When talking to dog owners about potentially getting a dog of your own, they’re always quick to mention the benefits that dogs are so cute, dogs are great companions, and it’s like living with your best friend! Everyone makes getting a dog sound so amazing – and it is – but no one thinks to mention the not so great parts.
Gas. A normal bodily function should not deter you from getting your own dog, but it is one of those facts that you wish you had known before rushing to adopt your puppy. A dog’s gas can be so pungent that you need to run and hide from the gas cloud quickly filling up your home.
Some dogs are particularly gassy, and others only pass gas on occasion. However, no matter how frequent the flatulence is, owners will always be desperate for dog food to prevents the gas altogether. Never fear, this is a common problem that manufacturers have taken under their wing to rectify.
Many dogs who pass frequent gas have sensitive stomachs that cannot handle the current kibble that you’re offering up. So, the solution might be as simple as switching to dog food for sensitive stomachs. Let’s take a look at the best dog food to prevent gas.
In a hurry? Here are the top picks!
Dog Food for Gassy Dogs Reviewed
We know that gassy dogs can be quite an issue around the house. Some dogs chew your possessions, while others simply leave their smell lingering on everything. If your pooch is guilty of the second, we know how badly you’ll want a solution right about now. Luckily, we have you covered.
From our research, we believe that the CANIDAE Premium Dry Dog Food with Whole Grains is the best dog food to prevent gas around. The ingredients list is clean of all low-quality ingredients that could potentially promote flatulence. Here are a few reasons why we like this dog food so much.
- Only whole grains are used within the kibble.
- There are four sources of high-quality protein available instead of only one.
- Omega fatty acids are also included which help with digestive health.
- The added probiotics and antioxidants offer more amazing health benefits.
- Pros
- Four sources of high-quality protein rather than one.
- Omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants are added for great health benefits.
- Only wholesome grains are used.
- Four flavors to choose from.
- Cons
- Rather expensive for the size of the bag.
Starting off our list is the CANIDAE dog food that is suitable for all stages of life. This food includes plenty of high-quality protein from chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. Why settle for one source of protein when you could have four? There are no sensitive ingredients included such as wheat, soy, or corn.
Added probiotics ensure healthy digestion for your dog, as well as omega fatty acids which help towards preventing gas as well. This dog food will help with gas because it allows your dog to digest all of their food properly. There are also plenty of antioxidants within the ingredient list which help towards keeping your dog’s immune system healthy.
The rest of the ingredients list is as beneficial as the main protein sources. Brown rice, potatoes, peas, and cranberries. Grains are included, but only wholesome ones that help towards the health of your pooch. The nutritional value of this kibble is ideal for any dog who suffers from relentless gas, and there are four different flavors for you to experiment with. If you have a gassy puppy or adult dog, we recommend that try out this dog food.
- Pros
- Only one source of high-quality protein.
- No harsh ingredients such as dairy or red meat.
- Added vitamins keep your dog’s immune system healthy.
- Cons
- Some customers had issues with quality control.
The Blue Buffalo food only contains one source of protein: turkey. This is the first listed ingredient and therefore the main, making sure that your dog is getting the best amount of protein possible. Other ingredients include potatoes, pumpkin, and peas. These are easily digestible for even sensitive stomachs which makes it a great dog food to prevent gas.
There are no grains, gluten, or dairy products within this kibble which are some of the worst ingredients for gassy dogs. There is no red meat, either, and no artificial flavors or dyes. These can also upset sensitive tummies, so it’s a great benefit that this kibble is easy on the gastrointestinal system.
In addition, vitamins C and E encourage healthy digestive and immune systems. You can choose between duck, lamb, salmon, or turkey as the main ingredient in this kibble, all of which aid healthy digestion and are a great source of protein. Choose between 4, 11, 22, and 24-pound bags. This is a great dry dog food for gassy dogs with no harsh ingredients that will make it hard for your dog to digest.
- Pros
- A high-quality source of protein.
- Freeze-dried chicken alongside the kibble adds lots of nutritional value.
- Great for managing your dog’s weight.
- Cons
- Not the best customer service.
Next up is the Instinct Raw Boost dry dog food. The main ingredient is high-quality chicken which is a great source of protein, and all of the other ingredients are natural and easily digestible. In fact, all of the components are whole-food, so you don’t have to worry about by-products or fillers. As most dog owners know, chicken is part of a bland dog diet which makes this an ideal dog food for gas problems.
Along with the kibble, the bag also contains freeze-dried raw chicken. This offers your dog great nutritional value and more protein than any other food out there. The chicken used is also free-range which is a plus for many dog owners.
