Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
If you’ve seen your dog scoot along the ground on his butt, it may be tempting to have a bit of a laugh. But, it can be a sign of a painful condition called anal gland impaction.
Blocked anal glands cause pain and discomfort to your dog. A good, firm poop usually puts pressure on them, emptying them. If your pup isn’t eating enough fiber, though, their poop could be too soft. Yep – it’s all in the poop.
Luckily, feeding your pup the best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems can help prevent it from the start.
Table of Contents
- Best High Fiber Dog Food For Anal Gland Problems
- Glandex Anal Gland Soft Chew Treats with Pumpkin
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
- Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Wet Canned Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Reduced Fat
- ACANA Dog Puppy & Junior
- Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Recipes
- American Journey Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Solid Gold – Fit & Fabulous Holistic Healthy Weight Dog Food
- Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
- Glandex Anal Gland Soft Chew Treats with Pumpkin
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
- What are signs of an anal gland problem?
- Can anal gland problems be dangerous to my dog?
- How can high fiber food help reduce or prevent anal gland problems?
- What should I look for in the best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems?
- Is there anything I should avoid feeding my dog if they suffer from anal gland problems?
- What are signs of an anal gland problem?
Best High Fiber Dog Food For Anal Gland Problems
Glandex Anal Gland Soft Chew Treats with Pumpkin
Best Overall: Best Treat for Anal Gland Problems
PROS
- Guaranteed improvement in 3 – 5 weeks
- Features a unique fiber blend
- Added probiotics and prebiotics
- Veterinarian-recommended
CONS
- Can’t feed as a regular treat – only one a day
- Not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks old
Whatever dog food you’re feeding your pup, they need a treat-like something in between. These soft chews are not only tasty, but they’re specially formulated to be high fiber to help your dog “Boot the Scoot”.
There are guidelines on the food packaging so you can feed your pup the right amount. Remember, you can’t just drop them one of these high fiber treats whenever you feel like it – they’re designed to bulk up the stool to stimulate the anal glands. You don’t want to accidentally make your pup constipated!
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Great Fiber Content
The all-natural ingredients are healthy and contain great fiber levels. They include fiber like pumpkin seeds and apple pectin to help bulk up your dog’s stool.
They’re not just all about bulking, though. Each treat also contains a dash of quercetin, which is a flavonoid that supports a healthy inflammatory response. You’ll also find helpful additions like digestive enzymes and probiotics and prebiotics.
You should see a noticeable difference in the scooting after just a few weeks of feeding your dog these fiber bombs!
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Premium Option: Best Immune System Support
PROS
- High fiber content, at 10%
- Contains L-carnitine to assist in metabolism
- Has added joint supplements
- High-quality, easily digestible ingredient list
CONS
- This is a weight management food, so the fat content might be too low for active dogs
- Might not be suitable for dogs sensitive to chicken
The fiber content in this dog food is on the higher end, so it should do a good job of firming up your dog’s poop to fix the anal gland issues. It’s also chock-full of high-quality, high fiber ingredients that are easy to digest and nutrient-dense.
It’s important to note that this is weight management food. If your pooch is slightly on the roly-poly side, this food will serve the dual purpose of helping their anal gland issues and lowering their weight at the same time!
If you have an active dog, though, this food could be too low in fat to see them through their day adequately. You’d need to supplement with a high-fat treat.
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Premium Quality
Blue Buffalo’s dog food is of the highest quality. The protein comes in at 20%, which is slightly on the lower side. Between that and the low fat count (9%), if your dog is a bouncy one you may need to feed them a few meaty, fatty treats in between meals.
But there are some super things about this food when it comes to helping anal gland problems. The fiber count is great, at 10%, and comes from healthy sources. As well as this, you have a good level of Omegas, added joint supplements, and Blue’s trademark LifeSource Bits, which are little vitamin and mineral bombs to boost the immune system.
