Dealing with anal gland problems in your dog can be smelly, gross, and frustrating. Anal gland issues are uncomfortable for your dog, and some even develop abscesses and other serious infections related to anal gland problems.
If you see your dog scooting, it may indicate that its anal glands are bothering it. Have a vet check your dog over to ensure the problem is related to the anal glands, but a high-fiber diet can benefit dogs with anal gland issues.
Fiber adds bulk to the stool, making it easier to express the anal glands when your dog poops. By switching your dog to high-fiber food, you may diminish your dog’s anal gland problems. We’ve reviewed the 10 best high fiber options to help support your dog’s anal glands, so there’s a food here that should help your dog.
A Quick Comparison of Our Top Picks (2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Canned Food
7% fiber
Low in fat and calories
Supports weight control, healthy blood sugar levels, and urinary health
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Best Value
Purina Beyond Mixers+ Digestive Support
Best value
8% fiber
High in protein and omega fatty acids
Check Price
Premium Choice
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support
6% fiber
High in protein and low in fat and calories
Supports satiety during weight loss and maintenance
Check Price
Best for Puppies
ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food
0% fiber
Healthy blend of high-fiber grains
Contains omega-3 fatty acids needed for puppy’s growth
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Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Dry Food
5% fiber
Formulated to support weight loss and maintenance
Supports satiety and fullness
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The 10 Best High-Fiber Dog Foods for Anal Gland Problems
Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Canned Food is the best overall high fiber dog food for anal gland problems. This food features a whopping 22.7% fiber content, along with 15.9% protein and 9% fat. Pork liver is the primary protein, and this food is formulated to support weight control, healthy glucose levels, urinary health, and satiety in dogs that are prone to obesity. It contains antioxidants to support immunity and supports the metabolism of fat without the loss of lean muscle. The pate texture is easy for dogs with chewing difficulties to eat. This is a prescription-only food, so you will have to get your vet to sign off on it.
Fiber Content: 7%
Primary Protein: Pork
Protein Content: 9%
Fat Content: 9%
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Pros
7% fiber
Low in fat and calories
Supports weight control, healthy blood sugar levels, and urinary health
Improves satiety
Antioxidants support immunity
Encourages the metabolism of fat without risking lean muscle
Soft texture
Cons
Prescription-only
The Purina Beyond Mixers+ Digestive Support canned food is the best high fiber dog food for anal gland problems for the money. It has 6.8% fiber, 36.4% protein, and 22.7% fat. It’s high in omega fatty acids for immunity and support of the skin, coat, joints, brain, and heart.
7% fiber
Low in fat and calories
Supports weight control, healthy blood sugar levels, and urinary health
Improves satiety
Antioxidants support immunity
Encourages the metabolism of fat without risking lean muscle
Soft texture
- 7% fiber
- Low in fat and calories
- Supports weight control, healthy blood sugar levels, and urinary health
- Improves satiety
- Antioxidants support immunity
- Encourages the metabolism of fat without risking lean muscle
- Soft texture
Prescription-only
- Prescription-only
Fiber Content: 8%
Primary Protein: Cod
Protein Content: 4%
Fat Content: 7%
This food topper can be paired with your dog’s favorite food as an additional source of digestive support. It’s free of corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-products meal. The texture is soft and easy to eat, and highly palatable, with real Alaskan cod as the first ingredient. It’s made with certified sustainable seafood. Although this is a fish-based food, it does contain poultry ingredients.
Pros
Best value
8% fiber
High in protein and omega fatty acids
Can be fed alone or as a food topper
Free of corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meal
Soft texture
Made with sustainable fish
Cons
Contains poultry
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support wet food is the premium choice for high-fiber dog food. This food contains 22.6% fiber and 34.8% protein, but only 3.9% fat. It’s designed to support satiety while helping overweight dogs lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, and the protein content helps maintain muscle mass as your dog loses weight. Antioxidants support immunity, while fiber promotes healthy digestion and stool formation.