Raw Boost food also helps the owner to manage their dog’s weight. As obesity is another common cause of gas, ensuring that their weight is normal and healthy can prevent gas in itself. You can choose between a 4 and 20-pound bag. If your dog farts a lot and you can’t stand the smell, we suggest that you give this all-natural dry dog food a try!
- Pros
- Plenty of flavors to choose from.
- Protein is the main ingredient.
- All of the ingredients work to keep your dog healthy and smell-free.
- Cons
- Not all dogs like the taste.
The Midwestern PRO PAC dog food comes in a variety of different flavors, such as lamb, chicken, and whitefish. The majority of them also use brown rice which is a great source of fiber without giving your dog too much that it impacts their digestive health, therefore causing bad gas.
Vegetables and fruits are also included within the ingredients list which is full of antioxidants and vitamins that can also benefit their digestion. In addition, omega fatty acids are also added to help keep their skin, fur, and digestion running smoothly. These ingredients create a great dog food for gassy dogs. Not only will there be less smell, but there will also be less gas because your dog is digesting nutrients properly.
The source of protein is the main ingredient within the kibble and therefore you know that your dog is getting only the finest ingredients at every mealtime. All of the ingredients are incredibly digestible and therefore should prevent your dog from passing gas.
- Pros
- Low in carbohydrates which can be difficult to digest.
- Fortified in plenty fo great ingredients for good digestion.
- Suitable for all life stages.
- Cons
- Some customers experienced poor quality control.
Last but not least is the VICTOR Purpose Nutra Pro dog food, which is their highest-protein and lowest-carb formula yet. Carbohydrates can be difficult for dogs to digest properly so low-carb food is a great benefit for preventing gas. The grains used are all gluten-free and therefore great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The kibble is fortified with vitamins and minerals that help aid the immune system and digestion. The ingredients list is also full of protein and amino acids. Moreover, omega fatty acids are also included to help your dog’s skin, fur, and digestive system. Both prebiotics and probiotics are also added to benefit your pup.
There are no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors so that you can be sure your dog is only eating the best high-quality food around. Dogs of all ages can eat this food so there is no need to worry about changing diets between the life stages. It’s an ideal puppy food to prevent gas since many dogs are allergic to grains.
Best Dog Food to Prevent Gas Buyers Guide
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best dog foods to prevent gas, let’s take a look into what you should bear in mind when choosing the best food for your dog. There is no use in purchasing dog food if your dog isn’t going to enjoy it or eat it, so taking their own personality into consideration will greatly improve the chances of them wanting to eat the new kibble you offer them.
What Causes Gas in Dogs?
But first, we need to know why your dog could be passing so much gas. Determining why your dog is gassy will help you to fix the problem and therefore prevent gas. There are a lot of causes for gas in dogs, so amending their diet might not always fix the issue.
Sometimes you’ll need to consult a veterinarian as they’re more knowledgeable in potential causes. It might mean that your dog is sick and needs treatment, so we would advise you to take gas seriously. Gas combined with lethargic energy or not eating typically means that your dog is sick and their diet is not the issue.
However, if your veterinarian has reassured you that your dog’s flatulence is nothing to do with their health and it is down to their diet, you’ll need to know some facts before committing to the purchase of dog food.
Here are a few reasons why your dog could be passing gas:
- Eating spoiled food.
- Fatty foods.
- Spicy foods.
- Difficult to digest food.
- Obesity.
- Eating food too quickly.
- Changes in diet.
- Diseases such as intestinal parasites and inflammatory bowel disease.
Some of these have to do with the type of dog food that you’re feeding your puppy. Below we’ll be looking at the features you need to know while comparing different foods.
Ingredients
The ingredient list should be the first thing you look at when comparing different dog foods to prevent gas. The ingredients should be complete and healthy without by-products. For example, dog food made with chicken will be much more digestible than an alternative made with chicken by-products.
You should always aim to feed your puppy healthy ingredients that are easily digestible. However, you should also look into the nutrients of the dog food. Food that is too high in fat will increase the likelihood of flatulence in your dog. Always avoid feeding your puppy scraps from the table, no matter how much they beg.
Protein
Following on from the previous point, the dog food that you choose should always have a high-quality source of protein. This means that there are no by-products in lieu of real protein sources. Chicken, fish, and lamb are excellent sources of protein and are considered relatively bland to prevent bad gas.
By-products can be beaks, fat, and bones of the animal rather than the actual meat. You should always avoid foods that have the main ingredient as a by-product as this generally means that there’s little to no high-quality protein involved. Low-quality protein that is difficult to digest will cause your dog to be gassy.
