Best Dog Foods for Anal Gland Problems
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
Owning a dog is a wonderful thing, but it is also a big responsibility. If you’re lucky, your dog will be healthy, but if you’re unlucky, you may find yourself dealing with chronic problems.
Bowel problems in dogs are fairly common, and they range from sensitive stomachs to anal gland problems.
Keep reading to learn more about your dog’s basic nutritional needs and to receive some tips for picking the best dog food. You’ll also receive our top 5 picks for the best high-fiber dog food for anal gland problems in dogs.
What Are Anal Gland Problems in Dogs?
Though it’s probably something you’d rather not think about, your dog has two glands on either side of his anus that secrete an odorous fluid.
This fluid helps lubricate his stool to make it pass more easily and may also contain pheromones used to communicate with other dogs.
When your dog’s anal glands become irritated and inflamed, it can lead to a whole host of issues.
The best diet to resolve anal gland problems in dogs is a high-fiber diet. Here are some things to look for in a high-fiber dog food for anal gland problems:
- Quality Ingredients. The quality of your dog’s diet matters no matter what health problems he has, but high-quality ingredients are particularly important for dogs with bowel problems. The better the ingredients, the better your dog’s body will be able to digest them, which will lead to firmer, more efficient stools that help keep your dog’s anal glands expressed.
- Probiotics/Prebiotics. Prebiotic fibers and probiotic supplements can improve your dog’s digestion and help reduce problems with the anal glands. Dried fermentation products are the most common form of probiotics seen in dog food.
- High in fiber. Generally speaking, dogs need a maximum of 5% dietary fiber in their diet but dogs with anal gland problems can sometimes benefit from a little more of it. Look for a dog food with at least 4% fiber and no more than 7%.
Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems.
Best Dog Foods For Anal Gland Problems
The best dog food for anal gland problems will be made with wholesome, natural ingredients that are easy to digest but also high in fiber. Beneficial supplements like prebiotics and probiotics will be important as well.
Here are our top 5 picks for the best dog food for anal gland problems that you should consider:
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 348 kcal/cup
- Affordable but high in quality
- Real meat is the first ingredients
- Digestible, grain-free carbohydrates
- Some dogs have allergic reactions
Nulo Puppy & Adult Freestyle Limited Ingredient Diet
Product Info
- Protein: 30% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 5.5% Max
- Calories: 438 kcal/cup
- Made with all-natural, high-quality ingredients
- Supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion
- Contains 5.5% crude fiber to resolve anal gland issues
- Main source of fat is plant-based
- May be too high in calories for some adult dogs
Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Puppy Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 5.5% Max
- Calories: 490 kcal/cup
- Rich in high-quality animal protein to support growth and development
- Fiber-rich from grain-free carbohydrates and fresh vegetables
- Made with all-natural ingredients to ensure quality and digestibility
- On the pricey side
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 3606 kcal ME/kg or 382 kcal ME/cup
- Features added vitamins and minerals
- Made in the USA
- Contains no chickpeas, lentils, or peas
- Some dogs may have allergic reaction
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Senior Dry Food
Product Info
- Protein: 18% Min
- Fat: 10% Min
- Fiber: 7% Max
- Calories: 352 kcal/cup
- Very high in fiber to resolve anal gland problems
- Made with digestible whole-grain carbohydrates
- Supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion
- Only contains 18% protein
- Some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to grains
How Do You Choose the Best Dog Foods for Anal Gland Problems?
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a dog’s food for anal gland problems, you can better understand your dog’s nutritional needs as a whole.
Both protein and fat should ideally come from animal-based sources to ensure proper digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients. For example, a high-quality protein might be deboned chicken or salmon meal, while a healthy fat would be chicken fat or salmon oil. For carbohydrates, digestibility is key.
Some dogs can tolerate whole grains, while others do better with grain-free carbohydrates like beans, legumes, and vegetables. Just make sure the total fiber content is between 4% and 7%.
On top of these basic necessities, a good dog food will also include beneficial supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplements help to ensure nutritional balance, and chelated minerals are the most biologically valuable source. Fresh fruits and veggies provide nutrients as well, and some act as prebiotic fibers, which work together with probiotic supplements to ensure regular digestion.
Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best dog food for anal gland problems.
How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?
The amount you feed your dog varies depending on several factors, but primarily its age and body weight. You’ll need to feed your dog more as a puppy to support its growth and development; most puppies do well with three meals per day.
Small-breed dogs also need three meals per day because they have very fast metabolisms and burn through energy very quickly. Larger dogs only need two meals a day, in most cases. In terms of how much to actually feed your dog, you’ll need to refer to the feeding recommendations on the package because every recipe is different in terms of calories, and your dog’s needs will change as it grows and ages.
What About Food Allergies and Sensitivities?
Dog food allergies and sensitivities are more common than many people realize. If your dog has recurrent ear infections or skin problems, it could be the result of a food allergy. One option is to switch to a grain-free diet to see if that resolves the issue.
If not, try a limited-ingredient diet made with novel sources of protein and carbohydrates. The limited number of ingredients reduces the risk of triggering allergies, and the novel ingredients are unlikely to trigger any as well since your dog hasn’t had them before. If the problem doesn’t resolve in 10 to 12 weeks, talk to your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
No matter what health problems your dog has, feeding it a high-quality diet is only going to help. If your dog has anal gland problems, a diet made up of high-quality, digestible ingredients that are rich in fiber is the best way to go. Take what you’ve learned here to start shopping, or try one of our top 5 picks for the best dog food for anal gland problems reviewed above.