Best value
8% fiber
High in protein and omega fatty acids
Can be fed alone or as a food topper
Free of corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meal
Soft texture
Made with sustainable fish
- Best value
- 8% fiber
- High in protein and omega fatty acids
- Can be fed alone or as a food topper
- Free of corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meal
- Soft texture
- Made with sustainable fish
Contains poultry
- Contains poultry
Fiber Content: 6%
Primary Protein: Pork
Protein Content: 8%
Fat Content: 9%
This food is on the S/O Index, which can help reduce the chance of bladder and kidney stones developing. This is a prescription-only diet and sells for a premium price.
Pros
6% fiber
High in protein and low in fat and calories
Supports satiety during weight loss and maintenance
Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health
Supports healthy metabolism without muscle loss
Supports immunity and digestive health
Reduces the risk of kidney and bladder stones developing
Cons
Prescription-only
Premium price
Fiber is important for puppies as well! Our recommendation for high-fiber food is ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe Gluten-Free Dray Dog Food for your special little pooch. Most puppy foods have between 3-4% crude fiber, while this recipe contains 6% per serving. The primary protein in this formula is chicken, it contains quality grains such as sorghum, millet, and oats. These hearty grains help add needed fiber to your puppy’s diet to keep their digestive system healthy at a young age.
6% fiber
High in protein and low in fat and calories
Supports satiety during weight loss and maintenance
Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health
Supports healthy metabolism without muscle loss
Supports immunity and digestive health
Reduces the risk of kidney and bladder stones developing
- 6% fiber
- High in protein and low in fat and calories
- Supports satiety during weight loss and maintenance
- Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health
- Supports healthy metabolism without muscle loss
- Supports immunity and digestive health
- Reduces the risk of kidney and bladder stones developing
Prescription-only
Premium price
- Prescription-only
- Premium price
Fiber Content: 0%
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 0%
Fat Content: 19%
While this recipe has a higher percent of fiber than other puppy foods, it is not high enough for adult dogs who might have anal gland issues. Feed this food to puppies only. In addition, some people who own pickier puppies have found they do not enjoy this blend of ingredients as much.
Pros
0% fiber
Healthy blend of high-fiber grains
Contains omega-3 fatty acids needed for puppy’s growth
No artificial flavors or colors
Cons
Fiber content only beneficial for puppies
The Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Dry Food contains 22.5% fiber, 18.5% protein, and 10.7% fat. It is higher in protein and fat than the wet version of this food. It’s formulated to aid in weight loss and maintenance as well as fat metabolism by promoting satiety and stabilizing blood sugar levels. It promotes urinary health and can help prevent the formation of bladder and kidney stones.
0% fiber
Healthy blend of high-fiber grains
Contains omega-3 fatty acids needed for puppy’s growth
No artificial flavors or colors
- 0% fiber
- Healthy blend of high-fiber grains
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids needed for puppy’s growth
- No artificial flavors or colors
Fiber content only beneficial for puppies
- Fiber content only beneficial for puppies
Fiber Content: 5%
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 5%
Fat Content: 7%
Antioxidants support the immune system, while the fiber content leaves your dog feeling full and having normal stools that support anal gland expression. This is a prescription diet that sells for a premium price.
Pros
5% fiber
Formulated to support weight loss and maintenance
Supports satiety and fullness
Promotes healthy blood sugar levels
Reduces the risk of kidney and bladder stones developing
Antioxidants support immunity
Cons
Prescription-only
Premium price
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal High Fiber Dry Food contains 13.9% fiber, 23.3% protein, and 15.6% fat. This food contains prebiotics and a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers to support digestive health. It contains omega fatty acids for digestive, heart, brain, skin, and coat health, and antioxidants for immunity. The high fiber content aids in satiety without leading to weight gain when fed as directed. The smallest bag size this food comes in is 8.8 pounds, so it may be difficult to keep it fresh for small dogs. This is a prescription-only food that sells for a premium price.
