Dear Tabby,
I have reasons to believe (without getting too nitty gritty) that my pets need some extra fiber in their diets. How can I safely add fiber to their diets?
Gassy in Greatwood
Dear Gassy,
Humans are always encouraged to find ways to add more fiber to their diets, so that begs the question: Should your pets get supplemental fiber as well? For the most part, there’s a fair-amount of fiber in most commercial pet foods, so adding fiber isn’t always a necessity. But, if you’re seeing your pet have some tummy issues, naturally head to the vet first. Once you get the all-clear from the vet, then you might want to incorporate some extra fiber into their diet.
Going the all-natural route is your safest bet. There are some fruits and vegetables that offer a substantial amount of fiber and are completely safe for your pet to consume.
• Bran is the outer shell of a grain and often removed during processing. Bran is rich in fiber, so sprinkle some in your dog’s food. It can either be rice bran, oat bran, or wheat bran. Because of its nutritional value, it is one of the most common home remedies for constipation and lack of fiber. It is best when you soak it in water so that it can be digested better by your dog.
•Apples are also very rich in fiber and many other good nutrients, and your dog can eat them. Make sure to remove the core and the seeds, because the seeds contain bits of cyanide which can be toxic to your dog. Your dog may choose from either red or green apples for his diet and unsweetened applesauce can also work for your dog’s kibble.
• Canned pumpkin that is unseasoned is also good for your dog. Spoon some on your dog’s food, around ½ teaspoon for smaller dogs and around 1 tablespoon for medium-sized and bigger dogs. It helps relieve them from constipation and diarrhea and even has a good taste. They can also be put in ice cube trays on the fridge, and then put in freezer bags.
• Brown rice is also rich in fiber, and even has three times the fiber of regular white rice. Make it a family meal and give some to your dog as a topper on his kibble. You can also put plain broth as a flavoring.
• Vegetables are also helpful in establishing a good fiber diet for your dog. Use them as treats (e.g. carrot sticks, green beans, peas, etc.) or mix them with your dog’s However, DO NOT feed him canned vegetables because these contain a lot of sodium, which is known to be harmful to pets. You can try the ready-made mixed vegetables which are normally frozen and easily cooked, as they are low in sodium content. Chicken broth can also be added to put flavor, especially if your dog is a picky eater and likes flavored food.
Remember to start slowly with the fiber and don’t give your pet too much. Diarrhea, gassiness and bloat can happen as a result of too much fiber. Hopefully the addition of a few healthy fruits and veggies to your pet’s diet will clear the air a bit in your home.
Do you have a burning question for Tabby? If so, email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.
