Best Dog Food for Anal Gland Issues – Best High Fiber Dog Food to Help Dogs Express Anal Glands

If your dog has anal gland issues, you’ll do just about anything to make them go ahead as easy as possible. The good news is that diet has a lot to do with anal gland health, which is why many dog owners search high and low foor the best dog food for anal gland issues.

The Best Dog Food for Anal Gland Issues

The best dog food for anal gland issues is a high-fiber food. Anal gland issues are caused by soft poop not expressing the glands. By feeding your dog the best high fiber dog food for anal gland issues, it will firm up dog poop to naturally express the glands. Dog Ownership Guide recommends Only Natural Pet, Ollie, Happy Dog Food and Spot and Tango for the best food for dogs with anal gland issues. Keep reading to learn more about them and why they are the best high fiber dog foods for anal gland issues.

The Purpose of Dog’s Anal Glands

If you’re a dog owner, you may have heard of anal gland issues in dogs. Anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are small glands located on either side of your dog’s anus. They produce a scent that helps dogs mark their territory and communicate with other dogs. However, sometimes these glands can become problematic, leading to anal gland issues in dogs.

Anal Gland Problems

Signs and Symptoms

If your dog is experiencing anal gland issues, they may display several signs and symptoms. Some of the most common signs include:

• • Scooting or dragging their bottom on the ground

• • Licking or biting at the area around their anus

• • Painful or swollen anal glands

• • Foul odor coming from the anal area

• • Presence of pus or blood around the anus

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your dog to the veterinarian for a diagnosis.

Common Causes

There are several common causes of anal gland issues in dogs. Some of these include:

• • Obesity

• • Insufficient dietary fiber

• • Chronic soft stool

• • Food and/or environmental allergies

• • Genetics

While it’s more common for smaller breeds to develop issues with their anal glands, any dog can experience this problem.

Diagnosis by Veterinarian to help Dogs with Anal Gland Issues

If you suspect that your dog is experiencing anal gland issues, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis. The veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may take a sample of the anal gland fluid to determine if there is an infection or other problem. They may also recommend a change in diet or other treatments to help manage the issue. In summary, anal gland issues in dogs can be painful and uncomfortable for your furry friend. By understanding the signs and symptoms, common causes, and diagnosis process, you can help ensure that your dog receives the proper care and treatment they need.

Read more about why your dog’s anal glands smell.

Causes of Anal Gland Problems in Dogs

Understanding the causes of anal sac issues can help identify a treatment that will leave your dog’s anal gland issues by the wayside.

Soft Stool

Soft poop can also cause anal gland problems. A dog’s anal glands are expressed when firm feces makes its way out of the anus. It pushes on the anal sacs which express them. When your dog’s stools are soft, the glands don’t receive the pressure needed for anal gland expression. If you suspect soft stool is the issue, read this article: Soft stool often means a dog’s diet doesn’t have enough fiber. Low-quality dry dog food is often the cause of it. A high fiber diet is the best way to combat that, which is why the Dog Ownership Guide recommends fresh raw dog food.

Infrequent Bowel Movements

Infrequent bowel movements (constipation) can cause fluid to build up in the anal sacs. Improving digestive health can greatly help with this issue. This includes adding omega fatty acids to your dog’s diet.

Food Allergies / Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Food allergies (food sensitivities) and inflammatory bowel disease can also cause issues with the anal glands. The digestive system is highly involved in keeping the body healthy and functioning properly. When there’s a problem with the digestive system, some dogs do not express their anal glands well leading to anal gland impaction.

Chronic Skin Dermatitis

Skin issues often mean there’s a nutritional deficiency, which then affects the functioning of many parts of the body, including the anal glands.

Obesity

Overweight dogs often suffer from digestive system / gastrointestinal tract issues. Weight loss can help this cause of anal gland problems.

Genetics

Small dogs are more susceptible to anal gland problems, but that doesn’t mean that large dog breeds can’t suffer from it.

The Role of Diet in Anal Gland Health

If your dog is suffering from anal gland issues, it’s important to know that diet plays a crucial role in their overall digestive health. A balanced diet with the right amount of fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics can help prevent anal gland problems and promote healthy digestion.

Importance of Fiber

Fiber is a crucial element of a dog’s diet and plays a vital role in preventing anal gland issues. A diet high in fiber can help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion, which, in turn, helps prevent anal gland problems. Fiber also helps to keep your dog feeling full, which can prevent overeating and weight gain. When choosing dog food for anal gland issues, look for options that are high in fiber. Some of the best high-fiber dog foods for anal gland problems include lamb, rice, and salmon-based diets. These diets are not only rich in fiber but also provide essential nutrients that support digestive health.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics are essential for maintaining a healthy gut flora. Probiotics are live bacteria that help to balance the gut microbiome, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the good bacteria in the gut. Together, these two elements can help prevent anal gland issues by promoting healthy digestion and reducing inflammation. When choosing dog food for anal gland issues, look for options that are rich in probiotics and prebiotics. Some of the best options include diets that contain live cultures, such as yogurt and kefir, or prebiotic fibers, such as chicory root and sweet potato.

