Fiber is crucial for proper digestion – for humans and for dogs. It helps your dog’s digestive system function properly, prevents diarrhea and constipation, and provides a wide range of other health benefits. As a result, there are plenty of good reasons to consider switching to a high fiber dog food.
Yet, finding the best high fiber dog food for your pet is a challenging task.
Keep reading for reviews of the five best dog foods with fiber and advice on how to add more fiber to your dog’s diet.
Summed Up: The Best High Fiber Dog Food
| Brand name | Fiber content | First 3 ingredients | Designed for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food | 10% max. | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein | Adult weight loss | Check Price |
| Utro Adult Dry Dog Food | 11.5% max. | Chicken, lentils, rice bran | Adult weight loss | Check Price |
| Wellness Grain Free Puppy Food | 5.5% max. | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas | Puppies | Check Price |
| Hill's Science Diet Adult Dog Food | 10.4% max. | Chicken, brown rice, cracked pearled barley, | Adult weight loss | Check Price |
| Earthborn Holistic Pet Food | 9.0% max. | Chicken meal, peas, tapioca | Adult weight loss | Check Price |
Reviews of the Best High Fiber Dog Foods
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Best Overall
High-protein, grain-free diet to help dogs lose weight.
(5 / 5)
Our top pick of the best high fiber foods for dogs is this Healthy Weight recipe from Blue Wilderness. Inspired by the diet of wolves, this grain-free food is made with all-natural ingredients.
Though marketed as a high-protein diet, with deboned chicken and chicken meal the two main ingredients, Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight also has up to 10% crude fiber content. This ensures that it aids weight loss, with the high fiber content ensuring your dog feels full even after consuming fuller calories.
Most owners report that their dog loves the taste of this recipe, while the fact that it’s grain-free can also help with allergies. Glucosamine and chondroitin are included to promote joint health and mobility, while omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help keep your dog’s skin and coat looking their best.
Available in 4.5lb and 24lb sizes, Blue Wilderness Weight Control isn’t the cheapest high fiber dog food available — you can expect to pay somewhere around $20 for a 4.5lb bag. But if you’re looking for a grain-free high fiber dog food to help your pet maintain a healthy weight, the extra cost will be well worth it.
PROS:
- High fiber content
- High in protein for an active lifestyle
- All-natural ingredients
CONS:
- Expensive
- Problems of shipping or packing
2. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food for Weight Control
Runner Up
Low-calorie weight-loss formula with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
(4.5 / 5)
If you’re searching for high-fiber dog food to help your pet lose weight, this popular recipe from Nutro is well worth considering. A cup of Nutro Wholesome Essentials Healthy Weight features just 228 calories, ensuring that your dog gets all the nutrients he needs while cutting down on excess calories.
Farm-raised chicken is the main ingredient in this diet, while sweet potato and lentils add fiber and a range of other important vitamins and minerals. The recipe is also rich in vitamin E to support a healthy immune system, and there are plenty of reviews from dog owners praising its weight-loss benefits.
Nutro also follows its Feed Clean philosophy. This means there are no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and the food is made with non-GMO ingredients. However, due to potential cross contact during manufacturing, Nutro does point out that trace amounts of genetically modified material may be present.
Available in 5lb, 15lb, and 30lb bags, this low-fat high fiber dog food offers plenty of benefits for anyone looking to help their pet shed a few excess pounds.
PROS:
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Low in calories
- Supports a healthy immune system
CONS:
- Trace amounts of genetically modified material may be present
3. Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Puppy Dog Food
Best for Puppies
Grain-free puppy food designed to promote healthy growth and development
(4.5 / 5)
If you’re looking to add a little extra fiber into your puppy’s diet, this Wellness Complete Health recipe has got you covered. Designed to provide all the nutrients and energy a growing puppy needs, it features a maximum crude fiber content of 5.5%.
While this is less than the other high fiber dog foods listed here, the recipe is specially formulated to ensure healthy growth and development.
Chicken is the main source of protein in this recipe, while salmon oil is included to promote brain and eye development. Omega 3-rich flaxseed is added to help ensure healthy skin and coat.
Available in 4lb, 12lb, and 24lb bags, this grain-free diet costs around $15 for a 4lb bag.
But the best feature of all? It’s made in the USA using natural ingredients.
PROS:
- Perfect for puppies
- All-natural product
- Made in the USA
CONS:
- Lower fiber content than other foods featured here
4. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Weight Management
Best for Weight Loss
Clinically proven weight-loss formula high in protein and fiber
(4.5 / 5)
Hill’s Science Diet is one of the biggest names in the pet world when it comes to weight loss dog food. And the Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe offers a long list of benefits for anyone who needs to help their portly pooch get in shape.
Featuring chicken, cracked pearled barley, and brown rice as the three main ingredients, this recipe is rich in high-quality protein and has a fiber content of 10.4%. Natural ingredients from around the world are used, but the food is manufactured in the USA.
