Fiber is an important and versatile nutrient for dogs and puppies. Often regarded as a way to firm or bulk up stool, fiber also plays a critical role in digestion, nutrient absorption, weight management, and overall wellness.
In this guide to high-fiber diets for dogs, we’ll review the health benefits of fiber, the best sources of fiber in dog food, and how to ensure your dog’s diet contains the right amount for their health and life stage.
Best high fiber dog food ingredients
Knowing what dog food is high in fiber isn’t just a matter of percentages or label claims; it’s about looking at ingredients.
The following whole food ingredients are naturally fiber-rich and contain other helpful vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support overall health. You’ll typically find one or more of the following ingredients in quality high-fiber dog foods and fiber-rich foods for puppies.
Pumpkin
Pureed pumpkin (i.e., not pumpkin pie filling) is naturally high in soluble fiber, which is the type of fiber that dissolves in your dog’s gut. This digestible form of fiber slows digestive processes for maximum nutrient absorption, acts as a prebiotic food source for the healthy bacteria in your pet’s digestive system, and helps control blood sugar levels.
Like most high fiber ingredients, a little pumpkin goes a long way—making it a convenient and economical high fiber dog food for large breeds.
Sweet potato
Cooked, pureed sweet potato is also high in soluble and insoluble (undigestible) fiber. This valuable vegetable helps regulate bowel movements, control blood sugar, and support beneficial gut bacteria (i.e., your dog’s microbiome).
Green beans
Often used as a low-calorie, high-fiber dog food topper for dieting canines, green beans are a great choice. They help dogs feel full and satisfied, making them a smart addition to any high-fiber dog food or high fiber low fat dog food meal plan. Plus, dogs think they’re pretty fun to eat!
Oats
Oats (often in the form of oatmeal) are a gentle soluble fiber that’s easy on your dog’s digestion–making them great for senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Brown rice
In addition to providing insoluble fiber, brown rice serves as a steady energy source (complex carbohydrate) for dogs. It’s also easy on the digestive tract, making it a popular high fiber puppy food ingredient.
Carrots
Carrots add a hint of sweetness, key vitamins, and a punch of gut-healthy insoluble fiber. Because carrots do contain natural sugars, they should be fed in moderation.
Apples
Apples are fiber-rich and high in key vitamins. Like carrots, they contain natural sugars and should be fed sparingly.
Flaxseed
This plant-based fiber source supports healthy digestion and provides omega-3 fatty acids to support your dog’s skin, coat, and heart health.
Signs your dog could benefit from more fiber
Like any essential nutrient, dogs need the right balance of soluble and insoluble fiber in their diet. Without enough fiber, they may experience the following changes that reveal just how important fiber is to their overall health.
Irregular bowel movements
Fiber adds bulk to your dog’s diet, helping food move steadily through the digestive system. This keeps stools regular and predictable. Without enough fiber, your dog’s bathroom habits may be inconsistent. This can be especially challenging during potty training, when predictability is the key to creating a routine. If your new family member doesn’t seem to know when they have to “go,” ask your veterinarian if high fiber puppy food would help.
Constipation or diarrhea
A low-fiber diet can upset normal digestion, causing stools to be too hard or dry and difficult to pass (constipation), or too loose (diarrhea). Prolonged constipation or diarrhea can lead to negative health changes in your dog.
Weight gain or constant hunger
Fiber helps dogs feel full and satisfied. Dog foods that don’t contain enough fiber can leave dogs feeling hungry soon after meals and may lead to begging or food stealing.
Dull coat and low energy
Too little fiber in your dog’s food can slow digestion, affect their blood glucose, and reduce nutrient absorption, leaving your dog low on energy and missing the nutrients that keep their coat shiny and healthy.
What are the benefits of high-fiber dog food?
Fiber’s numerous advantages promote overall health for every dog and extra support for those with specific needs. Consider the following benefits of feeding a high-fiber dog food.
Healthy digestion
The right amount of fiber keeps your dog’s digestive system running smoothly. It helps food move at a steady pace, allowing your dog to absorb nutrients more effectively and without uncomfortable side effects like bloating or gas. Better digestion equals better overall health, balanced energy, and a happier, more comfortable dog.
Weight management
High-fiber diets add bulk to your dog’s meals, helping them feel full and satisfied without extra calories. This can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight—or shed a few pounds—without constant hunger, food stealing, or increased exercise.
Improved stool quality
Insoluble fiber passes through your dog’s digestive system without breaking down. In the colon, it helps retain water and gives stool proper form and consistency, making it easier and more comfortable to pass. In some cases, added fiber can also help manage constipation, diarrhea, and loose stools.
Regular, well-formed bowel movements, supported by fiber-rich diets, also support anal gland health and make potty training easier for puppies.
Better diabetes management
High-fiber low fat dog foods can be a helpful part of diabetes management by slowing glucose (blood sugar) absorption. This prevents harmful spikes or crashes (hypoglycemia), which can cause dangerous side effects for dogs.
Gut microbiome balance and support
The beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut make up their microbiome—a community of helpful microorganisms that support digestion, immunity, and overall health. The fiber in high-fiber dog foods helps feed these good bacteria with prebiotics and probiotics, keeping the microbiome balanced for smooth digestion and optimal well-being.
What to look for in high fiber dog food
With many high fiber dog foods on the market, choosing the right one for your dog means understanding your dog’s unique needs and what to look for on the label. Here are several factors to consider when determining what dog food is high in fiber.
Type and source of fiber
Look for recognizable fiber sources like pumpkin, sweet potato, flaxseed, oats, and brown rice. Use your dog’s needs as a guide when choosing between soluble and insoluble fiber. For example, if your dog has loose stools, adding insoluble fiber can help firm them up. If your dog needs help managing blood sugar or weight, added soluble fiber may be more beneficial. Ideally, a quality high-fiber dog food will have a balance of both fiber types.
Balanced macronutrients
Macronutrients are the key building blocks of your dog’s diet. They include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. When these are complete and balanced, you can know the dog food provides everything your dog needs for overall health and wellness.
Natural, whole-food ingredients
Whole-food fiber sources provide added nutrients and enhanced digestibility without the need for artificial additives or supplements.
Vet-formulated, AAFCO-approved recipes
Do your research! Dog foods formulated by veterinarian nutritionists ensure appropriate nutrition in the correct ratios for dogs. This means your dog gets maximum nutrition and health benefits at every meal. For added peace of mind, look for an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the dog food label. This confirms the dog food meets established nutritional standards for dogs at the labeled life stage, such as puppy, adult, pregnant and lactating, or all life stages.
Give your dog the fiber boost they need with JustFoodForDogs
Fiber isn’t a complicated nutrient, but it does provide much more than meets the eye–or your pooper scooper. When fed in the right amount, from natural, whole-food ingredients, fiber delivers complete wellness benefits that help dogs thrive–inside and out.
JustFoodForDogs takes the guesswork out of feeding your dog with balanced, high-fiber, vet-formulated meals made from fresh, human-grade ingredients. Each thoughtfully prepared recipe is designed to simplify long-term support for your dog’s health, with easily digestible nutrition that dogs love to eat and their owners feel good about.
Explore our entire menu of JustFoodForDogs Fresh and DIY options.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.
“Fiber Frustrations – Petfoodology.” 2019. November 4, 2019. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/2019/11/04/fiber-frustrations/.
