Everyone farts.
You, me, your dog, and even your grandma.
But sometimes, toxic toots become problematic, particularly when your canine crop dusts constantly. If your dog’s excessive gas is clearing out rooms regularly, a change in diet may be necessary.
We’ll explain why your floof might be farting and share some of the best foods for dogs with gas below.
Quick Picks: Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Gas
- Nom Nom Turkey Fare [Best Overall]: Kick your dog’s excess gas to the curb with this customizable fresh food option containing less fiber than kibble and a limited slate of ingredients.
- Wellness CORE Digestive Health [Best Kibble]: Made with sensitive tummies in mind, this dry food option is gentle on your dog’s digestive system and packed with probiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Rachael Ray Nutrish’s Limited Ingredient Diet [Most Affordable]: Eliminate your dog’s excessive stinkies without breaking your budget with this affordably priced kibble made with a short, nutrient-focused ingredient list.
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Puppy [Best Puppy Option]: Specifically made for sensitive systems, this high-quality kibble has the nutrients your pup needs to develop without upsetting his stomach.
What Ingredients Can Cause Gas for Dogs?
Pups can have unique intolerances, but some ingredients are known for commonly causing noxious gas in dogs. These won’t always stir up the stink, though if they’re in your tooter’s diet, you might want to take a second look at them.
Beans/Legumes
We all know the famous melody about these fart-inducing foods, and it’s not lying: Legumes really are a cause of flatulence.
They’re rich in fiber, which has the uncomfy side effect of gas during digestion. The most fibrous legumes include white beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, and peas. These are commonly used as carbohydrate sources in grain-free dog foods.
High-Fiber Produce
Fruity sources of Fido farts include apples, bananas, raspberries, bananas, and blueberries, while common veggie culprits are broccoli, potatoes, carrots, beets, and collard greens.
Produce is an important source of fiber and nutrients in most of today’s dog foods, but it’s worth double-checking the ingredients list if your dog is super gassy. You may want to reconsider what raw dog-friendly vegetables and fruits you’re offering too.
Milk & Milk Products
Many four-footers are lactose intolerant, making milk a serious source of flatulence in dogs. Digesting dairy is difficult for these canines and can even be painful.
It isn’t too common of an ingredient in dog food, but some frozen dog treats and other goodies may contain it. Luckily, there are dairy-free alternatives for your pup to enjoy without the belly burden.
High-Fat Meats
Meat is a critical source of protein in your dog’s diet. The best meat for your dog varies, but some contain more fat than others, making them richer and harder to digest.
The fattiest meats used in dog food include pork, beef, duck, and salmon. In contrast, turkey, chicken, lamb, kangaroo, and tilapia are some of the leanest meats.
Whole Grains
Grain-inclusive dog foods provide vital nutrients and fiber, but the whole grains featured can lead to an uptick in gas in dogs.
Brown rice, quinoa, oats, cracked wheat, millet, barley, and corn are the most commonly used whole grains in dog foods, and some dogs may digest one grain better than another.
If you suspect an ingredient in your dog’s food is summoning gas demons, work with your vet to craft an elimination diet to nail down the problem item and adjust your pup’s diet accordingly.
The 9 Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Gas
Now that we know the common sources of excessive gas in canines let’s look at foods that can help banish your dog’s backdoor odor. Here are our favorite options.
1. Nom Nom Turkey Fare
Best Overall Food for Dogs with Gas
Nom Nom
A canine cuisine customized to suit your dog’s specific dietary needs, this food will help you skip ingredients that cause toxic toots.
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About: Nom Nom Turkey Fare is a fresh food option that’s relatively low in fiber and produce, and it’s made with turkey, a lean protein that doesn’t summon as much stink as fattier choices like beef or pork. Delivered right to your door, this meaty mash has a short ingredient list that makes avoiding problem ingredients a breeze and is a hit flavor-wise with most dogs.
