Last updated: June 17, 2026 · 8-minute read
What Are the Best Dog Treats for Anal Glands? The Short Answer
The best treats for anal gland health are high-fiber, single-ingredient chews that firm up your dog's stool so the glands express naturally with each bowel movement. At Bully Sticks Central we focus on 100% real meat, fully digestible chews with no rawhide, ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. Pair a fiber-supporting diet with natural chews like beef trachea, bully sticks, and beef cheek rolls, and you give those glands the firm, bulky stool they need to empty on their own.
Key takeaways
- Firm stool is the goal — well-formed stool puts gentle pressure on the anal glands so they empty naturally.
- Fiber helps — pumpkin, beet pulp, and fiber-rich natural chews support solid, regular stools.
- Single-ingredient chews win — no fillers, no chemicals, no rawhide means nothing to upset digestion.
- Beef trachea is a standout — naturally rich in cartilage and a satisfying, digestible chew.
- See your vet for impaction or infection — treats prevent and support, but they don't replace veterinary care.
Why Do Anal Glands Matter for Your Dog?
The anal glands (or anal sacs) sit on either side of your dog's anus and release a scent marker each time your dog passes a firm stool. When stool is too soft — from low fiber, fillers, or a sensitive stomach — the glands don't get the pressure they need and can become impacted, uncomfortable, or infected. Scooting, licking, and a fishy odor are the classic warning signs. The simplest day-to-day support is a diet and treats that produce firm, healthy stool.
How Do High-Fiber Treats Help Anal Glands?
Fiber adds bulk and structure to stool. A bulkier stool means more natural pressure against the gland openings as your dog goes, which helps them empty fully and regularly. Natural, single-ingredient chews support this in two ways: they encourage healthy digestion without the fillers and artificial additives that loosen stool, and longer-lasting chews like beef trachea tubes deliver natural cartilage and connective tissue that many dogs digest well.
Which BSC Chews Are Best for Anal Gland Support?
Every chew below is 100% natural, single-ingredient, and fully digestible — no rawhide, no mystery ingredients. Use this guide to match a chew to your dog's size and chewing style.
| Chew | Best for | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Trachea Tubes | All sizes | Natural cartilage; light, digestible chew |
| 6-Inch Standard Bully Sticks | Small to medium dogs | Single-ingredient protein, fully digestible |
| 12-Inch Monster Bully Sticks | Large, heavy chewers | Long-lasting, no rawhide |
| Beef Cheek Rolls | Power chewers | A safe rawhide alternative |
| Regular Beef Tendons | Sensitive stomachs | Lean, single-ingredient, gentle |
| 10-Inch Tripe Twist Sticks | Digestive support | Natural tripe, easy on the gut |
Browse the full range in our natural dog treats and chews collection, or explore cow ears for dogs for a thinner, lighter option.
How Much Should You Give? A Simple Serving Guide
| Dog weight | Chew size | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 lbs | 6-inch bully stick or beef tendon | 2–3 times per week |
| 20–50 lbs | 6-inch bully stick or beef trachea | 3–4 times per week |
| 50–80 lbs | 12-inch monster bully stick or beef cheek roll | 3–4 times per week |
| 80 lbs+ | 12-inch monster bully stick or beef cheek roll | Most days, supervised |
Always supervise chew time and provide fresh water. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Can You Make a Homemade High-Fiber Treat for Anal Gland Health?
Yes. This simple pumpkin treat adds gut-friendly fiber to support firm stool. It pairs well with a daily natural chew.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix 1 cup canned pure pumpkin (not pie filling), 2 cups oat flour, and 1 egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into small bite-sized pieces.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and lightly golden.
- Cool completely before serving, and store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Introduce any new treat gradually, and check with your vet if your dog has food sensitivities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What treats help dogs express their anal glands naturally?
High-fiber, single-ingredient treats that firm up stool help the glands express naturally. Natural chews like beef trachea, bully sticks, and beef tendons support healthy digestion without fillers.
Does fiber really help with anal gland problems?
Yes. Added fiber from sources like pumpkin and beet pulp bulks up stool, which puts gentle pressure on the glands so they empty more completely with each bowel movement.
Are bully sticks good for dogs with anal gland issues?
Bully sticks are single-ingredient, fully digestible, and free of rawhide and fillers, so they support healthy digestion. They're a solid daily chew alongside a fiber-supporting diet.
Is beef trachea good for anal glands?
Beef trachea is a popular natural chew rich in cartilage. It's digestible and gentle, making it a good fit for dogs whose owners want to support gut and gland health.
How often should I give anal gland support treats?
Follow the serving guide above based on your dog's weight, generally a few times per week. Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories and always supervise chewing.
Are these treats safe if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
Single-ingredient chews like beef tendons and tripe twists are lean and gentle. Introduce any new chew gradually and watch your dog's stool for the first few days.
When should I see a vet about anal glands?
If your dog scoots constantly, licks the area, has swelling, or there's a strong fishy odor, see your vet. Treats help prevent and support, but impaction or infection needs veterinary care.
What should I avoid in treats for anal gland health?
Avoid rawhide, artificial additives, and filler-heavy treats that can loosen stool or upset digestion. Stick to natural, single-ingredient chews you can trust.
Preston Smith is the co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. He started BSC because he couldn't find single-ingredient, fully digestible chews he trusted to give his own dogs — no rawhide, no chemicals, no mystery ingredients. He writes about dog nutrition, safe chews, and the practical side of feeding dogs well. Read more about Preston →
This post was last updated at June 23, 2026 23:52
