5 foods that help your dog express their anal glands

Quick takeaways

• You’ll know your dog has blocked anal glands if they bite or lick their bottom or there’s a fishy smell.
• A fibre-rich diet and moisture-rich foods can help your dog express their anal glands naturally.
• Pumpkin, apple and flaxseed are great sources of fibre.

 

Your dog’s anal glands might not be your favourite thing to think about.

But, managing the early signs of a blockage – or helping to prevent the issue in the first place – is far better than dealing with anal gland complications down the line.

Perhaps you’ve noticed your dog shuffling their bum along the ground or they’ve developed a foul, fishy smell. Or, maybe they're reluctant to sit down.

It’s likely their anal glands are to blame. Although certain breeds are more prone to anal gland problems – like Spaniels – one of the most common causes of blocked anal glands is diet.

Just like Goldilocks’ bed, your dog’s poop needs to be just right – not too hard or soft – to help them express their anal glands naturally.

As your dog's poop passes through the rectum and is released, this applies pressure to their glands and naturally helps to release them.

A healthy, high-fibre diet is one of the best ways to prevent and manage blocked or problematic anal glands.

 

How does fibre help with anal glands?

Both soluble and insoluble fibre can help with anal gland issues.

Soluble fibre binds to water and feeds the digestion system’s good bacteria. As soluble fibre absorbs water, it can help with poops that are too soft.

Insoluble fibre is the roughage needed for food to pass through the digestive system efficiently. It bulks up poops making them firmer, consistent and regular. This helps prevent anal gland blockages and problems.

Dogs need both types of fibre in their diet, but not too much of either. You’ll know if you’re adding too much fibre as it can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea.

 

Which foods can help dogs express their anal glands naturally?

If you’ve noticed your dog showing signs of an anal gland blockage, like that fishy smell or licking around their bottom, it’s always a good idea to speak to your vet first.

The following foods can also help to prevent issues. Give them to your dog in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet. You could try using them as food toppers or snacks.

 

1. Pumpkin

High in soluble fibre, pumpkin bulks out poops, making them firmer. It’s also a good food to give your dog if they have loose poo or diarrhea.

Try adding a few pieces of plain, cooked pumpkin to your dog’s meal or use it as a treat. If using pumpkin puree, make sure it’s organic, sugar-free and has no additives.

2. Apple

A couple of apple slices with the skin on make a great treat for dogs. Sweet and full of antioxidants, the fruit is also high in soluble fibre, which helps your dog stay regular.

High in water, they’re also a way to add more moisture to your dog’s diet.

3. Carrots

High in both soluble and insoluble fibre, carrots are a source of roughage, which pushes a poo along, while the soluble fibre, bulks it up.

4. Sweet potato

Another high-fibre veg that’s packed with soluble and insoluble goodness – even just a few chunks of sweet potato should impact the quality of your dog’s poo.

5. Green beans

Not only are green beans high in fibre, they’re low in calories making them a good treat for dogs who need to lose weight.

They also contain protein, iron, calcium and vitamins which support the immune and digestive systems. Dogs can eat them raw or cooked.

Discover more on adding fibre to your dog’s diet here.

 

Best anal gland foods FAQs

Could adding more moisture to my dog’s diet also help?

Dehydration can lead to constipation, and fewer or infrequent poops can cause anal gland issues.

Introducing more liquid or moisture-rich food into your dog’s diet can help with this. Fresh fruit and veg are high in water. Bone broth is another way to give your dog a hydration boost.

You could also increase the amount of wet food in their diet, or consider switching to raw.

Raw meat contains lots more moisture than cooked, dried or processed foods like kibble. Our personalised meal plans are a great place to start.

 

Why can raw food be helpful for dogs with anal gland issues?

A raw diet bears the closest resemblance to what your dog would eat in the wild and is a diet made primarily of meat, offal, fruit and vegetables.

Plant-based foods give your dog a healthy dose of fibre, as well as important vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. While raw meat can be better digested for some dogs and has a higher moisture content than canned or dry.

Raw diets are also free from artificial flavours, sugars and preservatives which can irritate stomachs and lead to problems with your dog’s digestive system and even their anal glands.

Importantly, a raw diet is also good for overall gut health. When your dog starts eating raw you’ll likely notice that they’ll do smaller, firmer poos that can help them express their anal glands naturally. Get clued up on more of the benefits here.

 

Are probiotics a good idea?

Probiotics can help to maintain good gut health. They can potentially prevent anal gland issues as they work to calm an irritated digestive system.

However, we’d always recommend speaking to your vet before introducing them to your dog’s meals.

 
Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients – including fresh fruits and vegetables – to help keep your dog healthy and happy.