Features:
- Subscription-based meal plan designed for your dog’s age, breed, and body condition
- Gently cooked to preserve nutrients and taste
- All recipes are formulated by Nom Nom’s board-certified veterinary nutritionists
- Made in the USA with human-grade, U.S.-sourced ingredients
Options: Available in Turkey Fare, Beef Mash, Chicken Cuisine, and Pork Potluck.
Ingredients List
Ground turkey, Brown rice, Eggs, Carrots, Spinach…,
Dicalcium phosphate, Calcium carbonate, Citric acid, Potassium chloride, Salt, Water sufficient for processing, Fish oil, Choline bitartrate, Natural flavor, Vinegar, Iron amino acid chelate, Taurine, Zinc gluconate, Vitamin E supplement, Copper gluconate, Niacin, Manganese gluconate, Vitamin A supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Cholecalciferol, Potassium iodide, Folic acid, Vitamin B12 supplement
Guaranteed Analysis (Turkey Fare):
- Crude Protein: 10% min
- Crude Fat: 5% min
- Crude Fiber: 1% max
Pros
- Customizable to your dog’s unique needs (allowing you to avoid gas-inducing ingredients!)
- Convenience is king with its pre-portioned meals
- Taste gets a paw’s up from most dogs
Cons
- Pricier than standard kibble
- Requires a subscription
2. Spot & Tango’s Unkibble Cod & Salmon
Best Overall Food for Dogs with Gas (Runner Up)
About: Tackle your terrier’s toots with Spot & Tango’s Unkibble Cod & Salmon, an innovative take on kibble that’s fresh, flavorful, and low in fiber. Made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients, the Cod & Salmon recipe is non-GMO and gluten-free for gentle digestion.
Features:
- Delicate drying process protects flavor nutrients
- Suitable for all life stages (including large breed dogs)
- Grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes available
- Made in the USA
Options: Available in Chicken & Brown Rice, Beef & Barley, and Cod & Salmon.
Ingredients List
Cod, Salmon, Sweet potatoes, Pumpkin, Sunflower seeds…,
Tapioca, Strawberries, Carrots, Spinach, Parsley, Rosemary, Kelp, Salt, Mixed tocopherols, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Sea Salt, Flaxseed Oil, Choline chloride, L-Tryptophan, L-Threonine, Organic zinc proteinate, Iron amino acid chelate, Organic selenium yeast, Vitamin E supplement, Beet, Tomato, Broccoli, Carrot, Spinach, Orange, Cherry, Cranberry, Strawberry, Apple, Blueberry, Pumpkin, Copper amino acid chelate, Vitamin B12, Manganese amino acid chelate, Rosemary extract, Calcium pantothenate, Riboflavin, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin A supplement, Pyridoxin hydrochloride, Folic acid
Guaranteed Analysis (Cod & Salmon):
- Crude Protein: 29.67% Min
- Crude Fat: 22.06% Min
- Crude Fiber: 1.15% Max
Pros
- Taste earns rave reviews from puppers, while the lower fiber content and quality ingredients win over pet parents wary of toots
- Versatile food that’s suitable for all life stages and sizes, including large breeds
- Two-week trial option available
Cons
- Higher fat content can be problematic for some dogs
- Requires a subscription for ongoing orders
3. Wellness CORE Digestive Health
Best Kibble for Dogs with Gas
About: Banish butt burps with Wellness CORE Digestive Health, a kibble made with sensitive systems in mind with a mix of microbiome-supporting probiotics and digestion-friendly foods, like pumpkin and papaya. The balanced blend of ingredients bulks up stool and provides nutrients for immunity and nose-to-tail wellness.
Features:
- Quality, lean protein is always the first ingredient
- Doesn’t contain corn, soy, wheat, or other well-known gas-inducers
- Omega fatty acids nourish your pup’s skin and coat from the inside out
- Made in the USA
Options: Chicken recipe is available in Puppy, Adult, and Senior formulas. Other Adult recipes include Whitefish, Small Breed, and Plant-Based.
