The main reasons for adding fiber to a dog's diet are to encourage regular bowel movement. Also, depending on the type of fiber, they can relieve constipation and diarrhea. In some diets they are the main calorie intake, increase the feeling of fullness in the stomach and help you lose weight. You can add them to your dog's diet in various ways, from the use of supplements that do not require a prescription to the administration of healthy foods, also useful for human health.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Evaluating the Need for Adding Fiber to the Dog's Diet
Step 1. Check what you eat
Many foods already contain an adequate level of fiber. The list of ingredients, shown on the packaging of the pet food, must contain the maximum concentration of crude fiber. Most of these foods contain about 5% crude fiber, often enough for the average healthy dog.
Step 2. Observe your dog
If you are constipated or have diarrhea, it could be a simple intestinal virus, parasites, gastrointestinal disease, or strain due to an enlarged prostate or a mass that prevents the passage of stool. Observe the dog to see if symptoms persist for more than two days.
Step 3. Take him to the vet
The symptoms of constipation can overlap with those of a urinary obstruction, which is a very serious condition. If you see that it tends to strain several times, it is necessary to have it checked. Ask your vet for a rectal exam. If the main problem seems to lie with diet and digestion, he or she will probably suggest that you introduce fiber supplements into your diet.
Part 2 of 2: Adding Fiber to the Dog's Diet
Step 1. Add canned pumpkin pulp to your dog's food
A small size specimen needs only one spoon per meal, while a large size (about 20-25 kg in weight) should receive about 25 cl.
Be careful which one you buy, though, because canned pumpkin pulp is not comparable to a pumpkin pie that contains additives and sugars, which are bad for the dog
Step 2. Steam the green beans
For dogs, fresh green beans are an additional source of fiber. Prepare a handful by steaming them in the microwave and then letting them cool completely. Finely chop or pass them and incorporate them into your dog's meal.
Raw green beans are less digestible, so your puppy won't get much nutritional benefit from consuming them this way. However, you can use them as rewards during play and training
Step 3. Give him the sweet potatoes
There are over 3 grams of fiber in a medium sized potato. Peel a sweet potato, then cut it into small cubes. Put them in a bowl with a small amount of water, cover it with cling film and keep it in the microwave until the pieces are soft enough to be skewered with a fork. Mash the potatoes with a fork and add 1-3 tablespoons of this mixture to your dog's main meal.
Step 4. Consult your veterinarian
Realize that these and other vegetables can also increase your intake of other nutrients, such as potassium. These may be unhealthy substances for your dog if he has certain health problems, such as kidney disease. Therefore, your vet can help you determine which vegetables are best to consume based on your pet's health.
Step 5. Add a tablespoon of bran flakes, oat flakes or millet to the food
Feeding whole grains is also a convenient and inexpensive way to increase a dog's dietary fiber ration. Some of these products may be fortified with vitamins or other substances, so review the nutritional information carefully before using industrially packaged foods.
Step 6. Add a non-prescription fiber supplement
You can use Metamucil or other generic fiber supplements for a couple of days to help your dog restore his bowel activities. Sprinkle a small amount on food to quickly regulate bowel functions. Use half a tablespoon per meal if the dog is small, or more than two tablespoons per meal if the dog is large. Add a small amount of water to mix with the fibers.
Use it in moderation and no later than 2 days to make sure you don't run into the opposite problem: diarrhea
Step 7. Try a new or different diet
Switching to a diet with a higher fiber content (or a food formulation, under veterinary prescription, such as Hill's w / d, Royal Canin GI Fiber Response or Purina DCO) may be the easiest way to supplement fiber without purchasing additional substances or without preparing other foods. It may be necessary to consult with your vet so that he prescribes a suitable diet or a range of foods to buy at a specialized pet store.
Step 8. Don't overdo it
'Fiber' is a term that encompasses several polysaccharides, so not all fibers are the same. Many types have varying effects on water absorption, digestion and fermentation within the intestine. They may even cause unwanted effects, such as flatulence, bloating, or diarrhea. If they do occur, try changing the type of fiber or reducing the amount you give.
