No one in your house enjoys dog farts, not even your dog. Not only is your nose not happy, but your dog’s tummy is also clearly not feeling its best. If your dog is gassy and you’re wondering what you can do about it, this blog is for you. First, let’s look at the most common reasons dogs can be gassy. 

Top 5 Reasons Why Your Dog May Be Gassy

#1 – Change In Diet

The most common reason dogs get gassy is because of something new that they are eating. For example, changing your dog’s diet from kibble to raw food or from one brand to another can cause them to be gassy for a season as their digestive system adjusts to the new ingredients. 

#2 – Table Scraps 

Most dogs will beg at the table, especially if it smells yummy. But while they may love your fired chicken or your mom’s lasagna, those foods may not love them back. In fact, a major contributor to dog flatulence can be feeding your dog table scraps that are spicy, high in fat, or full of sugar or other foods that their digestive systems just aren’t designed to process. 

#3 – Low Quality Ingredients

A lot of dog foods use inexpensive and low quality ingredients that are difficult for dogs to digest. If your dog’s food contains things like corn, soybeans, peas, or similar carb based fillers it can be difficult for your dog’s digestive system to process. 

#4 – Food Sensitivity

Some dogs have more sensitive stomachs and aren’t able to handle “people” food. Some of the most common foods dogs are sensitive to are dairy (like milk and cheese), chicken meat or eggs, soy, gluten (from wheat) and excessive fruit. 

#5 – Anatomy 

According to WebMD, “If your dog is overweight, obese, or sedentary they are at a higher risk for chronic flatulence, regardless of diet. Short-nosed breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos tend to swallow a lot of air when they eat or drink, which causes excessive farting.”  

What Can I Do to Reduce Dog Farts?

Feeding your dog a healthy and consistent diet is the best way to reduce their flatulence. If you recently switched to a high quality diet and your dog is initially gassy, it’s not typically something to be concerned about. Stay the course and allow your dog’s system some time to adjust. 

Here are some additional tips for fighting dog farts:

• Feed A High Quality Raw Diet – The best, easiest food for your dog’s digestive system to process is a raw food diet. Grain-based diets (kibble, rice, peas, corn, etc.) can take 12 to 15 hours to digest compared to 8 hours for raw meat based diets. The longer food stays in your dog’s digestive system the more opportunity it has to develop gas. 
• Mix Up The Meats – Feeding your dog a single protein for years increases their potential to develop a sensitivity or intolerance to one or more ingredients. One of the best ways to avoid this is to rotate the base proteins every week. Not only will your dog enjoy the variety, but their digestive system will be less likely to develop a sensitivity. 
• Provide Plenty of Exercise – Keeping your dog active is one of the best ways to ensure proper and healthy digestion. Dogs were created to move and be active, not lounge around all day waiting for their next meal. Try and get your dog out and active for at least an hour a day. It’ll be good for both of you! 
• Skip the Table Scraps – We all know that dogs love that last bite of a burger, a yummy piece of a donut, the last scoop of mashed potatoes, etc. However, foods that are cooked, high in fat or full of sugar can cause bloating and excess gas. 
• Minimize Milk Products – Many dogs can be lactose intolerant, meaning that milk, cream, and cheese can be hard on their digestive systems. If you are preparing meals at home for your dog and concerned that they may not be getting enough calcium you can try a little goat milk or plain yogurt. But definitely avoid letting them finish off your ice cream. 
• Cut Down on the Veggies – Your dog was designed to primarily be a carnivore and meat and bone should constitute the majority of their diet. If you are feeding your dog extra fart-inducing food like steamed veggies like broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts it can 
• Slow Down Speed Eaters – If your dog is a gulper you might need to help them slow down their eating. You can do this by dividing their food into smaller portions and giving it to them several times throughout the day. You can also try using a slow feeder dog bowl that will force them to take their time. 

Taking the time to figure out the source of your dog’s farts (whether it is a food sensitivity, gulping their food too fast, or needing a more active lifestyle) will ultimately lead to a more pleasant environment for everyone in your home. Better digestion always leads to better health and a happier and more comfortable pooch. As an extra added bonus, you won’t have to worry about your dog dropping silent but deadly fart bombs that can chase everyone from the room!