What is the best high fiber dog food for anal gland issues?
12% of all dogs suffer from anal gland issues at some point throughout their life. But though propper diet and with the right dog foods you can help them recover quickly or even prevent some anal gland issues from ever occurring. If you think your dog is suffering from anal gland issues, call your vet and book a checkup. [1]
We have researched and studied several of the leading dog food brands that we feel are the best at healing your dog’s anal gland problems and we’ll discuss those in just a little bit.
High Fiber Products We Recommend In This Article
SUPPLEMENTS
- Vetnique Labs Glandex Anal Gland & Probiotic Beef Liver Flavored Pumpkin Fiber & Digestive Powder Supplement for Dogs & Cats
- NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotic Powder Digestive Supplement for Cats & Dogs
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder Digestive Supplement for Dogs
- The Petz Kitchen Pumpkin Powder Bowel, Elimination, Digestive & Fiber Support Dog & Cat Supplement
DOG FOODS
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Fiber Balance Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dog Food
- ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Grain-Free Pacific Catch Recipe Salmon, Whitefish & Trout Dry Dog Food
- ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- ACANA Freshwater Fish Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
OUR PICK FOR THE BEST HIGH FIBER DOG FOOD FOR ANAL GLAND PROBLEMS
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dog Food
- Antioxidants, complex carbohydrates and prebiotics all in one
- Contains the perfect amount of soluble and insoluble fiber
- Designed with ease of digestion in mind
- Great flavors
- This product requires authorization from your veterinarian to purchase
OUR PICK FOR THE BEST HIGH FIBER DOG FOOD FOR ANAL GLAND PROBLEMS
NO VET AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dog Food
- High fiber to help regulate stool structure and bowel movements
- Probiotics improves digestive health
- Variety of textures to satisfy your dog’s tastes and cravings
- You DO NOT need a veterinarian to authorize the use of this product
What is the Best High Fiber Dog Food for Anal Gland Problems
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dog Food
Why It’s Great for Your Dogs Anal Gland Problems
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dog Food is one of the best high fiber dog food anal gland problems. It really has a lot going for it when it comes to helping your dog heal from anal gland problems. Its the high level of fiber that helps your dog regulate its stool structure and bowel movements by helping intestinal bacteria grow and thrive. An infusion of probiotics further improves digestive health and Purina has created a number of different textures to help satisfy your dog’s cravings for variety.
Why dog owners love it:
- Several customers have said how much they like that their dog loves the taste and commented on how nice it is to see their dog actually enjoying his food
- One customer said she originally associated Purina with low lower quality pet products but after comparing the ingredients found in the Purina Pro Plan dog food she found it contained very wholesome ingredients
- Another customer’s dog loved the meaty bits and he just can’t get enough of it. Their dog licks the bowl clean
Some of the main ingredients include:
Chicken | Poultry By-product |
Rice | Soybean Meal |
Flounder | Beef Fat |
Whole Grain Wheat |
Best for:
Breed Size | |
Extra Small / Toy Breeds | |
Small Breeds | |
Medium Breeds | |
Large Breeds | |
Giant Breeds |
Age | |
Puppy | |
Adult | |
Senior |
Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
How it Can Help Relieve Your Dogs Anal Gland Issues
Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a special blend of raw foods dogs are known to love. This gives them the support needed to encourage a healthy, natural digestion process. Orijen uses premium, WholePrey animal ingredients and this particular dog food is grain-free including corn, soy, and wheat as well as gluten-free.
Some dogs are sensitive to gluten just like some humans are. Pay close attention to your dog’s reactions to any new dog food you begin giving him or her. It’s always best to sit down with your veterinarian and consult with her on whether or not a particular dog food fits in with your dog’s breed, size, weight goals or any other factors they see fit to discuss.
Why dog owners love it:
- One customer found that it made their dog’s fur more hydrated, smooth, and even shinier
- Several customers have said that their dog who is the pickiest of eaters absolutely devour this dog food
- One customer’s dog had liver problems and needed a low copper food option and this product was one of the lowest they could find. It allowed their dog to return to being healthy and happy
- Another customer even goes as far as to say that her dog ignores its treats because he loves this brand so much. Now that’s saying something!
Some of the main ingredients include:
Chicken | Chicken Liver |
Turkey | Turkey Giblets |
Flounder | Whole Herring |
Whole Mackerel |
Best for:
Breed Size | |
Extra Small / Toy Breeds | |
Small Breeds | |
Medium Breeds | |
Large Breeds | |
Giant Breeds |
Age | |
Puppy | |
Adult | |
Senior |
Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Grain-Free Pacific Catch Recipe Salmon, Whitefish & Trout Dry Dog Food
How it Can Help Relieve Your Dogs Anal Gland Issues
Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Grain-Free Pacific Catch Recipe Salmon, Whitefish & Trout Dry Dog Food is another one of the best high fiber dog food anal gland problems available today. It’s the perfect food for dogs with sensitive digestive tracts. With healthy, wholesome, natural, and raw ingredients, this dry food packs a serious high-protein punch. What’s even better is that there are no corn, wheat, or soy fillers to cause bloating or encourage allergies to act up.
