We all like a joke about dog farts and may even blame a whiff in our house on the dog but excessive flatulence in dogs is no laughing matter. It can cause owners and the dogs themselves a lot of distress and can be very unpleasant. It can also be a sign that something is wrong with your dog’s lifestyle, diet, or health.
The cause of the flatulence could be something as simple as your pooch eating too quickly and gulping air with the food. On the other hand, it could be something in their diet that is causing the problem. Many owners have found that a change in diet can improve the situation a lot. There are some commercial dog foods that are particularly suitable for gassy dogs and which can play a role in reducing flatulence. Here’s our guide to our top ten best dog food to prevent gas.
A Quick Overview of Our Favorites
Best Dog Foods for Flatulence:
1 Best Overall: Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dog Food
- Allergens: Salmon, Ocean Fish, Potatoes, Peas, Tomatoes
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Ocean Fish
- Calories: 408 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Smoked Salmon
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
Formulated to replicate a wild dog’s diet, the main protein ingredient in this recipe is sustainably sourced salmon. Some are wild-caught and some are farmed. This food for gassy dogs provides the perfect profile of amino acids for supporting lean muscle growth and development.
To support healthy digestion, it contains a special blend of probiotics which are added after the cooking process so that they are fully active. Every pound of the kibble contains 80 million live and active cultures. To further support the friendly bacteria in your dog’s digestive system, the recipe contains dried chicory root. Both the protein and carbohydrate content (provided by ingredients such as sweet potatoes) are easy to digest. There are no ingredients that could trigger digestive allergic responses such as corn and wheat grains and filler. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream is one of 7 dog food recipes mentioned in our detailed review of Taste of The Wild Dog Food.
Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Lentils, Salmon Meal, Smoked Salmon, Potato Fiber, Natural Flavor, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable), Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.
- Promotes skin and coat health
- No filler ingredients
- Sustainably sourced protein
- Can cause allergic reactions
- Only suitable for grain-free diets
2 Best Limited Ingredients: Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free
- Allergens: Potatoes, Peas
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal, Pea Starch, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Turkey
- Calories: 352 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey and Potato
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
This is a dog food that helps with gas because the food is made from a limited number of ingredients so there are fewer things that can cause intestinal issues. The main meat protein source is deboned turkey which is a very high-quality protein source. The potato carbohydrates are easy to digest, while the added pumpkin promotes healthy digestion.
All of the ingredients have been selected with care so that they are suitable for dogs with allergies and sensitivities. Therefore, it contains no chicken or beef and has no corn, wheat, or soy. It also has no dairy products or eggs and no artificial flavors or preservatives. Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey & Potato is one of 7 dog food recipes mentioned in our overview of Blue Buffalo Dog Food.
Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Pea Starch, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Fiber, Potato Starch, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Fish Oil (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Flaxseed, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Vitamin E Supplement, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), DL-Methionine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Dried Yeast, Manganese Sulfate, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
- No common allergens
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Easy-to-digest ingredients
3 Non-GMO Ingredients: Nutro Natural Choice Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
- Allergens: Chicken, Rice, Eggs, Tomatoes
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Barley
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 343 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken and Brown Rice
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
Designed to leave very little by way of gas exchanges, this adult dry dog food ensures that every piece of kibble that goes into your dog’s body, will be digested by your dog’s body. Created with high-quality protein from appropriate sources, this option is also extremely palatable and loved by dogs.
Made with no unnecessary fillers, and being free from by-products, like chicken meal, corn, wheat, or soy, this highly digestible food works with your dog’s natural needs. Added antioxidants and vitamins ensure your dog remains happy and aids in digestion. At the same time, additional omega fatty acids help to maintain healthy brain function. Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice is one of 10 recipes included in our review of Nutro Dog Food.
Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Natural Flavor, Whole Flaxseed, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), 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 (Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
- High-quality protein sources
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- No unnecessary fillers
- Not suitable for dogs allergic to grain
- Contains common canine allergens
4 Whole Body Health: Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free
- Allergens: Salmon, Potatoes, Peas, Tomatoes
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
- Primary Proteins: Salmon
- Calories: 446 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon and Potato
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
A limited-ingredient yet balanced dog food. Created to reduce gas, this product is formulated to promote intestinal health and is suitable for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies. The primary ingredients are salmon and salmon meal which provide plenty of protein as well as vitamins and minerals. The carbohydrate element is predominantly ground rice which is easy for the gut to digest.
