Let me tell you a quick story.

Last year, my neighbour’s dog Bruno, an old Lab with a heart of gold, started showing signs of discomfort. He would eat, then groan. Skip meals. His poop became irregular (and let's just say, not the kind you'd want to clean up after). The vet’s verdict? Digestive slowdown due to age, poor fibre intake, and over-reliance on meat-heavy, low-fibre food.

The fix? A shift to high-fiber food for pets, something his ageing gut could handle better.

Within weeks, Bruno was back to sniffing the flower pots and wagging his tail after every walk.

This might sound familiar. Because just like us, dogs and cats need fibre too, not just for poop (though that’s a big part), but for their overall gut health, energy, and immunity.

What Exactly Is Fibre (and Why Do Pets Need It)?

Fibre is the part of plants that isn’t digested by your pet’s enzymes. It sounds useless at first glance, but here’s what it actually does:

• Feeds good gut bacteria
  

• Helps move food through the intestines
  

• Prevents constipation
  

• Stabilises blood sugar
  

• Keeps pets feeling full for longer
  

The best nutrient pet food often contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, the former helps with stool consistency and gut bacteria, the latter adds bulk to prevent sluggish digestion.

So no, fibre isn’t a filler. It’s a quiet hero in your dog’s bowl.

Signs Your Pet Might Be Lacking Fibre

Here’s a list of things pet parents often mistake as “just a bad tummy day”:

• Irregular poops, too hard, too loose, or skipping days altogether
  

• Scooting behaviour (dragging their rear)
  

• Gas or bloating
  

• Constant hunger even after meals
  

• Weight gain
  

• Low energy or restlessness
  

These signs point towards a gut that’s struggling to process what’s going in. And often, the missing piece? Fibre.

The Gut-Brain-Immune Connection

A healthy gut isn’t just about digestion. It's where 70% of the immune system lives. A poorly functioning gut means your dog might be more prone to infections, fatigue, skin problems, and even mood swings.

High-fibre ingredients like pumpkin, brown rice, oats, and carrots support a diverse microbiome, meaning a better immune response, sharper focus, and happier mood.

If you’ve noticed your dog being sluggish or moody, don’t reach for supplements first. Start with pure pet food that nourishes from the inside out.

Why Fibre Is Extra Important for Senior Dogs

As dogs age, their digestion naturally slows down. The muscles in their gut aren’t as strong, and their metabolism isn’t as quick. Food that once passed easily now lingers, causing bloating and discomfort.

That’s why products like Senior Supreme – Chicken & Pumpkin are formulated with natural, high-fibre ingredients to support older dogs. The pumpkin is gentle on their stomachs, and the lean chicken offers digestible protein.

This kind of balance helps maintain:

• Regular bowel movements
  

• Healthy weight
  

• Energy for those short-but-happy walks
  

• Joint comfort, thanks to anti-inflammatory gut support
  

Because when digestion is smooth, everything else just works better.

What Foods Are Naturally High in Fibre?

Some of the best high-fiber food for pets include:

• Pumpkin – a gentle, gut-friendly fibre source
  

• Brown rice – low-allergen, slow-digesting grain
  

• Sweet potato – high in beta carotene and fibre
  

• Oats – soluble fibre that calms the digestive tract
  

• Apples (without seeds) – fibre + antioxidants
  

• Carrots – crunchy, low-calorie, and high-fibre
  

Look at your dog’s current food. If you don’t see any of these, or worse, only see fillers like “meat by-products” or “corn gluten”, it’s time for an upgrade.

Puppies Need Fibre Too, Just Not Too Much

Young pups are all over the place: one minute they’re napping, the next they’re chewing your socks. Their digestive systems are still developing, so moderate, digestible fibre is essential.

Fibre helps:

• Form firmer stools during weaning
  

• Build stronger gut flora
  

• Prevent upset tummies after too many treats
  

When choosing puppy dry dog food, make sure it contains natural fibre sources, not artificial binders or wheat-heavy fillers.

Can Too Much Fibre Be a Problem?

Yes, balance is key.

Too much fibre can reduce the absorption of other nutrients, cause frequent bathroom trips, or lead to weight loss in some dogs. This usually happens when:

• The food is poorly formulated
  

• The source of fibre is cheap (think beet pulp or corn hulls)
  

• It’s added on top of an already fibrous diet
  

Stick to nutrient pet food from reliable brands that understand fibre is a support, not a stuffing.

What Makes “The Best Healthy Pet Food”?

It’s not about labels. It’s about what’s inside the bowl.

Great pet food should:

• Use real, named ingredients (like chicken, oats, or pumpkin)
  

• Include natural fibre sources
  

• Avoid artificial colours or preservatives
  

• Be vet-approved or backed by transparent formulation
  

• Provide a balance of protein, fat, and complex carbs
  

Hungertail’s Senior Supreme checks all these boxes. It’s designed for dogs who need extra fibre and gentler digestion, without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Transitioning to a High-Fibre Diet: A Few Tips

Don’t switch overnight. Sudden changes can shock your pet’s system. Instead:

• Mix new food with old over 7–10 days
  

• Observe stool consistency and appetite
  

• Offer fresh water always, it helps fibre work its magic
  

• Keep treats light and avoid table scraps
  

If your dog is older, start with a gentle formula like Senior Supreme that eases them into fibre-rich meals.

A Healthy Gut Is a Happy Pet

We often focus on shiny coats and playful energy, but forget that it all starts with what’s happening in the gut.

When digestion works:

• Pets sleep better
  

• Play more
  

• Get sick less
  

• Age more gracefully
  

Feeding the best healthy pet food is not a luxury, it’s the foundation of a long, joyful life.

Final Thought: Don’t Just Feed. Nourish.

Your pet relies on you to make the right choice.

Whether your dog is a zoomie-loving puppy or a calm senior who loves belly rubs, fibre can make a big difference to their daily comfort.

Want a gentle, balanced way to add fibre? Try Senior Supreme – Chicken & Pumpkin. It’s not just food, it’s digestive peace in every bowl.

Visit Hungertail to explore more pure pet food options designed to keep tails wagging and tummies happy.