Ingredients List
Deboned chicken, Turkey meal, Chicken meal, Brown rice, Barley…,
Oat groats, Dried plain beet pulp, Flaxseed, Chicken fat, Pumpkin, Brewers dried yeast, Cranberries, Natural chicken flavor, Salmon oil, Apples, Inulin, Potassium chloride, Hydrolyzed yeast, Taurine, Choline chloride, Vitamin E supplement, Papayas, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Zinc proteinate, Mixed tocopherols, Zinc sulfate, Calcium carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous sulfate, Iron proteinate, Yucca schidigera extract, Ground cinnamon, Ground fennel, Ground peppermint, Vitamin A supplement, Copper sulfate, Thiamine mononitrate, Copper proteinate, Manganese proteinate, Manganese sulfate, d-Calcium pantothenate, Sodium selenite, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Ascorbic acid, Riboflavin, Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, Biotin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Dried Lactobacillus delbrueckii fermentation product, Dried Streptococcus thermophilus fermentation product, Calcium iodate, Vitamin B12 supplement, Folic acid, Dried Bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, Dried Trichoderma reesei fermentation product, Dried Rhizopus oryzae fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Rosemary extract, Green tea extract, Spearmint extract
Guaranteed Analysis (Adult Chicken):
- Crude Protein: 30% Min
- Crude Fat: 12% Min
- Crude Fiber: 4% Max
Pros
- Designed specifically for dogs with digestive concerns like excess gas
- Added probiotics give your growler’s gut a boost
- Many owners note less gas and digestive upset after trying this food
Cons
- Mixed proteins can cause tolerance or allergy issues for some dogs
- Relatively pricey
4. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly
Best Kibble for Dogs with Gas (Runner Up)
About: Ease your dog’s gassy woes with Blue Buffalo’s True Solutions Blissful Belly, a digestion-friendly kibble made without corn, soy, or wheat. Sticking to quality ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s stomach (like wholesome grains), this food eases food-sensitivity woes and helps your dog digest dinner without excessive gassiness.
Features:
- Chicken, a lean, easy-to-digest protein, is the top ingredient
- Contains prebiotic fiber for bulking stools and probiotics for balancing the microbiome
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists and vets to be gentle on canine digestion systems
- Made in the USA
Options: Available in a single chicken-based recipe.
Ingredients List
Deboned chicken, Chicken meal, Brown rice, Oatmeal, Barley…,
Potatoes, Dried egg product, Natural flavor, Flaxseed, Dried yomato pomace, Dried plain beet pulp, Canola oil, Peas, Pea protein, Salt, Calcium carbonate, Hydrolyzed yeast, Fructooligosaccharides, Pea fiber, Alfalfa nutrient concentrate, Dehydrated alfalfa meal, Potassium chloride, Choline chloride, Taurine, L-Threonine, Vitamin E supplement, Mixed tocopherols, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, L-Tryptophan, DL-Methionine, Zinc amino acid chelate, Zinc sulfate, Vegetable juice, Ferrous sulfate, Iron amino acid chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried kelp, Yucca cchidigera extract, Niacin, Calcium pantothenate, Copper sulfate, Biotin, L-Lysine, Vitamin A supplement, Copper amino acid chelate, Manganese sulfate, Manganese amino acid chelate, Dried yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Thiamine mononitrate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Calcium iodate, Folic acid, Sodium selenite, Rosemary oil
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 24% Min
- Crude Fat: 13% Min
- Crude Fiber: 6% Max
Pros
- Veterinary-nutritionist-designed recipe eases common canine digestive problems
- Blue’s LifeSource Bits pack a punch of immunity support
- Pet parents report an improvement in gassiness and other belly issues
Cons
- Some dogs pick around the included Lifesource bits
- One of the most expensive kibble options
5. Canidae All Life Stages Wet Dog Food
Best Canned Food for Dogs with Gas
About: Tempt your tooter’s taste buds and avoid tummy turmoil with Canidae All Life Stages Wet Dog Food, a mix of lean protein and healthy grain in a savory broth. A great choice for puppies and seniors alike, this easy-to-chew food doesn’t contain corn, soy, or wheat – ingredients that give some dogs the toots.
