What’s The Best High-Fiber Dog Food For Anal Gland Problems? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide

If your dog is experiencing persistent anal gland issues, your veterinarian might suggest you switch to dog foods for anal gland problems rich in fiber – a high fiber dog diet will help to steady bowel movements, which allows the anal glands to release regularly. Whenever anal sacs fail to discharge fluid regularly, there is a risk of infection.

Feeding your dog with high fiber dog food helps to minimize the need for your pet’s anal glands to be expressed physically. The market is flooded with several dog foods making it a challenge for dog owners to make a choice. If you are caught up in this dilemma, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the best high fiber dog foods for anal gland problems. You will also find a discussion on the causes of anal gland issues in dogs and how dietary fiber helps.

Contents

Top 10 Best High-Fiber Dog Foods For Anal Gland Problems
What are Canine Anal Glands?
What Are Canine Anal Gland Problems?
Treating Anal Gland Problems with a High-Fiber Diet
Other Benefits of Feeding a High Fiber Diet
Important Features To Consider
How Much Fiber Regular Dog Foods Have?
Other Foods that are Sources of Dietary Fiber–Dog Food for Anal Gland Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

We already did all the research for you. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the best high-fiber dog foods for anal gland problems, here are our top choices.

PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS

PRODUCT

PRODUCT DETAILS

1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Gastrointestinal Low Fat

Contains prebiotics that promotes a balance of good gut bacteria
Well-blended dietary fiber that helps in proper digestion
Omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish help in soothing and nourishing your furry friend's gastrointestinal (GI) tract
Boosts your pet's immune system with the antioxidants it contains
Perfectly balanced to provide your dog with the calorie content it needs for its daily activities

2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free, Roasted Bison & Venison Recipe

Perfectly balanced grain-free diet
Prepared with unique animal protein from meats like buffalo and bison
Offers highly-digestible energy from peas and sweet potatoes to keep your dog energized
Contains natural antioxidants derived from real vegetables and fresh fruits that offer prebiotic fiber support and healthy digestive system
Contains essential minerals combined with amino acids to increase food absorption

3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free, Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe

Grain-free dog diet
Prepared with real chicken and turkey, a great source of animal protein
Perfectly balanced with essential nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and bone health
Does not contain unwanted ingredients such as flavors, preservatives, and meat by-products
Kibble is laced with probiotics that promote healthy digestion in your dog

Top 10 Best High-Fiber Dog Foods For Anal Gland Problems

1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Gastrointestinal Low Fat

This grain-free high fiber dog food is prepared for your dog’s gut health. It is specially formulated to help your canine recover from problems such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. It is made with chicken-by product meal, chicken fat, brewer’s rice, rice hulls, powdered cellulose, psyllium seed husk, whole grains, grain distillers dried yeast, fructooligosaccharides, and vitamin and mineral supplements.

These ingredient list contain prebiotic fibers and dietary fibers that promote digestion and a healthy balance of bacteria in the dog’s gut. It also ensures your furry friend’s tummy is comfortable by incorporating omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. The presence of amino acids guarantees a robust immunity.

This low-fat formulation is ideal for dogs with difficulty processing fats. The high fiber content in the formula is perfect for dogs experiencing anal gland challenges.

PROS

Low-fat content making it ideal for dogs with challenges processing fat
Contains antioxidants that support a pet's healthy immune system
Uses hugely digestible proteins and prebiotics for healthy breaking down of foods and ideal excretion
Supports GI well-being through the omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oil and high-quality fiber
Recommended diet specially designed to support the digestive system in dogs

CONS

2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free, Roasted Bison & Venison Recipe

In search of a new food perfect for all life stages of your pet? This high-quality dog food is perfect for both puppies and adult dogs as it is specifically formulated for each age category. This grain-free recipe features real meat as the number one ingredient. It contains a variety of animal-source proteins like buffalo, roasted bison and venison, lamb, beef, and chicken meal.

Also, the recipe contains peas and sweet potatoes to give your dog hugely digestible energy. Natural antioxidants are derived from real fruits and vegetables and chicory root as well as chelated minerals, which provide prebiotic support and a healthy body.

If your dog is having digestive problems, high fiber diets will help soothe its tummy by promoting assimilation. Amino acids are mixed with essential minerals to maximize food absorption.

