Welcome, fellow dog owners!
Your pooch’s well-being starts with nutrition, and high-fibre food is key to promoting overall health. Like humans, our furry friends can also benefit from a fibre-rich diet.
Luckily, the UK boasts a thriving dog food market that caters to various preferences and needs. With the growing awareness of canine nutrition, many options are available to ensure your dog receives the best possible diet.
To make your life easier, I have carefully researched and selected the top five high-fibre dog foods in the UK for 2023. These products have been chosen based on quality, ingredients, nutritional value, customer reviews, and overall value for your furry friend.
Before I unveil my top 5, let’s discuss the crucial factors to consider when selecting high-fibre dog food.
What should you know about high-fibre dog food?
Fibre, in simple terms, refers to the indigestible portion of plant-based ingredients found in dog food. It’s an extremely important part of a healthy diet for practically any living organism, not just dogs.
1. Benefits: Why feed your dog high-fibre food?
Generally, high-fibre dog food is extremely healthy for dogs when given in appropriate amounts. It promotes gut health, improves digestion, and helps with weight management, colon health, blood sugar regulation and nutrient absorption. It’s also good for their teeth.
a. Digestive Health: Fibre adds bulk to the stool, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.
b. Weight Management: Fibre creates a feeling of fullness, reducing their appetite and helping to control food intake.
c. Blood Sugar Regulation: Fibre reduces glucose absorption, producing more stable blood sugar levels.
d. Colon Health: It helps maintain the health of the colon lining, reducing the risk of colon-related diseases and promoting overall gastrointestinal health.
e. Dental Health: Chewing on high-fibre kibble or treats can help remove plaque and tartar, promoting good oral health and fresh breath.
f. Hairball Control: High-fibre food can help prevent hairballs by promoting regular bowel movements, allowing hair to pass through the digestive system more easily.
2. Recommended Daily Fibre Intake for Dogs
Dogs’ recommended daily fibre intake can vary depending on age, size, breed, and specific health needs. As a general guideline, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends a minimum of 2.5-4.5% fibre content in dry matter for adult dogs.
It’s important to note that excessive fibre intake can lead to gastrointestinal upset, so it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate fibre intake for your dog based on their requirements.
Read More: 12 Best Dry Dog Food to Buy in UK in 2023
Top 5 High Fibre Dog Foods in the UK for 2023
1. Pooch & Mutt Dry Dog Food
Pooch & Mutt – Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food is the best high-fibre dog food in the UK. At £7.03 / kg, it’s economical and contains probiotics to aid digestion. It also has charcoal and Psyllium (a fibre source that promotes firm stools), and this option is a great choice to go along with some wet food.
Key Features:
- Supports a balanced digestive system with targeted nutrients
- Contains a high dietary fibre content for optimal digestion support
- Enriched with EPA/DHA to help maintain a healthy digestive system
- Features a patented synergistic complex of antioxidants to combat free radicals
- Crafted by Royal Canin, a trusted brand known for superior quality pet nutrition
- Designed to help dogs with poor or sensitive digestion
2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Fibre Response Dry Food
Fibre response dry food comes from the Royal Canin brand, which has a reputation for making excellent dog food that is great for their health. As most high-fibre foods are dry (wet dog foods contain meat and protein but no fibre), usually, the fibre needs to come from the kibble.
This stuff has many health benefits, not just fibre and should keep your pup or pooch very happy.
Key Features:
- Specifically formulated to help dogs with poor or sensitive digestion
- The premium grain-free recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition
- Enriched with prebiotics to support the balance of beneficial gut bacteria
- Features 45% lean salmon as a single source of protein for lean muscle maintenance
- Free from grains, cereals, gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives
- Always ensure fresh drinking water is available
- Nutrients which support a balanced digestive system.
3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
The Purina brand’s Pro Plan is a wet food option containing much fibre. You can get this stuff in a pack of 12, and it is ideal for dogs who don’t like kibble or have trouble chewing, such as an elderly dog. High protein, low calories and high fibre make this a great choice if your dog is struggling with obesity.
Key Features:
- High protein content promotes the loss of body fat while preserving lean muscle mass during weight loss
- Reduced levels of fat contribute to calorie reduction
- Formulated with complex carbohydrates and fibre to help regulate blood sugar levels and support satiety
- Ideal for dogs who prefer wet food or have difficulty chewing
- Available in convenient packs of 12 for easy feeding and storage
- High protein to help promote loss of body fat while maintaining lean muscles during weight loss.
4. OSCAR Adult Care High Fibre Lite
Some senior dogs have special dietary requirements; if you have one, try the OSCAR brand of Adult Care High Fibre dog food, which has all the nutrition an adult hound needs and all-important fibre.