Features:
- Vet-formulated recipe
- Pate-style texture can be fed alone or mixed into kibble
- Suitable for all life stages and sizes, including large breeds
- Made in the USA
Options: Available in Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice, and Multi-Protein.
Ingredients List
Lamb, Lamb broth, Vegetable broth, Lamb liver, Ocean fish…,
Brown rice, Peas, Dried egg product, Sodium tripolyphosphate, Calcium carbonate, Canola oil, Sunflower oil, Potassium chloride, Salt, Agar-agar, Choline chloride, Salmon oil, Dried kelp, Dried cranberries, Yucca schidigera extract, Vitamin E supplement, Zinc sulfate, Niacin supplement, Ferrous sulfate, Thiamine mononitrate, Zinc proteinate, Manganese sulfate, Vitamin A supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Iron proteinate, d-Calcium pantothenate, Copper sulfate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Manganese proteinate, Potassium iodide, Riboflavin supplement, Copper proteinate, Folic acid, Vitamin D3 supplement, Cobalt proteinate, Sodium selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement, Rosemary extract
Guaranteed Analysis (Lamb & Rice):
- Crude Protein: 8% Min
- Crude Fat: 6% Min
- Crude Fiber: 1.5% Max
Pros
- Excellent choice for pickier pups with belly woes
- All-life-stages nature makes it versatile enough for use with puppies, adults, and seniors
- Low in fat and fiber for easier digestion (and less gas!)
Cons
- The mixed proteins in the Lamb & Rice recipe can be a problem for some pups
- Wet foods get expensive fast and can sometimes lead to loose stools
6. Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Diet
Most Affordable Food for Dogs with Gas
About: Sidestep your dog’s food sensitivities with Rachael Ray Nutrish’s Limited Ingredient Diet, a cost-conscious kibble that doesn’t contain fart bombs like eggs, beef, dairy, or potatoes. The small, round kibbles are friendly for most mutt mouths, from the tiniest terriers to gentle giants.
Features:
- Lamb meal is a lean source of protein known to be gentle on doggy digestion
- Doesn’t contain common gas triggers like corn, soy, wheat, or gluten
- Brown rice supports healthy digestion
- Made in the USA
Options: Available in Lamb Meal & Brown Rice and Grain-Free Turkey Meal and Pea recipes
Ingredients List
Lamb meal, Brown rice, Brewers rice, Dried beet pulp, Chicken fat…,
Natural pork flavor, Potassium chloride, Salt, Taurine, Zinc sulfate, Choline chloride, Vitamin E supplement, Dl- Methionine, Ascorbic acid, Ferrous sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin A supplement, Copper sulfate, Thiamine mononitrate, D-calcium pantothenate, Sodium selenite, Manganese sulfate, Riboflavin supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 supplement, Folic acid, Calcium iodate, Biotin, Vitamin D3 supplement
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 20% Min
- Crude Fat: 13% Min
- Crude Fiber: 4% Max
Pros
- Won’t dent your budget as much as other limited-ingredient options
- Lamb is usually gentle on doggo tummies
- Limited ingredient list makes avoiding problem foods easier
- A portion of every sale benefits pets in need with the Rachael Ray Foundation
Cons
- Flavor can be hit or miss with some pups
- These recipes feature meat meals, rather than whole proteins
7. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Puppy
Best Puppy Food for Dogs with Gas
About: Easily digestible grains like rice and barley team up with a dash of probiotics and nutrient-dense fish in Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Puppy to nourish your little woof’s growth without sending his tummy topsy-turvy. Prebiotic fibers help form healthy stools while remaining gentle enough to avoid upset.
