10 Best Dog Foods To Prevent Gas (Flatulence) in 2024

We’re all a little gassy sometimes and flatulence is never pleasant. Even so, dog owners know that dog farts are the worst of the worst – silent but deadly doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Though a fart here and there might be funny – or even cute – flatulence in dogs can also be a sign of an underlying health problems. Digestive issues caused by food allergies, gastrointestinal disease, and parasite infections can all lead to an increase in gas and an unhappy situation for both you and your dog. But what can you do about flatulence in dogs?

In this article, we’ll talk about what causes gas in dogs and provide some tips for how to reduce dog flatulence. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best dog food for gas problems.

What Causes Gas in Dogs?

Before asking the question, “why do dogs fart?” you should ask yourself the same thing. When you experience flatulence, it’s usually due to something you ate or a side effect of some other gastrointestinal problem. In many cases, it’s nothing serious and it goes away on its own.

But how can you be sure? What do you have to worry about for dogs with gas problems?

According to veterinarians, diet is the leading cause of flatulence in dogs. Certain foods like grains and other high-fiber carbohydrates can be difficult for dogs to digest which can lead to gas. Even foods that are very high in meat content can produce some foul-smelling flatulence. More often than not, however, chronic gas issues in dogs are linked to food allergies and sensitivities.

Here are some other things that cause gas in dogs:

• Sudden change in diet
• Eating something spoiled
• Poor quality diet, hard to digest foods
• High-fat foods or spicy foods
• Eating food too quickly
• Being overweight, obese, or sedentary
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Intestinal parasites

Another common cause of flatulence in dogs is aerophagia. Aerophagia is simply the name given to an increased swallowing of air. If your dog eats very fast (or if he is a brachycephalic breed) he may swallow too much air while he eats, leading to increased flatulence. It may also be the case that your dog has some kind of gastrointestinal infection or disorder leading to problems with digestion or the malabsorption of nutrients.

If your dog has always had a problem with gas, you may not have thought much of it. After reading this list, however, you may find yourself wondering whether something more might be going on beneath the surface. Consider talking to your veterinarian about your dog’s gas problems – especially if they have gotten worse lately. You and your vet can then talk about how to reduce dog flatulence for your dog.

Tips for Reducing Gas in Dogs

The key to dealing with your dog’s flatulence is, of course, to identify the underlying cause. If you’ve recently changed your dog’s diet and he suddenly experiences an increase in gas, it’s a fairly safe bet that that’s the problem. If gas has been a long-standing issue, however, you may want to consider your dog’s diet as a whole or talk to your veterinarian to obtain a diagnosis.

Diagnosing your dog’s specific issue is the best way to reduce gas, but there are some general things you should keep in mind when it comes to treating flatulence:

• Switch your dog to a highly digestible dog food made with whole food ingredients
• Reduce the fiber content and/or fat content of your dog’s food
• Consider carminative (flatulence-reducing) supplements like zinc acetate or Yucca schidigera
• Feed your dog smaller, more frequent meals
• Try using a slow-feed bowl to reduce the amount of air your dog swallows while eating
• Avoid feeding your dog high-meat treats or table scraps

As you start making changes to your dog’s diet, keep an eye not only on his flatulence but also on his stools. In many cases, flatulence is accompanied by loose stools or diarrhea which should clear up as you resolve your dog’s digestive issues. Keep reading to learn what to look for in a dog food to prevent gas.

What to Look for in a Dog Food to Prevent Gas

If you’re concerned that your dog might have a food allergy, the best thing you can do is switch him to an elimination diet. An elimination diet should consist of a high-quality source of animal protein and digestible carbohydrate – ideally, one your dog hasn’t had before. It is also a bonus if the recipe contains a limited number of ingredients because this will reduce the risk of triggering a negative reaction (such as flatulence) in your dog.

After feeding your dog the elimination diet for 8 to 12 weeks, you should be able to tell whether his symptoms have resolved or not. If they have, it’s a good bet that your dog’s diet was the problem. From there, you can ask yourself whether his gas issues were caused by a specific ingredient or by the quality of his diet as a whole. If you want, you can re-introduce common proteins into your dog’s diet to see if he has a reaction or you can simply keep feeding him a high-quality, limited ingredient diet.

Another option for dealing with flatulence in dogs is to simply switch to a dog food that doesn’t cause gas. But what should you look for?

