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ToggleTop 10 Best Dog Foods For Gassy Dogs
What’s worse than a dog that farts? There aren’t many smells that can empty a room quite like a bad bout of doggy gas! Unfortunately, dog gas is part of the canine owner course, and there is no escaping this fact. When you finally get fed up with the stink, it’s time to find the best dog food for your gassy dog. All dogs fart, and just like us humans, some more than others! Thankfully though, there are certain things that you can do to decrease his gassy disposition.
- Top 10 Best Wet Puppy Foods
- Top 10 Best Dry Puppy Foods
- Top 10 Best Dog Food for Yeast Infections
- Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Miniature Schnauzers
- Top 10 Best Foods for Pregnant Dogs
- Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Pomeranians
This guide will talk you through why your dog might be experiencing unpleasant flatulence, how to decrease his gas and what particular ingredients could be the root cause of it, and the better alternatives to look for. We have also scoured the market for the very best kibbles around that will hopefully contribute to a decrease in his gas.
Each of the foods we’ve hand-picked below are also popular amongst many dog owners who are also fed up with their dog’s gas. So, join us on our gas-reducing discovery, and hopefully, your dog, and the rest of your family, will be forever grateful!
Why Do Dogs Get Gas?
Ok, so let me repeat, this guide will not cure your dog from bad gas, because this is not possible, and nor would it be healthy! All dogs fart, some more than others, and some more smelly than others. You just need to work out how to reduce it.
If your beloved pooch is more gassy than normal, or he suffers from horrendous and non-stop gas compared to his other canine siblings, then there might be a reason for it:
Poor Diet
A poor-quality diet, either budget store-branded kibbles or a diet full of human table scraps is also another factor. Firstly, budget brands tend to include more fillers and harder to digest fibers, which, when they reach the intestine, require his body to work harder to break it down, essentially causing smellier farts. A kibble that lists ash is also a sign of a poor product.
Secondly, human food scraps are not designed to be dog-gut friendly, and again are harder to break down which again cause more gas. So, if his diet is full of fatty human snacks and low-quality kibble, you should think about upgrading what you put in his bowl. Not only will this reduce his farts, but it will also improve his overall health and happiness too!
Swallowed Air
- This sounds like a very poor excuse (and one that my husband will probably now try to use too!), but it can actually be a cause of gas, and it is known as Aerophagia. When dogs eat their food far too quickly they also scoff a lot of air, which must go somewhere. Whilst this type of gas isn’t particularly smelly, it can still sound awful and put you off your dinner.
- If this sounds like this could be the cause of your pooch’s gas, then try purchasing a slow feed bowl that is designed to make your dog eat, well, more slowly, which will in turn prevent the amount of air he will gulp.
- Air swallowing is also more common in flat-faced breeds, such as the English Bulldog or the Pug. Pugs need a dog food tailored to their nutritional needs, as does the English Bulldog as a result. This is because they often breathe faster and have more trouble eating their food, and hence they eat more air. Flat-faced dogs struggle with slow-feed bowls too, so you may just have to accept this if you have a Brachycephalic breed.
Too Much Protein
- On the other hand, if your pooch is lucky enough to eat a very high-quality diet which has a high protein content, this too can be a cause of bad gas. Meat contains sulfur, red meats more so than poultry or fish, and when sulfur breaks down in the gut it can cause super stinky gas.
- So, if your pup enjoys a high protein diet, try finding a kibble that offers a protein content of around 25%, or switch him to a fish or white meat-based kibble instead.
Lactose Intolerant
A puppy’s diet consists of their mothers’ milk, and puppies produce an enzyme called lactase which essentially breaks down the sugar in milk, known as lactose. As they grow older the production of lactase becomes very limited, and as such they cannot break down the milk as they once did. Because they struggle to break it down, their large intestine must work much harder which causes more gas. Older canines have their own dog food needs, but don’t rule out a limited ingredient diet.
Whilst many premium kibbles do not list dairy products in their ingredients you should double check the ingredient list for yourself. Do not feed him any milk, cheese, yoghurt or any other dairy product.