Avoiding Food Allergies

Food allergies can also contribute to anal gland issues in dogs. If your dog is suffering from anal gland problems, it’s important to identify any food allergies they may have and eliminate those foods from their diet. Common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. When choosing dog food for anal gland issues, look for options that are free from common allergens. You may also want to consider a limited ingredient diet, which contains fewer ingredients and is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. In conclusion, a balanced diet with the right amount of fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics is essential for maintaining healthy digestion and preventing anal gland issues in dogs. By choosing the right dog food and avoiding common allergens, you can help your furry friend stay healthy and happy.

Nutrients and Ingredients for Anal Gland Health

If your dog is experiencing anal gland issues, it is important to choose a dog food that is rich in nutrients that support anal gland health. Here are some key nutrients and ingredients to look for:

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for your dog’s overall health, including the health of their anal glands. Look for dog food that contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are antioxidants that help support the immune system. Additionally, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy stool.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are important for maintaining healthy skin and coat. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the anal glands. Look for dog food that contains sources of fatty acids such as flaxseed, fish oil, and chicken fat.

Beneficial Ingredients

Certain ingredients can be particularly beneficial for anal gland health. For example, fiber can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation, which can contribute to anal gland issues. Look for dog food that contains sources of fiber such as peas, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. Additionally, fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, broccoli, and carrots are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that support overall health.

Avoiding Harmful Ingredients

Some ingredients can actually contribute to anal gland issues. For example, grains such as wheat and corn can be difficult for dogs to digest, leading to constipation and other digestive issues. Additionally, some dogs may be sensitive to certain proteins such as chicken or beef. Look for dog food that is free from these ingredients and instead contains high-quality sources of protein such as salmon or lamb. Overall, choosing a dog food that is rich in nutrients and free from harmful ingredients is key for supporting anal gland health. Be sure to read ingredient labels carefully and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s diet.

Additional Considerations to Help with Anal Gland Issues

Maintaining your dog’s anal gland health requires more than just feeding them high-fiber dog food. In this section, we will discuss some additional considerations that can help keep your dog’s anal glands healthy.

Maintaining Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your dog’s overall health, including their anal gland health. Being overweight can put extra pressure on the anal glands, leading to impaction and other issues. It’s important to monitor your dog’s weight and make sure they are not overweight. If they are, you may need to adjust their diet and exercise routine to help them lose weight.

Addressing Allergies and Sensitivities

Allergies and sensitivities can cause inflammation and digestive issues, which can lead to anal gland problems. If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, it’s important to address them. Consider switching to a limited-ingredient diet or a diet that doesn’t contain common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. You can also try adding supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to help support their immune system and reduce inflammation.

Supplements and Additional Care

In addition to high-fiber dog food, there are several supplements and additional care options that can help keep your dog’s anal glands healthy. Some popular supplements include fish oil, pumpkin seed oil, and probiotics. These supplements can help support healthy digestion and promote regular bowel movements. You may also want to consider regular anal gland expression by a veterinarian or groomer to prevent impaction and other issues. Overall, maintaining your dog’s anal gland health requires a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, and additional care options. By addressing your dog’s weight, allergies, and sensitivities, and providing them with the right supplements and care, you can help keep their anal glands healthy and prevent issues like impaction and infection.

How to Treat Anal Gland Issues in Dogs

When your dog is actively having anal gland issues, anal gland expression is the best thing you can do. An anal expression can be performed at home. Simply find the anal gland on each side of the anal and pinch it until you see fluid come out of the anus. Beware: It is a smelly job. We suggest doing this in the bathtub. The alternative is to take your pup to the veterinarian or groomer to have it done. While you’ll have to pay for it, most dog owners gladly pay for it. If anal gland impaction has caused an infection or anal gland disease, antibiotics may be prescribed. A veterinarian will be able to tell if this is a complication of your pet’s anal gland problems. In severe cases and as a last resort, a dog’s anal glands can be removed. Learn more about that here: Dog Gland Removal Pros and Cons

How to Prevent Dog Anal Gland Issues – Feed Your Dog a High Fiber Diet

Feeding your pet a more nutritious and fibrous diet can prevent dog anal gland issues. The best dog food for anal gland issues is fresh and raw with a focus on high fiber. The best high-fiber dog food is fresh and raw. The high-fiber dog food should include:

• • Beet Pulp

• • PumpkinGround Flaxseed

• • Dark Leafy Greens

• • Apples

• • Carrots

• • Brown Rice

• • Healthy Oils

If shedding is a concern, you’ll be happy to learn that many of the above fruits/vegetables above can help with it. You can read about that here: Best Dog Food for Shedding Weight loss should also be a focus for overweight dogs. A healthy weight can prevent many medical conditions in addition to solving frequent anal gland impaction.