There are probiotics (such as dried Lactobacillus casei) to support a healthy gut as well as prebiotic fiber which is provided by chicory root. It contains none of the most common allergens that can cause digestive issues in dogs including meat by-products, wheat (gluten), corn, soy, dairy products, and eggs. You might also be interested in a detailed look at our Wellness Core Dog Food Review.
Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Fish Flavor, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.This is a naturally preserved product.
- Limited number of high-quality ingredients
- Added probiotics
- Contains prebiotic fiber
- Only suitable for grain-free diets
- Contains fish, a common canine allergen
5 Best for Digestive Health: Holistic Select Adult Health Lamb Meal Dog Food
- Allergens: Peas, Rice
- First 5 ingredients: Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Peas, Rice, Chicken Fat
- Primary Proteins: Lamb Meal
- Calories: 454 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Lamb Meal
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
A single protein dry dog food that uses lamb meal as the primary protein source. The vegetables in the recipe include pumpkins which are highly digestible. The recipe is formulated specifically to support digestive health so that your dog’s gut can break down the food and absorb more of the nutrients. It also helps to move food through the body effectively so that gas does not build up in the digestive tract or lead to flatulence and bloating.
This is achieved through a carefully balanced blend of pre- and pro-biotics and natural fiber. There are also digestive enzymes (to help with breaking down starch and cellulose) and digestive botanicals. These should help with all of your dogs’ gas issues, which is crucial if you have multiple dogs at home. Find out more about lamb dog food here.
Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Peas, Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oats, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Apples, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Papayas, Taurine, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Vitamin E Supplement, Inulin, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate , Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ground Cinnamon, Ground Fennel, Ground Peppermint, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Dried Lactobacillus bulgaricus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus 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.
- Added digestive enzymes
- Contains probiotics
- Food moves efficiently through the gut
- Protein source is a meat meal
- Contains chicken fat
6 Best Grain-Free: American Journey Limited Ingredient Salmon and Sweet Potato
- Allergens: Salmon, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes
- Primary Proteins: Salmon
- Calories: 327 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon and Sweet Potato
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: All life stages
When your dog’s food needs to be grain-free because they have a sensitive stomach, your vet will advise you to switch to grain-free dog food. This is the only instance that you should feed your dog grain-free products because they can actually be harmful to dogs that don’t have grain allergies or intolerances. There’s no need to reduce a dog’s intake of an ingredient unless medically necessary and you could end up damaging their gut health.
American Journey’s Limited Ingredient recipe comes in a tasty Salmon and Sweet Potato flavor which is perfect for dogs of all life stages. There’s a single animal-based protein source – which is the salmon in the recipe – that is the first listed ingredient. When an ingredient is listed first, that means that ingredient is the biggest percentage present in the product. This food is easy on a dog’s stomach and contains nourishing omega fatty acids to nurture your dog’s skin and coat, too.
Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Canola Meal, Flaxseed, Pea Starch, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Sunflower Oil, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), L-Threonine, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
- Great for sensitive stomachs
- Suitable for dogs with grain allergies
- No filler ingredients
- Contains fish meal
- Slow to reduce gas
7 Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Salmon and Vegetable Dry Food
- Allergens: Salmon, Ocean Fish, Lentils, Peas
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Peas, Eggs
- Primary Proteins: Salmon
- Calories: 388 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon and Vegetable
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: All life stages
For a more natural dog food, look no further than the holistic wonders of Solid Gold’s Sensitive Stomach formula. This recipe is part of their Leaping Waters product line and contains cold water salmon and various vegetables such as chickpeas, carrots, and pumpkin. Pumpkin, in particular, helps promote healthy digestion in adult dogs and may help with your dog’s flatulence.
Dog owners who are aware that their pups are prone to upset stomachs and want to get their dog’s gas under control may benefit from this Salmon and Vegetable recipe. However, though this is a healthy dog food, it does contain fish, which some dogs are allergic to. If you’re looking for a nutrient-rich dry food to boost your dog’s immune system, Solid Gold is here for you.
Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tapioca, Pea Fiber, Salmon Meal, Dried Eggs, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
- Great for sensitive stomachs
- Chicken-free formula
- Promotes healthy skin
- Contains several common allergens
- Formula changed in 2019
8 Best with Vitamins: Canidae Grain-Free Pure Limited Ingredient Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Food
- Allergens: Salmon, Menhaden Fish, Lentils, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils, Sweet Potatoes
- Primary Proteins: Salmon
- Calories: 459 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon and Sweet Potato
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
Canidae’s Pure Goodness line is created with premium protein sources. For their Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe, they use real salmon and fill the rest of their formula with seven other quality ingredients to bring complete and balanced nutrition to your dog’s dinnertimes. After cooking, the recipe is fortified usingCanidae’s unique HealthPLUS blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
This grain-free dry dog food ensures that your canine friend gets all of their essential vitamins, while the limited ingredients in the product reduce the chance of upset stomach issues. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in Canidae’s Salmon and Sweet Potato dog food, just natural ingredients mixed with a healthy amount of supplementary vitamins and minerals.
Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Canola Oil, Potatoes, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), 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 (Vitamin B6 Supplement), Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable) Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Contains healthy fats
- Added probiotics
- Contains common allergens
- Very small kibble pieces
9 Best Canned Food: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
- Allergens: Chicken, Salmon, Potatoes, Eggs
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Salmon, Carrots, Turkey, Potatoes
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Turkey
- Calories: 379 kcal/12.8 oz can
- Flavor: Salmon and Vegetable
- Type: Wet dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
Our first canned dog food product for this guide is from Hill’s Science Diet. Hill’s Science is a well-known brand throughout the U.S. and the U.K., thanks to their scientifically formulated recipes that appear as both dry and wet dog food products. Our selection for this guide on dog food to prevent gas is their Sensitive Stomach and Skin formula, which is a grain-free recipe featuring salmon and various vegetables.
Salmon, though it is a somewhat common canine allergen, allows dog food brands to move away from the typical chicken and beef protein choices. A dog is more likely to be allergic to chicken or beef, so you could say that salmon is the lesser evil when it comes to picking a main protein ingredient. Provided that your dog hasn’t shown any allergies to fish, they should do well with Hill’s Salmon and Vegetable wet food.
Chicken Broth, Salmon, Carrots, Turkey, Potatoes, Green Beans, Potato Starch, Pea Protein, Sugar, Egg Whites, Chicken Fat, Dried Whey, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Carrageenan, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, Dried Apple Pomace, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Taurine, minerals (Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate).
- Low fat content
- Contains natural fibers
- Helps with weight management
- Contains common allergens
- Main protein source isn’t the first ingredient
10 Premium Pick: Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Duck Dry Food
- Allergens: Peas, Alfalfa
- First 5 ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed
- Primary Proteins: Duck
- Calories: 384 kcal/kg
- Flavor: Duck
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: All life stages
If you’re looking for foods to prevent gas, have you considered trying a duck-based recipe? Canines aren’t typically allergic to duck – out of the various bird meats, they’re usually allergic to chicken. This grain-free product from Zignature is made with limited ingredients, which places it with the other top dog foods to prevent flatulence and stomach upset.
This is a gluten-free product that doesn’t have too much fiber but does contain a good enough amount to ensure that your dog won’t end up either constipated or constantly going to the bathroom. It’s low in sodium and gets some of its healthy fats from sunflower oil; which appears in the top five ingredients for this dry food. Though this isn’t specifically a puppy food, puppies are welcome to eat it as it covers all life stages! That makes it a good senior dog food, too.
Duck, Duck Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavors, Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D‐Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydro-chloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B 12 Supplement), DHA, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols Preserved, L-Carnitine.
- Greatly reduced number of allergens
- Suitable as a limited ingredient puppy food
- Uses premium animal protein
- Only suitable for grain-free diets
- Uses meal ingredients
Best Dog Food for Flatulence: Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for in a Dog Food for Flatulence
Appropriate dog food can play a big part in reducing your dog’s flatulence. There are several things that you should look out for in the best dog food to prevent gas.
- High-quality protein: The protein in the dog food should be provided by a high-quality meat source. A lot of red meat can make flatulence worse so you should be looking for white meat or fish as the main protein ingredient. If a meat by-product is the first ingredient on the list, it is best avoided.