You’ll also find L-carnitine, which helps regulate energy use and metabolism. This is a super food supplement for dogs of all ages.
Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Wet Canned Dog Food
Runner-up Choice: Best High Fiber Wet Food
PROS
- Avoids carrageenan, a common wet food ingredient
- Higher than average fiber count for a canned food
- Omega levels are also elevated
- Calorie-friendly food
CONS
- Not suitable for dogs sensitive to chicken
It’s always a good idea to have a go-to canned food. If your dog needs an extra dash of energy in addition to their kibble, or they’re a picky eater, adding a high fiber wet food can work wonders.
Canned dog foods are often low in both protein and fiber, but this one is fairly high in both. 8,5% protein is a good number and comes from chicken meat and chicken liver. The fiber is 3%, which is almost double the usual fiber found in wet dog foods.
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Packed with Healthy Ingredients
You won’t find low-quality fillers in this high fiber canned dog food. It’s made with real meat and vegetables, and has a good amount of chelated minerals in it to help the food go down even easier.
It’s noticeably free from carrageenan, which is a common low-quality food thickener that dogs can’t digest. This is a big pro, and in addition to the superb quality of this wet food, makes this our top choice as a high fiber kibble-topper.
Blue Buffalo Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
Best For Seniors With Anal Gland Problems
PROS
- Lower in fat for less active seniors
- Loaded with useful supplements for seniors
- LifeSource Bits for an immune boost
- Retains high protein and fiber count
CONS
- No flavor variety
Pet parents caring for senior dogs, you may have noticed your pooch is slowing down a little. This senior-specific food is created to have a reduced fat count to account for less activity as your dog ages, but still keep a high fiber content.
It’s chock-a-block with healthy and useful supplements that will keep your older dog healthy for as long as possible as they get on in years.
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Senior-Specific Dog Food
The fat count is lowered (12%) so your senior won’t be getting chunky if they’re moving less. The protein count remains high, so their muscles will be well-maintained, and joint supplements will keep those joints flexible and strong.
Other things we’re happy to see in this food include DHA and EPA, which help keep aging eyes sharp and brain cells firing. L-carnitine is also super for older dogs, and will help regulate energy use and keep their metabolism going smoothly.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Reduced Fat
Natural Recipies, Non-GMO Dog Food
PROS
- High protein, low fat
- Good fiber level, at 8.5%
- Premium quality ingredient list
- Prebiotics and probiotics included
CONS
- Food may be too low in fat for very active dogs – can supplement with a high-fat treat
Wellness makes extremely good dog foods. So if you can deal with a slightly higher price, this would do wonders for your dog’s anal glands. Its slightly lower fiber count is still relatively high at 8.5%.
It’s also a weight management formula, but if your dog could do with less fat in their diet it would be great for them. If you have an energetic fellow, they may not get enough energy from this dog food. High-energy treats in between meals could do the trick – just make sure you aren’t adding too many calories to their daily intake.
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Great Nutrient Values, Low Fat
It’s rare to find low-fat dog foods that retain a good protein count, but this one does. Between 10 and 12% fat is definitely on the low side, but 33% protein is a good number to see. Both of these come from premium non-GMO food sources.
It’s also fairly well-rounded in terms of supplements. Added vitamin A and vitamin E are good additions, as are glucosamine and chondroitin for joint fortification. Probiotics and prebiotics finish this healthy high fiber food off well and ensure your pup will get a nice digestive system boost as well as fixing those anal gland issues.
ACANA Dog Puppy & Junior
Best For Puppies With Anal Gland Problems
PROS
- Filled with puppy-specific nutrients
- Great protein and fat levels as well as fiber
- Probiotics and prebiotics added
- Easy to digest ingredients
CONS
- Slightly pricey
Pat parents of puppies with anal gland issues, this food should sort out their bum issues and help them grow up strong and healthy too. It’s crafted from the finest ingredients, and includes organ meat and cartilage for a well-rounded, high fiber food from the start of your pup’s life.