The Best High-Fiber Dog Food for Anal Gland Issues

Most pet parents shy away from feeding their pooch fresh and raw dog food because they believe it’s too time-consuming. That isn’t true anymore with the emergence of dog food delivery companies. Pet parents now can stop feeling as though they have to feed dry dog food. They can get the best dog food for anal gland issues from one of the following companies:

• • Only Natural Pet

• • Happy Dog Food

• • Ollie

Only Natural Pet

Only Natural Pet offers dehydrated fresh and raw dog food that has high fiber content. All that you have to do is add water to it to give your pup the best food possible. All of the recipes Only Natural Pet has are made with natural ingredients. There aren’t any artificial flavors like many dry food brands include, which is why it’s perfect for pups with a sensitive stomach. Healthy digestion starts with healthy foods containing essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, which is exactly what Only Natural Pet has in its dog food. Choose between beef, turkey, lamb, or a chicken meal for your pup. They are all equally delicious. Learn more about Only Natural Pet by reading this article: Only Natural Pet Product Reviews

Happy Dog Food

Happy Dog Food provides dehydrated recipes that include important fruits and vegetables for your pet’s digestive health. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and more are packed into each package. All pet parents have to do is add their own protein. Options for protein can be fish for omega fatty acids. Beef, lamb, turkey, and chicken are other great options for protein. Just like with Only Natural Pet, Happy Dog Food doesn’t use any artificial flavors and focuses on including essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in every product. Learn more about Happy Dog Food by reading: Happy Dogs Raw Dog Food

Ollie Dog Food

For pet parents who don’t want to prepare their pup’s food at all, there is Ollie’s dog food delivery service. All food is fresh and made from natural ingredients. While it’s not raw, it still provides great nutrition for healthy digestion. Ollie offers many different varieties of products to choose from, which gives your pup many different options. Read: Pros and Cons of Ollie Dog Food

Spot and Tango Fresh Dog Food

Spot and Tango is another trustworthy brand for fresh dog food. They offer customized packages of fresh food and a formula that surprises many dog owners – dry dog food. Spot and Tango call their fresh dry dog food – Unkibble. It’s just like kibble but not like commercial dry dog food. You can learn more about it by reading these articles: Spot and Tango Unkibble How Much Is Spot and Tango?

Fiber Supplementation for Dog with Anal Gland Issues

It may be necessary to add fiber to fresh raw food to ensure your up receives the amount needed for their unique digestive system. A dog’s diet should contain 2% to 4% of prebiotic fiber – insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. Prebiotic fiber is best because it reaches the intestines unaltered so it can regulate good and bad bacteria. The benefits of prebiotic fiber are:

• • Ferments food faster to keep a dog’s bowel movements regular.

• • Helps the body absorb nutrients better.

• • Prevents spikes in blood sugar.

• • Manages intestinal disorders.

• • Increases bone density and strength.

• • Enhances immunity.

The following are the best fiber-rich foods to add to your dog’s diet:

• • Green Beans

• • Sweet Potatoes

• • Bran Flakes

• • Cooked Oats

• • Millet

Many dog owners use supplements like Metamucil or Psyllium Husk Powder (both available on Amazon).

D.O.G. Hera’s Experience with Psyllium Husk Powder for Anal Gland Expression

Dog Ownership Guide uses Psyllium Husk Powder after experiencing anal gland issues with D.O.G. Hera. Hera was adopted and just a couple of weeks later began exhibiting the signs of anal gland impaction. After anal gland expression at home didn’t work, we gave her Psyllium Husk Powder. In just a couple of days, all of her anal gland issues were gone. We only give Hera Psyllium Husk Powder as needed now because she received enough soluble fiber and insoluble fiber in her diet.

Fresh – Raw Food Is The Best Dog Food for Anal Gland Problems

The best dog food for anal gland issues is also the best food for overall health. When pet parents decide to feed their pup fresh raw dog food, they decide to give their pup the very best in nutrition. This leads to healthy digestion, healthy skin, and fewer medical problems in the future. It’s also much easier for your pup to maintain a healthy weight. Feeding your dog a fresh raw diet isn’t as hard as it used to be – you do not need to grocery shop, chop or cook anything. You can use a delivery service that will send everything you need right to your door. Consider one of the brands Dog Ownership Guide recommends: Only Natural Pet, Ollie, or Happy Dog Food.