Here are some things to look for in a dog food that doesn’t cause gas:

• High-quality, natural ingredients. Food is most digestible in its whole form, so look for a dog food made with fresh, whole-food ingredients instead of by-products.
• Premium animal protein. Protein should be the foundation of any diet for dogs but is most digestible and nutritious when it comes from animal sources.
• Limited, digestible carbohydrates. Many dogs have trouble digesting high-fiber carbohydrates, so consider a low-glycemic recipe and avoid hard-to-digest grains like corn and wheat.
• Rich in omega fatty acids. Not only are omega fatty acids great for your dog’s skin and coat, but they can also benefit his digestion and overall health.
• No artificial additives. Food additives like chemicals, dyes, flavors, and preservatives can irritate your dog’s stomach or trigger food allergies, so avoid them at all costs.
• Beneficial supplements. Look for a recipe that contains moderate fiber content – too much fiber can make your dog’s gas worse. Prebiotic fibers and probiotics can also improve digestion.

Our 2024 Picks : 10 Best Dog Foods that help with Gas

The best dog food to prevent gas is a high-quality diet made from wholesome, natural ingredients, exclusive of foods that give dogs gas. If you know which specific ingredients upset your dog’s stomach, you can avoid them entirely, or you can simply choose a limited ingredient diet made with a shorter list of highly digestible ingredients. If you’re not sure what’s best for your dog, you can always ask your vet.

Here’s our top pick for the best dog food to prevent gas:

	Ollie Healthy Turkey Feast Human-Grade Dog Food Fresh whole-food ingredients Customized To Your Dog Price: Varies	CHECK PRICE
	Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Dog Food Several sources of premium animal protein Digestible grain-free carbohydrates Price:  $1.66/lb	CHECK PRICE
	American Journey LID Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Affordable price Limited number of ingredients Check for Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Price:  $1.64/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey & Potato Recipe Formulated for puppies Limited number of main ingredients Price:  $2.21/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Canidae Grain-Free PURE Senior Recipe Dry Food Formulated for senior dogs Limited number of ingredients Price:  $2.52/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Zignature Limited Ingredient Duck Formula Dry Food Limited number of main ingredients Single source of novel protein Price:  $2.51/lb	CHECK PRICE

Ollie Healthy Turkey Feast Fresh Dog Food

Overall Best Dog Food to Gassy Dogs: If quality nutrition is the name of the game, Ollie is hard to beat.

This fresh pet food delivery service sends fresh, homemade dog food right to your door. It is made with real, whole food ingredients and slow-cooked in small batches to maximize nutritional quality and digestibility. All you have to do is provide some basic information about your dog’s age and size then choose from several protein-rich, highly-digestible recipes.

You’ll receive monthly shipments of fresh food sent right to your door, already portioned according to your dog’s needs. You can keep some of it in the fridge and the rest in the freezer to keep it fresh until your dog is ready to enjoy.

Each recipe is made with a single source of premium protein like beef, chicken, or turkey, with digestible carbohydrates like brown rice, carrots, potatoes, and peas with beneficial supplements as well.

• Pros: Fresh whole-food ingredients, protein-rich, several recipe options, digestible carbohydrates, balance of omega fatty acids, beneficial supplements
• Cons: Some recipes contain grains (some dogs may be sensitive) expensive to feed as a staple diet

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Dog Food

Most Popular Dog Food to Prevent Gas: When you can’t decide what to feed your dog, it never hurts to go with a popular recipe from a brand with an excellent reputation. This Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Dog Food is packed with premium animal protein and is highly digestible for dogs. This formula features real buffalo as the main ingredient, followed by several supplemental protein sources including lamb meal, chicken meal, roasted bison, and roasted venison. It contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates as well, with plenty of naturally occurring microorganisms and probiotic supplements to boost your dog’s digestion even more. It also contains chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients.

• Pros: Several sources of premium animal protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, beneficial supplements, fresh fruits and veggies
• Cons: Not a single-source protein recipe (some dogs may be sensitive to chicken)

American Journey LID Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Food

Most Affordable Dog Food that Doesn’t Cause Gas: Many limited ingredient diets for dogs are expensive, but this American Journey LID Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato recipe is an affordable option. This formula features fresh salmon and salmon meal as a single source of premium animal protein, balanced with digestible grain-free carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes. In this recipe, you’ll find a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to ensure healthy skin and coat, plus beneficial supplements for nutritional balance. Overall, this recipe contains a small number of high-quality ingredients and is nutritionally complete, so you don’t have to worry about your dog having trouble digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Plus, it is completely free from artificial additives like flavors, colors, and preservatives but is full of natural flavor.

