Best Dog Food for Anal Glands

When you buy through our links, Dogfoodspecialist may earn an affiliate commission

Share the post:

Anal gland Support for Dogs

So, what is the best dog food for Anal Glands on the market today?

High-fiber foods are the greatest option for treating anal gland issues in dogs, increased fiber to your dog’s diet can help to firm up and bulk out their feces.

As a result, when your dog does go to the toilet, his stool compresses on the anal glands and aids in their emptying.

The finest high-fiber dog foods are high in protein, devoid of grains and gluten, and aid in the maintenance of a healthy weight.

VIDEO: Anal Glands in Dogs Explained

Other than high fiber diets, assess your pup’s fundamental nutritional requirements and select the finest option, which we feel is Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Gastrointestinal Low Fat food, there are however a variety of different dog foods on the market that aim to improve anal gland health by alleviating and treating any issues.

Your Pet’s Anal glands explained!

The anal glands are two tiny sacs that are located just inside the anus.

The goal of the glands is to generate a fluid with a pungent, fishy odor (which is very powerful and fishy). It’s been suggested that expressing a little amount of this stuff establishes territory.

Blocked anal glands are a relatively common condition that can be resolved easily.

Blockage of the anal glands, if left untreated, can lead to more serious consequences such as infections/abscesses.

It is more common in overweight dogs (weak muscles around the bottom), dogs born with narrow anal gland openings (makes emptying difficult), and dogs that have ongoing diarrhea/soft stools (anal glands rely on firm, bulky stools to push past and empty them).

As a veterinarian, I see these problems on a daily basis. I spend a significant amount of time researching the finest food that can assist me in treating my patients. Below is an in-depth analysis of the finest dog food for Anal-Gland Issues.

Best High Fiber Dog Food - Anal Gland Problems

Whether you go dry or wet food, one of the easiest ways for you to determine good dog food is by reading the label and looking out for the AAFCO Statement.

All of the dog foods on this list are in accordance with the AAFCO nutrient profile recommendations for dogs.

Vet Recommended Dog Food for Anal Glands

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support Dry Dog Food

First 5 ingredients: Powdered Cellulose, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Wheat Gluten, Wheat
Type of product: Veterinary Diet
Life stage: Adult
Best for: Long term weight management

If your dog suffers from frequent anal gland problems, this dog food by Royal Canin is one of the best high-fiber dog foods on the market.

Anal gland problems are sometimes associated with obesity, and this fiber-rich diet will not only bulk up your dog’s stools for some anal gland expressing action but will also keep your dog’s waistline in check.

The powdered cellulose in the diet will help your dog feel fuller quicker and also provide the right kind of fiber to bulk up your dog’s stool without retaining too much moisture. This will make your dog’s stools firmer.

The diet also contains other fiber sources with psyllium seed husk being one of them. Psyllium seed husks trap water content to form a gel and increase the size and frequency of stools.

The Satiety Support range has a product specifically formulated for small breed dogs that is better suited to their nutritional exigencies.

Grain Free Dog Food for Anal Glands

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Healthy Weight, Chicken Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch,
Type of product: High-Protein, Weight Control, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
Life stage: Adult
Best for: Long term weight management

This protein-rich meal is specially formulated for dogs who need support with weight management. It contains a controlled amount of calories from fat plus L-carnitine to help your pooch develop strong and lean muscles along with a carefully formulated blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to support a healthy immune system. It’s also a grain-free formula made without the use of corn, wheat soy, or meat by-products.

About this item

HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness grain free healthy weight dog food is formulated to provide a fully satisfying meal without excess calories from fat to help your adult dog achieve and maintain an ideal body weight
ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance
A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals; BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free, Meadow Feast With Lamb Meal Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Lamb Meal, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Dried Egg, Sweet Potato
Type of product: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet
Life stage: Adult
Best for Sensitive Stomach

This limited ingredient formula is a great alternative for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Along with protein, there is a healthy mix of vegetables and fruits, which contain natural antioxidants important for everyday optimal health. Vitamins and minerals help support your dog’s immune system. L-Carnitine helps burn fat and maintain lean muscle mass to support a healthy, active lifestyle. A proper ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids helps support a lipid balance for healthy skin and coat.

Single Protein Dog Food for Anal Gland Issus

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Healthy Weight Salmon & Peas Formula Dry Dog Food

First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
Type of product: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet
Life stage: Adult
Best for: Long term weight management

This natural, grain-free dry food for allergy-prone overweight dogs is specially formulated with a single source of protein and easily digestible carbohydrates. It is designed as a natural alternative to prescribed therapeutic diets while promoting whole-body health. This gluten-free dry dog food is fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, prebiotics, and taurine to support digestion, immune function, and a healthy coat and skin. It does not contain any meat by-products, wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Key benefits

Helps support digestion, immune function, and a healthy coat and skin.
Specially formulated with a single source of protein and easily digestible carbohydrates.
Fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, prebiotics, and taurine.
Designed as a natural alternative to prescribed therapeutic diets while promoting whole-body health.

