Everything about fiber in the diet of dogs and cats

Dietary fibre is an important part of the diet for dogs and cats, even though they are naturally carnivores (cats are strict carnivores, dogs are more omnivorous). Fibre is carbohydrate that is not or barely digested in the small intestine and thus largely reaches the large intestine intact. There, gut bacteria ferment it, releasing beneficial short-chain fatty acids that nourish the intestinal wall, reduce inflammation and keep the entire microbiome – the collection of good and bad bacteria in the intestines – in balance.

The two main types of fibre

• Soluble fibre (for example inulin, psyllium, beta-glucans): these dissolve in water, form a gel-like mass, retain moisture and slow down gastric emptying. They provide a longer feeling of fullness, stabilise blood sugar levels and are well fermented by bacteria.
• Insoluble fibre (such as cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose): these do not dissolve, add volume to the stool, make it firmer and ensure a faster passage through the intestines. They mainly help with regular bowel movements.

In addition, there are fermentable fibres (which feed bacteria and produce fatty acids) and non-fermentable fibres (which mainly provide bulk). Good nutrition combines the various types of fibre.

Why fibre is good for dogs

In dogs, fibre ensures a stable and healthy digestion in several ways:

• They make the stool firm and well-formed, which helps with both constipation and (chronic) diarrhoea.
• They feed beneficial gut bacteria, keep harmful bacteria in check and support the immune system via a strong microbiome.
• In diabetes, they slow down the absorption of sugars, so that the blood sugar level peaks and drops less – ideal for dogs with diabetes. For example, BF® Weight Control. More information: Diabetes in dogs and cats: recognise the signs – BF Petfood
• For weight management, they add volume without many calories, so dogs feel fuller, snack less quickly and lose or keep weight more easily. For example, BF® Weight Control, Bio Chicken, Pressed Lamb and Control mini.
• Extra plus points: they can reduce plaque (through mechanical action in kibble), help with better emptying of anal glands and contribute to general health, including mental well-being.

Widely used natural sources in dog food are beet pulp, cellulose, corn, brewer's yeast, psyllium, brown rice, oats or psyllium.

Why fibre is useful for cats

Cats naturally need less fibre than dogs, but a little extra often does a lot of good:

• They regulate the intestinal passage and moisture balance, preventing constipation (especially in older or less active cats) and diarrhoea/colitis.
• They help pass swallowed hair better through the stool instead of vomiting hairballs.
• In diabetes, they slow down sugar absorption, which keeps blood sugar more stable – extra important for neutered cats that quickly get fat. For example, BF® Control Urinary and Senior. More information: Diabetes in dogs and cats: recognise the signs – BF Petfood
• They provide a feeling of satiety, support weight management and feed the microbiome, which in turn is good for the immune system, skin and possibly even behaviour. For example, BF® Control Urinary, Sensitive and Senior.
• In nature, cats already get some fibre through prey (fur, bones, stomach contents of prey animals), and studies show that whole prey gives better stool than pure meat.

Sources in cat food are often mixtures of soluble and insoluble fibre, prebiotics, psyllium (a lot in hairball supplements such as BF® Anti-Hairball but also in our Probiotics tablets) or plant-based ingredients.

BF® combines healthy fibres

In our natural and organic dog and cat food, we use various fibre sources to support digestion, bowel movements, gut flora and satiety, and combine soluble and insoluble fibres and fermentable and prebiotic fibres such as:

• Beet pulp (mix soluble/insoluble, fermentable)
• Psyllium (mainly soluble, fermentable)
• Inulin (prebiotic, fermentable)
• Brewer's yeast/MOS (prebiotic)
• Flaxseed (soluble, mucilage-forming)

How much is enough and what to pay attention to?

A fibre content of around 2–5% in the food is usually a good guideline, but it depends heavily on the animal: age, activity, health (diabetes, overweight, intestinal problems) and the type of fibre. Too little fibre can lead to irregular or watery stool and constipation. Too much fibre can reduce the absorption of important nutrients, cause diarrhoea, lead to more poops per day or even mineral deficiencies. Here too, it is about the right balance.

Important tip: never just add extra fibre (such as psyllium, pumpkin or vegetables) to a complete food without advice from your veterinarian. That can throw the diet out of balance. Instead, choose a specially formulated food (for example for digestion, weight control or diabetes) and switch slowly (1–2 weeks) so that the gut bacteria can get used to it.

In short: fibre is not a main fuel, but a smart helper for smooth digestion, stable sugar levels, satiety (in case of overweight) and a healthy gut flora in both dogs and cats. With the right balance and the right type of fibre, they noticeably improve the well-being of your pet.

If you have questions, you can always call us: 0512-541920 or email: info@bfpetfood.nl