• Pros: Affordable price, limited number of ingredients, single source animal protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, no artificial additives, chelated minerals, rich in omega fatty acids
• Cons: May be too high in fiber for some dogs, contains plant protein (pea protein)

Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey & Potato Recipe Puppy Food

Best Puppy Food to Prevent Gas: All dogs have the same basic nutritional requirements, but puppies need a little extra protein and fat to fuel their growth and development. If your puppy is already having digestive issues, you may want to switch to a limited ingredient puppy food before things get too bad. This Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey & Potato Recipe Puppy Food is a great option because it comes from a trusted brand and it is nutritionally complete and balanced for puppies. Plus, it contains a limited number of main ingredients including a single source of animal protein. This recipe does contain grains, but they are digestible whole grains so, unless your puppy has an allergy to grains, it should be digestible. This formula also contains fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients as well as dried fermentation products to add probiotic support.

• Pros: Formulated for puppies, limited number of main ingredients, single source animal protein, rich in omega fatty acids, digestible carbohydrates, probiotic supplements, fresh fruits and veggies
• Cons: Contains grains (some puppies may be sensitive), contains plant protein (pea protein)

Canidae Grain-Free PURE Senior Recipe Dry Food

Best Senior Dog Food to Prevent Gas: As your dog gets older, he will start to slow down, and he may be more susceptible to digestive problems. To make sure he gets the nutrition he needs while also reducing his flatulence, choose a high-quality dog food like this Canidae Grain-Free PURE Senior Recipe Dry Food. Made with just 9 main ingredients including premium animal proteins, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, and healthy fats, this formula is great for your dog’s digestion. It contains chelated minerals to ensure that your dog is able to properly absorb the nutrients and there are probiotics to help things along. This recipe is made with plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus you’ll find supplements to support bone and joint health as well.

• Pros: Formulated for senior dogs, limited number of ingredients, whole food ingredients, premium animal proteins, digestible carbohydrates, blend of omega fatty acids, probiotics
• Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, contains chicken ingredients (some dogs may be sensitive)

Zignature Limited Ingredient Duck Formula Dry Food

Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach and Gas: If you know your dog has a sensitive stomach, it’s even more important to choose a dog food made with a limited number of high-quality ingredients. Zignature Limited Ingredient Duck Formula Dry Food is a great option for dogs with gas because it features a single source of novel animal protein supplemented with digestible grain-free carbohydrates and beneficial supplements. This formula contains a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support your dog’s healthy skin and coat with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The recipe is supplemented with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption as well as the vitamins needed to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

• Pros: Limited number of main ingredients, single source of novel protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, blend of omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, fresh fruits and veggies
• Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, first source of fat is plant-based (sunflower oil)

4 More Top-Rated Dog Foods for Flatulence

If none of the dog foods reviewed above seem like the perfect fit, no need to worry! The world is full of dog food and you have plenty of options. Here are another four top-rated dog foods to reduce gas:

	Wellness Simple LID Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Limited number of ingredients Real salmon as first ingredient Price:  $1.87/oz	CHECK PRICE
	Holistic Select Adult Health Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Food Holistic natural recipe Whole-grain carbohydrates Price:  $1.99/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Real lamb as main ingredient Rich in essential fatty acids Price:  $2.84/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Natural Balance LID Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula Real lamb as the main ingredient Limited number of ingredients Price:  $1.76/lb	CHECK PRICE

Wellness Simple LID Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Food

For dogs with digestive issues such as flatulence, the digestibility of their diet is key. Switching to a limited ingredient recipe like this Wellness Simple LID Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Food may be just what your dog needs to resolve his digestive issues. It features high-quality salmon as the first ingredient and a single source of premium animal protein. It also contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates like potatoes and peas to provide the right amount of fiber for healthy digestion without going overboard. This recipe is supplemented with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption as well as probiotics for healthy digestion. It also contains essential vitamins for balanced nutrition.

• Pros: Limited number of ingredients, real salmon as first ingredient, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, probiotics
• Cons: Could be higher in protein, main source of fat is plant-based (flaxseed)

Holistic Select Adult Health Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Food

If digestibility is the key to resolving your dog’s flatulence, a holistic recipe made from premium natural ingredients might be the way to go. This Holistic Select Adult Health Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Food is a great option because it contains all-natural ingredients like lamb meal, oatmeal, pumpkin, and cranberries in a nutrient-rich, highly-digestible recipe for dogs. It features lamb meal as a concentrated source of protein with digestible whole-grain carbohydrates like oatmeal and rice. You’ll find this recipe is full of fresh fruits and vegetables as well, which provide natural sources for key nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The recipe is also supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion as well as chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Plus, it’s full of natural flavor!

