@kayg - I would suggest that you see a specialist as regular Vets for the most part are not that well educated in diet issues. And I would also see a different Vet as "there isn't anything we can do about it" is not a proper response, in my opinion.

@tanza said in Food recommendations for anal gland issues:

"there isn't anything we can do about it" is not a proper response, in my opinion.

Mine too !

Also, have you spoken to the breeder? Was this something from the time you got him? What was the breeder feeding? And again, I would refer to a specialist especially after the comment by your Vet.

Thanks everyone! I think after reading these responses I am going to avoid any more anal gland expressions because I don’t want to make the issue worse. I’ve only been giving him pure canned pumpkin/100% pumpkin. It has helped but didn’t solve the issue. He doesn’t have problems with loose stools- the stools are always formed well, but they are just soft and airy and not firm. I think I’m going to reach out to a specialty vet next- that’s a great suggestion. I also read an article that overeating can cause anal gland issues. He’s 20 pounds and I was feeding 1 1/2 cups total per day over three meals. I’m going to eliminate lunch starting today and see how he does.

And the breeder hasn’t gotten back to me yet but I will follow up. He didn’t seem to have anal gland issues the first 2-3 weeks we had him but his food was the same so it could be an environmental allergy too

Would you like to share his breeding? That might give other breeders that know bloodlines if there could be an issue?.... What was the breeder feeding?

At 6 months he should be on two meals a day - I feed twice daily to all my pack - Definitely cut out lunch.

And do let us know his breeding so he can be included in the database.

@kayg said in Food recommendations for anal gland issues:

He’s 20 pounds and I was feeding 1 1/2 cups total per day over three meals. I’m going to eliminate lunch starting today and see how he does.

Wow - that seems like an awful lot of food for a 6 mo old pup.

I realize every situation is different and feeding can be a very personal/touchy subject, but as a reference point, my 6 yr old basenji eats 1/4 cup kibble with water in the am, 1/4 cup kibble with water in the evening and gets some treats or cream cheese in a bone in the middle of the day. He weighs about 25 lbs and looks chubby.

@kayg said in Food recommendations for anal gland issues:

Thanks everyone! I think after reading these responses I am going to avoid any more anal gland expressions because I don’t want to make the issue worse. I’ve only been giving him pure canned pumpkin/100% pumpkin. It has helped but didn’t solve the issue. He doesn’t have problems with loose stools- the stools are always formed well, but they are just soft and airy and not firm.

Diet can do it. You may want to experiment with a different kibble. It's possible that your little guy is having trouble digesting the food and dogs, like people, can have food allergies. In this regard. some of the "higher" quality dog foods can cause digestion problems. We've had good results using Hills Prescription Diet I/d as a supplement rather than the pumpkin. We just add some to the kibble and it seems to help avoid issues. Probably other alternatives as well.

Best case you cut back on the food and the problem resolves itself. You might want to do that before seeing the speciality vet. You haven't mentioned color. I ran across this description of "Poo Hue". You might find it helpful. https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/pets/blog/get-scoop-what-your-pets-poop-telling-you

I'm still not clear -- maybe a reading comprehension issue -- what made you think he had an anal gland issue.

@kayg said in Food recommendations for anal gland issues:

I’m going to eliminate lunch starting today and see how he does.

I forgot to stress, when you eliminate lunch, don't just spread the same amount of food over two meals instead of three. Cut back. I need to weigh Mku who will be 6 months old on Friday, but I am sure he is nowhere near 20 lbs. He is sleek and svelte and a perfect weight at the moment for his age. Lovely shape LOL.

And at risk of becoming boring, I say again, no actual treats do mine get. I measure the daily amount of kibble each morning into a container and from that container I take some with us on walks (to encourage recall) and I dip into it as a reward for particular good behaviour. Hoover and Mku think they are getting a treat, but it is not 'extra' - it comes out of their daily ration !

And I agree with DonC - what exactly started you worrying about his stools ?