Some dog parents know more than others how deadly a pup’s farts can be. There are certain foods and other edible things that are more likely to give your dog gas. You can save yourself some nose ache by knowing these foods that make dogs gassy.
These are just some of the most common gas-inducing edibles. For severe gas and abdominal discomfort in your dog, consult your veterinarian for more information and assistance.
#1 – Milk & Dairy
Just like many humans, dogs have a hard time digesting milk and dairy products, leading to issues with gas or other stomach problems. Check your dog’s treat or food ingredients for these products.
#2 – Spoiled Dog Food
Food that is no longer fresh not only leads to gas but may also cause more serious stomach issues including diarrhea. Make sure to keep track of your food’s expiration date and store it in an air-tight container.
#3 – Soybeans
Soybeans are great for people, but not for dogs, because their stomachs are unable to break down the kind of protein contained in them. As a result, you’ll get plenty of whiffs of especially stinky gas.
#4 – Table Scraps
While certainly not all human foods are bad for dogs, most of the processed foods many of us eat can wreak havoc on their stomachs. Dogs also don’t have a dietary requirement for carbohydrates, though they are safe to eat. Still, things off the table like corn and oats might give your dog some gas.
#5 – Any Green Vegetable
Earlier we mentioned soybeans, but pretty much any green vegetable is likely to give your dog gas. Be careful with what greens you feed them. Broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts make your dog especially gassy.
#6 – Too many dog treats
Make sure you note the serving size when giving your dog treats. They were not formulated to give to dogs in excess, and can upset their stomachs and cause gas and diarrhea. This proves especially true when they contain some of the ingredients mentioned above.
#7 – Any Type of Bean
If you ever do feed your dog table scraps, make sure to avoid beans. This “magical fruit” which is notorious for its effect on humans also affects dogs. Their inability to effectively break these foods down may explain the stinky gas.
#8 – Budget Dog Food Brands
Cheap dog food that is full of fillers, preservatives, and grain can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system. Flatulence is probably the least important reason, however, for upgrading your dog’s food!
Dog Fart Prevention Tips
So you’ve got a gassy dog. What can you do about it? Here are some helpful pieces of advice:
- Try dietary supplements: Probiotic powders or add-on supplements may aid in the digestion process and lead to less gas.
- Stop giving your dog table scraps: Remember, even if they’re safe for dogs to consume, certain things off your plate may be what’s making them toot so much.
- Change their diet slowly: Feeding your dog something new abruptly can affect their digestion. Introduce new foods slowly and incrementally to allow them to adjust.
- Discourage rapid eating: Eating too fast can be making your dog gassier. Try commercial slow-feeding bowls designed to prevent this or put a smaller bowl on top of the larger one containing food to only allow smaller bites.
- Make sure your pup gets regular exercise: Keeping them active may also keep everything else regular.
- Visit your vet: As noted earlier, severe abdominal issues should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention. Their assessment can rule out or treat food intolerance or other gastrointestinal issues. It’s possible medication can help.
Something else to be aware of, though there may be no solution, is that certain dogs are more prone to gassiness. Brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs, are more likely to “eat” or swallow air due to the anatomy of their upper airways.
Smelly as they can be, we love our dogs enough to put up with the farts. Still, making healthier feeding and lifestyle choices for them may just solve the problem.