Allergies can be a serious hindrance on the quality of life your dog enjoys. Pay close attention if your dog begins to increase itching, or begins to show other signs of allergic reactions. Check out this great article on what kinds of foods cause dog food allergies and what you can do to prevent them.
Why dog owners love it:
- Many customers have shared how much they love that it is sensitive to allergies. There’s nothing worse than giving your dog something to help with one health problem, only to find it is causing another
- Some customers like that fish-based diets tend to be more forgiving to dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Some dog owners have said they love the fact that there is little to no filler. All healthy foods to help a dog recover from anal gland problems or any other digestion related issues
Some of the main ingredients include:
Deboned Salmon | Sweet Potatoes |
Salmon Meal | Potatoes |
Whitefish Meal | Peas |
Best for:
Breed Size | |
Extra Small / Toy Breeds | |
Small Breeds | |
Medium Breeds | |
Large Breeds | |
Giant Breeds |
Age | |
Puppy | |
Adult | |
Senior |
Orijen Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
How it Can Help Relieve Your Dogs Anal Gland Issues
Canines come from a long history of hunting and scavenging for meals in the wild and sometimes it’s hard to breed that out of them. So it’s no surprise that dogs go nuts for Orijen Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. It contains prey that has been hunted by wild dogs for years including, beef, wild boar, goat, lamb and so much more. This wide variety of wild and domestic foods will give your dog the natural ability to grow, heal and thrive while enjoying a meal that also tastes great. It’s always recommended to slowly introduce new foods to your dog by mixing them with their usual brand of food. Slowly increase the new food amount and decrease the old over a 2 week period for best results.
Why dog owners love it:
- Many customers love the wide range of more “wild” variety animals
- Other customers like that it has a good portion of protein and fat making their dog’s coats soft and shiny
- Another customer said that this was a great balance between making their own raw dog food at home (which they didn’t have time for) and buying off the shelf
- A customer loved that this product does not have rosemary as a preservative ingredient which her dog was quite allergic too
Some of the main ingredients include:
Beef | Mutton |
Wild Boar | Whole Mackerel |
Goat | Pork |
Lamb |
Best for:
Breed Size | |
Extra Small / Toy Breeds | |
Small Breeds | |
Medium Breeds | |
Large Breeds | |
Giant Breeds |
Age | |
Puppy | |
Adult | |
Senior |
AcanaFreshwater Fish Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
How it Can Help Relieve Your Dogs Anal Gland Issues
It’s important to regulate a dog’s digestive system when dealing with an anal gland problem. The Acana Freshwater Fish Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is high in fibrous fruits, vegetables, and legumes such as lentil fiber, pumpkin, pears, and more. It is a great contender for the best high fiber dog food anal gland problems. A major benefit this product has over others is the probiotics Acana includes in its ingredients list. Probiotics are essential in regulating the good bacteria needed to help dogs digest their food efficiently and properly.
Why dog owners love it:
- More gentle on the stomach. Some customers have commented that their dogs have stopped throwing up since having switched to this product
- Many customers remark that their dogs have stopped scratching and itching themselves after switching to this product
Some of the main ingredients include:
Rainbow Trout | Whole Red Lentils |
Catfish | Whole Pinto Beans |
Catfish Meal | Whole Green Peas |
Lamb |
Best for:
Breed Size | |
Extra Small / Toy Breeds | |
Small Breeds | |
Medium Breeds | |
Large Breeds | |
Giant Breeds |
Age | |
Puppy | |
Adult | |
Senior |
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
How it Can Help Relieve Your Dogs Anal Gland Issues
The Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food is chocked full of different vitamins, minerals, and supplements to help get your dogs health back on track. This product is high in fiber and perfect for sensitive stomachs. The vitamin E and Omega-6 help keep your dogs skin moist and their coat healthy and shiny.
Why dog owners love it:
- Some customers like that the bits are smaller than in other brands. This makes it a great choice for smaller breeds
- Another customer remarked that her dog’s stool was originally quite large and soft, but since switching to this product they have become smaller and more solid
- Several customers liked that their dogs suffered much fewer cases of skin reaction after eating this product
- A customer said that this product eliminated the loud sounds that would come from her dog’s often upset stomach
Some of the main ingredients include:
Chicken | Brown Rice |
Yellow Peas | Brewers Rice |
Cracked Pearled Barley |
Best for:
Breed Size | |
Extra Small / Toy Breeds | |
Small Breeds | |
Medium Breeds | |
Large Breeds | |
Giant Breeds |
Age | |
Puppy | |
Adult | |
Senior |
What Should I Look For in a High Fiber Dog Food To Help With Anal Gland Problems
There are several things that can assist you in relieving your dog’s anal gland problems and help get them back to being healthy and happy.
High Fiber
It’s often recommended that dogs be put on the best high fiber dog food anal gland problems which normally consists of a high fiber diet that can promote anal-sac emptying and help prevent anal-duct blockage when they have any sort of digestive issue bothering them. Theoretically, dry dog food that includes beet pulp and psyllium hulls or psyllium seeds would be the ideal choice however we have yet to find an affordable dog food with a sufficient amount of these ingredients due to the high cost of making such a product. [2]
That being said, there are many companies developing high-quality foods that come fairly close to this ideal situation. We’ll go over many in this article. But let’s talk about a couple of other healthy options before we get into comparing different dog food products.