This diet perfectly blends the basic nutritional needs of your dog as well as the taste of the wilderness it craves. The food formula will help your dog develop a healthy, lean muscles mass.

Regular dog food contains between 2% and 5% fibers, which is not enough to support healthy digestion and prevent anal gland problems.

Plus, it contain any grains, corn, wheat, preservatives or artificial ingredients or flavors, so it is safe to be fed even to small dog breeds or young dogs suffering from diabetes or sensitive stomachs. All the ingredients included in this food blend come from trustworthy sources and are easily digestible.

PROS

Grain-free and uses buffalo meat as the first ingredient
Contains natural ingredients rich in protein, such as bison, which a dog requires for strong muscles
Natural diet is blended with vitamins and minerals as well as robust antioxidants sourced from natural vegetables and fruits for overall healthy living
Ingredients sourced from trustworthy sources and free of preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and fillers
Prepared in the USA by a manufacturer that strictly observes advanced food safety procedures
Good for pet's gut health and anal gland health since it contains probiotics

CONS

3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

This Wellness Core product is a high protein kibble that is designed for weight management. This is a grain-free dry healthy weight dog food for anal gland problems prepared with high-quality protein source from real chicken and deboned turkey. It is also made with peas, lentils, potatoes, salmon oil, broccoli, spinach, apples, carrots, kale, and blueberries.

The protein is balanced with antioxidant foods and other products rich in omega fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, probiotics, prebiotic fiber, digestive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals required for easy digestion. This wellness healthy weight formula made with all natural ingredients works perfectly for mature dogs.

Also, the recipe package contains none of the undesirable ingredients like by-products of meat and artificial colors. It’s made in the USA using non-GMO ingredients.

PROS

Rice in protein and grain-free
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin that keep your dog's bones healthy and strong
Does not include undesirable ingredients
Probiotics covering the kibble support healthy digestion
Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help your dog have healthy skin and coat

CONS

4. Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free, Coastal Catch

The Earthborn Holistic grain-free recipe offers your dog a diet rich in high-quality proteins. The protein is sourced from herring meal, salmon meal, and whitefish meal.

It also contain pea protein, dried egg product, plant-based canola oil, and flaxseed. This coastal catch recipe helps develop your dog’s lean muscle mass and excellent energy levels.

The abundant protein is blended with natural fibers from vegetables like carrots, and natural fruits like apples and blueberries. These also contain vitamins and minerals as well as other essential nutrients for your dog’s immune system health.

The salmon oil provides omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids that can help to control inflammation. Plus, it is highly digestible, making it a great option for dogs with anal gland problems. The presence of adequately balanced omega fatty acids ensure healthy skin and coat.

This recipe has gluten free formula too, so again, it is suited to those dogs with grain allergies. The crude fiber content is 4%.

PROS

Good for dogs with weight issues as it contains L-Carnitine, which helps to burn fat and support lean muscle mass
Grain-free and gluten-free
Some pet parents say their dog's coats are shiny, softer, and they shed less
Presence of antioxidants like Vitamin E and C expertly combined with nutrient-rich vegetables
Contains fibers sourced from natural veggies that enhance digestibility, which is good for the dog’s digestive health
Dogs have more energy and normal stools on this food

CONS

5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Healthy Weight, Chicken Recipe

This grain-free dry dog food recipe is specifically formulated to nourish your dog devoid of too many calories. It also contains high-quality protein such as lean protein such as deboned chicken (as the first ingredient) and turkey, along with a balanced blend of omega fatty acids, menhaden fish meal, pea protein, pea fiber, peas, pea starch, sweet potato, fresh fruits, blueberries, carrots, and cranberries. It also comes in various delicious flavor such as brown rice & chicken, lam & brown rice, as well as brown rice & fish. It is low in carbs and contains antioxidant rich fruits, wholesome grains, and veggies, as well as other various ingredients.

Blue Wilderness specializes in both dry and wet dog food along with high-quality organic ingredients that has been designed specifically to meet the dietary needs of all dog breeds. The formulation is prepared with LifeSource bits exclusive to Blue. The mixture is a precise blend of vitamins and minerals hand-picked by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists.

This healthy weight recipe boosts your dog’s immunity. Plus, it is fairly budget-friendly, which is great for dog owners on a budget. It also contains grain-free carbohydrates for easy digestibility and dried fermentation products for probiotic support.