And according to research from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, over 70% of dogs fed this diet lost weight within the first 10 weeks.
Available in 4lb, 15lb, and 28.5lb bags, Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight is a little more expensive than some other high fiber dog foods. However, its clinically proven benefits mean this food is definitely worth considering if you need to start your dog on a weight-loss diet.
PROS:
- Clinically proven
- Visible results within 10 weeks
- Made in the USA
CONS:
- Expensive
5. Earthborn Holistic Low-Calorie Dog Food
Best for Holistic Nutrition
Grain-free diet for weight loss that uses premium ingredients
(4.5 / 5)
The final entry on our list of the best high fiber dog foods is this Weight Control recipe from Earthborn Holistic. Another low-fat diet, this chicken recipe is low in calories and packs a maximum fiber content of 9%.
A grain-free diet, Earthborn Holistic Weight Control features a chicken meal, peas, and tapioca as its three main ingredients. High fiber fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and blueberries are also included to ensure proper digestive function and help your dog feel fuller for longer.
Other benefits include L-carnitine to maintain lean muscle mass, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint maintenance.
Available in 5lb, 14lb, and 28lb bags, Earthborn Holistic Weight Control has plenty of positive reviews from satisfied customers. If you want to feed your dog a diet that’s high in fiber but low in calories, it’s well worth a closer look.
PROS:
- Low in calories
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Helps your dog feel fuller for longer
CONS:
- Some customers report that their dogs don’t like this food
Benefits of High Fiber Dog Food
You’re probably well aware of the many benefits a high fiber diet offers for you, but what about for your dog?
To find out, we first need to find out exactly what fiber is and examine the important role it plays in the digestive system.
What is fiber?
Fiber is an important nutrient for your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. This type of carbohydrate is found in plant-based ingredients and comes in two different forms: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water and can be digested. Insoluble fiber cannot be digested by the body and passes through the gastrointestinal system more or less unchanged.
Both types of fiber have their uses, and both can provide a wide range of advantages for your dog. Some of the benefits of high fiber dog food are listed below.
It ensures proper digestive function
The number one-benefit of high fiber dog food is that it helps your dog’s digestive system function properly.
Fiber regulates digestive function, ensuring that your pet is able to properly digest and absorb all the essential nutrients in his food. It also helps the good bacteria in your dog’s gut thrive, ensuring that illness and disease are kept at bay.
It prevents diarrhea and constipation
When your dog’s digestive system is working properly, his bowel movements will also be normal. This helps prevent problems like constipation, bloating and diarrhea.
It boosts the immune system
Fiber also nourishes the good bacteria in your dog’s digestive system, helping to ensure proper digestive balance. And with up to 70 percent of your dog’s immune system linked to the gut, including fiber in your dog’s diet can promote general health and wellbeing.
It aids weight loss
When shopping for high fiber dog food, you’ll probably notice that many fiber-rich recipes are designed to help your pet lose weight.
Why?
It all comes down to the fact that high fiber foods can help your dog feel full for longer.
These low-fat diets let your dog feel like he’s eaten a hearty meal, but at the same time ensure that he eats fewer calories.
It maintains healthy blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes
Next, the best high fiber dog food can also reduce your dog’s risk of diabetes. They do this by helping to maintain blood sugar levels within a healthy range, lowering the chances of any dangerous fluctuations.
This not only makes it easier to manage your dog’s diabetes but also helps prevent obesity.
It reduces anal gland inflammation
The best high fiber dog food can also prevent anal gland problems. Fiber helps your dog produce firmer, bulkier stools, which assists with naturally draining the anal glands when your pet does his business.
Reduces the risk of cancer
Because fiber helps your dog produce stools more quickly, it’s thought that it may also help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Sources of Fiber for Dogs
Now that you know just how important fiber is for your dog, where can you find the best fiber foods for dogs?
The good news is that there are several ways to increase fiber consumption.
You can feed a high fiber dog food, give your pet specific ingredients known to be high in fiber, and even use fiber supplements for dogs.
Sources of fiber in dog food
There are several fruits, vegetables, and grains commonly used in commercial dog food to increase fiber content. These include:
- Sweet potato
- Pumpkin
- Apple
- Carrot
- Oatmeal
- Flaxseed
- Psyllium husk
- Brown rice
- Beet pulp
- Legumes
How to add more fiber to your dog’s diet
If you want to add more fiber to your dog’s diet without switching to a high fiber food, you may want to consider giving him healthy, high fiber treats.
Happily, there are plenty of “human” foods that can also make nutritious treats for dogs. Some examples include:
- Canned pumpkin
- Raw or steamed green beans
- Cooked sweet potato
- Peas
- Raw or cooked carrots
Whichever ingredients you choose, be sure to give them only in moderation and monitor your dog for any signs any of these foods don’t agree with him.
How Much Fiber Is In Dog Food?
What constitutes a high fiber dog food?
To find out, you’ll need to take a closer look at the label.
How much fiber is in regular dog food?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering, how much fiber does my dog need?
