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Can I swap pumpkin for other veggies to help my dog's anal glands?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Is it just pumpkin that's good for anal glands or is other produce good for anal glands as well. Right now I'm giving my 17 pound dog 2 tablespoons of fruitables digestive supplement for her anal glands along with her 2/3 of a cup of kibble a day. Can I swap out 1 tablespoon of fruitables digestive supplement for another tablespoon of veggies? Or is it best to stick with the 2 tablespoons of pumpkin? Thanks!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 12th, 2017

Pumpkin is good because it adds fiber to the diet leading to regular defecation, and when a dog has regular stools, that helps express the anal sacs. In fact, pumpkin is recommended to give to dogs when they are constipated. For her digestive health and anal sacs, pumpkin would be the best to give her, but as a treat, you can switch out to another tablespoon of veggies every now and then :-)

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24Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 5th, 2018

    Personally I would just give plain canned pumpkin for the added fiber. I start with a tablespoon in each meal and increase it a little as needed to increase the bulk of the stool. This will be less expensive. I’m not sure this or the fruitables will be effective though. I recommend having the anal sacs expressed on a regular schedule, usually about every two to three months to prevent an anal sac infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Chloe.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 22nd, 2017

    Any type of fiber should help to bulk up the stool and express the anal glands when she is defecating. You can look at the size and consistency of her stool now and see if there are changes when you start the veggies. Avoid onions, grapes and raisins which are toxic.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 21st, 2017

    I would try some of the following tactics to help Chloe, and by pass the baby food. There isn't anything wrong with it, I just do not believe it will be as much help as the below approaches; Pumpkin is high in water content and an excellent source of fiber. Fresh steamed or baked pumpkin can be pureed and added to meals Increased water intake Probiotics- www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24772 Increased excercise https://www.petcoach.co/article/best-home-made-remedies-for-your-constipated-pet/

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    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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