Red meat tends to be fattier than white meat and fish, which can be another cause of flatulence in dogs. For this reason, we’d advise you to stick to chicken and fish if your dog is suffering from gas. These meats are relatively bland and should help get rid of gas if their diet is the issue.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates can be harder to digest for some dogs and therefore be the main source of gas. Many dog owners put difficult to digest carbohydrates down to grains such as wheat and corn. Luckily, many brands are beginning to move away from these ingredients, and use grain-free recipes, substituting them for sweet potato or rice.
In addition, many dogs, in general, are allergic to grains which can be causing them to have an upset stomach. If they aren’t able to fully digest the grains in their diet, then they will be a gassy dog.
Omega fatty acids
Now we know that we mentioned fatty foods not being great for your dog’s digestion, but omega fatty acids are different and can actually benefit your dog’s gut health. Moreover, omega fatty acids are also beneficial to your pooches coat and skin! Omega fatty acids considered the “good” fats that help your dog adequately digest their food. We know by now that if your dog isn’t fully digesting their food, then they will have gas which will smell bad.
Filler ingredients
Filler ingredients are sometimes added into your dog’s food to make it seem more substantial and cheaper to manufacture. Filler ingredients offer nothing to your dog’s health and therefore don’t need to be in the food at all.
Some examples to look out for are dyes, rendered fat, and by-products. Filler ingredients can often do more harm than good for your dog’s digestion and cause more gas, so make sure to prevent them as much as possible.
Fiber Content
Too much fiber can be too overpowering for your dog’s digestion and therefore cause more gas. Some fibers are better than others, and often you’ll find that the latter alternative is within low-quality dog foods.
While some fiber is good for your furry friend, too much can force their stomach to work too hard and therefore cause more flatulence. Although you don’t want to remove all of the fiber from your dog’s diet, make sure to look out for low percentages. Too much fiber will cause your dog to digest food too quickly and not breakdown all the materials correctly. This will cause flatulence, farts, and gas from your dog.
Beneficial sources of fiber are pumpkin, bran, apple, peas, and brown rice.
Compatibility
As we mentioned before, one common reason for your dog passing gas is that they’re eating too quickly. This can be easily remedied by opting for a slow-feeding dog bowl that ensures that the feeding time is drawn out. If you’re using one of these bowls, you should ensure that the kibble you’re opting for is compatible with the pattern and size.
Sensitive Stomachs
Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and therefore eating harsh ingredients can cause gas. Food allergies are rather common in pets and therefore your veterinarian should be able to help you out with finding what exactly they’re allergic to.
However, if you’re waiting for an appointment and want to take matters into your own hands in the meantime, you can always opt for dog food for sensitive stomachs. These are easy to come by and ensure that your dog isn’t eating anything that they could be allergic to.
Certified Brands
The brand that you use must be certified in order for you to trust them. Make sure that the dog food you choose is certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This confirmation will ensure that the dog food has met all of the standards that they have in place and that the food is safe for dogs.
Conclusion for Best Dog Food to Prevent Gas
When dogs have gas, it’s one of the worst smells in the world. However, gas is normal and is simply a reaction to the way that your dog is processing their food. Some dogs naturally have more gas than other dogs and it’s likely due to what you are feeding them. Luckily, there is dog food to prevent gas. Whether you have an adult dog or a puppy, we hope that you found a way to keep your house smelling fresh from your dog’s gas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eggs good for dogs with digestive issues?
Eggs can be a great source of protein for dogs, as well as riboflavin and selenium. This protein is easily digestible, so if your dog has bad digestive issues this might be a great treat for them. Just make sure that you cook the eggs thoroughly as they cannot eat raw egg whites.
What is the easiest food for dogs to digest?
Unfortunately for dogs, the most digestible food to give them is often very bland and plain. Meals such as chicken and rice, fish and sweet potatoes, and pumpkin and vegetables are among the easiest foods for dogs to digest.
These meals are all homemade and only need to be used when your dog has very bad digestive problems. These meals are quite extreme and preventing gas often doesn’t require as much effort on your behalf.
Make sure that you talk to your veterinarian before switching your dog’s diet to homemade foods to ensure that it is the best course of action for them.
Can I give my dog yogurt for gas?
Yogurt is actually one of the main issues in a dog’s diet that can cause gas, so we would recommend that you eliminate yogurt from their diet altogether. The issue might be that they’re lactose intolerant, so make sure to take notice of whether the flatulence betters or worsens after you cut dairy from their diet.
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.