Best High Fiber Dog Food For Anal Gland Problems
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Anal gland issues in dogs can be unpleasant, disgusting, and challenging to manage. Your dog will not enjoy having anal gland issues, and some of them might even lead to dangerous illnesses like abscesses.
If your dog is scooting, it could be because its anal glands are irritating them. Have your dog examined by a veterinarian to be sure the condition is caused by the anal glands. Dogs with anal gland issues will also benefit from a high-fiber diet.
Fiber gives the stool bulk, which makes it easier on your dogs anal glands while they poop. So naturally, fiber is something you will want to be looking for here.
To make it easy for you, we looked at the top 10 high-fiber foods to support your dog’s anal glands issues.
To locate the best high-fiber dog food for anal gland problems, I reviewed over 123 dog food items.
I concluded that Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support Dry Dog Food offers the best overall combination of nutrients and quality sources after analyzing over 120+ dog food recipes.
Top 10 Picks For High Fiber Dog Food For Anal Glands Problems
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support Dry Dog Food – Overall Top Pick
- Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Canned Food
- Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets OM Select Blend Overweight Management Formula Dry Dog Food
- Purina Beyond Mixers+ Digestive Support
- Nulo Puppy & Adult Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet – Best For Puppies
- Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Chicken & Lamb Stew
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+M Weight Management + Mobility Support Dry Dog Food
What are anal glands?
What causes the obstruction in these tiny organs, and what can be done to fix it?
Anal glands, also known as “anal sacs” are small glands that might be seen on either side of your dog’s butt. They are typically located between the internal and external muscles of the sphincter, below the skin’s surface.
In dogs, anal gland disease is very common. The inflammation is usually the cause of the sacs’ frequent blockages. Bacteria will thrive in the anal gland secretions, which will later lead to the formation of abscesses. As the anal gland secretions pass along with feces, the bacteria are typically eliminated with bowel movements. If this doesn’t happen, the sacs produce bloody fluid and fill with pus.
Why do dogs have anal glands?
Ever notice how your dog may sniff another dogs butt before anything else? Well these glands make it easier for your dog and other dogs to identify one another. If you were to use a human term to describe it, this would be similar to an identification card. In order to learn more about the other dog, they are attempting to identify them.
How Much Fiber Do Regular Dog Foods Contain?
Usually around 2-4 percent of dietary fiber will be in your dogs food. The amount of fiber can vary from 1 to 10% depending on the brand and type of food.
How do dogs empty their anal glands?
The majority of domestic dogs have lost the ability to naturally empty their anal glands, unlike other animals like skunks and cats. When your dog poops, this helps put some pressure on their anal glands, thus relving and making them feel better.
How can high fiber dog foods help my dog?
Your dog benefits from high fiber dog foods by getting rid of constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. Additionally, fiber promotes the health of your dog’s coat and may even aid in weight loss.
By supplying energy and keeping your dog feeling satisfied, high fiber dog foods can also assist your dog in navigating daily life. This may help him refrain from overeating or begging for food all the time.
Can I express the glands on my dog by myself?
If your dog does not have any infections, you can express your dog’s anal glands yourself.
Ways to Treat and Ease Anal Gland Issues
Make sure to have your dog’s veterinarian examine him or her for a cause if you notice any anal gland problems for the first time. If the impaction is severe or infected, your dog will also require medical attention. The glands can be expressed to manually treat impacts.
Before handling your dog, prepare by putting on a pair of latex gloves and a warm cloth. Once your dog is at ease, locate the anal glands, which are located at approximately the “4 and 8” o’clock on either side of the anus.
As you move up and back toward the anus, press firmly but gently on the glands. To prevent the liquid from spraying onto you, place the cloth over your dog’s anus. Finally, give your dog a good cleaning and remember to praise them!
Breaking Down The Best Food For Dogs With Anal Gland Issues
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support Dry Dog Food
This Royal Canin dog food is one of the best high-fiber dog diets available if your dog frequently experiences anal gland issues.
This fiber-rich food will not only bulk up your dog’s stools, but will also keep your dog’s weight in check. Anal gland issues are occasionally linked to obesity and dogs that are overweight. If you’re unsure if your dog falls into the category of being overweight, read this.