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Perfect for Puppies
You couldn’t find a more comprehensive high fiber food for puppies. Not only do they get a better mix of amino acids thanks to the raw organ and cartilage included, but the inclusions cover all a young, growing dog’s needs.
High amounts of DHA and EPA get your puppy’s eyes and brain off to the best start possible. Glucosamine starts building their joint strength from the time they can use them, and the calcium/phosphorus ratio helps their bones grow solidly but not too quickly.
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Recipes
Best overall for puppies: Best Limited Ingredient
PROS
- Variety of flavors, all high fiber
- Contains full spectrum of supplements
- Raw nutrition is easy to digest
- Limited chance of allergies
CONS
- Pricey option
Dogs who suffer from allergies as well as anal gland issues may do well with a high fiber, limited ingredient diet. Perhaps it’s been recommended by a vet, but if not, it’s worth trying if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
The beauty of this food range is not only the superb quality but also the wide variety of flavors. Your dog can avoid problem ingredients but still have a choice of flavor.
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Limited Ingredient but Unlimited Value
This may be a limited ingredient food, but your dog won’t be lacking in anything. As well as the highest quality natural ingredients, you’ll find high fiber, EPA and DHA, high Omega levels, and joint supplements. This would be a good choice for any age, so it’s ideal for multi-dog families who don’t want to buy separate food for each dog.
American Journey Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money
PROS
- Contains some great fiber ingredients
- Also contains DHA
- Nice Omega fatty acid levels
- High in antioxidants
CONS
- Doesn’t contain glucosamine
- No mention of probiotics or prebiotics
Pet parents on a budget, this is the high fiber food for you. Not only will you get an affordable but high-quality dog food, but it also contains 6% fiber from premium ingredients.
It doesn’t contain glucosamine, so if your dog needs joint support you’ll need to supplement separately. It does contain DHA, though, which is a nice addition and also makes this kibble suitable for puppies.
It doesn’t make mention of probiotics or prebiotics, but these are also easy to supplement with if you feel your dog needs them. All in all, the quality of this dog food is high enough that it should benefit your dog and reduce anal gland problems.
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High in Fiber & Antioxidants
Although this food may be lacking in probiotics and prebiotics, it’s packed with superior quality all-natural ingredients and oozing with antioxidants. Brown rice, peas, oatmeal, tomato pomace, and dried beet pulp all contribute to the nice fiber count.
To aid in digestion, it has a good level of Omegas. It’s also loaded with superfoods that are easy to digest, such as blueberries, cranberries, and flaxseed. It’s also fairly low in calories, so whatever your dog’s needs, this kibble should keep them healthy, active, and anal gland problem-free.
Solid Gold – Fit & Fabulous Holistic Healthy Weight Dog Food
Best For Weight Loss
PROS
- Holistic dog food
- Combined probiotics and prebiotics added
- 10% fiber
- Retains great protein count
CONS
- Very low in fat, so definitely best suited to overweight dogs
- No glucosamine
If your dog needs to lose a few pounds while fixing their anal gland issues, we highly recommend this fiber-packed dog food. It’s healthy, easily digestible, and contains great fiber, protein, and fat numbers for dogs who need to slim down a little.
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Weight Loss and Fiber Gain
10% fiber is a good high fiber count and will almost certainly make a difference to your dog’s poop. Obesity can make anal gland issues worse, so we’ve chosen to add this to the list of best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems specifically for those pups who need to trim down as well as get their anal glands sorted.
The fat count of 6,5% will be effective to drop those pounds, while 26% protein will keep your dog’s muscles tough and solid.
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
Best For Active Dogs
PROS
- Avoids common allergens like chicken and potato
- Contains L-carnitine
- Also contain beta-carotene
- Good protein, fiber, and fat levels for active dogs
CONS
- Doesn’t contain glucosamine or DHA
Many high-fiber foods sacrifice fat content in order to fill up on fiber. While this is helpful for dogs who may need to lose a few pounds or are less active, dogs who get plenty of exercise might struggle with a lowered fat count.
