Anal glands are scent glands located around the rear of a dog. They are naturally expressed whenever a dog defecates that acts as another way your dog marks their territory. But sometimes your dog can have issues naturally expressing their anal glands.
This can be due to a health issue or a diet issue. When your dog does not have enough fiber in their diet they do not use the bathroom regularly and risk their anal glands building up.
Try switching them to one of the best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems if you think that your dog may be having an issue with their anal glands. These types of foods add more fiber to your dog’s diet to create firmer feces that naturally presses against their anal glands to express them.
This way, your dog can avoid any serious medical issues caused by anal gland fluid buildup. Not every dog food has enough fiber to help your dog though. To help, we’ve put together a list of five dog food brands with higher protein content.
5 Best High Fiber Dog Foods for Anal Gland Problems
If you are looking for a high-quality dog food that keeps your dog’s stomach happy then why not give your dog Zignature Trout and Salmon.
Key Features
- Grain-Free—Yes
- Crude Fiber Percent—6%
- Size Options—4lbs, 13.5lbs, 27lbs
- Good For All Life Stages—Yes
Zignature is known for using ingredients all harvested in the USA so you know that all of the products are of the highest quality with no questionable ingredients. This brand of food focuses on being a positive alternative for dogs with food allergies.
Not only that, but Zignature helps your dog’s body inside and out. For their skin and fur Zignature is packed with Omega Fatty Acids, fish oil, and other nutrients and minerals so their fur and skin stay shiny and healthy.
For their digestive health, Zignature has one of the higher fiber percentages per portion. This means that your dog’s digestive health will be regulated for consistent bathroom uses and have a more packed stool.
As gross as that sounds your dog needs the packed stool to naturally press against their anal glands and express them. You will no longer have to worry about your dog having anal gland problems as long as you give them Zignature.
Pros
- Helps regulate proper bathroom habits
- Naturally aids in preventing buildup in the anal glands
- Packed full of essential nutrients every dog needs
- Great for dogs with food allergies
Cons
- Bites are too large for small breed dogs
- Some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of the food
Your dog will surely love the taste of Zignature Trout and Salmon and you can be sure that their stomachs and anal glands will be very happy too.
2. Instinct Raw Boost
If you want to try your dog out on a raw diet but are not sure where to start, then try the Instinct Raw to give your dog’s body what they deserve.
Key Features
- Grain-Free—Yes
- Crude Fiber Percent—7.5%
- Size Options—4lbs, 20lbs
- Good For All Life Stages—Yes
Do not be put off that this is labeled for a healthy weight. Actually, healthy weight type dog foods are packed full of the fiber hounds need to regulate a healthy diet.
With the high fiber content per portion, it will help your dog both feel full faster and regulate their body’s digestive system. The freeze-dried protein gives your dog the closest to their natural wild diet as possible, which means minimal processing and all of the good stuff your dog needs to be strong and healthy.
Fat burning L-Carnitine aids in a healthy metabolism so your dog burns calories faster and keeps the weight off. Which, if your dog is overweight, also causes an issue in naturally expressing their anal glands. A lean dog means a properly working body and no build up in the anal glands.
Pros
- All the ingredients are sourced from the USA
- Offers complete and balanced nutrition with less fat and calories per portion
- Animal protein is always the first ingredient
Cons
- Some owners have reported the ration between dry kibble and freeze-dried meat to be uneven
Raw diets do not have to be scary, especially if you are looking for food to help with your dog’s anal gland problems. Instinct Raw Boost is sure to help you and your dog have the diet control you are looking for.
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Blue Buffalo Wilderness puts your dog’s health needs first to ensure that their bodies function as naturally as possible.
Key Features
- Grain-Free—Yes
- Crude Fiber Percent—10%
- Size Options—4.5lb, 24lb
- Good For All Life Stages—No, only adult
Another healthy weight diet food on the list, but it is still an ideal formula for dogs who tend to suffer from anal gland issues.
This formula has a high fiber percent per portion, which means that it has the potential to work best for regulating your dog’s weight and bathroom habits. Do not worry, all of the fiber used in this formula comes from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. Blue also packs this formula with its exclusive LifeSource Bits.
