Switching to high fiber dog food is usually recommended for dogs with certain intestinal or digestive issues. Ordinary commercial dog food typically contains two to four percent crude fiber content whereas the high fiber variety will have at least 10 percent. All types of dog foods naturally contain some fiber, but it's the amount and the source that's most important.

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.

As a general rule, the bulkier a dog's stools are, the easier time it will have digesting food as the intestinal tract will be more stimulated than usual. Fiber is necessary for regulating bowel movements as it works to absorb liquids from foods. Anal gland disease is yet another reason dogs need a certain amount of fiber to be healthy. Anal glands, also called scent glands, secrete fluid and may become infected, abscessed, and impacted. However, with a high fiber diet that puts excess pressure on the intestines and glands, the problem may be eliminated. Fuller, bulkier stools that come after switching to a high fiber diet are actually helpful as they stimulate the dog's intestinal tract, which in turn usually helps to eliminate the problem of constipation.

Keep in mind that too much fiber can actually do more harm than good. In addition to outward symptoms such as flatulence and diarrhea, an excess of fiber in a dog's system may prevent the usual absorption of much needed minerals, nutrients, and vitamins.

Three of the Best Choices When It Comes To Dog Food With High Fiber Content:

Here are three of the best brands of high fiber food based on ingredients, price, and consumer opinion:

- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet High Fiber Dog Food: Royal Canin's Calorie Control CC 26 dog food is formulated to aid with weight loss and contains more than eighteen percent of crude fiber. To purchase this food from Royal Canin you will need a prescription from your veterinarian. For the large 33-pound bag, expect to pay an average of around $74 and $20 for the small six-pound bag.

- Doctors Foster and Smith: Averaging around $10 for a 5 pound bag and $35 for the 23 pound size, Adult Lite Dog Food with chicken and brown rice by Doctors Foster and Smith contains 13% crude fiber. Ingredients in this reduced calorie, higher fiber food include apples, barley, brown rice, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

- Adult Light Dog Food from Hill's Science Diet: Containing multiple vitamins, soybean meal and mill run as well as ground whole grain corn, this formula from Hill's Science Diet provides eighteen and a half percent crude fiber. The biggest bag of this high fiber dog food, which is 40 pounds, averages around $50 and the smallest is five pounds, which averages around $14.

Before increasing the fiber in your dog's diet, always check with your veterinarian to ensure there isn't another solution that might be more appropriate. Also, if you are switching brands or types of dog foods, only do so gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach or exacerbating any existing digestive problems.

Disclaimer: This article's content is opinion only and is simply meant to provide the reader with general information. Nothing in this article should be looked upon as being medical advice. Always seek your veterinarian's opinion before altering your dog's diet in a major way.

Need more information about high fiber dog food? Check out my blog for help on the best way to compare dog foods and to learn how to make your own dog food.

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, small dog beds, large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.