This dog food retains a high fat count to keep your active dog’s energy level up during the day. The fiber is on the low end of the high scale (5%), but it should be adequate to make a change to your dog’s anal glands.
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Higher Protein & Fat
While dogs who are extremely active, such as hunting dogs, may need more, the protein (26%) and fat (15%) counts are much more in line with a moderate to highly active dog who likes to play, run, or gets daily exercise.
One of the bonuses is that this food avoids common allergens like chicken and potato, so it should be easy on the tummy. You’ll also find L-carnitine to help your pooch metabolize the nutrients better, and beta-carotene, which is an effective antioxidant.
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria #1: Fiber Content & Types
Obviously, fiber content is the thing we’re most focused on in this review. There are two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble fiber. They’re both important in a dog’s diet, and all the foods we’ve included on this list contain a good mix of the two.
The combination of the two will do a good job of firming your dog’s stool up and assisting in stimulating those anal glands.
The best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems should contain between 5 and 10% fiber. Some of the dog foods we’ve reviewed have slightly more than 10%, but if your dog’s gland problems are severe and frequent, this should still work well for them.
Criteria #2: Probiotics & Prebiotics
The addition of probiotics and prebiotics are supremely helpful for digestion. They keep your pet’s digestive system functioning the way it should. As a pup’s digestive system is around 70% responsible for their immune system, it needs all the help it can get to remain healthy!
Probiotics are living organisms known as “friendly bacteria”, that live in your dog’s gut. Prebiotics are what prebiotics feed on – they’re plant-based fiber.
Dog foods usually have both probiotics and prebiotics added to them. You may spot the scary-looking words Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, or B. Longum or L. acidophilus. These are probiotic strains. Prebiotics include things like oats, beet pulp, and chicory root.
The food we’ve reviewed contains good numbers of both probiotics and prebiotics. If we haven’t been able to find any info on them, but the dog food has still shown a super fiber number, we’ve mentioned it, in the interest of full transparency.
Criteria #3: Omega Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are known for improving the condition of pups’ skin and fur. But they also help a fair bit with digestion, by lubricating the digestive tract and facilitating easier nutrient absorption.
Dogs with any kind of poop problems could always do with digestive support, and Omega fatty acids are healthy and helpful. Some of the foods on this list contain less, and some contain quite high amounts.
Either way, your pup should find some relief from his or her anal gland problems, and gain a shining, soft coat and moisturizes skin at the same time!
Criteria #4: Additional Supplements
Added supplements that would be useful will really depend on your dog and his or her needs.
Does your dog need joint support? Choose a food with glucosamine and chondroitin.
Got a puppy or senior? Choose something with DHA and EPA to keep eye and brain health at a maximum.
Could your pup do with metabolic support? Find a food containing L-carnitine.
Other additions that are good to see on a dog food label include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Chelated minerals
- Antioxidants
- Botanical inclusions
We’ve noted which of these supplements appear in the high fiber dog foods we’ve covered. Some of them contain almost the full spectrum, while others aren’t as comprehensive. This isn’t a problem, though. It just means you may need to supplement separately if the food doesn’t quite have what your dog needs.
Criteria #5: Affordability
Here at Dog Embassy, we endeavor to provide great value for both pups and pet parents. That’s why we always consider the health of the dog first and foremost. But the wellbeing of pet parents is super important to us too.
Did you know your dog can sense your stress? You may be dead set on making your pooch has the best food possible, but if you’re stripping yourself bare to do that, you can be sure your dog will pick up on any financial anxieties you have.
That’s why we always include affordability as a criterion when we assess dog foods. Some can be pricey, and while they’re fantastic quality, it’s not as hard as one may think to find something more affordable and just as healthy for your dog.
