Top 10 Best Dog Food To Prevent Scooting – Tested & Reviewed

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Listen, no one is a fan of scooting. Think about it, your dog is doing this because they’re uncomfortable, and you don’t like it, well for obvious reasons. But you might be saying, what can I do? Can I change my dog’s diet? What is the best dog food to prevent scooting?

Well, yes, the food you feed your dog can be a big factor. When you have a dog that scoots, you want to make sure you’re feeling them a combination of ingredients that support digestive health.

To help you and to assist your dog, we have compiled a list of the best dog foods to prevent scooting. These foods will be free from artificial ingredients and they will be specialized kibble that is easy on the stomach.

Best Dog Food To Prevent Scooting

• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food
• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support Dry Dog Food
• Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food
• Nulo Puppy & Adult Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet – Puppies
• Grain-Free Kinesis Formula by Dr. Tim’s
• NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Adult Dry Dog Food
• Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
• Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Canned Food
• Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry

Now you might be asking, Is Dog Scooting Normal?

When a dog scoots, it is not normal behavior. More then likely, your dog has a problem, but don’t freak out because it can be fixed..

Scooting usually indicates that your dogs anal sac has gotten inflamed or is uncomfortable. This could be for a variety of reasons.

Usually, when your dog starts scooting, it’s because the sacs have been hurt or clogged.

Scooting can result from a natural anal sac inflammation or something more serious. For example. your dog may drag its bottom across the floor, if he has allergies or parasites.

As always, contacting a veterinarian can be helpful if your efforts to stop scooting don’t seem to be working.

How Does Scooting Occur?

Anal glands also known as anal glands are small glands like these can 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.

These glands will help your dog and other dogs learn who each dog is. If you were to use a human term to describe it, this would be similar to an identification card. And no, humans do not have anal glands.

When your dog poops, they put pressure on these anal glands. These “walls” open and this empty’s these glands.

But, when there hasn’t been enough natural pressure put on the anal glands (could be due to poor diet), they become blocked. This makes your dogs glands swollen hence leading to the scooting, and can cause additional health issues in the future.

So What Can I Do To Prevent Scooting?

You want to focus on feeding your dog a high fiber diet.

Your dog benefits from high fiber dog foods by getting rid of constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. Additionally, fiber has a lot of health benefits including the overall 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.

After learning more about anal glands and why fiber might be able to help your dog with anal gland issues, keep reading to learn more about the best foods to prevent scooting.

But, with that being said, are you ready to see what the best dog food to prevent scooting is?

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe is an all-natural and grain-free option.

The main protein ingredient in this dish is chicken. It includes a variety of vegetables that are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

With a very high fiber content, it makes it simple for your dog’s digestive system to process and move through their body. Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal are included to support your dog’s lean muscle mass. To make this dog food safe for puppies with sensitive stomachs, all of this protein is combined with grains-free carbohydrates.

Your dog’s skin and coat will also benefit from the Omega-3 fatty acids in this super-healthy recipe. It also contains dried fermentation products that support probiotics. The metabolism is accelerated by the presence of L-Carnitine, aiding in the burning of extra fat.

An loaded nutrition label, Blue buffalos formula here is one we highly recommend.

Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 10% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 353 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balanced

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin dog food is known for the super high level of fiber it has. If you’re looking for something that will keep your dogs, bowel’s moving.

It is loaded with fiber to help relieve anal gland pressure. Your dog will also benefit from this diet, if they or overweight, as the fiber will help keep them full throughout the day. Making this blend great for dogs looking to lose weight.

With ingredients that help with joints like glucosamine and chondroitin, this formula is really good.

Your dog will eat more quickly and get the right kind of fiber to bulk up his stools without making them too wet thanks to the powdered cellulose in the food. Your dog will experience firmer stools as a result.

One additional source of fiber in the diet is psyllium seed husk. The psyllium seed husks absorb water to form a gel, increasing the volume and frequency of stools.

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: High Fiber

Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food

Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a great choice for those looking for an all-natural and grain-free option.

The main protein ingredients in this dish are chicken and turkey. A variety of fruits and vegetables that are a good source of vitamins and minerals are also included.

The Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food is a great option for those looking for an all-natural and grain-free option. Several fruits and vegetables that are a good source of vitamins and minerals are included.

With no artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives in the recipe is always a plus. Its production in the USA using components from around the world is another perk.

This formula works by assisting in the movement of food through your body thanks to its 12% fiber content.

Another very high fiber formula that is a great solution for dogs with anal gland issues.

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

Nulo Puppy & Adult Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet – Puppies

Nulo Puppy & Adult Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet is a great option for people looking for an all-natural and grain-free puppy food option.

It is one of the best high-fiber dog foods for problems with the anal glands.

Salmon is used as the main protein ingredient in this dish. Additionally, it includes a variety of vegetables that are a good source of vitamins and minerals. When looking for an all-natural, grain-free option, consider 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

Grain-Free Kinesis Formula by Dr. Tim’s

Whether your dog is young or old, he or she will love this dry dog food. Similar to humans, both sedentary and active dogs can use it. For your dog’s digestion, the well-balanced mix of animal protein, fats, and fiber is ideal. In addition, this slow-cooked recipe also includes natural antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics for added health benefits. Puppies with sensitive stomachs can also safely eat this grain-free dog food.