Key Features:
- Tailored to meet the needs of senior dogs with special dietary requirements
- Aids in maintaining a healthy weight, vital for your senior dog’s well-being
- A unique blend of fibres keeps your dog feeling comfortably full for longer periods
- Enriched with L-Carnitine to help burn and metabolise fat while preserving muscle mass during weight loss
- Supports overall quality of life for your senior companion
- Did you know? Being just 6% overweight can affect your senior dog’s quality of life without you even knowing. Our High Fibre Lite recipe is made with that in mind. A special blend of fibres helps your dog to feel comfortably full for longer whilst boosted levels of L-Carnitine help to burn and metabolise fat and maintain muscle mass during weight loss.
5. Protexin Veterinary Pro-Fibre for Dogs
If you’re seeking a practical way to introduce fibre to your pet’s diet without changing their food, Protexin Veterinary Pro-Fibre offers an excellent solution. These palatable fibre supplements are perfect for picky eaters and provide a convenient option for supporting your pet’s digestive health.
Key Features:
- High-fibre probiotics and prebiotic pellets are specifically formulated for dogs and cats.
- Contains natural sources of fibre, such as psyllium husk and sugar beet pulp, to support optimal digestion
- Fortified with probiotics and prebiotics to promote a healthy gut environment
- Enhanced with artificial beef flavouring to ensure palatability and pet compliance
- Easy to incorporate into your pet’s regular meals for efficient digestion support
- Helps prevent problems associated with insufficient dietary fibre intake
- Protexin Pro-Fibre is a high fibre probiotic and prebiotic pellet for dogs and cats.
High-Fibre Dog Food Buyer’s Guide for Beginners
1. Age, Size, and Breed-Specific Requirements
Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have varying dietary needs, so choosing a high-fibre dog food that aligns with your dog’s life stage is important. Additionally, larger breeds may have different requirements compared to smaller breeds.
Puppies require higher levels of nutrients and calories to support their growth. On the other hand, some breeds may be more prone to certain health conditions, requiring specific dietary considerations.
Consulting with your veterinarian to make the best choice.
2. Quality and Sourcing of Ingredients
Look for brands prioritising high-quality, natural ingredients and avoiding artificial additives, fillers, or by-products.
Check the ingredient list to ensure the fibre source comes from wholesome, recognisable ingredients such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, or legumes.
Additionally, consider the sourcing of ingredients. Some brands emphasise locally sourced or ethically raised ingredients, which can benefit your dog and the environment.
3. Nutritional Content and Balance
In addition to fibre, the food should contain essential nutrients such as proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
The ratio of macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) is also important. Dogs require a proper balance of these nutrients to support their overall health.
While fibre is essential, it should not be the sole focus. Consult with your vet to understand your dog’s nutritional needs.
Read More: A Beginner’s Guide to Best Dog Treats UK (2023)
4 Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
Common dog allergens include wheat, soy, corn, and certain proteins like chicken or beef. Select high-fibre dog food free from allergenic ingredients, or consider hypoallergenic options if your dog has sensitivities.
Sometimes, your veterinarian may recommend specialised high-fibre dog food for specific health conditions.
5. Cost and Value for Money
While cost shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, it’s important to consider affordability and value for money. Set a budget that works for you, keeping in mind that high-quality dog food with premium ingredients may come at a higher price point.
Consider the serving size and feeding guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Calculate the cost per meal or per day to determine the long-term expenses associated with feeding your dog the chosen high-fibre dog food.
Remember, investing in your dog’s nutrition now can contribute to their long-term health, potentially saving on veterinary bills in the future.
FAQs
1. Are there different types of dietary fibre in dog food?
Dog food can contain different types of dietary fibre, such as soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to the stool and aids in digestion.
2. Can all dogs benefit from high-fibre dog food?
While high-fibre dog food offers many benefits, not all dogs may require it. Dogs with specific dietary needs or health conditions may benefit more from high-fibre diets. Consult your veterinarian to determine if high-fibre dog food suits your pet.
3. Can high-fibre dog food be fed to puppies?
High-fibre dog food can benefit puppies and adult dogs, but it’s important to consider their specific needs. Puppies require a well-balanced diet that supports their growth and development. While fibre is essential, it should not be the sole focus of their nutrition.
4. How to introduce high-fibre food to my dog’s diet?
When introducing high-fibre food to your dog’s diet, start with a gradual transition by increasing quantity week-over-week. Monitor their digestive health and contact your vet for changes or issues. Finally, keep your pooch hydrated and stick to recommended portion sizes.
Last update on 2024-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Do you do smaller sample bags of dog food we can buy to try him with?