Our Best Value option is the top of the pops in terms of affordability – it packs a nutritional punch that’s right up there with the high price tags, but won’t break the bank.
Questions & Answers
What are signs of an anal gland problem?
It’s not hard to spot the signs of an anal gland problem. There are some very specific behaviors and a smell that lingers, so if you notice some of these things happening your dog may be struggling with their anal glands.
- A fishy smell, even after your dog has been bathed
- Scooting – in other words, your pup dragging their bum on the ground
- Excessive chewing or licking at the base of the tail
- Displaying sensitivity around the area of the anal gland
If the anal glands have been blocked or impacted, they may reach a point where they rupture. This will most likely to accompanied by some agitated behavior from your dog – after all, ruptured anal glands are painful. You’ll also notice blood or pus around the anal area.
If your dog’s gland has ruptured, it’s best to get them to a vet to be properly cleaned and stitched up. You could do it yourself, but your dog is likely to be more snappy than usual due to pain. You also may not be able to clean the anal glands out effectively, which leads to the chance of infection later on.
Can anal gland problems be dangerous to my dog?
Anal sac problems are not uncommon in dogs. Most of the time, a simple trip to the vet will fix the problem – they squeeze the blocked anal glands out and release the pressure, which immediately brings your dog relief.
It’s not usually dangerous, but it is painful. So it’s still best to get it fixed as soon as possible! If the problem is left for too long, though, some more severe problems can arise.
- Bacteria from feces can travel into the anal glands
- Because they can’t be expelled, abscesses can form
- Increased chance of adenocarcinoma if it happens often
Removing the anal glands is an option if your dog suffers from bad anal gland issues. The purpose of anal glands is to mark territory, and as that’s not essential for domestic dogs, they can get on fairly well without them.
It should only be considered if the problem is severe, though, and surgery is recommended by a vet. It’s often a course of treatment if the anal glands have become very infected and removal is the only way to go.
How can high fiber food help reduce or prevent anal gland problems?
Feeding your dog the best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems can relieve the issue noticeably.
Usually, anal gland issues begin because your pup’s poop is too soft to stimulate the anal glands to release. Consistent feeding of a high fiber dog food can bulk up your dog’s stool so that it puts enough pressure on the glands when excreting it.
It’s a surprisingly effective way of helping your dog’s body fix the problem by itself – hopefully before it gets to the point of needing to be addressed by a vet.
What should I look for in the best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems?
The best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems should, first and foremost, contain premium quality ingredients. That means a high-quality, named animal protein up front, high fiber carbohydrates, and a great animal fat source.
The protein count depends on your dog. Very active dogs would do well with a higher count, while less active dogs can get away with less. Some dogs may also be recommended a low-protein diet by a vet, often due to kidney problems.
A high fat count is also important for active pups. Fat is their primary energy source. It’s important to note that many high fiber dog foods are “healthy weight” or “weight loss” dog foods. While they have some of the greatest fiber counts around, they do come with a lower fat count. This means they may not be suitable for active dogs who expend a lot of energy during their day.
You’ll need to check this out before buying, and if you decide to go ahead, you may have to supplement with a few high-fat treats between meals.
And, of course, most importantly is the fiber count. The average fiber content is 2 to 3%. High fiber ranges from 5 to 10%. More fiber than that could be considered too much, but again, it depends on the dog.
Is there anything I should avoid feeding my dog if they suffer from anal gland problems?
Regardless of whether your dog has anal gland problems or not, you should make sure your dog’s food is free from:
- Corn, wheat, and soy
- Artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
- Meat by-products
- Vaguely named ingredients (eg. animal meat)
- Carrageenan (found in wet dog food)
It’s also always a good idea to not feed your pup human food. While it’s super tempting to slip them a treat here and there, their bodies’ are very different to ours and can’t always metabolize our food.
Feeding them anything that could contribute to an upset stomach or softer stool is not a great idea – even when your pup isn’t struggling with anal gland problems!