Features:
- Real protein is the first ingredient
- Rich in fatty acids for skin, coat, eye, and brain health and development
- Antioxidants aid in immunity
- Made in the USA
Options: Available in Salmon & Rice, Large Breed Puppy Salmon & Rice, and Lamb & Oatmeal.
Ingredients List
Salmon, Rice, Barley, Fish meal, Canola meal, Beef fat…,
Dried yeast, Oat meal, Pea protein, Salmon meal, Natural flavor, Fish oil, Chicory root inulin, Sunflower oil, Salt, Calcium carbonate, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, Potassium chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Manganese sulfate, Copper sulfate, Calcium iodate, Sodium selenite, Choline chloride, Mono And dicalcium phosphate, Vitamin E supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A supplement, Calcium pantothenate, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin B-12 supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Folic acid, Menadione sodium bisulfite complex, Vitamin D-3 supplement, Biotin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans fermentation product
Guaranteed Analysis (Salmon & Rice):
- Crude Protein: 28% Min
- Crude Fat: 18% Min
- Crude Fiber: 3% Max
Pros
- Designed by nutritionists for sensitive systems prone to tummy troubles like gas
- Large breed puppy option available for big barkers with delicate tummies
- Owners report that puppies love the taste
Cons
- Somewhat pricey, especially for such small bag sizes
- Not every owner cares for Purina as a brand
8. Nutro Natural Choice Senior Lamb & Brown Rice
Best Senior Food for Dogs with Gas
About: Support your aging canine’s system with Nutro Natural Choice Senior Lamb & Brown Rice, a kibble made for healthy digestion with stomach-friendly lamb, natural fiber, and immune-boosting antioxidants. The small, circular kibblets are easy for most dogs to chew, even mature mutts.
Features:
- A whole protein is always at the top of the ingredient list
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Doesn’t include GMO ingredients
- Made in the USA
Options: Senior varieties are available in Lamb & Brown Rice, Chicken & Brown Rice, Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice, and Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice.
Ingredients List
Deboned lamb, Chicken meal, Rice bran, Split peas, Brewers rice…,
Whole grain barley, Whole grain brown rice, Chicken fat, Natural flavor, Dried plain beet pulp, Fish oil, Choline chloride, Potassium chloride, Citric acid, Mixed tocopherols, Chia seed, Dried coconut, Dried tomato pomace, Dried egg product, Dried pumpkin, Dried kale, Dried spinach, DL-methionine, Salt, Vitamin E supplement, Ferrous sulfate, Zinc oxide, Sodium selenite, Ascorbic acid, D-calcium pantothenate, Manganese sulfate, Copper sulfate, Biotin, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin B12 supplement, Vitamin A supplement, Niacin supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 supplement, Manganous oxide, Potassium iodide, Folic acid, Rosemary extract
Guaranteed Analysis (Lamb & Brown Rice):
Crude Protein: 24% Min
Crude Fat: 12% Min
Crude Fiber: 4% Max
Pros
- Designed with senior dogs’ systems in mind (including tummies known for rumbling)
- Made without scores of possible problem ingredients like corn, soy, and wheat
- Quality and gentleness on the belly receive a thumb’s up from many pet parents
Cons
- Probiotics would be a nice addition
- Mixed-protein nature can be an issue for dogs with sensitivities
9. Canidae Pure
Best LID for Gassy Dogs with Food Allergies
About: A limited-ingredient diet consisting of premium proteins and high-quality carbohydrates, Canidae Pure is a top-shelf choice for gassy pups with food sensitivities. The short ingredient list is easy to scour for potential problems and sticks to quality food items for fueling your pooch.