These bits contain a balance of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help support healthy immune systems, life stage needs, and all around helps keep your dog’s body in the best shape possible.
Pros
- Good for all types of breeds
- Made with fewer calories for better weight control
- Real meat is always the first ingredient
- Provides a diet close to what their wild relatives eat
Cons
- Has the potential of being too rich for some dogs and causing them to use the bathroom more often
- Some customers have reported their dogs became allergic to the food possibly due to the protein
Sometimes dogs need a little help when it comes to keeping their bodies regulated for one reason or another. If you invest in high-quality food like Blue Buffalo Wilderness you will be taking a right step in ensuring your dog has their proper body functions.
4. Royal Canin
If you have tried other high fiber dog foods and have not had the success you were looking for then try the Royal Canin.
Key Features
- Grain Free—No
- Crude Fiber Percent—12.5%
- Size Options—8.8lbs, 17.6lbs
- Good For All Life Stages—No, only adult
Sometimes, dogs do not get the fiber out of their diets that their bodies need. Not all dog foods have the fiber your dog needs since the higher the fiber the more your dog will go to the bathroom. But if your dog needs to use the bathroom more often, like when they have anal gland issues, then they will greatly benefit from dog foods with high fiber.
It nourishes intestinal microflora in dogs that prevent diarrhea and colitis in dogs. Not only will your dog have more fiber going into their body to have them go more often and express their anal glands naturally but they will still obtain all of the nutrients that they need to be strong and healthy.
Pros
- Aids in your dog’s stomach and digestive health
- Aids in dogs who need more fiber in their daily meals
Cons
- Can only be bought with veterinarian prescription
This fiber specific Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal is sure to help dogs with even the most troublesome anal gland issues by helping regulate their stool and the frequency that they go.
5. Nutro Ultra
Make sure that your dog stays in shape and keep their anal glands in optimal condition by feeding them the Nutro Ultra Weight Management.
Key Features
- Grain Free—No
- Crude Fiber Percent—10%
- Size Options—15lbs
- Good For All Life Stages—No, only adults over one-year-old
Weight management dog diets may seem unfair to dogs, at least portion-wise, but they are one of the better foods to give dogs, especially if they have anal gland issues. The blend of high fiber and rich protein helps your dog feel full faster while reducing overall food consumption and ensuring your dog has proper bowel movements.
The better the bowel movements the more pressure will be placed on your dog’s anal glands, thus expressing the anal glands naturally without you having to get involved. And honestly, having to express the anal glands yourself can be a disgusting thing to do.
With this high-fiber food and optimal levels of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins your dog may not know why their bodies suddenly feel amazing but you will know why and be proud of it.
Pros
- Limited ingredient formula
- Made from all-natural ingredients
- Has the ideal mix dogs need to have healthy bodies
Cons
- Some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of the food so might not be ideal for picky eaters
If your dog has issues with their anal glands then they are going to need food that can best help them naturally alleviate their problems, like the Nutro Ultra Weight Management.
Bottom Line
You might not even realize that your dog is having anal gland issues until they become so swollen your dog is uncomfortable. If you notice your dog scooting across the floor frequently, licking their rear constantly, sitting uncomfortably, or having swelling in the area they might be suffering from anal gland buildup.
You can help your dog by expressing the anal glands yourself to relieve the tension of the buildup, but that will only work in that instant. It cannot prevent buildup in the future.
What can help prevent buildup in the future is adding more fiber to your dog’s food. You do not want to overdo it either as that can cause stomach issues and diarrhea in your dog.
You do not have to add the extra fiber yourself but instead can simply switch to dry or wet dog food that has the extra fiber content.
The foods that we have suggested are some of the better high fiber diets that can also work for weight control.
But if you do not have access to any of them check over the ingredient list of the dog foods you have access to and if the fiber content is higher than 5% that’s good food to start on.
Shellie
A pet parent herself, Shellie knows the ins and outs of caring for a furry bundle of joy. She has been researching, reviewing and sharing her findings for the best dog products available for a number of years. A valued team member, Shellie's first-hand experience is invaluable.
