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The Top 7 Foods That Make Dogs Gassy

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on January 2, 2024

Reviewed by: Dr. Theresa Fossum

Reviewed by:

Dr. Theresa Fossum

Meet Dr. Theresa (Terry) W. Fossum, DVM, MS. Ph.D., Diplomate ACVS – a remarkable animal lover whose passion for animal care and innovative solutions has left an indelible mark on the veterinary world. As the CEO of both Phoenix Animal Wellness and Epic Veterinary Specialists, she's ensuring dogs and cats receive the highest level of care and compassion.Read more

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 than others. You can save yourself some nose ache by knowing these foods that make dogs gassy. You can cut straight to the heart of the problem and take out a lot of the guesswork by switching to a high-quality, fresh food diet like Ollie.

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.

Dog Fart Prevention Tips

So you’ve got a gassy dog. What can you do about it? Here are some helpful pieces of advice:

  • Feed your dog quality food: A nutritious, healthy diet like Ollie can help reduce gas because Ollie uses high-quality ingredients that are less likely to upset your pup’s stomach. Ollie is so convinced that you’ll see a difference that they’re offering 60% off your first box of food!
  • Try dietary supplements: Probiotic powders or add-on supplements may aid digestion and produce 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 slowlyFeeding 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.

#1 – Milk & Dairy

gassy dog-eating-cheese

Like many humans, dogs have difficulty digesting milk and dairy products, leading to issues with gas or other stomach problems. Lactose in dairy products is broken down by bacteria in the digestive tract. This process produces the smelly gases your dog passes when you’re hanging out on the couch – methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. Cutting out the dairy means less lactose to process and less gas as a result. Check your dog’s treat or food ingredients for these products.

#2 – Spoiled Dog Food

dog-food-gives-gas

No dog should be eating expired food. The date on the bag is there to keep your pup safe. Dry dog food may have a long shelf life and look good for Fido to eat, but these foods have an expiration date because the fats contained in them break down and become rancid. Expired dog food 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

foods make dogs gassy

There have been claims that soybeans can cause various issues, from allergies to cancer, but most of the claims have been proven false. However, soybeans still appear to be able to cause some digestive trouble for your dog. 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

food give dog gas

While certainly not all human foods are bad for dogs, most of the processed foods many of us eat can wreak havoc on our dogs’ 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 soy, might give your dog some gas. If your dog is a fan of food his human eats, try Ollie, which is made with human-grade ingredients you’d be happy to put on your own plate. Get 60% off your dog’s first box of Ollie and treat your pup to a healthier diet!

 #5 – Too many dog treats

feeding-dog-treat give gas

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.

#6 – Any Type of Bean

beans give dog gas

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.

#7 – Budget Dog Food Brands

dog-food make dog gassy

Cheap dog food that is full of fillers, preservatives, and grain can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system. Many of the budget brands you’ll find on the shelf are full of some of the other items listed above to “fill” the recipes and make your dog feel full rather than using quality ingredients that truly provide the nutrition your dog needs. Flatulence is probably the least important reason, however, for upgrading your dog’s food!

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. You can cut the gas and feed your dog healthy, nutritious food by switching to Ollie! Ollie is now offering iHeartDogs readers 60% off their first box of delicious dog food. Try it now and see the difference!

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