Dogs are considered to be man’s best friend, but some dogs have a pesky side effect that can make them less than ideal companions: excessive gas and farting. Some studies show that about 40% of all dogs suffer from gassiness and flatulence at least once a month. This is often due to their diet, as well as other lifestyle factors. Fortunately, there are a few simple changes you can make to your dog’s diet and lifestyle that can help reduce the amount of gas they produce.
Causes of gas in dogs
The most common causes of gas in dogs are their diet and lifestyle. Dogs that eat a lot of fatty or high-fiber foods are more likely to experience gas problems. Additionally, dogs that don’t get enough exercise are also more prone to chronic flatulence.
Add a supplement to reduce gas in your dog
There are a number of supplements on the market that can help reduce gas in dogs and help with healthy digestion. One of the most popular and effective supplements is probiotics. Probiotics are bacteria that help improve digestion and reduce gas. Another popular supplement is digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes help break down food and reduce the amount of gas that is produced during digestion.
Our favorite food supplement that has greatly reduced gas in both of our dogs is Weruva Pumpkin. We spread this on top of their food, and both dogs really love it. In addition to reducing gas, this has the added benefit of making poops firmer and reducing loose stools (you know why this is important if you pick it up!).
If adding the pumpkin to your dog’s food gross you (or the dog!) out, then you can also try these highly-rated ‘probiotic bites’ from Zesty Paws.
Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals
One way to reduce gas in your dog is to feed them smaller, more frequent meals. This has been shown to reduce the buildup of excess gas in dogs. When dogs eat one or two large meals per day, they can often produce more gas than if they eat several smaller meals. If your dog is prone to gas problems, try feeding them four or five small meals instead of one or two large ones.
Use a slow feeder bowl to reduce gas
A dog slow feeder is a type of bowl that has an obstacle in the center. The idea is to make your dog eat more slowly, which can help to reduce instances of bloat and gas. Bloat is a condition where the stomach expands with gas or fluid, and it can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.Gas happens when your dog swallows air while eating, and it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like belching and flatulence. A slow feeder can help to reduce both bloat and gas by forcing your dog to take smaller bites and chew more thoroughly. As a result, your dog will be able to digest their food better and experience fewer digestive issues. Our favorite slow feeder bowl is the Outward Hound Slow Feeder Dog Bowl.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
Best changes to your dog’s diet to reduce excessive gas
There are a number of different diets you can follow to reduce gas in your dog. One of the most effective diets is a high-fiber diet. Foods that are high in fiber help improve digestion and reduce gas. Another popular diet for reducing gas is a low fat diet, as high fat diets often increase the gas that an animal will produce. Fatty foods tend to slow down digestion and can cause gas build-up. It may also be tempting to feed your dog table scraps (particularly if they beg), but this can also sometimes be the source of a dog’s gas. If your dog is prone to gas problems, you may also want to try a raw food diet. Raw food diets are high in enzymes and nutrients that help improve digestion and reduce gas. You also want to avoid feeding your dog spicy foods that a can upset a dog’s stomach. Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant, so you may want to reduce or eliminate milk or dairy products (see also ‘Is Butter Bad For Dogs?’) from what your dog eats as this could be the source of a dog’s upset stomach and bad gas. Sometimes a dog’s food is the main source of a dog’s farts – if nothing else seems to work, you may want to switch dog food brands to see if it leads to a less gassy dog.
Exercise your dog regularly to reduce gas build-up
Exercising your dog regularly can help reduce gas build-up and improve their digestion. Sedentary dogs unfortunately are to have gas buildup and thus display dog flatulence, while active dogs tend to have less excess gas. Exercise helps to stimulate the digestive system and encourages healthy bowel movements. Dogs that get regular exercise are also less likely to experience gas build-up. Of course, the added benefit of exercise is that it will also improve a dog’s health and help them to lose weight if needed.
When to see a veterinarian for dog gas
If your dog’s gas problems persist even after making dietary and lifestyle changes, you may want to take them to the veterinarian who can help decipher whether there is a medical or dietary cause for your dog’s flatulence. Also, if your dog is experiencing frequent gas problems or if you notice an unusually offensive odor, you may also want to take them to the veterinarian who can check for issues such as inflammatory bowel disease. There are a number of health conditions (see also ‘How to Heal Dog Prolapse at Home: Natural Treatment Methods When Appropriate‘) that can cause gas in dogs, such as intestinal blockages, intestinal parasites, and infections.
Conclusion
We all love our dogs and consider them to be members of the family, but there’s nothing worse than snuggling up to a dog with stinky gas! Hopefully the tips provided here can help reduce the stinkiness in your best friends! Remember too that occasional gas is a fact of life (even in dogs), so it’s unlikely that you can flatulence in dogs entirely.
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