Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Best High Fiber Dog Foods for Constipation in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Misty Layne

Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Dogster Team

german shepherd dog lying near food bowlIf you have a pup who is constantly constipated on your hands, then you’re likely desperate for a solution (especially if nothing you’ve tried thus far seems to have helped). That’s where high fiber dog foods come in. Though it’s not a necessary part of their diet, fiber has benefits for dogs just like us humans—and one of those benefits is making it easier for your pet to poop.

You’ll find there are many dog foods out there that are labeled high fiber (and some not labeled as such that have plenty of it), so you may be wondering where to start your search. Below you’ll find best dog foods for constipation—this list will help you find a dog food that’s perfect for your dog. Each one has a quick review with pros and cons, so you’ll get a good idea of what each food contains and what people thought of it!

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

divider dog faces oct 2024

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipe Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipe
  • Vet-recommended
  • Prebiotic fiber to improve gut health
  • Backed by research
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Diamond Hi-Energy Sporting Formula Diamond Hi-Energy Sporting Formula
  • Added fiber
  • Keeps active dogs active
  • Carefully balanced for the best nutrition
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal High Fiber Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal High Fiber
  • Two types of fiber for better intestinal movement
  • Prebiotics to improve gut health
  • Highly digestible proteins
  • Best for Puppies
    ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Gluten-Free ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Gluten-Free
  • Gluten-free grains that are rich in fiber
  • High-quality proteins
  • Legume-free
  • Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Wholesome grains for fiber
  • Pro- and prebiotic for a healthier gut
  • Contains L-carnitine to support lean muscles
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for Constipation

    1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food – Best Overall

    Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, yellow peas, cracked pearled barley
    Crude protein content: 20%
    Crude fiber content: 4%
    Calories: 394 per cup

    When it comes to the best overall high fiber dog food for constipation out there, our recommendation is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin. Not only does it provide your four-legged friend with a good amount of fiber to help them out, but it’s also an easily digestible food due to prebiotic fiber (from beet pulp) that supports gut health. The company claims this food is backed by tons of research, so it should be helpful for constipated pups. Plus, it also provides plenty of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E for healthier skin and coat.

    This dog food is vet-recommended for dogs with digestive issues. Also, note that this dog food does contain peas, which have been linked to heart disease in dogs (although more research is needed).

    Pros
    • Vet-recommended
    • Prebiotic fiber to improve gut health
    • Backed by research
    Cons
    • Occasionally, some dogs developed loose stools after eating
    • Picky eaters weren’t fans

    2. Diamond Hi-Energy Sporting Formula Dry Dog Food– Best Value

    Diamond Hi-Energy Sporting Formula Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, ground corn, wheat flour, rice bran
    Crude protein content: 24%
    Crude fiber content: 5%
    Calories: 433 per cup

    Give your dog a nice boost of fiber with this dog food! As the best high fiber dog food for constipation for the money, Diamond provides not just added fiber to improve digestion but a careful balance of protein and fat as well to keep your pet healthy. This food is designed for those dogs who love to be active at all times and contains vitamin B12 to keep that energy going. Diamond Hi-Energy is also enhanced with a wealth of other things to meet your dog’s nutritional needs, such as fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

    This food is made in the United States and follows scientifically-advanced safety protocols to ensure each batch is safe for your pet.

    Pros
    • Added fiber
    • Keeps active dogs active
    • Carefully balanced for the best nutrition
    Cons
    • Rare reports of dogs developing diarrhea after eating

    3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet High Fiber Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet High Fiber Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, brewer’s rice, chicken fat, powdered cellulose
    Crude protein content: 21%
    Crude fiber content: 8.5%
    Calories: 290 per cup

    When you want a food that’s high in fiber and a bit more premium, why not go with Royal Canin? This high fiber food contains a blend of both soluble and insoluble fibers to support better intestinal movement. And with prebiotics and highly digestible proteins, it promotes optimal stool quality and better digestive health, in general. Plus, omega-3 fatty acids help nourish and soothe any issues in the GI tract. This food by Royal Canin also provides your pet with plenty of energy to run and play, all while maintaining their weight.

    Pros
    • Two types of fiber for better intestinal movement
    • Prebiotics to improve gut health
    • Highly digestible proteins
    Cons
    • Low-calorie so may not be enough for larger dogs
    • Pricier than other foods

    4. ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe Gluten-Free – Best for Puppies

    ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe Gluten-Free

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oat groats, whole sorghum
    Crude protein content: 28%
    Crude fiber content: 6%
    Calories: 425 per cup

    Have a little one on your hands that’s dealing with constipation? Then we recommend this puppy food by ACANA. The grains found in this food aren’t only high in fiber and supportive of gut health, but they are also gluten-free (if that’s a concern). Other high-quality ingredients found here include free-run chicken and turkey and free-range eggs, all of which provide your pup with a boost of protein that will keep their development on track. ACANA’s food also contains a wealth of omega fatty acids designed to support the growth of your puppy.

