For anyone who has ever noticed a dog scooting across the floor or constantly licking its rear, the first thought is usually worms. But in many cases, the issue is actually anal gland trouble. This is something that’s easy to overlook—until a dog starts showing signs of discomfort.
Anal gland issues are common, especially in small breeds, and food plays a much bigger role in this than many realize. The right diet keeps everything functioning smoothly, while the wrong diet can lead to impaction, infections, and even abscesses.
Understanding how food affects anal glands is important for preventing problems before they start.
What Are Anal Glands and Why Do They Matter?
Dogs have two small anal glands located just inside the rectum. These glands release a strong-smelling fluid whenever a dog defecates, marking territory and communicating with other dogs. In a healthy dog, firm stools put natural pressure on these glands, helping them empty properly.
When something interferes with this process, the glands don’t empty fully. This can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and in some cases, serious infections. The most common symptoms include:
- Scooting or dragging the rear across the floor
- Excessive licking or biting at the base of the tail
- Straining or yelping when defecating
- A strong, fishy odor
- Swelling or redness near the anus
Some dogs go their entire lives without anal gland issues, while others seem to have recurring problems. The difference often comes down to diet.
Also read: How to Boil Chicken for Dogs: A Simple and Nutritious Treat
How Food Affects Anal Gland Health
The biggest dietary factor in anal gland health is fiber. Fiber helps bulk up stools, making them firm enough to naturally express the glands. When a diet lacks fiber, stools can be too soft, allowing the glands to fill up without emptying.
Certain types of food can also contribute to inflammation, which makes it harder for the glands to function properly. Some of the most common culprits include:
1. Low-Fiber Diets
Dogs eating primarily soft, processed foods or wet food often don’t get enough fiber to produce firm stools. This is especially common in diets that are heavily meat-based with little plant material.
2. Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Some dogs have sensitivities to common ingredients like chicken, beef, wheat, corn, or soy. When a dog eats something it can’t tolerate well, inflammation occurs throughout the digestive system—including the anal glands. This can make emptying more difficult, leading to recurring issues.
3. Excess Fat and Poor-Quality Ingredients
Highly processed foods, low-quality fillers, and excessive fat can lead to loose stools or even chronic diarrhea. This means there’s not enough pressure during defecation to properly express the glands.
4. Too Many Soft Treats or Table Scraps
Dogs that frequently eat soft, low-fiber treats or fatty human food are at higher risk. These foods often lead to softer stools, making it harder for the glands to empty.
Also read: How Much to Feed a Dog by Weight?
The Best Diet for Preventing Anal Gland Issues
A diet that supports anal gland health focuses on fiber, digestibility, and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the best ways to support healthy glands include:
1. Increasing Dietary Fiber
Adding fiber is one of the easiest ways to bulk up stools and prevent gland problems. Some excellent sources include:
- Pumpkin – A natural, easily digestible source of fiber.
- Sweet potatoes – Full of fiber and gentle on digestion.
- Carrots & Green beans – Low-calorie options that add bulk.
- Ground flaxseed – A good source of both fiber and omega-3s.
Many high-quality dry dog foods already contain fiber, but in cases where a dog is prone to issues, adding extra fiber as a supplement can make a big difference.
2. Choosing High-Quality, Whole Foods
A balanced diet with whole, natural ingredients is easier on digestion. Look for food that contains:
- Lean protein – Salmon, turkey, or lamb.
- Healthy fats – Omega-3s from fish oil or flaxseed.
- Limited ingredients – Fewer fillers reduce the risk of inflammation.
Grain-free diets are popular, but some dogs actually benefit from grains like brown rice or oatmeal, which provide extra fiber.
3. Avoiding Inflammatory Ingredients
If allergies or food sensitivities are suspected, eliminating common triggers like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, or soy can be helpful. Switching to a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein, like duck or venison, may reduce gland irritation.
4. Hydration Matters
Dogs eating dry food should always have access to plenty of fresh water. Dehydration can lead to harder stools, making it uncomfortable to pass waste and putting extra strain on the glands.
5. Probiotics and Digestive Support
A healthy gut plays a huge role in overall digestion and stool quality. Adding probiotics or fermented foods like plain yogurt or kefir can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and improving stool consistency.
When to Seek Help from a Vet
Even with a perfect diet, some dogs still struggle with anal gland issues. Some dogs have naturally narrow ducts that make emptying difficult, or their glands simply produce too much fluid.
If symptoms persist despite dietary changes, a vet can:
- Manually express the glands (only when necessary—too frequent expression can weaken the muscles over time).
- Check for infections or abscesses, which may require antibiotics.
- Recommend a gland-supportive supplement containing fiber and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
For dogs with chronic issues, some vets suggest gland removal surgery, but this is usually a last resort due to potential complications.
Final Thoughts
Food plays a major role in keeping anal glands healthy. The right diet, rich in fiber, high-quality ingredients, and anti-inflammatory properties, helps prevent issues before they start. Simple changes, like adding pumpkin or switching to a limited-ingredient diet, can make a huge difference in a dog’s comfort and health.
For dogs that continue to struggle despite dietary improvements, working with a vet to explore additional options ensures long-term relief. Anal gland problems may be unpleasant to deal with, but with the right approach, they can often be managed effectively.