| As humans become increasingly aware of the | | | | loss plan for your pet; too much fiber has |
| many benefits of fiber, they may begin to | | | | proved to be more harmful than helpful in |
| wonder if fiber has any health benefits or | | | | dogs if it is used improperly or in excess. |
| adverse effects on their pet's health system. | | | | |
| Most people know that fiber aids the | | | | Fiber can also help dogs with diabetes |
| gastrointestinal system with the passing on | | | | mellitus. This common metabolic disease is |
| of digested food out of the body. So, how | | | | present when the pancreas stops producing |
| does it help dogs? | | | | insulin, thus inhibiting the proper |
| | | | production and fluctuation of blood sugar |
| So, what exactly is fiber? Fiber is composed | | | | levels. Research has shown that dogs that are |
| of several different kinds of compounds, all | | | | given diets that intentionally incorporate |
| of which are forms of carbohydrates. Popular | | | | fiber are prone to experience less blood |
| sources of fiber found in dog food include | | | | sugar fluctuation. |
| some of the following: rice hulls, corn-based | | | | |
| products, soybean hulls, cellulose, beet | | | | Most people are aware that fiber aids in the |
| pulp, bran, peanut hulls, pectin, and citrus | | | | prevention of constipation. Fiber is water |
| pulp, to name a few. Almost all carbohydrates | | | | absorbent, thus it adds bulk to digested |
| provide some sources of fiber. | | | | contents in the intestinal tracts. This |
| | | | encourages movement in the intestinal tract |
| Though most dog food providers do not | | | | and aids in returning regularity to the |
| intentionally put extra dietary fiber into | | | | digestive system and the elimination of |
| their food, they are there in the form of | | | | waste. |
| carbohydrates. Fiber, in moderation, can | | | | |
| prove to be beneficial to your pet. Fiber is | | | | It is important to remember, though fiber has |
| known for promoting colon health, it can aid | | | | many benefits to people and pets, it also has |
| in weight management for heavy dogs, it aids | | | | a few downsides. Fiber may cause flatulence, |
| in diarrhea and constipation, and it is also | | | | increased stool quantity or size, or a |
| known to benefit dogs with diabetes mellitus. | | | | loosening of stool consistency. |
| | | | |
| If your dog is becoming increasingly pudgy or | | | | Awareness of fiber has raised questions in |
| heavy, you may want to consider slightly | | | | pet owners about the benefits of fiber for |
| increasing their fiber intake. Fiber is known | | | | their pets. When considering changing your |
| to act as a "filler"; that is, it gives dogs | | | | pet's diet to one that contains more fiber, |
| the feeling of fullness after eating. If you | | | | it is important to be familiar with fiber |
| are trying to help your dog lose a bit of | | | | itself, its uses, its benefits, and its |
| excess weight, try feeding them smaller | | | | unpleasant effects. If you have any questions |
| portions and slightly increasing their fiber | | | | about your dog's diet, contact your |
| intake. Before you attempt this though, it is | | | | veterinarian. They will be more than happy to |
| always best to contact your local | | | | help you find the best diet for your pet! |
| veterinarian to discuss the proper weight | | | | |