• Pros: Holistic natural recipe, whole-grain carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotic supplements, no artificial additives
• Cons: Not a grain-free recipe (some dogs may be sensitive)

Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb Dry Food

The closer your dog’s diet is to nature, the more digestible and nutritious it will be – both of these things are good for his digestion and for resolving flatulence. We recommend this Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb Dry Food because it is made with a limited number of high-quality ingredients in a grain-free, highly-digestible formula. It features real lamb as the main ingredient (and a single source of premium animal protein) with other natural ingredients like peas, fresh lamb, and coconut oil. This recipe consists of protein-rich kibble coated in a freeze-dried raw lamb coating for a boost of flavor and nutrition. It also contains beneficial supplements like chelated minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition that is easy for your dog’s body to absorb.

• Pros: Real lamb as main ingredient, rich in essential fatty acids, limited number of main ingredients, digestible whole food ingredients, chelated minerals, freeze-dried lamb coating
• Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, contains plant protein (pea protein)

Natural Balance LID Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula Dry Food

If you’re looking for a limited ingredient diet, the Natural Balance brand has a wide variety of options to choose from. We like this Natural Balance LID Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula Dry Food because it features a novel source of protein and digestible brown rice for energy-rich nutrition. This formula contains a limited number of high-quality ingredients to ensure digestibility with chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption. Here you’ll find a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with plenty of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. This recipe is full of natural flavor but doesn’t go overboard in fat or calories while meeting your dog’s needs for protein.

• Pros: Real lamb as the main ingredient, limited number of ingredients, blend of omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, highly digestible recipe
• Cons: Not a grain-free recipe (some dogs may be sensitive), first source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredient in dog food causes gas?

Technically, dogs can be allergic or sensitive to just about any ingredient in dog food and that can lead to problems with gas. The most common culprits for food allergies are food additives, common proteins, low-quality grains, and dairy products. If you’re not sure what your dog is reacting to, you might need to do an elimination diet until all signs of the problem have resolved then reintroduce potential problem ingredients one at a time until you identify the problem.

What breed of dogs fart the most?

Any dog can be affected by digestive issues leading to increased flatulence, but some dogs seem to be a little gassier than most. Some of the dog breeds most prone to gas problems include Mastiffs, Boxers, Pugs, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Pitbulls, Rottweilers, Boston Terriers, and Beagles. If your dog is a gassy breed but has suddenly developed worsening gas problems, you should talk to your veterinarian.

How do I get rid of my dog’s bad gas?

The best way to get rid of your dog’s gas is to improve his diet. If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from a food allergy, the first step is to switch to an elimination diet to identify the allergy or simply choose a high-quality, limited ingredient diet made with a novel source of protein and carbohydrate. If that doesn’t work, you may need to work with your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause of your dog’s gas – it could be a parasite infection, IBD, or another issue.

Why is my dog so gassy all of a sudden?

If your dog suddenly develops gas, it is almost certainly due to something he ate. Dogs have a habit of eating things they shouldn’t, so it may be that your dog got into the trash or ate some greasy table scraps that aren’t agreeing with him. Another possibility is that you recently made a change to your dog’s diet and he is having trouble adjusting. If you’re changing your dog’s food, it is important to make the transition slowly over the course of 7 to 10 days to make sure his body adjusts well.

What can I give my dog to help with gas?

The best thing you can give your dog to help with gas is a high-quality diet. Many dogs with bad gas have issues with digestion or the malabsorption of nutrients, so increasing the quality of your dog’s diet may help or switching to a limited ingredient diet could be a good move. You might also talk to your veterinarian about medications or supplements designed to reduce flatulence such as zinc acetate and Yucca schidigera.

Gassy Dog Food – RECAP

You should never skimp when it comes to the quality of your dog’s diet, but high-quality ingredients are even more important if you’re looking for a dog food to reduce flatulence. The higher the quality of your dog’s diet, the more digestible it will be which means less gas. That’s something both you and your dog will be happy for!

If you’re not sure where to look for the best dog food for gas problems, try one of the options we’ve reviewed above. Best of luck!