Most dog foods contain somewhere between 2% and 5% fiber. For most dogs, this provides sufficient fiber to ensure good health and proper digestive function.
You can find out how much fiber is in your dog’s food by reading the guaranteed or typical analysis on the label.
How much fiber is in high fiber dog food?
High fiber dog foods usually have a fiber content of 5-12%. However, many of these foods are designed to perform specific tasks, such as aiding weight loss or ensuring minimal digestive problems for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
As a result, it’s important to check with your veterinarian before feeding a high fiber dog food.
What to Look For In High Fiber Dog Food
There are several important factors you’ll need to take into account when searching for the best high fiber dog food for your furry friend.
First, you’ll need to consider your dog’s nutritional needs so you can be sure of choosing appropriate food.
For example, puppy foods are specially formulated to meet all the nutritional requirements of puppies, while adult foods provide all the vitamins and minerals an adult dog needs to stay happy and healthy.
Foods are also developed for dogs of different sizes, so if you own a large breed like a Labrador or Golden Retriever, you’ll need to feed a diet designed for large breeds.
Best high fiber dog foods comparison
The easiest way to find the right food for your pet is to compare high fiber dog food brands. You’ll need to consider:
- How long the brand has been in business
- Where the food is manufactured
- Reviews from other customers
- What quantities the food is sold in
- How much it costs
- Whether it’s designed for any specific goal, such as aiding weight loss
This should give you a better idea of which dog food brands and specific products could be suitable for your dog. The next step is to take a closer look at the label of any high fiber food you’re thinking of buying.
Reading dog food labels
Have you ever looked at a dog food label and felt completely overwhelmed by the information it contains?
To help make buying high fiber dog food a little less confusing, here are a few key factors you need to look at when reading dog food labels:
- Complete and balanced. There are some pretty complicated rules and regulations surrounding what pet food manufacturers can and can’t say on food labels. However, under these regulations, any food labeled as “complete and balanced” must be able to provide all the nutrients your dog needs. Look for a statement of nutritional adequacy in line with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements.
- Ingredients list. Ingredients on dog food labels are listed in order of weight, so the first item listed is the major ingredient in the food. Look for a quality source of animal protein to be first on the list, and examine the top three ingredients to learn what makes up the bulk of the food.
- Guaranteed analysis. This section lists the percentage of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture. If you want to know exactly how much fiber is in the food, you’ll find that info here.
Ask your vet
When in doubt, ask your trusted veterinarian for advice. Not only will your vet have an in-depth understanding of your dog’s nutritional needs, but they’ll also be able to recommend specific brands and foods.
Your vet can also offer tips to help you safely transition your dog to his new diet.
Can Too Much Fiber Be Bad for My Dog?
While fiber offers plenty of health benefits for your dog, it’s also possible to have too much of a good thing.
Too much fiber in your dog’s diet can lead to excess stools, very smelly gas, and even hamper the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, so it’s important to control how much your dog consumes.
Can high fiber dog food cause diarrhea?
If approved by your vet and if you make the transition slowly, high fiber dog food shouldn’t cause any digestive issues for your pet.
However, too much fiber can lead to excessive defecation and diarrhea, or even prevent essential nutrients from being properly absorbed. That’s why it’s important to ask your vet for advice before switching to a high fiber food for dogs.
Switching to a High Fiber Dog Food
If you’ve decided it’s time to switch your dog to a high fiber diet, take it slow. A sudden change in diet could cause an upset stomach for your pooch, potentially leading to vomiting and diarrhea, so you’ll need to introduce the new food gradually.
How to change to a high fiber diet
To give your dog’s stomach time to adjust, start by mixing in the high fiber food with his current diet — a ratio of ¼ new food to ¾ existing food is a good starting point.
After a couple of days of this, switch to a 50/50 ratio and then gradually increase the amount of high fiber food.
By slowly shifting to a high fiber diet, you’ll hopefully avoid any gastrointestinal upset.
Frequently Asked Questions
High fiber dog food helps dogs with diabetes maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
This helps prevent any spikes in blood sugar levels of diabetic dogs and makes it easier to manage the condition.
Over-the-counter fiber supplements provide an easy way to add more fiber to your dog’s diet.
However, whether or not supplements are suitable depends on your dog’s health, age, and a range of other factors, so consult with your vet before giving any supplements to your dog.
Low-fat high fiber diet foods are quite common because they aid pet weight loss.
These diets are specially formulated to make your pet feel full for longer after eating, but contain fewer calories to help them shed some excess pounds.
Final Thoughts
Fiber is an important nutrient for all dogs, but not every canine needs high fiber dog food. For many dogs, food with 2-5% fiber will be adequate for all their nutritional needs.
However, if your dog suffers from digestive problems like constipation, or if he needs to lose some weight, a high fiber diet can be beneficial.
Talk to your vet for advice on what to feed your dog, and compare a variety of products to find the best high fiber dog food for your pet.