What Dog Food Is High in Fiber? Benefits, Ingredients & How to Choose the Right Formula

Introduction

Fiber is one of the most overlooked but essential nutrients in a dog’s diet. Whether you're a pet parent trying to improve your dog's digestion or a brand exploring new product lines, understanding what dog food is high in fiber can unlock valuable insights into pet wellness and product development.

At Yupai, we specialize in freeze-dried, complete-and-balanced dog food formulations. While our current products are rich in animal protein and moderate in fiber, we often receive inquiries about high-fiber options—and we're here to share our expertise.

Why Do Dogs Need High-Fiber Food?

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that isn’t digested by a dog’s enzymes, but it serves many important functions in the digestive tract:

• Improved Digestion: Fiber helps regulate the movement of food through the digestive system. It can ease constipation or firm up loose stools.

• Weight Management: High-fiber dog food can increase satiety, helping overweight dogs feel full while consuming fewer calories.

• Blood Sugar Regulation: For diabetic dogs, soluble fiber helps stabilize glucose absorption and prevent spikes.

• Gut Microbiome Health: Certain fibers act as prebiotics, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the dog’s gut.Not every dog needs a high-fiber diet, but for those with specific health concerns—like obesity, constipation, or diabetes—it can be highly beneficial.

How to Identify Dog Food high in fiber

Most commercial dog foods contain between 2% and 4% crude fiber. A food may be considered high-fiber if it contains 6% or more crude fiber on a dry matter basis.

When looking at a dog food label, here’s what to look for:

Crude Fiber Content: Listed on the guaranteed analysis panel.

Ingredient Sources: High-fiber dog foods usually contain plant-based ingredients known for their fiber content.

Common high-fiber ingredients include:

Pumpkin

Sweet Potato

Beet Pulp

Pea Fiber

Apple Pomace

Wheat Bran

Powdered Cellulose

Psyllium Husk

These ingredients may provide soluble fiber (which slows digestion and regulates blood sugar) or insoluble fiber (which adds bulk to stool and improves regularity). A combination of both is often ideal.

Examples of Fiber-Rich Ingredients

Case Study: Freeze-Dried Dog Food & Fiber

At Yupai, we focus on high-protein, freeze-dried dog food made with premium animal-based ingredients and essential functional additions. One of our representative formulas (Chicken & Pumpkin Freeze Dried Cat Food, Dog Food ) includes:

Frozen Chicken Breast (58%), Bone-In Chicken Thigh (16%), Fresh Pumpkin (6%), Chicken Liver (5%), Chicken Heart (5%), Egg Yolk (5%), Fish Oil, Fiber, Yucca Powder

This formula delivers excellent digestibility, palatability, and a complete amino acid profile—ideal for active dogs and those with sensitive stomachs. It also includes pumpkin and added fiber, which help support gut health, though the overall fiber content is moderate and not classified as “high-fiber.” To convert this into a high-fiber formulation, we recommend the following:

1.Increase the proportion of fibrous plant-based ingredients such as pea fiber, beet pulp, or apple pomace.These ingredients offer concentrated sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber, allowing you to raise crude fiber content without significantly diluting protein levels or palatability.

2.Adjust moisture and texture balance to maintain a pleasant eating experience in a freeze-dried format.Since many high-fiber ingredients are dry and powdery, it’s important to fine-tune the blend to prevent a crumbly texture or overly dry appearance post freeze-drying.

3.Combine different types of fiber to support digestive health and functional benefits.Soluble fibers (like pumpkin or apple pectin) help regulate blood sugar and promote gut flora, while insoluble fibers (like cellulose or beet pulp) improve stool quality and support weight management.As a formulation partner, Yupai offers flexible ingredient customization and in-house R&D support to help clients create tailored, functional recipes—whether you're targeting digestion, weight control, or overall gut health.

How to Choose or Develop a High-Fiber Formula

For Pet Owners:

If you’re selecting a high-fiber dog food for your pet, consider:

Crude Fiber ≥6% (check the label)

Inclusion of natural fiber sources

Specific health goals: weight control, constipation, diabetes, senior care

Adjust gradually to avoid digestive upset

For Brands & Product Developers:

Looking to expand into functional pet food segments?

Combine soluble and insoluble fibers for digestive balance

Include highly digestible proteins to offset fiber volume

Balance moisture and texture in freeze-dried formats

Work with a trusted partner to ensure quality and consistency

At Yupai, we offer OEM/ODM freeze-dried dog food solutions, tailored to your market needs—including custom high-fiber recipes. Whether you’re formulating for weight management, digestive care, or senior wellness, we can help you design a product that delivers both health and taste.

FAQ: What Dog Food Is High in Fiber?

Q1: What ingredients are high in fiber for dogs?

A: Pumpkin, beet pulp, pea fiber, apple pomace, sweet potato, and cellulose are common high-fiber ingredients.

Q2: How much fiber should be in dog food?

A: Standard dog food contains 2–4% crude fiber. High-fiber dog food typically contains 6% or more.

Q3: Can high-fiber food help dogs with diarrhea?

A: Yes. Fiber regulates bowel movements and can help firm up loose stools. Soluble fiber is especially helpful.

Q4: Is pumpkin a good fiber source for dogs?

A: Yes. Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber and is gentle on digestion.

Q5: Can I develop my own high-fiber formula?

A: Absolutely. Yupai provides private-label and custom-formulated freeze-dried dog food solutions, including high-fiber options.

When choosing high-fiber dog food, it's essential to focus on both the quantity and quality of fiber included in the formula. A Dog Food high in fiber can benefit dogs in numerous ways, particularly in promoting healthy digestion, regulating bowel movements, and managing weight. Fiber-rich foods help maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent overeating by creating a feeling of fullness. Additionally, high-fiber dog food can support dogs with sensitive stomachs, alleviating issues like constipation and diarrhea. Whether you're looking to improve digestion or control your dog's weight, incorporating high-fiber dog food into their diet can offer long-term health benefits. Always choose a brand that uses quality ingredients to ensure your pet receives the best nutritional support.

Conclusion

High-fiber dog food supports many aspects of canine health, from digestion to disease management. As more pet parents seek tailored nutrition for their dogs, high-fiber options are becoming an essential category in the pet food market.At Yupai, we combine advanced freeze-drying technology with thoughtful formulation expertise to help brands bring differentiated, functional pet food products to life—including those rich in dietary fiber.

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Company Name: Shandong Yupai Biotechnology Co, Ltd.
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Phone: +8613386363663
Country: China
Website: https://www.yupaipetfood.com/