5% fiber
Formulated to support weight loss and maintenance
Supports satiety and fullness
Promotes healthy blood sugar levels
Reduces the risk of kidney and bladder stones developing
Antioxidants support immunity
- 5% fiber
- Formulated to support weight loss and maintenance
- Supports satiety and fullness
- Promotes healthy blood sugar levels
- Reduces the risk of kidney and bladder stones developing
- Antioxidants support immunity
Fiber Content: 9%
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 3%
Fat Content: 6%
Pros
9% fiber
High in protein
Prebiotics and a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers support digestive health
High in omega fatty acids
Antioxidants support immunity
Supports satiety without leading to weight gain
Cons
Smallest bag is 8.8 pounds
Prescription-only
Premium price
The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet HF is a great option for dogs with severe food allergies as it uses hydrolyzed protein, which means the protein has been broken down into a form that is not likely to cause allergy issues. It contains 13.6% fiber, 36.4% protein, and 9% fat, making it a good option for weight loss and maintenance. It’s a good source of omega fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s free from corn, wheat, and soy.
9% fiber
High in protein
Prebiotics and a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers support digestive health
High in omega fatty acids
Antioxidants support immunity
Supports satiety without leading to weight gain
- 9% fiber
- High in protein
- Prebiotics and a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers support digestive health
- High in omega fatty acids
- Antioxidants support immunity
- Supports satiety without leading to weight gain
Smallest bag is 8.8 pounds
Prescription-only
Premium price
- Smallest bag is 8.8 pounds
- Prescription-only
- Premium price
Fiber Content: 6%
Primary Protein: Salmon
Protein Content: 4%
Fat Content: 9%
However, this is a premium-priced prescription diet. It has a strong, fishy smell that many people report finding unappealing. It may not be a good option for picky dogs.
Pros
Contains hydrolyzed salmon protein
6% fiber
High in protein and low in fat
Good option for satiety and weight loss and maintenance
Good source of omega fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants
Free of corn, wheat, and soy
Cons
Premium price
Prescription-only
Strong smell
The Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Chicken & Lamb Stew contains 13.3% fiber, 46.7% protein, and 13.3% fat, making it a good high protein, high fiber, and moderate fat food. Pumpkin and other natural fiber sources support digestive health and stool formation. This food is free of grains, potatoes, lentils, preservatives, peas, and fillers. It’s palatable and contains shreds of real meat in a flavorful broth. This is a non-prescription food.
Contains hydrolyzed salmon protein
6% fiber
High in protein and low in fat
Good option for satiety and weight loss and maintenance
Good source of omega fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants
Free of corn, wheat, and soy
- Contains hydrolyzed salmon protein
- 6% fiber
- High in protein and low in fat
- Good option for satiety and weight loss and maintenance
- Good source of omega fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Free of corn, wheat, and soy
Premium price
Prescription-only
Strong smell
- Premium price
- Prescription-only
- Strong smell
Fiber Content: 3%
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 7%
Fat Content: 3%
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.
Pros
3% fiber
High protein and moderate fat
Natural fiber sources support healthy digestion and stool formation
Free from grains, potatoes, lentils, peas, preservatives, and fillers
No prescription required
Cons
Premium price if fed as a primary food
Very soupy texture
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Glycobalance formula contains 11.1% fiber, 38.9% protein, and 15.6% fat, making it high in protein and fiber but only moderate in fat. It’s formulated to help maintain body weight and muscle mass, as well as healthy blood sugar levels, thanks to its low starch content. This food is rich in antioxidants to support immune health.