- Easy to digest carbohydrates: Carbohydrates can be tricky for some dogs to digest so choose a food that has easy-to-digest carbohydrates. Ground rice and sweet potatoes are good options. If one source of carbohydrate doesn’t work, try another one.
- Avoid ash or fillers of any kind because they can trigger stomach problems.
- Artificial additives: There is no need for artificial ingredients to be added to dog food. It is best to choose a food with natural ingredients.
- Fat and fiber: High fat and high fiber diets can make flatulence worse so check out the proportion of these nutrients in the food.
- Allergies and food sensitivities can cause stomach upsets and flatulence can be a part of that. If you suspect that your pooch has a food allergy, it is important that you speak to your vet. They will be able to advise you on how to tackle the problem. Once an allergy has been identified, it is important that you read ingredients lists carefully. You may need to avoid grains such as corn or wheat or soy.
- The gut has natural bacteria living in it which help to digest our food. Some foods contain cultures of these friendly bacteria and so help to maintain the natural colonies. This can help with healthy digestion and control flatulence.
- Association of American Feed Control Officials: This is the organization that oversees animal food labeling. If the food is approved by them, you know it has met certain standards.
Reasons for Flatulence in Dogs
A certain amount of flatulence is perfectly normal and healthy. The occasional dog fart may be a bit unpleasant but is nothing to get too worried about. However, when your pooch has excessive flatulence and is causing a constant stink in your home, it is time to do something about it. Usually, all it takes is a few simple interventions.
First, you need to find out what is causing the problem. Here are some of the most common reasons for dog flatulence.
Swallowed Air
When a dog eats very quickly, they tend to swallow a lot of air as well as food. Some will come back up as a burp but the rest will make their way down into the colon (large intestine) and out of the bowel as a fart. This type of flatulence is not as smelly but does have a big volume!
Any type of respiratory disease that makes your pooch breath faster can also cause them to gulp a lot of air as they are eating. The same can happen if you feed them too soon after they have exercised and they are still breathing hard. The brachycephalic breeds have short nasal passages because of the shape of their face and they swallow a lot of air when eating which makes them gassy.
Luckily, there is something that you can do about dog flatulence caused by rushed eating. You can buy a bowl that is designed to make your dog eat more slowly. It will have some sort of obstacle to prevent your dog from reaching all of the food too easily. In the meantime, you can place a large stone in their food bowl which will get in their way and stop them from gulping down their food. The stone must be clean and it must be so big that it would be impossible for your dog to get it in its mouth. Smaller stones would be a choking hazard for your pooch. You can also leave a while between exercise and feeding so your dog has a chance to regulate its breathing.
Check out our review of Slow Feeder Dog Bowls.
Low-Quality Foods
Not all dog foods are the same! The lower quality foods contain fiber that ferments in the intestines and produces a lot of gas. Fibrous food cannot be absorbed by the small intestine and makes its way to the colon (large intestine). Here there are lots of bacteria that get to work on it but that process produces a lot of gas. The less food that reaches these bacteria, the less gas will be produced. High-quality food has less of this fiber and so cuts down on the gas.
You can spot high-quality food by looking at the ingredients list. A high-quality food will have one or two meat or fish ingredients as the first entry on the list. Then there should be vegetables that sound familiar to you such as sweet potatoes. It is best to avoid recipes that have a lot of fermentable fiber such as inulin, plant gums, oats, and barley. Look for foods that describe their carbohydrate content as ‘highly digestible’ because that means that most of it will be absorbed in the small intestine.
Too Much Meat in the Diet
Most dogs need a source of meat in their diet to provide high-quality protein but too much meat can cause flatulence that has a particularly unpleasant smell! Meat contains sulfur and red meat contains more than white meat. When sulfur reaches the gut, bacteria start to break it down and give off a very stinky gas.
You could try switching to a food that has around 25 % protein provided from a non-red meat source. Chicken and turkey are possible alternatives as are fish and even vegetable protein.
Lactose Intolerance
Milk is the natural diet of puppies and their bodies are able to digest it very well. This is because they make an enzyme called lactase which can break down the sugar in milk called lactose. In adult dogs, the production of lactase is limited and if they have very little of it they cannot break down lactose at all. Dogs who have this condition are called lactose intolerant. Any lactose in their diet is not broken down at all by their small intestine as it should be. Instead, it travels to the large intestine. There are bacteria here that feed off it and produce a lot of gas whilst they are doing so!
