Constipation (sp?)

[fehu1331]

What causes constipation in a dog as related to dog food is it too much protein or too much fiber?

[fehu1331]

Bumping this up in hopes of a response

[southern_girl09]

Fiber in the diet is important for normal defecation in dogs and cats, just as it is for humans. Insufficient dietary fiber can cause constipation.

[fehu1331]

well see thats the thing the food he's on has plenty of fiber and 21% min on protein I'm wondering if he's not getting enough protein to be regular
Here are the ingredients
Lamb Meal, Ground Rice, Rice Flour, Rice Bran, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of natural Vitamin E), Poultry Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of natural Vitamin E), Natural Flavors, Rice Gluten, Dried Egg Product, Dried Beet Pulp (sugar removed), Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Dried Kelp (source of Iodine), Salt, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Biotin, Copper Proteinate, Niacin, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Vitamin A Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid.

And here are the presentages
Crude Protein (minimum) 21.00%
Crude Fat (minimum) 12.00%
Crude Fiber (maximum) 5.00%
Moisture (maximum) 10.00%
Linoleic Acid (minimum) 3.50%
Zinc (minimum) 250 mg/kg
Vitamin E (minimum) 150 IU/kg
Ascorbic Acid (minimum)* 35 mg/kg
Glucosamine (minimum)* 450 mg/kg
Chondroitin Sulfate (minimum)* 350mg/kg

[BabyElephant]

Is he on dried kibble - if he doesn't drink enough water that could cause constipation I guess. How do you know he's constipated? Does he strain when he's trying to go? Or are you worried about the frequency of his bowel movements?

[EmmaGirl]

Fehu... Fiber is very important in maintaining easy stooling (as a fiber-rich diet is equally important for us). Check out these sites:

Canine Constipation in Dogs. Dog is Constipated.

Constipation in Dogs - Dog Constipation

Major Health Problems in Dogs - Internet Library - dogsites.com.au

Dog Constipation