Anal Gland Issues - Dietary Advice or Suggestions

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

Hello everyone!

We're having anal gland issues. I know, I know, the most boring and gross topic ever, but we'd really appreciate any help you could give us. I've included Oliver's background information below (sorry for the length), we've tried a lot of things, and are hoping for any dietary recommendations that our friends at DK can give us. Thank you in advance.

Hugs,

Oliver and Elizabeth

Background 

For the last year we have had to get Oliver's anal glands expressed by the vet every month to avoid a spontaneous gland expression in our house. However, for the last few months, even once a month hasn't been enough. At this point our--significantly revised--goal is just to be able to have monthly visits and no spontaneous expressions in between. 

As his glands aren't infected or impacted, and the fluid is of normal viscosity, there isn't anything medically wrong with his glands (other than possibly a small duct or slightly abnormal positioning). Also, Oliver is very active, isn't overweight (33lbs). Basically, there isn't anything medically we can do to treat this issue other than surgery to remove his anal glands. At this point, we are not interested in getting surgery due to potential complications.

For about the last year and a half Oliver has been eating Acana Duck and Pear or Orijen Regional Red. When this problem initially started, we tried increasing his fiber by feeding him pumpkin or sweet potato, and giving him Pet Naturals Scoot Bars. This didn't produce any noticeable results.

Two months ago, after noticing that we needed to go to the vet more, we did some research and switched his food to Orijen 6 Fish to increase protein and Omega 3s. This also didn't produce any noticeable results... except that our house smells like fish. :) 

Today's Vet Vist

Today, our vet recommended that we stop the Orijen 6 Fish because, while the high protein may produce small firm stools, she believes that Oliver needs more bulk to help in expressing his glands during bowel movements. She is recommending that we go on a lower protein formula with some healthy grains, basically, go back to Acana Duck and Pear (Washington State won't have the grain-free version for three months due to a labeling issue). Also, she wants us to add Benefiber to his diet. She thinks we'll still need to get him expressed ever month but she thinks this may help to avoid the dreaded spontaneous expression.  

• Has anyone had any experience in resolving anal gland issues by changing food? If so, what food did you use?
• Has anyone had success in using fiber supplements like Benefiber or Metamucil to treat anal gland issues?
• Any other recommendations? We're down for anything at this point... other than surgery.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Those green beans also add a little good fiber, too! 

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

Three weeks is pretty good, hopefully we see some results. Fingers crossed! Maybe we'll try to mix things up with green beans if this works. Thank you!

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

How much benefiber do you give Oliver?

My 5yo scoots at times so I'd like to start adding Benefiber to his kibble. He walks away from green beans and pumpkin.

Thanks!

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

We're giving Oliver about a tablespoon per day. His stools have really firmed up. I think it might be helping, unfortunately, Oliver went to my parents for three days and we forgot the fiber and the day we picked him up he had an expression. He's back on the fiber now so hopefuly we'll be good!

[Beverly, Zoey & Nygel]

Canned green beans, frozen or fresh?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Most dogs prefer the canned beans; buy the ones with no sodium added. Whatever kind you use, they should be cooked and served warm.