Fiber is essential for your dog's nutrition, offering many ways to enhance their diet. Commercial dog food contains fiber from grains like rice and corn, as well as from soybeans, beet pulp, and peanut hulls.

Fiber helps absorb water and adds bulk to stools, keeping your dog's bowels regular and stools firm. It also promotes gut health by making intestinal conditions unsuitable for harmful bacteria, preventing their growth.

Fiber Needs in Young, Adult, and Senior Dogs
All commercial dog food must include an AAFCO statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials. This statement indicates whether the food was formulated, meaning the company added ingredients to meet the required nutrients for dogs, or if it underwent animal feeding trials to ensure the nutrients are actually digestible and usable. The AAFCO statement also specifies the life stage the food is intended for. Currently, AAFCO recognizes only two life stages: adult maintenance and growth/reproduction. If a food is labeled for "all life stages," it meets the stricter requirements for growth/reproduction, which does not account for the needs of senior dogs.

As dogs age, they often need less protein and more fiber in their diet. However, since there is no recognized life stage for senior dogs, commercial dog foods may not meet these needs. That's why it's important to consider fiber supplementation for senior dogs, especially if they develop chronic gastrointestinal issues. Adequate fiber can help your older pup maintain their digestive health and overall well-being.

What to Stay Away From
Fiber is an essential nutrient for dogs but some dogs may require more of it in their diet than others. For more information about your dog’s dietary needs and how best to supplement their diet, speak to your veterinarian.