Best Dog Food for Large Breeds

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Healthy Weight For Large Breed Adult, Farm-Raised Chicken, Rice, and Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)
Type of product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Non-GMO
Life stage: Adult
Best for weight management

This dry food for large breed adult dogs is specially formulated to provide both nutrition and flavor. Real chicken is at the very top of the ingredient list for a high-quality protein source. Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin support healthy joints, while essential antioxidants support immunity and natural fiber support good digestion. Plus, this food is made with non-GMO ingredients and you won’t find any chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy here!

About this item

Made with non-GMO ingredients; no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy
The high-quality protein source is the no.1 ingredient in the delicious dry kibble
Designed to help keep your large breed dog trim and fit
Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin; formulated to support healthy joints
Formulated to support healthy immunity with essential antioxidants.

Digestive Care for Dogs for Anal Glands

Dr. Tim’s Grain-Free, Kinesis Formula

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Dried White Potatoes, Dried Field Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Natural Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E), Tapioca
Type of product: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
Life stage: Adult
Best for weight management

Metabolically balanced for the sedentary to moderately active canine, Kinesis supports a casual lifestyle by working in conjunction with your dog’s natural metabolism. The proteins used are 88% derived from animal sources and complemented with a balanced blend of carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. Probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants are then added to enhance your dog’s immune system and promote a natural gut microbiome. Finally, Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of EPA and DHA may enhance your companion’s mental clarity well into the golden years. Kinesis is made without corn, wheat, or soy for the sensitive dog.

Key benefits

Packed with 87% animal protein, this recipe encourages a healthy, playful lifestyle.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil help to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat, while EPA and DHA work to support cognitive function.
Metabolically balanced kibble meets the specific needs of a sedentary to moderately active canine.
Features patented BC30 probiotic to boost your pup’s digestive health.
The well-rounded meal is designed to suit all life stages, which means it can follow your dog from puppyhood to the golden years.

Grain Free Dry Dog Food for Anal Gland Issues

“I and Love and You” Naked Essentials Grain Free, Lamb & Bison Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Ground Peas
Type of product: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
Life stage: Adult
Best for weight management

Free of grains, corn, by-product meals, and anything artificial, Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Recipe has real lamb as the number one ingredient along with sweet potatoes and a special blend of prebiotics and probiotics

Key benefits

Premium, grain-free canine kibble featuring real lamb as the first ingredient and other whole foods including bison and sweet potatoes.
Made with a special blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support healthy digestion so your pal’s tummy feels full and happy!
Packed with all the nutrition your dog needs to stay active and healthy including healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
Made with no corn, wheat, soy, rice, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors because your canine companion deserves nothing but the best.
This wholesome food is uniquely crafted for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors and every stage in-between.

Best High Fibre Dog Food for Anal Glands

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Pea Fiber, Corn Gluten Meal
Type of product: Commercial diet
Life stage: Adult
Best for: Long term weight management

Hill’s also provides a high fiber dog food that requires no veterinary prescription to buy.

The diet uses fiber-rich carbohydrate sources such as brown rice along with the usual fiber bulking agents. Pea fiber provides the majority of the diet’s fiber content.

Other fiber sources in the diet include dried tomato pomace, oat fiber, and dried beet pulp.

The fiber content of the diet can vary between 5 to 13% of the diet. While this can mean a great variability in the final product, this diet is still richer in fiber than most commercial products and will be a better fit for dogs prone to anal gland problems.

Best Low Fat Dog Food for Anal Glands

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Fiber
Type of product: Commercial diet
Life stage: Adult
Best for: Long term weight management

This dog food can have a maximum fiber content of 10%. It can however be bought from a pet shop and does not need a veterinary prescription.

The diet uses pea fiber and powdered cellulose to bulk up your dog’s stools. Like other Blue Buffalo diets, it also contains dried chicory root; a good source of soluble fiber that helps colonic bacterial fermentation and promotes gut health. [3]

As in other dog foods made by this brand, the diet contains a number of bacterial extracts whose efficacy in promoting gut health is debatable.

However, as far as non-veterinary dog food goes, the diet’s formulation shows promise in helping prevent anal gland problems while keeping your canine friend’s figure trim.

This diet also comes as wet food.

High Fibre Dog Food for Anal Glands

Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d Weight Reduction Dry Dog Food

First 5 ingredients: Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Meal
Type of product: Veterinary Diet
Life stage: Adult
Best for: Steady weight loss

This high-fiber dog food intended to promote weight loss can be a good diet to bulk up your dog’s stools.

The powdered cellulose and dried beet pulp form firm, sizeable stools able to express your dog’s anal glands naturally.

Hill’s, like Royal Canin, produce high-quality dog foods and it should come as no surprise that this diet is one of the best high fiber dog foods on the market.