It’s crude fiber content is also higher than Wellness on this list. The relatively high fiber content of this kibble helps in making the dog feel full and decline the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, so it has been most helpful for dogs with diabetes by maintaining consistent blood sugar levels.

The presence of fresh vitamin sources in this recipe also contributes ample fiber to your dog’s diet. This helps to eliminate or prevent any digestive system complications caused by poor food digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Thus, the Blue Buffalo could be a healthier alternative to a regular dog food full of meat-by products and preservatives.

PROS

Does not contain artificial colors, preservatives and flavors
Some dog owners of dogs with food sensitivities report that allergies cleared up on this food.
Does not contain chicken or poultry by-products that are not suitable for dogs with food allergies
Rich in lean protein, dried fermentation products, and well-formulated to boost your dog's immunity
Fortified with L-Carnitine that boosts your dog's metabolism, strong muscles, and helps with weight control

CONS

6. Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free, Meadow Feast With Lamb Meal Recipe

The Earthborn Holistic dry dog food uses lambs meal as the sole protein source. The limited ingredient food of the recipe makes it ideal for animals with allergies and food sensitivities.

The recipe also contains a perfect blend of vegetables that nourishes your dog with essential natural nutrients, prebiotic fiber, and probiotics. The vitamins and minerals help your dog to stay healthy.

The high-quality dog food also contains L-Carnitine that ensures your dog maintains a healthy weight. Since this formula has limited ingredients, it makes it easier for concerned pet parents to know exactly what they are getting.

Every ingredient is carefully selected to provide maximum benefit and nutrition. The resealable bag prevents dust and moisture from getting in contact with the kibbles and altering the freshness, meaning the food will maintain its rich and delicious taste for longer.

PROS

Uses a limited ingredient recipe that makes it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs
L-Carnitine and a proper blend of omega fatty acids ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight and skin coat
Rich in protein from lamb meat balanced by other nutrients from vegetables to give your furry friend a whole meal
Does not have gluten and grain-free formula, making it an excellent substitute for grain-based dog food
Contains natural fibers from veggies and fruits that enhance digestion, making it ideal for dogs with anal gland problems

CONS

7. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Healthy Weight, Salmon & Peas Formula

Wellness Simple dog food offers your dog a simplified meal and a balanced diet containing unique protein sources while excluding carbs, fillers, and artificial flavors or preservatives. The crude fiber content in this formula is less than half of either Royal Canin or Purina Pro Plan, but it’s sufficient to add roughage to the ingested food as it pass through the GI tract. The formula uses natural ingredients expertly selected, making it ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.

Its high-quality ingredients include salmon, salmon oil, pea, dried ground potato, and potato. The dog food does not contain whole grains and gluten, and its recipe features fresh real salmon and salmon meal as the top two ingredients with grain-free carbohydrates to ensure digestibility. This natural dog food is made in the USA with a limited list of natural ingredients which contains plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat with probiotic supplements, prebiotic fiber, vitamins and minerals, as well as chelated minerals to keep your dog healthy.

PROS

Minimal calories to ensure your dog maintains a healthy, lean muscle mass
Limited number of main ingredients, and higher levels of healthy dietary fiber support digestion, making it suitable for dogs with anal gland problems
Supports your dog's hips and bones with glucosamine and chondroitin
Formula contains prebiotics and probiotics making it highly digestible
Does not contain meat products or any artificial flavors
Ideal for dogs with food allergies or food sensitivities

CONS

8. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Healthy Weight For Large Breed Adult, Farm-Raised Chicken, Rice, and Sweet Potato Recipe

The Nutro Wholesome Essentials Healthy Weight recipe is produced from all-natural ingredients and is high-quality dog food of choice for pet parents with dogs that need to lose weight. It’s made with chicken fat, chicken meal, whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, sorghum, brewers rice), rice bran, alfafa meal, peas, flaxseed, and chickpeas.

It is made in the USA and among the best pet food for anal glands problems because it is rich in natural fiber, prebiotic fiber, probiotics, vitamins and minerals that promotes a healthy digestive system, which makes it suitable for dogs with sensitive stomach, while its whole grains helps promote healthy skin and coat. It also has glucosamine and chondroitin that help your dog have healthy joints. The high-quality protein is sourced from farm-raised chickens (chicken fat, chicken meal) as the primary ingredient.