Sensitive Stomach
- Again, just like us humans, some dogs simply have a sensitive stomach that needs to work much harder to break certain foods down, and this is the main cause of bad gas. If you think you can pinpoint certain foods as being the trigger for your pooch’s bad gas, then simply don’t feed him these foods.
- If you can’t pinpoint it then try feeding him a limited ingredient kibble. Do not feed him any other treats or food, and after a few weeks you should notice that his flatulence has reduced. At this point you can slowly reintroduce foods back into his diet, and if the flatulence returns you will be better placed to pinpoint the cause of his bad gas.
Disease
There are certain diseases that can cause bad flatulence in a dog. Some of these diseases include Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Neoplasia, Parasites, Infection of the GI tract, Pancreatitis, and Bacteria in the small intestine.
Diseases such as these also come with other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, a change in appetite, lethargy and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, then it is time to get yourself and your pooch down to your Veterinarian for a checkup as soon as you can.
Furthermore, 80% of his immune system is influenced by his gut, so it is important to find the right diet for his gut in order to keep his immunity strong, increase overall wellness and ward off other diseases.
Gas Preventing Dog Food Tips
So we’ve spoken about certain foods and diets being the cause of bad gas, but let’s get more specific and talk about what to look for in a gas-reducing kibble. All of the points below are important when considering what type of food is going to be best for your pup. No food can solve all problems, so it may take testing a couple of different formulas to see what works best for your pup.
Limited Ingredient Recipes
If you are trying to work out what could be upsetting your dog’s stomach, then a limited ingredient kibble could be your answer. Some limited ingredient kibbles list as little as 4 ingredients, which are fortified with vitamins, minerals and probiotics to support a healthy gut flora without forgetting overall wellness.
Natural is Best
All natural foods are always the first thing to look for in gas reduction. Artificial preservatives, flavors and colors are known to wreak havoc with a doggy digestive system. Harmful preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene and ethoxyquin should be avoided at all costs, and instead rosemary extract or mixed tocopherols should be listed.
Digestible Fibers & Carbohydrates
Whilst some dogs find that high fiber dog foods and/or diets help their digestive system and reduce gas, some find it too much. So, if you’ve tried a high fiber diet but it didn’t work, try a kibble with a moderate fiber content, between 3% and 5.5%. Try a lower glycemic diet that also uses gentle grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice, and avoid harder to digest ones such as corn or wheat.
Additionally, look for vegetables such as sweet potatoes and pumpkin as they can also help support a regular digestive system. Soybean is also hard to digest so stick clear of kibbles that list this.
Omega Fatty Acids
A diet rich in omega fatty acids has a plethora of health benefits. From nourished skin and a shiny coat, to healthy brain and eye function, omega fatty acids also work wonders for the gut by supporting it to function as it should. Look for omega fats such as Salmon and fish oils, flaxseed, canola oil and linoleic acid found in Chicken fat and meat meals.
Prebiotics & Probiotics
Kibbles that are fortified with prebiotic fibers and probiotics are also supportive of sensitive stomachs. Probiotics such as lactobacillus casei or lactobacillus acidophilus, added after the cooking process to retain their potency, support a healthy gut. Kibbles that state that they provide live cultures will add that little extra boost of support for his digestive system too. Prebiotic fibers such as chicory root are also supportive of his intestinal tract.
The 10 Best Dog Foods to Prevent Gas
Royal Canin Dry Dog Food – Best Overall
While we ran into some excellent products, Royal Canin Dry Dog Food steals the top spot for the win. It has exceptionally transparent ingredients known for aiding in digestive health without fillers and other harsh additives.
This bag caters explicitly to adult dogs between 25-55 pounds, including the nutritional values to match. If your dog doesn’t meet the criteria, worry not! They have the same product for all weights and stages. This is just the one we picked to check out for ourselves.
Royal Canin uses proper fiber and easily digestible proteins. Not to mention, they add antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, and DHA to touch every area from coat texture to gut health. We have all seen dogs use mealtime to show off their vacuum-eating skills. If your dog is one of them, this kibble is a perfect size to motivate your pet to chew their food.