    This food is free of legumes, so you don’t have to worry about any potential heart health issues.

    Pros
    • Gluten-free grains that are rich in fiber
    • High-quality proteins
    • Legume-free
    Cons
    • Picky eaters refused to eat

    5. Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dog Food

    Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, millet, rolled oats
    Crude protein content: 25%
    Crude fiber content: 4%
    Calories: 414 per cup

    Want to give your dog a food that’s recommended by vets? Annamaet might be just the thing! Featuring plenty of wholesome grains that provide fiber, along with probiotics and prebiotics to boost gut health, this food is excellent for your pet’s digestive system. It’s also high in protein to give them energy and help them stay strong and healthy. Marine microalgae provide plenty of omega-3 fatty acids for healthier skin and coats, while L-carnitine is there to support metabolism, so your dog stays lean.

    The downside to this food is that it’s made for medium and large breed dogs, so it likely won’t be suitable for those with small breeds.

    Pros
    • Wholesome grains for fiber
    • Pro- and prebiotic for a healthier gut
    • Contains L-carnitine to support lean muscles
    Cons
    • Not suitable for small breeds
    • Kibble pieces on the small side

    6. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Formula with Probiotics Dry Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan High Protein Formula with Probiotics Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal
    Crude protein content: 26%
    Crude fiber content: 3%
    Calories: 387 per cup

    This dog food has a bit less fiber than others on our list, but it still contains a decent amount. Plus, it has live probiotics to provide an extra boost of support to the health of the gut and improve digestion. Because Purina Pro Plan’s food has chicken as the first ingredient, it’s also rich in protein, so your dog will get all he needs to stay healthy and strong. And it’s not just kibble here; there are also shredded bits of meat to provide a texture and flavor your pup will love! Formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs 100%, this food also contains omega fatty acids for a healthy, shiny coat.

    Pros
    • Has live probiotics to support gut health
    • High protein
    Cons
    • Contains a bit less fiber than other dog foods
    • Kibble pieces on the large side

    7. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

    Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

    Main ingredients: Chicken, whole grain brown rice, whole grain sorghum, brewers’ rice
    Crude protein content: 20%
    Crude fiber content: 3.5%
    Calories: 335 per cup

    Give your dog a food that contains plenty of natural fiber to help improve the health of their digestive tract with Nutro Natural Choice. This food is made, in particular, for large breed dogs, so it is formulated to meet all their nutritional needs. Real chicken as the first ingredient provides more than enough protein to meet your pup’s daily needs, while the natural fiber comes from the whole grain ingredients. There are also a host of antioxidants to boost the immune system’s health, as well as chondroitin and glucosamine to support your pet’s joint health, keeping them as active as they want to be.

    Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed is recommended for dogs over the age of 18 months.

    Pros
    • Natural fiber from whole grains
    • High protein
    • Supports healthy joints
    Cons
    • Only for large breed dogs
    • Picky eaters refused it

    8. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Fit & Healthy Weight Control Formula

    Blue Buffalo True Solutions Fit & Healthy Weight Control Formula

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley
    Crude protein content: 28%
    Crude fiber content: 14%
    Calories: 324 per cup

    This Blue Buffalo food is packed with fiber to ensure your dog has an easier time pooping. It also helps them stay at a healthy weight since the fiber keeps them feeling full longer while still providing all the nutrients they need to stay strong. Real chicken as the first ingredient ensures plenty of protein for your pup, while fruits and veggies provide all the vitamins and minerals to meet their nutritional requirements. It also contains L-carnitine to keep muscles lean and strong.

    Blue Buffalo says this recipe is science-based, so it should be a good fit for nearly any pup.

    Pros
    • Extremely high fiber
    • Maintains healthy weight
    Cons
    • Kibble pieces on the larger side, so some smaller breeds had trouble eating
    • A couple of dogs managed to gain weight on this food instead of losing

    9. Solid Gold Low Fat/Low Calorie with Fresh Caught Alaskan Pollock

    Solid Gold Low Fat/Low Calorie with Fresh Caught Alaskan Pollock

    Main ingredients: Pollock, pollock meal, pea fiber, pearled barley
    Crude protein content: 26%
    Crude fiber content: 10%
    Calories: 330 per cup

    The fiber in this dog food comes from pearled barley and brown rice and will keep your pup’s digestive system running smoothly. (There is also pea fiber in this food; keep in mind there have been some links found between peas and heart disease in dogs, though more research into this is needed.) Probiotics and a blend of superfoods help to further support the health of the gut and keep your pet’s GI tract moving along as it should be. Pollock and pollock meal pack in the protein while also offering your dog healthy omega fatty acids for boosting the health of the immune system.

