Train the Dog Blog

Dogs sometimes need a food with high fiber content, usually due to the fact that they are suffering from intestinal issues or problems in their digestive tract. While it’s true all kinds and brands of dog food contain fiber, it is the varying sources and the amounts that are the most important factors that distinguish a high fiber dog food from an “ordinary” type. You will find that regular, commercial dog foods contain about two to four percent of crude fiber while high fiber brands contain at least 10 percent.

Some natural ingredients in high fiber food for dogs include fruits and vegetables such as apples and sweet potatoes, whole grains, cereals, rice, the hulls of soybeans, beet pulp, and corn products.

You’ve probably heard of the importance of fiber in our diet but many pet owners don’t realize the impact it can have on their dogs. Problems like obesity, constipation, and anal gland disease are all often treated with a high fiber diet, which is said to reduce the risk of colon cancer. High fiber ingredients are usually lower in calories and will cause your dog to feel fuller longer, but without the added calories that contribute to weight gain.

Switching to a higher fiber food for your dog will help create larger, bulkier stools, which may not be exactly pleasant when it comes time to clean up the yard, but it just may help to put extra pressure on the anal glands, helping to solve the common but also irritating problem of anal gland disease. Anal gland disease may include abscessed, impacted, or infected anal glands, which are the two sacs just inside the opening of the anus that secrete fluid. Bulky stools can help to ease constipation as they put pressure on the inside of the intestines as they pass through the digestive tract, stimulating the entire process.

But, as is the case with just about anything, too much fiber can be bad for your dog’s health. Besides diarrhea and excessive flatulence, too much fiber can inhibit the way the body absorbs the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs.

3 Top High Fiber Brands:

The following is a list of three of the best brands of high fiber food for dogs, taking factors such as consumer reviews, cost, and ingredients into consideration.

- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Calorie Control CC 26 High Fiber Dog Food: This formula for adult dogs is designed to promote weight loss in addition to providing more fiber. The food provides 18.30% of crude fiber and it must be purchased with a prescription from a veterinarian. Prices range from $20 for a 6-pound bag to $74 for the 33-pound size.

- Doctors Foster and Smith Adult Lite Dog Food Chicken Brown Rice Formula: This food contains 13% crude fiber, reduced calories, and has whole grains including barley and brown rice, fruits like apples, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots. A five-pound bag averages $10 and the 23-pound size is $35.

- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Dog Food: This dry dog food contains 18.5% crude fiber and ingredients such as soybean mill run, soybean meal, ground whole grain corn, and several vitamins. A five-pound bag averages $14 and the largest-40 pound size is $50.

Although it may seem like a good idea for you to switch to a high fiber food for your pet’s health, always consult with your own veterinarian first as there may be other underlying health issues to consider. When switching brands or types of dog foods after the approval of your vet, the process should be a gradual one to avoid stomach upset or the risk of causing additional digestive problems.

Health Disclaimer: Keep in mind that these are opinions only and are meant to provide general information. The content in this article should not be interpreted as medical advice. You should always check with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

Want to find out more about high fiber dog food? Visit my blog to learn how to compare dog foods and to find out how to make your own dog food.

The relationships we share with our pets are often irreplaceable. Their companionship and constant presence can be both soothing and invigorating. Unfortunately, pets suffer health issues and occasionally require costly medical attention in the same way people do. When an emergency occurs and it becomes necessary to visit the veterinarian, many owners are stunned by the costs of performing tests and procedures. If they are unable to afford it, the alternative can be heartbreaking. Pet insurance was created to provide owners with an alternative.

Today’s article will focus on how this unique breed of coverage works. We’ll describe what you can expect after investing in a policy for your dog and how it can reduce the costs of veterinary care.

How It Can Reduce Veterinary Costs

Medical care for canines has come a long way over the past 20 years. Many procedures that are common today were not even possible a few decades ago. As a result, dogs can live longer, healthier lives and receive treatment for a variety of illnesses and disorders that would otherwise have deadly consequences. Of course, as with medical attention for people, the costs of veterinary care have skyrocketed.

For example, a condition called “bloat” (also referred to as gastric torsion) might cost more than $5,000 to treat. Because the condition is life-threatening, an owner who cannot afford treatment may be forced to euthanize his canine. Even a relatively minor leg fracture can cost several hundreds of dollars to set.

To be sure, performing tests and providing treatment for your pooch can be expensive. That is the reasons dog health insurance was created. It allows owners to invest in a policy that helps allay the high costs of veterinary treatment. If your dog becomes sick or is injured, the policy covers the expense.

It works in a similar manner as your health insurance policy. When you visit your veterinarian, he or she will present you with a bill covering the procedures that were performed on your canine. After you pay the bill, you would file a claim with your pet insurance provider. Your provider would then review your claim and send you a check to reimburse you for the treatment provided by the veterinarian.

Is It The Right Decision For You?

Only you can know whether your budget is able to accommodate the premiums attached to a dog health insurance policy. In truth, the premiums are usually slight, especially when compared to the amount of coverage a policy offers. Given that a large portion of veterinary care is attributed to unexpected circumstances (i.e. injuries, sudden onset of illness, etc.), it’s an investment that every owner should at least consider.

The worst possible scenario is to find yourself in a situation that forces you to choose between absorbing a significant veterinarian bill or allowing your pooch to perish. A dog health insurance policy can help you avoid that tragic circumstance.

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