Royal Canin Dry Dog Food is a special scientifically designed recipe to target flatulence issues and support optimal health, so you don’t have to scrimp on value. The company even has a 100% satisfaction guarantee to back it up.
All in all, we think that this is the best dog food to prevent gas.
- Not a grain-free selection
- May not suit all diets
- Kibble size promotes chewing
- Ingredients are well-balanced
- Scientifically-backed recipe
- Other recipes for all sizes and ages
- Satisfaction guarantee
Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient for Puppies
Designed specifically for puppies who have a sensitive stomach, the ingredients start with deboned Turkey and Turkey meal which are the only meat protein source. DHA and ARA are supplied through fish oils and not egg products, which is important for his development. The LifeSource Bits are full of optimized nutrients that all puppies need, and are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a strong immune system.
This recipe lists peas and pumpkin, so you can be sure that the fibers are gentle and highly digestible. It is a grain inclusive diet using gentle oatmeal and brown rice and does not include any corn, soy or wheat. Listing important probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus also ensure enzyme support to limit his foul smelling gas.
Natural Balance Diet Dog Food – Best Value
When it comes to our number two selection, value is essential. This Natural Balance 43135 Limited Ingredients Diet Dog food is the best dog food to prevent gas for the money. It is a specialized recipe that suits puppies, adults, seniors, and food-sensitive dogs.
This Natural Balance product is a wet dog food that is high in fiber. This is terrific because most dogs don’t get enough hydration in their diets. It’s a perfect way to add extra water content, which also helps with intestinal breakdown.
It also has a downfall, keeping it out of the number one spot. Not all dogs are ideal candidates for wet foods. If they suffer from canine plague or dental issues, wet food can sometimes make them worse. So, caution if your dog is prone to build-up.
To counteract that, it is a grain-free food, so this can be a great choice if our number one didn’t work due to dietary specifications. The fish content in the can have a strong aroma, but if you don’t mind, your dog will probably gobble it up. So, you can save money while appealing to their taste buds.
- Could cause dental issues
- Odor
- Grain-free
- High in fiber
- Few ingredients
- For all stages of life
Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Recipe
This recipe is made with only 8 limited ingredients, with Salmon being the only protein source, in the form of fresh whole Salmon, Salmon meal and freeze-dried raw Salmon, so if your small breed loves Salmon we think he might like this recipe! Peas, lentils and garbanzo beans replace the need for grains, which is important for some pooches.
A probiotic solution, including lactobacillus casei and acidophilus, is added to every kibble piece so you can be sure that his digestive system is supported with every bite and helps to reduce bad gas. Salmon and canola oil provide plenty of omega fatty acids, so his overall health is cared for, and with extra added vitamin and mineral supplements so is his immunity.
Nulo Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice
The Nulo Grain-Free Dry Dog Food hits our number three slot because it’s a bit pricy but well worth it. It’s a nutrient-rich, grain-free, naturally flavored selection that supports healthy weight and proper absorption. This bag is for adult dogs, including those with allergies or sensitivities. They have similar recipes for puppies and seniors, tailored to meet their nutritional needs.
This food uses a patented BC30 probiotic that is supposed to work very well to promote healthy digestion. On top of that, it is a low carb and high protein choice. That will help your dog’s overall health while making sure they aren’t gaining too many extra pounds.
It is also ideal for dogs who suffer from medical conditions, as it gives them a diet that replenishes all vital vitamins and minerals, flora for gut health, and proteins for muscle solidity and coat texture. Plus, it is a dry food that adds a great crunch for cleaning teeth, decreasing plague, and reducing decay.
Nulo is based in the USA, based in Texas. So, you can rest easy knowing this is a product you can trace for validity. If you are willing to foot the bill, this is our premium choice of the five.
- Expensive
- Allergy and food sensitivity friendly
- Low carb and high protein
- All essential ingredients
- Grain-free
- Made in the USA
Nutro Limited Ingredient Recipe
Made specifically for large breeds, this recipe has larger kibble pieces which they will prefer to munch on. Made with 10 limited ingredients or less, the main protein source here is Lamb, which makes it a great alternative for those dogs who struggle with poultry or fish protein.
