A husky eagerly looks at a person holding a bowl of Ollie food, set against a split background with a blue section on the left.

Best Dog Food for Anal Gland Issues

If your dog is scooting, licking their rear, or having trouble during bowel movements, it could be due to anal gland issues. One of the most effective ways to support healthy glands is through food—specifically, a diet that promotes regular, firm stools and digestive balance. At Ollie, we make fresh, human-grade meals with the fiber, protein, and moisture content your pup needs to feel more comfortable and go with ease.

Close-up of a fluffy dog's tail and hind legs against a clear blue sky, standing on green grass.

Understanding Anal Gland Problems in Dogs

Your dog’s anal glands play a role in scent marking and bowel function—but when they don’t empty properly, they can become impacted, swollen, or infected, causing pain and recurring issues. This condition is more common than you might think, and diet is often at the center of both the problem and the solution.


Common Signs of a Anal Gland Issues in Dogs:

  • Scooting or dragging their rear across the floor

  • Excessive licking or chewing near the tail

  • Difficulty pooping or straining during bowel movements

  • A strong, fishy odor near the rear

  • Swelling, redness, or visible discomfort

Anal gland problems often occur when your dog’s stool is too soft to naturally express the glands. A high-fiber, nutrient-dense diet can help create firmer stools that trigger natural gland expression—reducing the risk of impaction and infection.

Ollie fresh dog food includes natural fiber sources, whole food ingredients, and moisture that supports digestive regularity, helping dogs with chronic gland issues feel relief—naturally and consistently.


How Ollie Helps Dogs With Anal Gland Issues

Ollie meals are crafted to promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements—key components of managing anal gland health. Every ingredient is chosen to support gut health, stool quality, and inflammation reduction, so your pup can feel better from the inside out.

  • Natural Sources of Fiber – Pumpkin, spinach, carrots, and chia seeds help bulk up stools for easier gland expression

  • Moisture-Rich Meals – Fresh, gently cooked meals support hydration and smoother digestion

  • Easily Digestible Ingredients – Real meats and veggies help reduce inflammation and digestive stress

  • Balanced Nutrition with No Fillers – No low-quality ingredients that can cause loose stools or excess strain on the glands

With Ollie, you're feeding your pup a clean, functional diet that works with their body—not against it—to support digestive and anal gland health.

Every fresh dog food meal is customized to your dog’s needs, portioned by weight and health goals, and made from ingredients you can feel good about. Fresh dog food can help with anal gland problems, digestive issues, as well as overall general health.

Anal Gland Health by the Numbers

Diet and digestion play a much bigger role in anal gland health than most pet parents realize. Here's how food can help prevent ongoing issues:
Illustration of a sitting dog with a blue collar, featuring a simple design and black patches on a beige background.

12% of Dogs Will Experience Anal Gland Problems
Some dogs are more prone to gland issues, but diet plays a major role in prevention and long-term management.
Abstract brown splash with a red circle and white "X" in the top right corner on a light background.

Poor Stool Quality is a Leading Cause
Soft stools don’t apply the pressure needed to naturally empty the glands during bathroom trips
Illustration of blueberries, a carrot, and a chicken drumstick on a light background.

Fiber Helps Firm Stools Naturally
Feeding fiber-rich ingredients like veggies and seeds supports digestive regularity and healthier gland function.
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Vet Gland Expressions Add Up
Manual expressions can be costly and inconvenient. A diet that promotes regular gland expression can help cut down those costs.
Illustration of a sitting dog with a blue collar, featuring a simple design and black patches on a beige background.

12% of Dogs Will Experience Anal Gland Problems
Some dogs are more prone to gland issues, but diet plays a major role in prevention and long-term management.
Abstract brown splash with a red circle and white "X" in the top right corner on a light background.

Poor Stool Quality is a Leading Cause
Soft stools don’t apply the pressure needed to naturally empty the glands during bathroom trips
Illustration of blueberries, a carrot, and a chicken drumstick on a light background.

Fiber Helps Firm Stools Naturally
Feeding fiber-rich ingredients like veggies and seeds supports digestive regularity and healthier gland function.
image

Vet Gland Expressions Add Up
Manual expressions can be costly and inconvenient. A diet that promotes regular gland expression can help cut down those costs.

Happy dog in a grassy field looking up.