One really good option is learning how to make high-fiber dog food yourself. This can be a time-consuming option unfortunately and usually is not that much cheaper but can be fun to learn nonetheless. Another way to add some nutrition without breaking the piggy bank wide open is through the use of a high fiber supplement on your dog’s food. There are some designed specifically for anal gland problems. Be sure to read the cautionary information before treating your dog’s food with any supplement. Some supplements have not been fully tested for use with pregnant or breeding dogs.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes play an important role in a dog’s digestive process. After your dog finishes its meal, enzymes are released into the digestion area and assist with nutrient absorption. Without these enzymes, there may be an imbalance that can cause any number of health issues. Many dog foods have natural digestive enzymes in them but don’t necessarily list them on the package as a feature. One solution is to add a digestive enzyme powder supplement to high-fiber dog food. This, at the very least, will allow you to control the minimum amount of enzymes your dog is receiving. [3]
Probiotics
Probiotics are essentially the good bacteria found in your digestive system that help keep things running smoothly. Probiotics are often recommended after taking antibiotics as the antibiotics have the ability to kill good bacteria along with the bad. If a dog is low on probiotics it may find it difficult to regulate proper digestion. [4] [5]
Why Do Dogs Have Anal Glands
The short answer is that we don’t really know for sure why dogs have anal glands but we have a lot of really good guesses that can help us better understand what they’re good for. One popular theory that really makes the most sense is that many animals have them to mark their territory.
A dog’s anal gland can excrete a horrible smelling odor that could easily be used to tell other animals that they are trespassing on that dog’s area.
Another popular theory is that the liquid found in the anal gland is there to act as a form of lubricant for difficult to pass stool.
And of course, the real answer could be that it does a bit of both. Either way, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s digestive health and the anal glands play an important role in the digestive process. [6]
Where Are Dogs Anal Glands Located
A dog’s anal glands (or anal sacs) are two sacs approximately the size of a marble and are oval-shaped. They’re located on either side of its anus or anal opening.

How Do I Know if My Dog Has Anal Gland Problems
The first sign most dog owners will notice is the often comical (but also a bit sad because we know they may be uncomfortable) way your dog may scoot across the floor. They do this to try and relieve some of the built-up pressure that a full anal gland can cause. [7]
Dogs may also have difficulty pooping. If you notice your dog is straining while defecating it may be a good time to call your vet and get their opinion. They may want to examine your dog or may recommend some immediate dietary changes.
Another sign of an anal sac problem is the presence of blood in the stool. Check your dog’s rectal area to see if there is any blood or pus after a bowel movement.
Finally, if your dog is fixated on his anal area, licking or scratching around it, this could be a sign there is a problem. It’s definitely worth talking to your vet if you find that your dog has any of these symptoms. Your vet may decide that your dog would benefit from an anal gland expression. This is a procedure that should be done by a trained veterinarian only. If done improperly it could seriously injure your dog.
After an anal gland expression, your veterinarian may recommend you switch to dog food that is a bit more gentle on your dog’s stomach. Something that is easier to digest and designed to help get your dog’s digestive health back on track.
What is the Best Dog Food to Prevent Scooting
Dogs scoot to relive the pressure in their anal glands for solving their digestive problems can often help alleviate your dog’s desire to scoot. That’s why choosing the best high fiber dog food anal gland problems is so important. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dog Food has ingredients that can encourage good bacteria to grow inside your dog’s gut while fighting off bad bacteria.
What is the Best Dog Food With Pumpkin for Anal Gland Problems
If you can’t decide what the best high-fiber dog food for anal gland problems is, consider a supplement. Choosing pumpkin for dogs anal glands is a great way to provide vitamins and fiber needed for your dog’s general health. We like the Acana Freshwater Fish Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food best as it also has pear and other fruits and vegetables rather than empty-calorie fillers.
Another option to consider is adding a pumpkin powder to your dogs food. This can allow them to get the beneficial fiber without needing to switch dog foods.
What is the Best High Fiber Dog Food for Small Breeds
Any of the above blends are perfectly fine for smaller breeds of dogs but if you find the pieces of food are a bit too large for your dog to chew then the Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food specifically have smaller bite sizes in their recipe.
Ingredients in Dog Foods for Anal Gland Problems
Nothing is better than pumpkin for dogs’ anal glands in my opinion. So much fiber in one fruit! If you’ve ever asked yourself “how can I add more fiber to my dog diet?” then pumpkin is the way to do it.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many types of dog foods on the market that have high fiber ingredients or probiotics. Both are key to reducing high-fiber dog food anal gland problems and will make all the difference in your dog’s overall digestive health. Looking for products with raw ingredients often leads to high fiber dog foods so it’s an easy way to sift through the hundreds of brands available. Looking for ingredients you know your dog likes to eat can make a big difference as well. Even if you have the highest fiber count and the most probiotics possible, if your dog doesn’t like it it’s going to be impossible to get him or her to eat it.