There are lots of good, natural sources of fibre for dogs, but the importance of ensuring that your dog gets enough fibre in their diet is often overlooked. A complete, healthy diet for your dog needs to be properly balanced, and this means providing fibre for dogs in the right quantities, along with high-quality meat protein, and all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs to thrive.
In this blog post, we will answer the question “do dogs need fibre?” As well as sharing 8 good sources of fibre for dogs to feed as part of their balanced diet.
Do Dogs Need Fibre in Their Diets?
Do dogs need fibre? It is a common misapprehension about dogs that they are obligate carnivores, when in fact, they are omnivores that eat a mixture of meat protein and plant matter in the wild. The roughage and plant matter that they consume provides an important source of fibre for dogs, which helps to balance their diet, keep their digestive system moving, and enhance the energy and nutrients that come from the meat part of their meals.
8 Good Sources of Fibre for Dogs
So, we know that dogs need fibre. How do you get fibre into your dog’s diet naturally and in the most palatable and digestible format to support good health? Here are eight great sources of fibre for dogs.
Wheatgerm
Wheatgerm is the nutrient-packed heart of wheat, which contains vitamin E, folic acid, and other vital nutrients that dogs need to thrive. It is also a great source of dietary fibre.
Milled flaxseed
Whole flaxseed contains insoluble fibre, but when it is milled to remove its tough outer shell, this milled flaxseed turns into soluble dietary fibre that binds with cholesterol, fat, and bile to keep your dog’s digestive system in peak condition and ensure good digestive health.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in carotene that provides vitamins A, K and B6, which help to keep your dog’s eyes bright and healthy! Carrots also provide a great source of nutritious fibre for dogs as well as helping to ensure that they get their daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most nutritious plants from the cabbage family, and provides a range of vitamins and trace elements to help to keep your dog fit and healthy. Broccoli provides a natural source of easily digested fibre that most dogs enjoy eating!
Kale
Kale has gotten something of a reputation as a superfood for humans in recent years, and it offers all of the same benefits for dogs too. Kale is a great source of fibre, iron, thiamine, folate, and riboflavin, and makes a great addition to your dog’s diet.
Kelp
Kelp or sea kelp is a good dietary addition for dogs who already have a healthy digestive system, but it really comes into its own to help to keep things moving properly for dogs that are prone to constipation or digestive upsets.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a really versatile squash that is enjoyed by humans and dogs alike, and that provides an excellent source of nutrients and fibre. You can add pumpkin to your dog’s diet, or give them a cooling summer treat by freezing small cubes of pumpkin to offer to your dog on those baking hot summer days.
Apples
Another versatile and tasty treat for your dog to serve up in slices or add to their diet is apple, and apple is also full of vitamins as well as being rich in fibre. Remember to remove the core from apples before giving slices to your dog, as apple seeds can be toxic in large quantities.
Fibre for dogs as part of a balanced diet
Incorporating the right sources of fibre for dogs into their daily diet is something that all complete, balanced dog foods should take into account, whether you feed a commercial diet or prepare raw food for your dog at home.
All of Cotswold RAW’s prepared raw food meals for dogs contains the right balance of fibre to keep your dog fit and healthy, integrating wholesome, seasonal vegetables such as carrot and broccoli along with just the right amounts of roughage like wheatgerm and milled flaxseed.
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