You can prevent this cause of flatulence by eliminating milk and dairy products from your dog’s diet. Few commercial pet foods contain dairy but it is worth checking. Don’t feed your dog with your own cheese, yogurt, or ice cream.
Sensitive Stomach
Dogs are similar to humans in that some of them simply have stomachs and intestines that cannot cope with a wide variety of foods or which have a problem with particular ingredients. This is often because some foods make the gut work very hard to digest. Excessive gas production can be a symptom of that. You may be able to associate gas production with them eating a particular food.
The best approach is to eliminate unnecessary extras from their diet. Just give them one brand of dog food and water. Cut out all table scraps and treats and stop your dog from scavenging food from the kitchen floor and yard. Watch out for what they may be eating when you are out on walks. Hopefully, the flatulence problem will disappear in a few weeks of following this routine. If you wish, you can gradually re-introduce treats one at a time to see if they trigger a return of flatulence. If it does return, at least you know what is causing it!
See our round-up of the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs.
Disease
It is possible that the flatulence is caused by an illness. If you have tried to eliminate it yourself and have had no success, it could be caused by:
- An infection of the gastrointestinal tract
- Parasites of the gut
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Pancreatitis
- Food allergies
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Neoplasia – excessive growth of tissue in the bowel
- Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
With most of these diseases, you would expect to see other symptoms as well. The persistent flatulence would be accompanied by weight loss, a change in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. You need to discuss this with your vet as soon as possible.
You may also like our guide on Dog Food Without Peas & Legumes.
How to Decrease Flatulence in Dogs
Whilst you will have to accept a certain amount of flatulence in your dog, there is plenty that you can do for dog gas relief. Here are some gassy dog remedies for you to try:
- Feed a high-quality diet: Your dog needs nutritious and highly digestible food. Your vet can give you more information on what to give dogs for gas. It will involve you researching what is right for their breed, age, and lifestyle. Foods that make your dog feel full but which are nutritionally poor will just make the problem worse.
- Stop the table scraps: Don’t feed your dog human food from your own plate. Many human foods can trigger intestinal problems in dogs.
- Keep an eye on scavenging: Some dogs are natural and enthusiastic scavengers but it is not necessarily good for them. You can cut down on scavenging by putting lids on the garbage cans and watching what they are eating on the sidewalk or in the park. Coprophagia (eating poop) can also make flatulence worse and should be avoided.
- Slow down their eating: Stop your dog from eating too fast by feeding several smaller meals rather than one big one. You can also use a special bowl to slow down feeding.
- Make eating relaxed. Feed your dog in a quiet and relaxed area of the house where they are not competing with other dogs for food.
- Identify food allergies: Work with your vet to find out which food ingredient is causing an allergic reaction in your dog. Then get in the habit of reading food labels. You may need to avoid milk and dairy products, eggs, corn, wheat, chicken, or soy.
- Alternative protein: If your dog seems to be reacting to red meat, choose a food that has white meat or fish as the protein source.
- Promote a healthy lifestyle: Make sure that your dog gets the levels of exercise that are suitable for its breed. Hopefully, a lot of the dog farts will happen when they are outside!
- Medication: Your vet may be able to prescribe a dog flatulence remedy as to a last resort. Treatment that has been useful in some dogs includes zinc acetate, Yucca schidigera, and dry activated charcoal but there are many more options.
When is it Time to See the Vet?
Once you have tried to sort out the issue of your gassy dog yourself with some diet and lifestyle changes, the issue should settle down. However, if your dog’s excessive flatulence persists, it is time to see your vet.
They will ask you some questions and may want to carry out some tests. They will be able to identify if there is a medical problem that is causing your dog’s gut to create a lot of gas and will prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Our Top Pick
The recipe of this best dog food – Taste Of The Wild Grain-Free Premium Dry Dog Food – for flatulence is based on the diet of a wild dog. There is no red meat, the protein is provided by wild-caught and farmed salmon.
To support healthy digestion, it contains a special blend of probiotics with live cultures that are added after the cooking process to maintain their viability. Dried chicory root is added to the recipe to support the friendly bacteria. It is formulated so that it is easy to digest. Many ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction have been excluded including wheat grains and filler.