PROS

High protein well-balanced formulation is suited for dogs keen on weight loss
Supports healthy joints in dogs due to the presence of glucosamine and chondroitin obtained from natural sources
Prepared with non-GMO ingredients and does not contain any preservatives or unnatural flavors
Contains fiber that is great for digestion, making it a great dog anal gland diet
Made in the USA with high quality ingredients from trusted sources.

CONS

Ingredients include plant protein (pea protein)
Not a grain-free product and unsuitable for dogs with grain allergies
Some consumers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of the food so it's not appropriate for picky eaters
It can give your dog bad breath

9. Dr. Tim's Grain-Free, Kinesis Formula

Dr. Tim’s dry high fiber dog food-anal gland problems is suitable for feeding young and senior dogs. The formula has a perfect mix of carbs, fats, raw food, and fiber to keep your dog’s digestive system moving–plus, it contains probiotic supplements and prebiotic fibers for support. It also contains dried white potatoes, dried field peas, catfish meal, ocean herring meal, chicken liver meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish oil, psyllium seed husks, as well as dried vegetables (lettuce, beef, watercress, spinach).

The recipe was expertly formulated by a dog nutritionist and an experienced vet with a nutritious combination of freeze-dried raw food pieces and high-quality lean protein kibble, so you can get the convenience of dry food with the nutritional benefits of raw food. The food comes with vitamins and minerals and other natural ingredients that inhibit oxidation.

This formulation provides the required boost to your pet’s regular digestion and immunity. The crude fiber content of this kibble is 4.5%.

Packed with plenty of omega fatty acids and 87% animal protein, this recipe provides tons of support for lean muscle mass with healthy fats for your dog’s skin and coat. Such a fiber-rich meal is also excellent for help with anal gland issues. This high-protein kibble is made in the USA with healthy ingredients from trusted, non-GMO sources.

PROS

Contains primarily animal protein and rich in healthy fats, which is excellent for your dog
Contains omega fatty acids derived from fish oil that prevents skin conditions
Well-balanced kibbles that can sustain the life of an active dog
Exclusive probiotic, BC30, that boosts your dog’s digestive system
The size of the kibble is suitable for large and small dogs

CONS

10. "I and Love and You" Naked Essentials Grain Free, Lamb & Bison Recipe

Naked Essentials dry food with bison and lamb is a grain-free kibble that has real meat as the primary protein source. This is a nutritious dry high fiber dog food prepared with wholesome ingredients to facilitate a healthy life full of activities for your dog. The recipe does not contain any fillers nor artificial preservatives. The brand has a reputation for delivering high-quality food free from grains.

The product has a kibble size and balanced nutrition that any dog can eat. The number one protein for the formula is real lamb.

The meal is also mixed with sweet potatoes as well as probiotics and prebiotic fibers, making it ideal for both puppy and senior bowels. If your dog has digestive system issues, offering this high fiber diet will help. Many consumers even reported that it helps clear up skin irritation in dogs with food allergies.

PROS

Grain-free food meal
Promotes healthy digestion due to the presence of probiotic support
Contains all the nutritive elements dogs require to remain active and in good shape
Does not contain artificial additives like flavors and colors
Unique formulation good for dogs at all life stages

CONS

What are Canine Anal Glands?

Canine anal glands play a complex role of communication between dogs. If you ever wondered why dogs sniff each other’s behinds, it is because of their anal glands and it’s their way of getting acquainted.

This is a common misconception where people think it’s just their way of smelling each other’s butts. What they sniff is the strong odor secreted by their anal glands which contains some vital information, such as health status, sex, and age.

They have the size and shape of a grape, and they are found next to the anus, at two and eight on a clock face. Their primary role is to produce and store a unique scent of odorous liquid that serves as an identification card utilized to interact with other dogs.

Although many pet owners might find the habit distasteful, the thing is that pet dogs, even domesticated, are still animals, and this is their natural way of communicating.

Canines produce this liquid all the time, and they eliminate it regularly, with each stool. The liquid elimination occurs at the beginning and the end of the stool, and it acts as a marking of territory. In case you notice your dog scooting a lot, that can be an obvious sign that the sacs containing the liquid are full and they cause some discomfort to your canine companion.