Signs of anal gland discomfort in dogs

When your pet’s anal glands fill up to excess, it can put pressure on the area, which can be unpleasant for both you and your dog or cat.

When this happens, your dog may exhibit signs of anal gland issues, such as scooting its rear end across the floor.

Besides scooting, other symptoms of anal gland problems in dogs include a fishy or foul odor from your pet, excessive licking of the rear end, discomfort while walking or sitting, straining to defecate, or redness/swelling near the rear end.

Signs can include:

Dragging or “scooting” their rear
Sitting uncomfortably
Biting and licking anus area
Shivering or trembling

Causes of anal gland issues in your dog

There may be a variety of underlying reasons behind an anal gland disorder, and in many cases, it is due to a combination of factors.

One of the most frequent underlying causes of anal gland issues is poor intestinal health, but there are other potential explanations:

Being overweight or obese
Diarrhea (caused by illness, sudden food changes, inappropriate treats or food)
Food hypersensitivities (food allergies)
Atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies)
Chronic (deep) skin infections with bacteria and/or yeast
Abnormal anal tone – inability to contract the anal sphincter normally
Obstruction of the anal gland duct – mass/tumor, inflammation to the muscles, etc.
Skin mite infestations (e.g., Demodex, Sarcoptes)

The Best Probiotic for Dogs

Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health-Full Bucket’s Probiotic supplements

How to Help Dog Express Glands Naturally

Blocked anal glands are often simple to cure:

Emptying. Your vet will examine your dog’s behind and try to empty the glands. If you try this at home without first getting advice from your veterinarian, the anal glands can burst if they are squeezed too hard or in an incorrect manner.

Medication. If your dog’s glands can’t be unblocked, are extremely painful, or have produced an infection/abscess, medicines such as anti-inflammatories and/or antibiotics are usually required.

Surgery. Flushing your dog’s anal glands under anesthesia if he or she has persistent anal gland issues that can’t be handled by emptying or medicine is an option

How to Relieve Dogs Anal Glands

A high-fiber diet is the best option for treating anal gland issues in dogs, fiber may help your dog’s poo firm up and bulk out, and as a result, when your dog goes to the bathroom, his stool will push on the anal glands and aid in their emptying.

Keep your dog trim and healthy! Obese dogs have weaker muscles around their lower bottom, making gland emptying more difficult. Feed your dog a high-quality complete dog food and keep them at a good weight.

Digestive issues are reduced if your dog consumes a balanced diet with plenty of fiber and exercises on a daily basis.

Can Food Cause Anal Gland Issues in Dogs

The finest high-fiber dog foods are high in protein, devoid of grains and gluten, and aids in the maintenance of your dog’s ideal weight.

Here are some elements to look for in a portion of high-fiber dog food for anal gland problems:

High in Fiber.Dogs require a maximum of 5% dietary fiber in their diet on average, however dogs with anal gland problems can withstand a little more. Make sure the food you’re buying has at least 4% fiber and no more than 7%.

Prebiotics. Prebiotic fibers and probiotic supplements can help your dog’s metabolism and decrease problems with his/her anus glands. The most popular kind of probiotics in dog food is dried fermentation products.

Quality Ingredients. The quality of your dog’s food is crucial, no matter what health issues he or she has, but high-quality ingredients are particularly important for dogs with bowel issues. The superior the components, the greater your dog’s body will be able to digest them, resulting in firmer, more efficient feces that keep his or her anal glands open.

Why is Fibre so Important?

As previously stated, the ideal dog food for those suffering from anal gland problems should include fiber.

Fiber is divided into two categories: soluble and insoluble. They are essential to good digestion and maintenance.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and aids in the digestion of foods while also promoting the health of your dog’s digestive system by increasing beneficial bacteria.

It promotes good health throughout the large intestine, assisting in the prevention of diarrhea. This fiber also absorbs water and makes it easier for them to go through an animal’s digestive tract than other meals.

Insoluble fiber sources make your dog’s feces heavier by adding bulk to them. The heavier stool aids in the natural excretion of the anal glands during defecation.

According to studies, insoluble fiber can help diabetic dogs. A high-fiber diet can also be very beneficial for dogs with colon health issues.

The Benefits of feeding your dog a fibre diet include:

Helps to Prevent Anal Gland Problems,
Reduces the chances of diabetes
Aids digestion
Reduces the risk of colon cancer
Helps to regulate weight

The Importance of Prebiotics and Probiotics

High-quality dog food must include these two elements in order to avoid anal gland problems.

These substances are readily absorbed into the body, causing natural anal gland release. They also keep your dog’s stomach healthy by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria when they ferment in the colon.

Because these components should be consumed with meals, it’s best if you buy your dog food that contains them. If your diet does not contain them and you wish to add them, seek expert advice first.

Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is vital for your dog’s immune system and overall health – read our blog on: The Best Probiotic for Dogs.