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My 7 yr old mini dachshund was recently diagnosed as ...
Sent to Dog Experts July 03 10:47 AM

My 7 yr old mini dachshund was recently diagnosed as diabetic, and is insulin dependent. I have put her on a "natural & holistic" dog food. It is recommended that she be on a higher fiber diet. The food I have her on isn't higher fiber. Is there a easily digestible fiber supplement I can add to her meals to increase her fiber intake? Additionally, what should her "higher fiber" intake be? Thank you for your assistance.

 

Optional Information:
Age: 7; Female; Breed: dachshund

Already Tried:
changed her diet from "average" or regular food to a natural & holistic food with no added salt & sugar, no "meal", byproducts, rendered meats, etc.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
July 3 12:59 PM (2 hours and 12 minutes and 9 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hi there and thanks for your question. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to help your little dog.

The reason we recommend a high fiber diet for diabetic dogs is that we want their source of carbohydrates to be complex carbohydrates rather than simple ones. Fiber is a very good source of complex carbs as compared to sugar which is obviously a bad carb.

I would think that the holistic food she is on would be ok for her. However, if you wanted to add some fiber you can add 1/4 tsp bran to each meal or give her 1 tbsp of canned pumpkin once or twice a day.

I hope this information helps! If you have more questions regarding this problem, just hit reply. If I am online I will respond right away. Otherwise I will respond as soon as I come online again. Or, if my answer is sufficient, then please hit accept. Thanks!

Dr. Marie.



Experienced and compassionate small animal veterinarian in a busy Ottawa practice. If my answer has helped you please click the green accept button. THANKS AND GOD BLESS YOU!
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Dr. Marie -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 986 Dog Accepts
Compassionate licensed veterinarian with >20 years experience with cats, dogs and pocket pets
Reply
July 3 10:15 PM (9 hours and 16 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
Hi,

Thanks for your response. It will really help. Is there a # of grams or % fiber that she should have each day? Is it possible to give her too much? She weighs about 10 lbs right now.

Thanks again for your advice. I really appreciate it.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 4 9:03 AM (10 hours and 47 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

You're very welcome. Unfortunately, I don't believe that anyone knows the exact percentage of fiber that should be in the diet. Really, the idea is to have her on a good quality diet which you are doing already. I would add just a 1/4 tsp of bran or a tsp of pumpkin per day and that should probably do it.

I would think, in theory that it could be possible to give too much fiber as fiber is a carbohydrate. But, unfortunately I don't think I know the answer to your question!

Dr. Marie.



Experienced and compassionate small animal veterinarian in a busy Ottawa practice. If my answer has helped you please click the green accept button. THANKS AND GOD BLESS YOU!
Picture
Dr. Marie -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 986 Dog Accepts
Compassionate licensed veterinarian with >20 years experience with cats, dogs and pocket pets
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