Despite the limited ingredients it is full of vitamins and minerals thanks to added supplements, and canola oil and Lamb meal provide all the omega fatty acids that he needs, as well as supporting his large bones and joints with glucosamine. This too is grain free and instead uses chickpeas, potatoes, sweet potatoes and lentils.
Wellness 89113 Natural Dry Dog Food
Wellness 89113 Natural Dry Dog Food is another fantastic choice, but the formula is for adult large to giant breed dogs. So, while it is in our top five, it is only appropriate for bigger dogs. It contains no wheat, artificial flavors, or byproducts, so you can give your big guy a wholesome diet.
When it comes to the most important issue at hand—digestive health—it is guaranteed to aid in smooth digestion for more effortless bowel movements and fewer gases. It is full of much-needed probiotics and fiber.
It is a deboned chicken and brown rice recipe with added whitefish. So, while it provides viable nutrients, it isn’t a good contender if your dog requires a grain-free menu. A perk for your large breed is that it includes glucosamine and chondroitin to strengthen joints since many big dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues.
While it didn’t make the top three, it’s still a fabulous choice if you have a stout brute with flatulence problems.
- Only for large and giant breeds
- Not grain-free
- Not for allergy or food sensitivity
- Healthy digestion guarantee
- Ingredients for joints
- No artificial flavors or byproducts
Solid Gold Sensitive Stomach
This is a grain and gluten free option, and instead uses ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils and peas for fibers and energy, as well as gentle pumpkin. Dried chicory root is listed as are the probiotics lactobacillus acidophilus and casei for enzyme support, which together helps to reduce flatulence. It is naturally preserved with rosemary extract.
Salmon and fish meal are the first two ingredients on this list with no poultry or red meat ingredients, so it is sensitive stomach friendly and tasty too! Full of omega fatty acids, his digestive system should function smoothly, and his coat will be shiny too! This recipe is fortified with vitamins, minerals, as well as blueberries and cranberries for a strong immune system.
Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
Diamond Naturals 74198610679 Dry Dog Food is our last pick. It has a lot of notable positives, but it may not be for every dog. This selection is geared toward more obesity-prone dogs. It helps to promote appropriate dietary supplementation while reducing the ingredients that make your pet pack on the pounds.
Because of the fewer calories, you won’t want to feed this as a regular meal to a lean, muscular dog who is already physically fit. However, it does have an all-natural, filler-free, superfood-packed recipe that is sure to rouse your pooch’s appetite. It is not grain-free, so it won’t match all dietary requirements.
Most significantly, it has live prebiotics and probiotics that thrive in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. This guarantees proper digestion, gut health, and less gas.
Additionally, it is full of protein from pasture-raised lamb. Family-owned Diamond Naturals is based in the USA and pretty interactive with their customer base. So, if you had any issues with your purchase, they take accountability where it is due.
- Only for overweight or inactive dogs
- Not grain-free
- Not recommended for physical fit dogs
- Not allergy or food sensitivity-friendly
- Healthy digestion guarantee
- Live prebiotics and probiotics
- Customer-friendly company
Wellness Limited Ingredient Diet
Wellness use minimum ingredients but aim for maximum nutrition, whilst ensuring that their recipe cares for those with a sensitive stomach. Deboned Turkey and Turkey meal are the first two ingredients, shortly followed by flaxseed and canola oil for his omega fatty acid needs.
With no wheat, soy, corn, dairy, eggs products or chemical additives or preservatives you can be sure that this is a great option to reduce gas. Dried lactobacillus casei and acidophilus support his digestive tract and chicory root offers easily digestible prebiotic fibers. This recipe is also fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Foods to Prevent Gas
There are quite a few things that go into making sure you are providing the right diet for your dog which includes choosing the best dog foods to prevent gas. While you want to get the gas issue under wraps, you will also want to choose the right food that caters to every aspect of the health of your pet.
