Dog treats for anal glands
A dog's anal glands are two small scent glands either side of the anus that normally empty a little on their own each time your dog passes a firm, well-formed stool. Treats marketed "for anal glands" are almost always fibre-based, working on the theory that bulkier stool presses on the glands more effectively as it passes, which can help mild cases but will not clear a gland that is already impacted or infected.
What "for anal glands" actually means on a label
There is no medicine hiding in these treats. What you are usually buying is added fibre — pumpkin, beet pulp, psyllium husk or a similar ingredient — designed to firm and bulk the stool. A firmer, larger stool applies more natural pressure on the glands as it passes, which in a mild, otherwise healthy dog can help the glands empty on their own rather than building up.
That is a genuinely useful mechanism for a dog who has the occasional mild issue, but it is not the same as treating a gland that is already blocked, swollen or infected. No treat can substitute for that, and reading the packaging as if it promises otherwise sets up disappointment.
What to check before you buy
Look at where fibre sits on the ingredients list — a treat with a genuine fibre source named near the top is doing more than one with it listed as a minor addition at the end. Natural single-ingredient chews, like some of the tougher dried options, can have a similar bulking effect simply through the amount of chewing and the fibrous material itself.
Avoid treats that lean heavily on fillers and added sugars to make up the bulk, since these add calories without necessarily adding useful fibre. If your dog is already overweight, a fibre supplement or a change to their regular food may be a better route than adding extra treats on top of their normal diet.
When treats are not going to be enough
A dog who is scooting on the floor, licking or biting at the base of their tail repeatedly, or seems uncomfortable sitting down has usually gone past what a fibre treat can fix. This is the point to see a vet rather than trying different treats, since an impacted or infected gland needs to be checked and, if necessary, expressed properly.
Recurring anal gland problems are also worth mentioning to your vet even between flare-ups, because persistent cases sometimes point to a weight issue, a food sensitivity, or another underlying cause that a treat cannot address.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Forthglade Grain Free Soft Bites Fresh Breath Treats 8pk
Chicken soft dog treats with parsley and peppermint oil for fresh breath
£2.45
Pedigree Dentastix Light Dog
Pedigree DentaStix Light dental chews across small, medium and large sizes
From£2.35
Dentalife Dental Oral Care Dog Chicken Chews
DENTALIFE chicken dental chews with medium-dog and large-dog variants
£1.65
Forthglade Soft Bite Grain Free Joints & Bones Treats
Grain-free salmon dog treats with salmon oil, glucosamine and chondroitin
£2.45
Forthglade Grain Free Soft Bites Training Rewards Chicken & Liver 8pk
Grain-free chicken and liver soft bites for dog training rewards
£2.45
Forthglade Functional Soft Bite Treats - Plant Based Banana & Honey
Plant-based banana and honey soft dog treats for training rewards
£2.45
Forthglade Dental Calming Sticks
Dental chew sticks for dogs with added calming botanicals for evening routines
£2.99
Pedigree DentaStix Daily Dental Chews Small Dog
Daily Pedigree DentaStix dental chews for small dogs over the label age limit
£2.35
Whimzees Toothbrush Daily Dental Dog Chew
A vegetarian daily dental chew for dogs, shaped like a toothbrush
From£0.69
Forthglade Grain Free Soft Bites Calming Treats 8pk
Grain-free turkey soft bites with a declared botanical blend
£2.45
Forthglade Soft Bite Grain Free Good Gut Health Treats
Grain-free chicken dog treats with ginger, chicory root and MOS
£2.45
Common questions
- Do anal gland treats actually work?
- For mild, occasional cases in an otherwise healthy dog, the added fibre can genuinely help by producing a firmer stool that presses on the glands as it passes. They are not a fix for a gland that is already impacted or infected.
- How do I know if my dog has an anal gland problem?
- Scooting along the floor, licking or biting at the base of the tail, and a strong fishy smell are the usual signs. If you notice these, it is worth having your dog checked rather than waiting to see if it resolves.
- Can I give my dog too much fibre for anal glands?
- Yes — too much added fibre can cause loose stools or wind, which is counterproductive since a firm stool is what helps the glands empty. Introduce any new treat gradually and watch how your dog's stools respond.
- Are pumpkin-based treats good for anal glands?
- Pumpkin is a commonly used natural fibre source in these treats and can help firm up stool for some dogs. Results vary by dog, so treat it as one option to try rather than a guaranteed fix.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.