Features:
- First ingredient in every recipe is real fish, poultry, or meat
- All recipes formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist
- Contains probiotics for digestive wellness
- Made in the USA
Options: Offered in quite a few recipes, including:
- Chicken, Lentil, & Pea
- Bison, Lentil, & Carrot
- Salmon & Sweet Potato
- Lamb & Pea
- Lamb, Goat, & Venison Meals
- Wild Boar & Garbanzo Bean
- Angus Beef & Barley
- Lamb & Brown Rice
- Salmon & Brown Rice
- Salmon & Oatmeal Puppy
- Senior Chicken, Sweet Potato, & Garbanzo Bean
Ingredients List
Salmon, Salmon meal, Menhaden fish meal, Lentils, Sweet potatoes…,
Garbanzo beans, Peas, Canola oil, Potatoes, Flaxseed, Natural flavor, Choline chloride, Taurine, Salt, Mixed tocopherols, Zinc sulfate, Potassium chloride, Vitamin E supplement, Ferrous sulfate, Niacin, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, Calcium pantothenate, Manganese sulfate, Copper sulfate, Vitamin A supplement, Sodium selenite, Riboflavin supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement, Zinc proteinate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Ethylenediamine dihydroiodide, Vitamin D3 supplement, Folic acid, Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product
Guaranteed Analysis (Salmon & Sweet Potato):
- Crude Protein: 32% Min
- Crude Fat: 14% Min
- Crude Fiber: 4.5% Max
Pros
- A fair amount of exotic proteins to choose from if your dog has sensitivities
- Grain-free and grain-inclusive options available
- Contains a mix of probiotics for a microbiome boost
- Canidae implements a lot of green practices, including sourcing from regenerative farms
Cons
- Some recipes aren’t good for gassy dogs (We’re looking at you, Wild Boar and Garbanzo Bean!)
- Pricing is a bit steep for these recipes
Why Do Dogs Get Gas?
Occasional flatulence is a normal part of digestion as the body breaks down food, but excessive gas may signal something is off with your pup’s digestive process. In these cases, the ultimate source of the problem can be related to your pet’s behavior, health, or diet.
Some of the specific reasons for toxic toots include:
Digestive System Issues
While farts are a normal part of digestion, an overabundance of gas can be a sign of digestive dysfunction. Unexplained flatulence can be caused by many things, including a stomach infection, colitis, enteritis, and pancreatic issues.
Canine gas that doesn’t seem to be linked to your dog’s diet or behavior needs to be investigated by a vet.
Swallowing Air
Known as aerophagia, swallowing air is common in canines. The excess air in the digestive tract needs to go somewhere, leading to increased backdoor bellowing.
Dogs that eat or drink too fast may swallow extra air. Your four-footer will likely take in extra mouthfuls during play, too, creating an avalanche of post-exercise poots. Brachycephalic (short-headed) pups are also known to suck down more air than others, making them some of the gassiest dog breeds.
Stress or Anxiety
A stressed or anxious dog may swallow more air than his pupper peers due to panting, and this can cause a surge in gas. Kenneled dogs are particularly prone to the problem, so if you notice more floof farts after picking up your dog from a stay, don’t be too surprised.
Eating Ingredients That Lead to Fermentation
Fermentation is a healthy part of digestion where the gut’s bacteria breaks down food. Some ingredients (whole grains and fresh produce, especially) cause a more robust response in the body, increasing your dog’s gassy happenings.
Consuming High Amounts of Fiber
Fiber is an essential part of any diet, but the breakdown of fibrous foods during digestion has an unfortunate side effect: gas. And if you eat more fiber you produce more gas. High-fiber dog food is necessary for some dogs, but not all.
Consuming High Amounts of Fat
Healthy fats support your dog’s skin, coat, brain, and beyond, but excessive fat in your pup’s diet can lead to major tummy trouble. Fat can be difficult for your dog’s body to process, leading to bloating and, unfortunately, gas.
Most dog foods aren’t particularly high in fat, so a common culprit here is feeding your floof people food.
Parasites
An infestation of parasites in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to bloating and gas in dogs. Roundworms and hookworms are the most common parasitic causes of excessive gas in dogs. Other symptoms of parasites include bloating, diarrhea, and increased appetite.
Sudden Dietary Changes
An abrupt change in your dog’s food can bring about gas and other unpleasant GI effects, like diarrhea.