    And because this food is low fat and low calorie, it’s great for those dogs who need to lose (or maintain) weight.

    Pros
    • Plenty of fiber
    • Contains live probiotics
    • Low fat & low calorie
    Cons
    • Rarely dogs became gassy after eating
    • Strong fishy smell
    • A few people found the kibble to be too hard

    10. ORIJEN Amazing Grains Original Dry Dog Food

    ORIJEN Amazing Grains Original Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken liver, whole herring
    Crude protein content: 38%
    Crude fiber content: 4%
    Calories: 490 per cup

    Inulin found in this ORIJEN food provides soluble and insoluble fiber for your dog to help keep their GI tract healthy and working properly; whole grains such as quinoa and oats also give a fiber infusion. Prebiotics and probiotics further aid in keeping the digestive system working as it should at all times. And with the first five ingredients of this food being raw or fresh animal protein, this food packs a walloping 38% crude protein to keep your dog strong and healthy.

    ORIJEN mimics what your dog would eat if they were in the wild by using bones and organs to meet protein needs.

    Pros
    • Blend of soluble and insoluble fiber
    • Extremely high protein
    • Mimics a diet found in the wild
    Cons
    • Rare report of gassiness after eating
    • Rarely dogs developed diarrhea after eating

    divider dog faces oct 2024Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best High-Fiber Dog Foods for Constipation

    Why High Fiber Food?

    You might be wondering why, exactly, a high fiber food is a good choice when your dog has constipation. It’s because fiber—insoluble and soluble—can help regulate bowel activity. Insoluble fiber is the one that moves through the digestive tract and adds bulk to the stool, which helps to clear up constipation (or loose stools), but both kinds are good to have in a food. Fiber can also:

    • Help your dog lose or maintain weight
    • Improve blood sugar stability
    • Reduce the risk of colon cancer

    All of these things are excellent reasons for putting your dog on a food that’s higher in fiber!

    What to Look for in a High-Fiber Dog Food

    If you’re unsure what you should be looking for when it comes to high-fiber dog foods, take a look below!

    Fiber

    The first thing you want to look at in a dog food is how much fiber it has (obviously). You’ll find this listed under “crude fiber”. Fiber amounts in dog food come in a wide range. Many dog foods will only have 1–2%, while others will have 10% or more. Most dogs really only need 2–4% of fiber in their diets, but if your dog is suffering from constipation, they might need a bit more. We advise speaking with your vet to find out just how much your dog should be getting.

    💛 🐶 Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
    PangoVet

    If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

    Other Ingredients

    You’ll also want to look to see what ingredients are in a dog food other than the ones that provide fiber. Your pup will need plenty of protein, so check and see how much a food has and whether it’s high-quality. Real meat as the first ingredient is always excellent, though meat by-products and meat by-product meals among the first ingredients are fine as well.

    Besides the protein source, you’ll want to check that the rest of the ingredients are wholesome and offer benefits for your pet.

    Peas & Legumes

    Ingredients to be wary of in dog foods are peas and legumes. Though much more research is needed into this issue, there have been some links between them and heart disease in dogs. You’ll need to figure out how you feel about these ingredients when buying a dog food for your dog (especially since many higher fiber dog foods contain these ingredients).

    Dalmatian eating dry dog food
    Image Credit: Sergey Fatin, Shutterstock

    Price

    Dog food can get extremely pricey if you aren’t careful. Shopping around for the best deals by looking for more than one food that contains the ingredients you like is helpful.

    Reviews

    Reviews from other dog owners are a great way to get a good idea of just how good a dog food is and how well it works for constipation. These reviews are often more honest than branding and marketing claims.

    How We Selected These High Fiber Dog Foods

    This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The dog foods reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best dog foods available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.

    Why Trust Dogster?

    Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.

    divider dog faces oct 2024

    Conclusion

    For the best overall high fiber dog food, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin offers a good amount of fiber and an easily digestible meal. For the best value, try Diamond Hi-Energy Sporting Dog for its high fiber content and low price point. Check out the fiber-rich and gut-healthy Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal High Fiber Food when you want something premium. ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe Gluten-Free is great for those with puppies who want high fiber while remaining gluten-free. Finally, the medium or large breed dog food choice is Annamae Medium & Large Breed Dog Food for its high fiber and protein amounts.


    Featured Image Credit: Snezhana_G, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    PangoVet Image Speak With A Vet Online

    Get Dogster in your inbox!

    Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
    Dogster Editors Choice Badge
    Shopping Cart

    Pangolia

    © Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.