If you care about your dog’s health and wellbeing, you need to understand a few things about these anal glands and how you should care for them.

What Are Canine Anal Gland Problems?

Unfortunately, sometimes anal glands can become a problem and your dog might suffer from several anal gland problems. The most prevalent anal gland issue is anal gland impaction. This complication occurs if your dog’s anal glands are not expressed well, be it naturally or on a regular basis by the veterinarian or groomers. As a result, the dog’s glands swell, causing irritation, which is followed by bacterial infections.

If the pet parent does not notice the infected or impacted anal glands and if left untreated, pus will collect, causing anal gland abscess—eventually, the abscess ruptures. Also, a odorous liquid will typically accompany your dog’s stool, and due to the pungent smell produced by this fluid, you can tell something wrong is happening.

If the gland swelling is extreme, it could lead to high levels of blood calcium, which can damage the dog’s organs.

The following are noteworthy causes of a dog’s anal gland problems:

Blockage of the anal ducts – prevalent in certain dog breeds and older ones

Diarrhea in your dog might cause the glands to be filled

Constipation also results in anal gland problems since the absence of your dog’s stool prevents the anal glands from emptying

Allergies that cause the anal sac ducts to swell could also lead to anal gland problems
Soft stools

Fungal, bacterial, and parasitic skin infections are also probable causes

Hypothyroidism

The best course of action to prevent your dog from having anal glands problems is by providing a healthy diet and ensuring they exercise. Small obese dogs are at the highest risk of developing these anal issues.

A healthy, fiber-rich diet and regular exercise will significantly reduce the probability of digestive problems. Unlike normal feces that are hard enough to express the glands on the way out, loose stools can lead to a build-up of liquid inside the anal sacs. The key is to ensure regular dog bowel movements which empty the anal sacs.

When it comes to treating anal gland problems and if your pet already have one, consider increasing your dog’s fiber intake in the diet adds bulk to the dog’s stool. Read the next section to find out how increasing fiber intake will help your dog.

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Treating Anal Gland Problems with a High-Fiber Diet

Feeding your dog with food rich in fiber helps to keep your pet’s bowel movements regular and functioning well. A balanced diet rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber [1] is the key to regular and healthy digestion as well as natural anal gland expression.

Insoluble fiber cannot be digested. When your pet consumes insoluble fiber, it absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool. More solid stool helps to express your pet’s anal glands naturally and protect it from developing complications.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water, which gives the dog’s body to digest properly. This enables your dog to have regular bowel movements that help keep your dog’s anal glands expressed.

Moreover, in the early senior years, added fiber can also help prevent weight gain. If your dog is obese, a weight control regimen may help to lower the risk of impaction.

High-fiber food can only treat your dog’s anal gland problems if the cause of the impacted glands is poor diet. However, if other issues are causing the problem, take your pup to the veterinarian for further diagnosis.

You can also use the following tips for anal glands issues:

Select high-quality dog foods for anal gland problems prepared with natural ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers. It is advisable to select foods made in the USA with farm-fresh ingredients.
An excellent food must contain both prebiotic fibers and probiotics to ensure healthy and regular digestion as well as natural expression of anal glands. Dried fermentation products are the most popular form of probiotics noticed in dog food.
As a general rule, meat should be the number one ingredient in all foods.
Avoid foods that contain grains, artificial preservatives, and other fillers. The high-fiber dog foods you select should be as natural as possible.
In the cases of food allergies, talk to a professional. The veterinarian will advise you on probable cause and available solutions.
If your dog’s staple diet does not have enough fiber to meet the dietary fiber requirements, add fiber supplements like psyllium husk powder or canned pumpkin.
Apart from feeding your furry dog with a fiber food, ensure he gets regular exercise. Exercising ensures your dog maintains a healthy weight.
Always follow the label. The product label enables you to correctly adjust the amount of food that needs to be served according to your dog’s breed age and size.
Talk to your vet to show you how you can keep your dog’s anal glands expressed manually. In case your dog has impacted anal glands again in the future, you can sort it yourself from home.
You should also learn to differentiate between food allergies and food intolerances. A food allergy is an immune response, while food intolerance is a digestive problem. Your pup will experience intolerances when its digestive system cannot digest a particular ingredient. A common one is lactose intolerance, where dogs are unable to break down lactose.