This is why most dog food companies recommend slowly switching your dog to their brand. Many list a suggested timeline and measurements on the bag to avoid tummy troubles.
Poor General Health
If your dog’s body isn’t running in tip-top shape, he may struggle with processes like digestion and, in turn, experience excessive flatulence. Obese and inactive dogs are particularly prone to increased gas.
Food Intolerance
Not every dog’s stomach handles ingredients the same as other dogs.
Many dogs suffer from food intolerance, in which certain foods can cause your pup to struggle digesting a given food item, leading to bloating, gas, and an overall icky feeling. Food intolerances are often connected to proteins like chicken or beef.
Note that food intolerances differ from food allergies.
A food allergy involves the body mounting an immune response to a substance. Dogs with food allergies typically present with skin reactions, including redness and itching around the ears and paws. They may also suffer from breathing difficulties, swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Food intolerances are much more common than food allergies in dogs, and typically involve gastrointestinal symptoms.
People Food
Human food is the apple of many dogs’ eyes, but it can lead to wicked farts. Our cuisine has all sorts of ingredients that the average canine system isn’t used to encountering, which can stir up some real booty bombs.
People food also tends to be higher in fat – a problem we covered above.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
As the name implies, SIBO is an oversupply of bacteria in your dog’s small intestine. Excessive gas and diarrhea are the most common symptoms. SIBO can be idiopathic (meaning no known cause) or a comorbidity associated with other health conditions, such as malabsorption or pancreatitis, among other possibilities.
Microbial Flora Imbalance
Your dog’s digestive system is full of good and bad bacteria that function like an assembly line – each has a unique job that keeps business moving. If one part slacks off or goes into overdrive, it can throw off the rest, potentially causing gas, diarrhea, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Opting for high-quality dog food with probiotics can maintain order, but always check with your vet first.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
This chronic condition strikes the intestinal tract of dogs, leading to ongoing inflammation and discomfort. Common symptoms include flatulence, vomiting, and chronic diarrhea. Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and other serious problems.
Other Gas-Stopping Strategies for Dogs
Preventing your pupper’s excessive gas may require a multi-pronged approach, particularly if diet alone doesn’t fix the issue. Try some of these tips to stop your dog’s stink in its tracks:
- Slow down meal times. A slow-feeder dog bowl is worth its weight in gold if your canine is a speed eater who gobbles down lots of gas-causing air while dining. You can also feed your dog by hand or make dinner time into a game if you prefer.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals. Eating too much food at once can lead to gas as the ingredients break down in the stomach. Offering your pup food multiple times a day in smaller portions can sometimes prevent extra gas from popping out.
- Check all treat and chew labels. Your pup’s goodies may be to blame for his wicked wind – not his food. Examine the ingredient lists of his favorite snacks to see if they’re causing the problem. High-fiber treats are prime suspects.
- Eliminate table scraps. We know it’s hard, but people food is often too rich for a dog’s tummy and just isn’t worth the trouble for the treat. Better, safer alternatives don’t risk stinky surprises, including tasty DIY dog treat chews.
- Cut down on treats. Like your mutt’s main course, too many treats at once can lead to gas issues as his body breaks down the extra offerings. A small goodie here and there won’t hurt, but multiple treats throughout the day add up.
- Try probiotics. Dog probiotic supplements may calm your canine’s tummy woes, but only introduce them with your vet’s OK. They can exacerbate the issue in some instances.
- Walk out the gas. A daily walk or two lets your dog release his chemical carnage outdoors instead of in your house and helps keep him trim. The exercise itself may also help – pudgy pups may be cute, but extra pounds can be the source of your doggy’s digestive issues.
- Talk to your vet. If no changes in routine seem to help your dog’s gas problems or if they come on suddenly without an obvious cause, it’s time to reach out to your vet to rule out underlying causes like parasites or illness.
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Does your dog enjoy any of the foods on our list? Is there another that helps him avoid gassiness? Share with us in the comments!