Age Requirements
First and foremost, you will want food that supports the age range of your dog. Canines, like any creature, need different levels of nutrients to match the varying stages of their lives. Dog food companies will have the age range specified both on the bag and in the description.
Seniors
- Like puppies, seniors need a specific diet to help as they age. They need food that supports bone health, weight management, and longevity. They will also need a fiber-rich diet to help aid in digestion since their GI tracts become slower with age.
- On top of typical weakening in older pets, there are quite a few health issues that could come about as well. Older dogs are prone to degenerative conditions like eye disorders, diabetes, cancers, heart conditions, and joint problems.
Adults
- Once they reach adulthood, their diets will need adjusting. Because puppy chow has so many power-packed ingredients to support growth, it isn’t suitable for adults. You may think that too much of an element couldn’t possibly be a bad thing. However, because of the abundance of calories and fats, it can cause obesity.
- Adult dogs need maintenance diets that keep nutrient levels even, providing adequate protein, carbs, and vitamins and minerals. Adults will also require different types of food based on their individual needs. Some dogs need a diet with lower calorie content and higher protein. Some require grain-free or all-natural for certain medical conditions. The exact combination will depend on the individual.
Puppies
Dogs continue to develop until they reach 24 months of age, on average. While they are growing, they need an adequate supply of different ingredients to promote optimal health. They will need higher levels of protein to support their growing muscles and bones. They also need plenty of DHA, calories, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Diet Specifications
More often than not, the reason your dog seems overly gaseous is due to a digestion problem concerning a food sensitivity. It can seem like a tedious process to try to sift through ingredient labels, axing the ones you and your vet feel may be causing the issue. It can lead to a lot of trial and error, but eventually, you will get there.
Hydrolyzed Diets
They produce this type of food by using water to chemically breakdown existing proteins into microscopic molecules. Once they reduce the proteins so drastically, they are supposed to break up so well that the immune system no longer reacts. Hydrolyzed diets are used for inflammatory bowel disease and food allergies alike.
Novel Protein Source
A novel protein source is a protein that the dog has had no exposure to in the past. That eliminates the chance of a trigger response in the dog, leading to improvement. They should be purely hypoallergenic. These proteins are often derivatives of venison, duck, or another exotic meat that is uncommon in mainstream foods.
Food Trials
- When it comes to a food allergy or sensitivity, it is unfortunate that testing may not be as simple as a skin allergy. Many times, your vet will recommend food trial testing to see where the issue stems.
- Frequently, dogs have reactions in direct relation to the type of proteins used in the food. Meats like beef and chicken are often to blame. Other issues can be against their favor as well, such as wheat, eggs, or dairy. Cutting each one can take time, and it does require patience to see results.
Affordability
As information swirls around about the issues dogs face with their diets, more options become available to owners. Of course, you will want to address your dog’s health concerns while saving as much money as you can. Dog foods can get pricy, but some brands offer very similar recipes for more affordable prices.
Work with your vet to eliminate allergens or digestion disorders. Once you pinpoint the trigger, find a selection that is both in your price range and in alignment with their needs.
Final Thoughts
Our top selection of Royal Canin Dry Dog Food is the most versatile and highly regarded on the list. It provides an incredibly balanced diet and supplies nourishment for easy digestion. While not grain-free, it’s packed with premium ingredients that are scientifically chosen. Royal Canin also provides a satisfaction guarantee.
Not only is our Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diet Dog Food in a comfortable price range, but it also has many benefits others lack. Again, wet food is great for hydration, which in turn is good for digestion. It’s a grain-free selection, which is best if your pet suffers from food allergies or sensitivities. If you want a high quality, low priced food, this is the one for you.
If money is no object, our premium choice—Nulo Grain-Free Dry Dog Food—is another impeccable choice. It’s grain-free, low carb, high protein, and only uses select ingredients. You can rest easy knowing you aren’t loading your dog full of unnecessary additives. It is also made in the USA.
Now that the hard part is over, you can feed your pooch something to ease the tummy rumbles while enjoying the odor-free atmosphere. It’s a win for you both.