Other Benefits of Feeding a High Fiber Diet

High in Fiber –Some pet owners fail to see the value of fiber. But feeding a dog’s diet with high levels of fiber has multiple benefits such as aiding to regulate the dog’s healthy digestive system and keeping it functioning smoothly. Depending on the balance of soluble to insoluble fiber, high fiber diet can help firm or produce soft stools. Soluble fibers stimulate healthy bacteria and ferments in the colon. Conversely, insoluble fiber helps control the time it takes for the food to process in the digestive system.
Helps prevent anal gland problems – Because high-fiber diets tend to produce firmer poop and add bulk to the diet, it can help to keep the dog’s glands healthy. As the stools push out the rectum, they squeeze the small sacs in order to secrete the fluid.
Lower the chances of diabetes– Some types of fiber slackens the digestion process and help to stabilize the delivery of sugars into the bloodstream so there are fewer spikes. A high-fiber diet may help canines with diabetes manage the illness.
Aids digestion – Fiber does not only help regulate the passage of food through the digestive tract, but it also stimulate beneficial bacteria in the stomach for optimal digestion. As the microbes ferment soluble fiber the process created short-chain fatty acids that restrain the growth of bad organisms in the intestines. The short-chain fatty acids provide the colon with materials to repair itself after the damage.
Lowers the risk of colon cancer– Dietary fiber soak up excess water in the colon causing the fecal waste to swell and press against the large intestine’s walls. This stimulates muscle contractions to remove the material. The result is less exposure to any potential carcinogens and a faster transit time for the waste.
Helps to regulate weight– Fiber is a go-to nutrient for dog’s weight management. Dog foods that are high in fiber aids your pet feel full without consuming lots of calorie-dense ingredients. A study discovered that canines on a high-fiber diet loss four times more fat mass than those on a low-fiber diet.

Important Features To Consider

Whenever you are looking for the best high fiber dog food-anal gland problems, there are factors you must consider. In the market, you’ll come across many best high fiber dog food for anal gland problem brands marketing their recipe as the best high fiber food. If you don’t know what to look for in your dog’s food, you’ll get your pet’s diet wrong.

However, if you own a pet and you are willing to gain knowledge, you’re in luck. In this section, you’ll learn about the essential features you must consider to get your dog the best high fiber dog food-anal gland problems.

Soluble And Insoluble Fibers

If your dog suffers from anal gland issues, it might be time to take a closer look at his diet. As mentioned earlier, the best food for dogs with anal gland issues should contain fiber. Dietary fiber is available in two main groups: soluble and insoluble fiber–they are the key to healthy and regular digestion.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and promotes digestion while aiding in increasing the useful bacteria in your dog’s digestive system. It encourages good health in the large intestine, assisting in the prevention of diarrhea. This fiber also absorbs water and, thus, they can pass through the digestive tract of the animal easier than other foods.

Insoluble fiber sources add substance to your dog’s feces, making them heavier. During defecation, the heavier stool helps to push the anal glands naturally excreting them in the process.

Studies also show that insoluble fiber can help canines with diabetes. Similarly, a high fiber diet can be very beneficial for dogs with colon health problems.

Regular dog foods have up to 5% fiber content – higher fiber content is considered high fiber dog food. You should not feed your dog with food having more than 10% fiber; it could lead to other health problems.

Feeding your dog with a high fiber diet can lead to flatulence, diarrhea, weight loss, and a poor coat health.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

High-quality dog food-anal gland problems must contain these two elements. Food containing these elements is easily digested and leads to natural anal gland secretion. They also keep your dog’s belly healthy by encouraging the growth of good bacteria when they ferment in the colon and produce food for useful bacteria.

Since these elements should be taken with meals, it would be best if you bought a dog’s food that already contains it. If your diet does not include them and you want to add, seek professional opinion first.

Hypoallergenic

The best high fiber dog food anal gland problems are hypoallergenic. Food allergies are believed to cause gland anal problems. When selecting the best dog foods for anal gland problems, it must not contain allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.

It would be best to enquire from your vet to prescribe for your hypoallergenic dog’s food. Most of these dog foods are prepared with hydrolyzed protein, which is broken into amino acids. This process makes the allergen to be almost invisible to your dog’s immunity system.

The best hypoallergenic dog foods use simple recipes, mostly with minimal high-quality ingredients. They also don’t contain any grains.

