The Role of Fiber in Ollie’s Fresh Food

OVERVIEW

Dietary fiber plays a critical role in supporting gastrointestinal health, metabolic regulation, and overall well-being in dogs. At Ollie, we formulate our fresh food diets with whole ingredients that naturally supply both soluble and insoluble fibers. This white paper reviews the types of fiber, their physiological roles, and how Ollie’s fresh diets provide appropriate fiber levels to promote optimal digestive function without relying on synthetic additives or filler ingredients.

UNDERSTANDING FIBER: SOLUBLE VS. INSOLUBLE

Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, fermenting in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which nourish colonocytes and contribute to gut health (National Research Council, 2006). Examples of soluble fiber include blueberries and oats.

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and primarily adds bulk to stool, aiding in intestinal motility and regularity (National Research Council, 2006). Examples of insoluble fiber include spinach and carrots.

Both the amount and balance of these two types of fiber are essential. Inadequate fiber can lead to digestive irregularities, while excessive or imbalanced fiber—particularly if poorly fermentable—may impair nutrient absorption and gastrointestinal comfort (Swanson et al., 2002).

Keeping the right balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids—ideally between 5:1 and 10:1—helps manage inflammation and supports your dog’s overall health.

Dogs can convert alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, into EPA and DHA, but the conversion rate is very low. This makes it important to include EPA and DHA directly in the diet (Tanprasertsuk et al., 2021; National Research Council, 2006).

FUNCTIONAL BENEFITS OF FIBER IN DOGS

• Digestive Health: Supports stool quality, promotes beneficial gut bacteria, and regulates bowel movements (National Research Council, 2006).

• Weight Management: Increases satiety and slows gastric emptying, helping with caloric regulation in overweight dogs (Bosch et al., 2009).

• Glycemic Control: Soluble fiber helps modulate glucose absorption, potentially benefiting dogs with diabetes or metabolic concerns (Swanson et al., 2002).

• Colon Health: Fermentation of certain fibers supports a healthy gut microbiome and intestinal barrier integrity (Panasevich et al., 2015).

FIBER IN OLLIE FRESH FOOD RECIPES

Ollie recipes are formulated with whole food ingredients rich in naturally occurring fiber—no synthetic fiber additives or low-nutrient fillers like beet pulp or powdered cellulose.

Key Fiber-Contributing Ingredients Across Ollie Diets:

• Pumpkin

  • Soluble & Insoluble fiber

  • Aids digestion, improves stool quality

• Carrots

  • Insoluble fiber

  • Adds bulk, supports regularity

• Peas

  • Soluble & Insoluble fiber

  • Fermentable, supports gut microbiota

• Spinach

  • Insoluble fiber

  • Provides bulk and micronutrients

• Blueberries

  • Soluble fiber

  • Antioxidants and prebiotic fiber

• Oats

  • Soluble fiber

  • Promotes satiety and stable blood sugar

Ollie meals provide moderate crude fiber levels (typically 2%) with total dietary fiber between 7-10% DM (dry matter basis), insoluble fiber 4-9% DM, and soluble fiber 3-5% DM, aligning with AAFCO nutrient profiles and avoiding extremes that could cause gastrointestinal upset (National Research Council, 2006).

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

Veterinarians may find Ollie diets particularly beneficial in the following situations:

• Chronic soft stools or diarrhea: Fiber from pumpkin, peas, and oats can help firm dogs’ stools (Swanson et al., 2002).

• Constipation: Insoluble fiber in carrots and spinach can promote motility (National Research Council, 2006).

• Weight management plans: Fiber increases satiety in dogs without reducing palatability (Bosch et al., 2009).

• Transitioning sensitive dogs: Gradual transition to Ollie’s moderate-fiber formulas may reduce digestive upset compared to higher-fiber dry foods (Panasevich et al., 2015).

CONCLUSION

Fiber is a vital but often overlooked component of canine nutrition. Ollie’s fresh food recipes incorporate natural, whole food sources of fiber to support digestive health, metabolic function, and overall wellness—without resorting to cheap fillers or synthetic binders. By delivering fiber in its most bioavailable and functional forms, Ollie diets offer a balanced, evidence-based approach to canine nutrition.

REFERENCES

1. Bosch, G., Verbrugghe, A., Hesta, M., Holst, J. J., van der Poel, A. F. B., Janssens, G. P. J., & Hendriks, W. H. (2009). The effects of dietary fiber type on satiety-related hormones and behavior in dogs. Appetite, 52(1), 43–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2008.08.003

2. National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press.

3. Panasevich, M. R., Kerr, K. R., Dilger, R. N., Fahey, G. C., Guérin-Deremaux, L., Lynch, G. L., & Swanson, K. S. (2015). Modulation of the gastrointestinal microbiota of healthy adult dogs by inclusion of dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables. Journal of Animal Science, 93(2), 721–733. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2014-8315

4. Swanson, K. S., Grieshop, C. M., Flickinger, E. A., Healy, H. P., Dawson, K. A., Merchen, N. R., & Fahey, G. C. (2002). Effects of prebiotic consumption on the gastrointestinal microbiota and immune system of healthy adults. Journal of Nutrition, 132(6), 1054S–1058S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/132.6.1054S