REASONS TO INCLUDE FIBER IN DOG'S DIET.

Fiber in dog's food play a vital role in digestion and metabolic functions.Fiber add to the bulk of food aiding its easy passage through the digestive system.It stabilizes blood sugar hence its of tremendous benefit in diabetic patients.The fiber content in diet allows the dog to eat as much as they want without additional calories,thus its a key ingredient in weight loss diet for obese dogs. Sources of fiber are cooked sweet potato,oat-bran,pumpkin,sweetcorn,spaghetti ,bread,rice,and macaroni.Fruits and vegetables are also good sources of fiber ,these include raw carrots,apple,orange,peas(cooked) and spinach. Fiber in the diet performs following functions; 1) prevents constipation; it adds to bulk of food thus aids the passage of food through the digestive tract preventing reduced peristaltic movement. 2)treatment of diarrhea; fiber in diet normally results in firm stools. 3)fibers can be soluble or insoluble; thus some fibers are fermented into fatty acids to aid digestion and also repair injured colon cells. 4)reduces anal gland problems; insoluble fibers makes stool firmer,this assists emptying of the anal gland as the dog passes feces easily. 5)weight control; increases content of feed hence the dogs are fuller without adding more calories. 6)prevents fluctuations in blood sugar levels,thus making fiber a key ingredient in diabetic dog's food. Fruits are natural sources of insoluble and soluble fiber,majorly these fruits are of immense value when skin is not removed such as apples,carrots and peas.The best way to incorporate these will be to prepare home cooked meals,so that you can mix and match food types that bests suits your dog's requirement.