Quality Ingredients

The quality of your dog’s diet indicates that regardless of what health issues your dog has, high-quality ingredients are essentially important for dogs with bowel difficulties. The better the components, the better your dog’s body will be capable of digesting them, which will cause to more efficient and firmer stools that help keep your dog’s anal glands expressed.

Highly processed dog foods don’t pack the same punch when it comes to fiber. When looking for quality ingredients look for:

Real meat as the first ingredient (as the primary source of protein)
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and barley
Fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, lie apples, pumpkin or psyllium husk, and green beans
Flaxseed

While the process of searching for the right food for your dog can prove a difficult task, especially if the dog suffers from anal gland issues, once you find the best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems that your dog needs, you will be able to see the results in due time.

How Much Fiber Regular Dog Foods Have?

Most dry dog foods have endorsed analysis of total fiber content between 2 percent to 4 percent. For pets needing a high fiber diet, consider looking for a guaranteed analysis between 5 percent to 10 percent, anything above 10 percent could cause unfavorable gut heath problems.

Although, most dogs do well with a crude fiber content around 4 percent to 5 percent in their food, pets with anal gland issues may need more – up to 7 percent or 8 percent crude fiber.

Other Foods that are Sources of Dietary Fiber–Dog Food for Anal Gland Problems

To add dietary fiber to your dog’s food, you will need plant-based sources. This nutrient is not found in dairy products, meat, or sugar. Furthermore, highly refined foods like most white bread have minor amounts of useful fiber. Some whole food ingredients that supplement fiber to the diet are:

Oats
Legumes–lentils, green beans, peas
Psyllium husk
Whole grains–brown rice, barley, bran
Beet pulp
Carrots
Flaxseed

Potatoes and rice represent great sources of carbs but avoid feeding large amounts as it could lead to bloating, weight gain, and a slow digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pumpkin a good source of fiber in dogs?

Yes, pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber in dogs. You can feed your pet with fresh, steamed pumpkin or canned pumpkin, which is a good source of fiber. One cup of pumpkin has approximately seven grams of fiber that your dog can digest and helps support stool consistency. Add half a teaspoon for every ten pounds of your dog’s body weight.

What to feed a dog to firm up stool?

Feed your dog with food rich in insoluble fiber to firm up its stool. This type of fiber cannot be digested. It absorbs water in your dog’s belly and makes the feces more solid. If the problem persists, there could be other issues other than your dog’s diet causing it to pass loose stool. Talk to a vet for more examination.

Are raw carrots good for dogs?

Yes, raw carrots are an excellent source of fiber for dogs, especially those with anal gland problems. But, don’t give your pet canned vitamins as they contain a high ratio of sodium. You can add raw carrots to your dog’s fiber diet. The carrots should be chopped into smaller sizes to avoid choking your furry friend. Start by adding about one teaspoon for every ten pounds of body weight to each meal.

Conclusion

If your dog has anal gland issues caused by problems in its digestion, high fiber dog foods are a great solution. There are many fiber dog foods in the market from which you can choose. The fiber dog food varieties have different formulas.

The best high fiber dog foods are rich in protein, don’t contain grains and gluten, and help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Assess your dog’s basic nutritional needs other than high fiber food and select the best option, which in our trusted opinion is: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Gastrointestinal Low Fat.

Remember, if you switch suddenly to a high fiber meal, it might upset your dog’s GI. To avoid this, introduce the high fiber meal gradually. Use the tips in this guide to find the best food for dogs with anal gland problems. If the best pet food for anal gland issues does not work, it would be best to seek the advice of an animal specialist.

Editor's Choice

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Gastrointestinal Low Fat

Contains prebiotics that promotes a balance of good gut bacteria
Well-blended dietary fiber that helps in proper digestion
Omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish help in soothing and nourishing your furry friend's gastrointestinal (GI) tract
Boosts your pet's immune system with the antioxidants it contains
Perfectly balanced to provide your dog with the calorie content it needs for its daily activities

Kathy R. Conner

Kathy is a licensed veterinary surgeon and writer in Miami. With over 20 years of experience in deal with pets and small animal, she hopes to share her knowledge on what she learned throughout her life to all animal lover. On her free time, she likes to attend Yoga and Meditation classes.

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