With its protein and carbohydrates, it is an excellent choice for active animals that use a lot of energy throughout the day. The carbs are grain free and the protein comes mainly from animal sources. You can be sure your dog will have more bioavailable ingredients to ingest as it finishes its bowl of food.

With other benefits like prebiotics for digestion, and organic antioxidants, your dog will naturally strengthen their immune systems.

Additionally, a lot of DHA and EPA from ocean fish are present as an added benefit. Your dog’s immune system and heart health will benefit from the use of this natural oil in the food. Your dogs skin will be healthier, they will sheds less, and feel much better.

Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Dried White Potatoes, Dried Field Peas, Chicken Fat
Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 415 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Adult Dry Dog Food

Another great option in our best dog food to prevent scooting guide is the, NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Adult Dry Dog Food.

It will help with their digestive problems as well as improve their general health.

With chicken and brown rice as the main ingredients, you can be confident that your dog is getting good, clean ingredients that help with digestive system.

The formula’s entire ingredient list has been verified as non-GMO, and there are no by-products of chicken in the food.

It also doesn’t contain corn, soy, or wheat, making it the perfect food for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Your pets will value the superior source of protein as an improvement over their current kibble.

In comparison to other dog food recipes, the main goal of this formula is to offer superior digestive support.

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal
Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 335 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is rich in fiber and designed specifically for small breed dogs. With a 12.4% crude fiber content, this food promotes regular bowel movements while also being easy on the stomach.

Additionally, it contains few calories, assisting in the fight against obesity, a risk factor for problems with the anal glands. Last but not least, it’s enriched with Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to improve the health of your dog’s skin and coat.

Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Gluten Meal
Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 335 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance

Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

This delicious Whole Earth Farms recipe combines chicken and turkey to offer a source of protein that is easily absorbed. Whole Earth’s grain-free diet contains 4.5% crude fiber to aid in digestion and is free of corn, soy, and wheat.

It also contains probiotics, vitamins, and minerals to help your dog’s digestive system.

The effectiveness of this grain-free diet is adored by many pet parents and there reviews! By switching to this diet, many dogs’ stools become more voluminous and their diarrheal problems are resolved. Other pet owners explain how the diet helps to lessen problems with the anal glands.

Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Sweet Potato, Chicken, Turkey,
Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 335 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Balance

Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Canned Food

Another great high fiber dog food and one that helps with anal gland issues is Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Canned Food.

This meal is created for dogs who are prone to obesity in order to maintain satiety, healthy glucose levels, weight control, and urinary health. The main protein in this meal is pork liver.

Antioxidants in it help to strengthen immunity and promote fat metabolism while maintaining lean muscle mass.

The pate texture makes it easy for dogs who have trouble chewing to eat. However, since this food is a prescription-only item, you will require your veterinarian’s approval before using it.

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

Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry

This Royal Canin diet formula promotes a healthy digestive system, which lowers the risk of anal gland issues. This formula contains powdered cellulose, psyllium seed husk, and dried plain beet pulp, all of which help with stool production.

This diet also contains prebiotics and a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber to help with digestive health.

It contains omega fatty acids for the heart, brain, skin, and coat, as well as antioxidants for immunity. When followed, the high fiber content encourages satiety without resulting in weight gain.

This diet also comes in a wet form.

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

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Food To Prevent Scooting

When it comes to buying dog the best dog food to prevent scooting, there are some things you will want to be aware of.

As always you will want to make sure the dog food you are considering has a good amount of protein and fat. It is recommend that your dog consumes at least 22% of protein and 10% of fat in there diets.

Some things to also keep in mind are any health conditions or issues your dog may have. Examine their medical history and any current issues.

Along with the flavors and textures they like, it’s also crucial to remember your dog’s age, weight, allergies, and medical conditions.

All dogs, will require specific needs that are best for them For instance, the nutritional needs of dogs with diseases like diabetes and pancreatitis are very specific and unique.

How Can I Add More Fiber To My Dog Diet?

One of the easiest things you can do is add fiber to your dog’s diet.

There are many ways to do this, for example you can add supplements to your dogs diet that can be found here.

You can also add a wide range of natural ingredients to their food by purchasing them at a grocery store, such as:

• Sprouts, Brown Rice, and Oats
• Cabbage \ Carrots
• Broccoli Flax Seeds Pumpkin
• Chicory Seeds
• Sugar Potato

Additional Ways To Prevent Scooting

When it comes to preventing scooting, choosing good dog food is important but it is not the only thing you can do to help your dog.

The first thing you can do is manually express your dog’s glands.

This can greatly reduce discomfort and relive that annoyance. Just keep in mind, if you spot a pus-like substance during the expressing stage, it might indicate an infection.

Another way is to make sure your dog is staying hydrated! Make sure your dog is getting enough water throughout the day.

Mixing up your dogs food is another way to prevent scooting. Try adding some wet food into there diet which is beneficial due to it’s higher water content.

If your dog consumes mostly dry kibble, adding more water or soft foods can be beneficial.

Conclusion

Scooting is an unfortunate situation to be in for all parties, but with some additions to your dogs diet, you should be able to tackle the issue.

Making sure they’re staying hydrated, and getting probiotics and fiber are all big ones that you should be adding to your dogs food to prevent scooting.

Our top choice is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food, which is loaded with proteins for muscle building, fat for energy, and fiber to help relieve your dog’s anal glands.

As always, we hope we were able to help you make a decision for your furry friend. As always, if you’re looking for more guides on the best dog food for your dog, then check out some of our other articles!