boost. A study of sled dogs who were fed blueberries after exercise had elevated antioxidant levels in their blood compared to a control group that was not fed berries (3).

Just don’t overdo the berries, since fruits like strawberries and blueberries have natural sugar content. Too much won’t be good for your dog. 

Fiber Supplements for Dogs

Adding fruits, veggies, or brown rice to your dog’s diet may not provide them with all the fiber they need—especially if they have digestive problems. If your pup has irregular bowels, is obese, or has diabetes, they may need more fiber than fresh food contains. 

“I like the idea of feeding fiber in the form of fruits and veggies, but the amount should not comprise more than 10 percent of the diet so that you do not unbalance the diet,” says Dr. Boehme. “If it is not possible to do this, then they would need an additional supplement.”

Vetasyl is one such dog fiber supplement veterinarians commonly recommend because it’s made entirely of natural fiber in the form of psyllium husks. Plus, it’s highly palatable, contains no salts or sugars, and is easy to administer. 

If your dog would prefer their extra fiber in treat form, VetriScience makes a yummy duck-flavored GI Balance chew that’s available through veterinarians as part of the brand’s Pro Line. Each fiber-rich chew contains ingredients that promote gastrointestinal comfort, regularity, and immune health, including Sunfiber, a proprietary soluble fiber proven to support beneficial gut bacteria to ease digestion.  

Before adding any new fiber supplements to your dog’s diet, make sure to talk to your veterinarian about the kind and type that will best benefit your pet. 

Is Metamucil a Good Source of Fiber for Dogs?

When people think of fiber, Metamucil—a popular fiber supplement that you mix with water—comes to mind. And if you’re mixing up a glass for yourself, you might be wondering whether Metamucil for dogs is safe and if dogs can experience the same benefits as humans.

Turns out, a small amount of Metamucil for dogs should be okay—just make sure to read the label carefully.

“A pinch of Metamucil can be helpful for dogs,” Dr. Feinman says. “Just be sure it’s only Metamucil and not filled with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, as those are dangerous for dogs.”

Plain Metamucil can be an effective and convenient fiber supplement for senior dogs who need supplementation.

Understanding Fiber in Dog Food

Visit any pet retailer, and you’ll find shelves of high-fiber dog food. Many of the commercial dog foods designed for weight loss are high in fiber, says Dr. Boehm, because fiber helps keep pets fuller longer—so they eat less.   

She says there are also high-fiber foods for dogs with colitis or chronic diarrhea, including specialty prescription foods. “These foods are specially formulated by veterinarian nutritionists.” 

High-Fiber Dog Food Formulas to Consider

So, when it comes to a high-fiber diet for dogs, exactly what kind of dog food should you be looking for? Do you need a prescription diet, or will any fiber-rich foods for dogs do?

The answer depends largely on your dog’s specific health needs. Prescription formulas are commonly recommended for dogs with fiber-responsive health issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, diabetes mellitus, and colitis. But always check with your veterinarian when considering a new food, to make sure the formula fits their unique health and nutrition needs best.

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dog Food

This highly digestible prescription diet is often the first pick for dogs with food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, or general digestive upset. It’s made with hydrolyzed soy protein, which is designed to be easily absorbed so it doesn’t trigger an abnormal immune response (such as itching or inflammation). Plus, it contains a blend of fiber-rich ingredients, like brewer’s rice and beet pulp, to help support healthy digestion, a balanced gut microbiome, and stool consistency. This formula contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps dogs absorb essential nutrients and rid their body of toxins. 

Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Dog Food

This prescription diet is specially formulated to address fiber-responsive gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and loose stool. It contains a proprietary prebiotic blend called ActivBiome+ that works quickly to activate your dog’s gut microbiome. Within 24 hours this high-fiber diet dog food helps firm up loose stool and reduces the risk of future GI upset. You can only purchase this food with your veterinarian’s approval.

This diet may be especially beneficial for dogs as they age. Senior dogs often develop a variety of medical conditions that increase their need for fiber. If your senior dog is experiencing constipation or soft stools, talk to your veterinarian about whether a fiber-rich therapeutic diet such as Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome dog food could benefit them. 

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High Fiber Dog Food

You can only purchase this veterinary-exclusive dry dog food formula with a prescription from your veterinarian. It contains a blend of soluble and non-soluble fibers to support gastrointestinal regularity, plus fish oils and omega fatty acids to soothe GI upset. It’s highly palatable, so it’s a great, nutritious choice, whether your pup is facing long-term digestive sensitivities or short-term upset.

What to Do Next If You Think Your Dog Needs More Fiber

As you can see, there are many healthy sources of fiber for dogs. From feeding apples and carrots as fiber-rich dog treats to drizzling flaxseed oil over your pet’s food, your dog may love these additions. In other cases, if your dog has a specific health need, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription dog food that is high in fiber.

However, like every health question, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. “It depends on the individual,” Dr. Feinman says. 

If you’re worried about your dog’s digestive health and you think more fiber may help, talk with your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s fiber needs.

References

1. Turner RG. Effect of Prolonged Feeding of Raw Carrots on Vitamin A Content of Liver and Kidneys in the Dog. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 1934;31(7):866-868. doi:10.3181/00379727-31-7352C
2. Beloshapka, Alison N et al. “Compositional Analysis of Whole Grains, Processed Grains, Grain Co-Products, and Other Carbohydrate Sources with Applicability to Pet Animal Nutrition.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 5,2 23. 25 Mar. 2016, doi:10.3390/foods5020023
3. Dunlap, Kriya L et al. “Total antioxidant power in sled dogs supplemented with blueberries and the comparison of blood parameters associated with exercise.” Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology vol. 143,4 (2006): 429-34. doi:10.1016/j.cbpa.2005.09.007