3% fiber
High protein and moderate fat
Natural fiber sources support healthy digestion and stool formation
Free from grains, potatoes, lentils, peas, preservatives, and fillers
No prescription required
- 3% fiber
- High protein and moderate fat
- Natural fiber sources support healthy digestion and stool formation
- Free from grains, potatoes, lentils, peas, preservatives, and fillers
- No prescription required
Premium price if fed as a primary food
Very soupy texture
- Premium price if fed as a primary food
- Very soupy texture
Fiber Content: 1%
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 9%
Fat Content: 6%
This is a prescription-only food that retails for a premium price. It may not be as palatable to picky dogs as some other food options. Some people report finding the smell of the food to be strong and unappealing.
Pros
1% fiber
High protein and moderate fat
Helps maintain body weight and preserve muscle mass
Supports healthy blood sugar levels
Low in starches
High in antioxidants
Cons
Premium price
Prescription-only
Less palatable than some other options
Smell may be strong and unappealing
The Party Animal California Chicken & Oats Recipe contains 6.7% fiber, 25.6% protein, and 15.6% fat. It contains natural fiber sources, like pumpkin, broccoli, carrots, and pumpkin seeds. It’s a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it contains probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health. It’s a good source of omega fatty acids, and it’s free of corn, wheat, artificial flavors, and preservatives. No prescription is required for this food.
1% fiber
High protein and moderate fat
Helps maintain body weight and preserve muscle mass
Supports healthy blood sugar levels
Low in starches
High in antioxidants
- 1% fiber
- High protein and moderate fat
- Helps maintain body weight and preserve muscle mass
- Supports healthy blood sugar levels
- Low in starches
- High in antioxidants
Premium price
Prescription-only
Less palatable than some other options
Smell may be strong and unappealing
- Premium price
- Prescription-only
- Less palatable than some other options
- Smell may be strong and unappealing
Fiber Content: 7%
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 6%
Fat Content: 6%
This food retails for a premium price and contains less fiber than most foods on the list. This food is not recommended for large breed dogs that are still growing. This applies to dogs that are expected to be above 70 pounds when fully grown.
Pros
Moderate fiber, protein, and fat
Natural fiber sources, like pumpkin and broccoli
Good source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids
Probiotics and prebiotics support digestive health
No prescription required
Cons
Premium price
Less fiber than other options
Not recommended for large breed dogs that are still growing
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Right High Fiber Dog Food for Anal Gland Problems
When choosing the best food to meet your dog’s needs, make sure to talk to your dog’s vet. They’ll be the best resource to help you narrow down the foods that might work best for your dog. Having a knowledge of your dog’s medical history and current issues is the best starting point for finding the right food for your dog.
Moderate fiber, protein, and fat
Natural fiber sources, like pumpkin and broccoli
Good source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids
Probiotics and prebiotics support digestive health
No prescription required
- Moderate fiber, protein, and fat
- Natural fiber sources, like pumpkin and broccoli
- Good source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids
- Probiotics and prebiotics support digestive health
- No prescription required
Premium price
Less fiber than other options
Not recommended for large breed dogs that are still growing
- Premium price
- Less fiber than other options
- Not recommended for large breed dogs that are still growing
Your dog’s food should be chosen based on flavors and textures that your dog likes, but it’s important that the food also accounts for factors like your dog’s age, weight, allergies, and medical problems. If your dog is overweight, then food that aids in satiety will be a better option than food with lower fiber and protein content. For dogs with diagnoses like diabetes and pancreatitis, the nutritional needs can be very specific. It’s essential that you discuss your dog’s current food, needs, and possible food options with your dog’s vet.
Conclusion
These reviews have brought together the top picks for high-fiber foods for your dog, but whether you decide on a prescription or non-prescription food, make sure to talk to your dog’s vet before making dietary changes. The top option is Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Canned Food, which is a great fiber source and is formulated with multiple medical conditions in mind. The more budget-friendly pick is the Purina Beyond Mixers+ Digestive Support, which can be fed as a food topper or as a primary food. The top premium pick is the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support formula, which offers added satiety to dogs to increase comfort and decrease begging.
Featured Image Credit: Anastasiya Tsiasemnikava, Shutterstock
