Good food.
Clear choices.

Start with a complete diet.

Check that the food is labelled “complete” for your dog’s life stage. “Complementary” foods do not contain everything needed as a sole diet. Puppies, adults and senior dogs can have different nutritional needs.

Measure the whole day.

Use the manufacturer’s guide as a starting point, then consider your dog’s weight, body condition, activity and veterinary advice. Treats and training rewards count towards the daily calorie total. Keep additional treats below 10% of daily calories, not 10% of the food’s weight; individual diets may need a stricter limit. You can reserve part of the usual complete-food ration for rewards. WSAVA: feeding treats.

Keep water available.

Provide clean, fresh drinking water at all times. Take water when traveling or walking, particularly in warmer conditions.

Change food gradually.

Unless your veterinarian directs otherwise, introduce a new food over several days. Ask your veterinarian before using a homemade, raw or therapeutic diet, or if your dog has allergies, ongoing symptoms or a medical condition.

Check harmful foods and how to prepare fish safely →

Support healthy stools—not a promised cure.

Anal sacs usually empty as a dog passes a well-formed stool. For some dogs, additional dietary fibre can increase stool bulk and support this natural process. It does not guarantee prevention, and recurrent problems can also involve anatomy, diarrhoea or constipation, excess weight, skin disease or allergies.

Make measured changes.

Begin with a complete, life-stage-appropriate diet, adequate water, regular activity and a healthy body condition. If your veterinarian recommends extra fibre, small amounts of plain cooked pumpkin, sweet potato or carrot may be suitable examples. Introduce one change gradually so its effect on stool consistency can be assessed.

Ground flaxseed, chia or a formulated fibre supplement may suit some dogs, but the amount, water intake and overall diet need consideration. Ask your veterinarian or veterinary nurse before adding them—particularly for a puppy, a very small dog, a dog with a medical condition or one receiving a prescribed diet.

Know when diet is not enough.

Scooting, repeated licking or biting around the back end, a persistent fishy smell, discomfort when sitting, straining, swelling, blood or discharge should be assessed by a veterinary professional. Pain, marked swelling, bleeding or an open wound warrants prompt attention.

Do not repeatedly express anal sacs at home unless a veterinary professional has examined the dog and taught you to do so. Recurrence should prompt assessment for an underlying cause rather than progressively increasing fibre without advice.