Ollie Makes Feeding Simple for
for Dogs With Gland Issues

Whether your dog has had one flare-up or regular vet visits, diet is one of the most powerful ways to support their comfort. Ollie makes it easy with fresh, balanced meals that are rich in fiber, moisture, and real nutrition—no fillers or artificial ingredients that slow digestion.

Fresh carrots, snap peas, cranberries, and spinach on a wooden surface, arranged neatly.
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WHOLE INGREDIENTS THAT WORK TOGETHER

Our recipes include real vegetables and natural fiber sources that support digestive movement and reduce inflammation.

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FRESH AND MOISTURE-RICH, NEVER DRY

Hydration is key for digestive and gland function. Our gently cooked meals are never dehydrated or over-processed.

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FORMULATED BY VETERINARY NUTRITIONISTS

All recipes are developed to meet complete and balanced nutrition guidelines—with special attention to digestion and stool health.

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CUSTOM PLANS BASED ON YOUR DOG'S NEEDS

We build a meal plan that matches your dog’s weight, activity level, and dietary sensitivities—ensuring consistency in every bowl.

Ollie Has Helped Dogs Say Goodbye to Scooting and Discomfort

For many pet parents, anal gland issues are a recurring frustration. Ollie has helped countless dogs find relief through better digestion, firmer stools, and fewer vet visits. With clean ingredients, high-quality fiber, and meals your dog will actually enjoy, you’ll be amazed at the difference a better diet can make.

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No more diarrhea

Cosmo, English Labrador
5 star rating for testimonial

Cosmo had terrible gut health and frequently had diarrhea. Since switching to Ollie, he now has normal poop, a shiny coat, fewer ear issues, and lost 18 lbs.

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Her health issues went away overnight

Momo, Shih Tzu
5 star rating for testimonial

Before Momo ate Ollie, she often times would get sick (diarrhea and vomiting) to the point of having to be rushed to the local emergency vet. We tried the prescription dog food the vet recommended, but Momo would not touch it. I tried Ollie on a whim after hearing good reviews from a few friends and it was like Momo’s health issues went away overnight.

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Relieved her inflamed intestines

Josie, Yorkshire Terrier
5 star rating for testimonial

Josie was suffering from inflammation of her intestines with monthly loose stool which could be difficult to control. Since she's been enjoying Ollie fresh food, she has had no bouts of diarrhea and her digestive system is much more balanced. She loves the food and jumps for joy when it's feeding time.

Sasha

She's now the healthiest, happiest pup because of Ollie!

Sasha, German Shepherd
5 star rating for testimonial

My dog had so many digestive complaints before starting Ollie. It seemed no food we tried agreed with her stomach, and she constantly had diarrhea and wouldn’t eat anything. Even on a bland diet, she still didn’t have relief. We have had Ollie for 8 months, and Sasha has had regular bowel movements ever since! She used to go days without eating, and it amazes me how excited she gets to eat her Ollie.

Our Best Recipes for Anal Gland Health

The best dog food for anal gland issues is high in natural fiber, moisture-rich, and made from whole food ingredients that support digestive health. Ollie recipes are packed with gently cooked veggies, clean protein, and gut-friendly nutrients that help form healthy stools and reduce gland pressure. With no fillers or artificial ingredients, you’re giving your dog the best shot at lasting comfort and fewer issues down the line.

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SENSITIVE-BELLIES

Chicken Dish with Carrots

Our Chicken Dish with Carrots recipe is great for poultry-loving pups who appreciate classic flavors and gentle white-meat proteins. Chicken, carrots, and rice are a gentle, yet satisfying combination for dogs with sensitive stomachs, or picky palates.

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY

Turkey Dish with Blueberries

A great protein for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues, which can be the cause of picky eating. Added blueberries, carrots, and kale deliver a powerful punch of immune-boosting antioxidants and flavor.

Happy dog in a grassy field looking up.

Our Fresh Food Helps Dogs Go
Comfortably and Confidently

Your dog’s digestive health affects their whole body—especially their anal glands. At Ollie, we make meals that support everything from gut balance and stool firmness to immune function and inflammation control. If your pup has struggled with gland issues, give them the relief they deserve with real food that works naturally with their body.

FAQs About Dog Food and Anal Gland Health

Find answers to common questions about managing your dog’s anal gland issues through nutrition

What is the best dog food for anal gland problems?

How does fiber help with anal gland issues?

What ingredients should I avoid?

Can food alone fix my dog’s gland issues?

How long will it take to see a difference?

Does Ollie help with other digestive issues?

Can Ollie help if my dog is already on medication for gland problems?