The powdered cellulose in the food will make your dog feel satisfied more quickly and give him the correct kind of fiber to bulk up his stools without making it overly wet. This will result in firmer stools for your dog.
Psyllium seed husk is one of the additional sources of fiber in the diet. The husks of psyllium seeds hold onto water to create a gel, expanding the size and frequency of stools.
Not only that, but it also has glucosamine and chondroitin to help with joint health.
Main Ingredients: Powdered Cellulose, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Wheat Gluten, Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal
Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 18.5% Crude Fat, 14.8% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 214 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Best
- Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Canned Food
For anal gland issues, Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Canned Food is one of the best high fiber dog food overall.
Along with 15.9 percent protein and 9 percent fat, this dish has a remarkable 22.7 percent fiber level.
The main protein in this meal is pork liver, and it is designed for dogs that are prone to obesity in order to maintain satiety, healthy glucose levels, weight control, and urinary health.
It has anti-oxidants to boost immunity and promote fat metabolism without reducing lean muscle mass.
For dogs who have trouble chewing, the pate texture is simple to ingest. However, you will need your veterinarian’s permission to use this food because it is a prescription-only product.
Main Ingredients: Water, Pork Liver, Carrots, Rice, Powdered Cellulose, Green Peas, Corn Starch, Chicken, Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor
Guaranteed Analysis: 3.2% Crude Protein, 1.6% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 84% Moisture
Caloric Content: 201 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Low Calorie
- Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food
For those seeking an all-natural and grain-free solution, Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a fantastic option.
Turkey and chicken are used as the main sources of protein in this dish. Additionally, it includes a variety of fruits and vegetables that are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
For those seeking an all-natural and grain-free solution, the Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food is a fantastic choice. It includes a variety of fruits and vegetables that are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are not in the formula which is always good. Another benefit is the fact that it is produced in the USA using global-sourced components.
With 12% fiber, this formula gets the job done by helping move food through your bodies dog.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Lentils, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed
NOTE: The main issue with this diet is how it affects dogs that have cardiovascular problems. Grain-free diets for dogs are sometimes discouraged by veterinarians because they may increase the risk of heart disease. In 2019, the FDA looked into this connection.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
Guaranteed Analysis: 33% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 12% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 393 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance, High Nutrition Label
- Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry
This Royal Canin formula is diet a that encourages a healthy digestive system, which further reduces the risk of anal gland problems.
This dog food also contains dried plain beet pulp, psyllium seed husk, and powdered cellulose, all of which improve stool production.
With a formula that includes 15.6% fat, 23.3 percent protein, and 13.9% fiber, you can be confident that this formula will help your dogs anal gland issues.
Prebiotics and a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber are also present in this diet to improve digestive health.
It has antioxidants for immunity and omega fatty acids for the health of the heart, brain, skin, and coat. When consumed as instructed, the high fiber content promotes satiety without causing weight gain.
It could be challenging to keep this food fresh for little dogs because the smallest bag size it comes in is 8.8 pounds.
There is also a wet version of this diet.
Main Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Powdered Cellulose, Corn, Wheat, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavors, Wheat Gluten
Guaranteed Analysis: 21% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 20.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 290 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF
Due to the use of hydrolyzed protein (the protein has been broken down into a form that is unlikely to create allergy problems), the Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF is a fantastic choice for dogs with severe food allergies.
It also is an excellent choice for weight loss and maintenance because it has 13.6% fiber, 36.4% protein, and 9% fat. It’s a wonderful source of vitamins, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids. It doesn’t contain any maize, wheat, or soy.
However, this prescription diet is rather expensive. Many individuals claim that it has a really strong fishy smell that makes it gross. Picky dogs might not like it very much.
Main Ingredients: Salmon Hydrolysate, Water, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Pea Fiber, Cane Molasses, Tricalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed
Guaranteed Analysis: 8% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 3673 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets OM Select Blend Overweight Management Formula Dry Dog Food
The main fiber-contributing element in Purina’s approach to a high-fiber diet is soybean hulls.
By adding pea fiber and powdered cellulose later in the ingredient list, they increase the hulls’ influence on stool bulking.
This high fiber dog food is a premium weight management and stool bulking diet that helps keep your dog’s waist slim and guard against future anal gland issues.
Also available in canned form is the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet plan.
Main Ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Soybean Meal, Soybean Germ Meal, Soybean Hulls, Soy Flour, Corn Gluten Meal
Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 13.5% Crude Fat, 15% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 218 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance
- Purina Beyond Mixers+ Digestive Support
Another great option for a high fiber dog food for anal gland issues is the Purina Beyond Mixers+ Digestive Support canned food.
It contains 22.7 percent fat, 36.4% protein, and 6.8% fiber. It contains a lot of omega fatty acids, which support the skin, coat, joints, brain, and heart as well as immunity.
Another option is to add this into your dog’s favorite food. It can be added almost like an additional source of digestive help.
It is free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy.
With genuine Alaskan cod as the first ingredient, the texture is soft, appetizing, and easy to consume. It’s created from fish that has been deemed sustainable.
Although this dish has fish as its main ingredient, it also contains fowl.
Main Ingredients: Cod, Chicken, Fish And Poultry Broth, Liver, Turkey, Salmon, Pumpkin, Whole Chia Seed
Guaranteed Analysis: 8% Crude Protein, 5% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 93 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Low Calorie
- Nulo Puppy & Adult Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet – Best For Puppies
For those seeking an all-natural and grain-free option for puppies, Nulo Puppy & Adult Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet is a fantastic option.
It is one of the top high fiber dog meals for anal gland issues.
Salmon is used as the main protein ingredient in this dish.
Additionally, it includes a variety of veggies that are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
When seeking for an all-natural, grain-free solution, we like to recommend the Nulo Puppy & Adult Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil, Lima Beans
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 427 kcal/cup
Type of Product: High Protein
- Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Chicken & Lamb Stew
The Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Chicken & Lamb Stew is a healthy high protein, high fiber, moderate fat food since it has 13.3 percent fiber, 46.7 percent protein, and 13.3 percent fat.
My Jack was a big fan of the Stella & Chewy dehydrated food as well.
Stool production and digestive health are supported by sources of natural fiber like pumpkin. There are no grains, potatoes, lentils, preservatives, peas, or fillers in this product. It tastes good and has actual beef chunks in a tasty soup. This food is not prescribed.
This food is less expensive than most on the list, but when you compare the amount you’ll need to feed a medium or larger dog, this works out to a premium price if fed as the primary food. It’s a soupy wet food, with some people finding it too soupy for the price.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Lamb, Tapioca, Salt, Sunflower Oil
Guaranteed Analysis: 7% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 85% Moisture
Caloric Content: 216 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+M Weight Management + Mobility Support Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo also takes great pride in making sure their dog food is good for weight control and join support. This makes the brand, blue buffalo a good option to look into for larger dog breeds.
The first element in this diet is powdered cellulose, which is followed by additional sources of fiber such dried tomato pomace and pea fiber.
This formula also has dried chicory root. If you do not know what this is, it is a form of soluble fiber that can be digested by bacteria in the colon and maintain a healthy digestive system. There are many pros to this herb which can have many benefits for your dog.
This formulas overall nutritional profile appears to make it a promising contender for preventing anal gland issues in dogs with healthy immune systems.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Powdered Cellulose, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Natural Flavor
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 17% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 325 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Weight Management
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Right High Fiber Dog Food for Anal Gland Problems
When it comes to the best dog food, it is always wise to educate ourselves on what exactly we’re looking for, for our dogs. We should have a good understanding of what you’re looking at. get the opinion and advice from your vet. They can usually help point you in the right direction here and since most of these formulas require a prescription, you will need to talk to them anyways.
Also make sure to be up to date on any health issues or problems your dog may have. Look through their medical background and any existing problems.
It’s important to make sure you take into consideration your dog’s age, weight, allergies, and medical issues in addition to the flavors and textures they enjoy.
For example, the nutritional requirements for dogs with conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis can be highly particular and special.
Conclusion
These reviews have compiled the best high-fiber dog food that will help with anal gland problems. But before making any dietary adjustments, consult your dog’s veterinarian, regardless of whether you choose a prescription or non-prescription food.
Our top choice is the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support Dry Dog Food due to the many perks such as it being high in fiber, the added ingredients of Psyllium seed husk, it being low in fat and calories with a high protein content, and the benefit of having Glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy joints.
With that being said, make sure to check out some of our other articles for more tips and tricks.
