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14 Best Dog Foods For Gassy Dogs

↯ Key takeaway points

  • Excessive farting in dogs can be a sign of a bigger problem.
  • Common causes of gas in dogs include eating human food, poor quality dog food, food intolerance, eating too fast, and eating non-food items.
  • When choosing dog food, consider age-appropriate and breed/size-appropriate options, natural ingredients, no filler ingredients, complete nutrition, taste, and positive reviews.
  • Excessive gas in dogs is normal, but if it is excessive or there is a significant change, contact a vet for guidance.
Written by Laura
Laura is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Gold medalist veterinary student from UVAS Lahore writes captivating articles and is passionate about animal care.
Published on
Tuesday 21 September 2021
Last updated on
Monday 6 November 2023
gassy dog, dog food
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All dogs should eat a healthy diet, but this becomes all the more important in dogs with gastrointestinal issues. The problem is, there are lots of different products out there that claim to be able to help. So, which ones are the real deal? Keep reading to find out what the best dog foods for gassy dogs are.

Whilst a little flatulence is normal, excessive farting in dogs can be a sign of a bigger problem. So what could those problems be and how do you know when it’s time to switch up their diet? Let’s take a look.

14 Best Dog Foods To Prevent Gas

This is our list of the 14 best dog foods for dogs with gas currently available to buy on Amazon.

1. Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Food For Dogs

This grain-free food for adult dogs by Taste Of The Wild is natural, nutritious, and easy to digest, perfect for preventing flatulence in dogs. The brand prides itself on using natural ingredients and real meat, with recipes that are both tasty and healthy for dogs. 

This particular food is full of protein-rich ingredients including bison, roast venison, and beef to support strong muscles. It also contains added vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables to support overall health. Plus, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin, bones, and coats.

The food is completely free from filler ingredients and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It’s available to buy in a 5 lb bag, 14 lb bag, and 28 lb bag and is suitable for all sizes and breeds. The brand states that all of its ingredients are sustainably sourced and all of its meat sources are humanely raised. Reviews highly recommend the product. 

Pros

  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Contains antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables
  • Has healthy fats

Cons

  • High protein can be bad for other dogs
  • The kibble size is small which can’t be good for large breeds

2. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Recipe

This adult food by Canidae is the ideal dog food for flatulence as it contains a simple recipe of only eight all-natural ingredients with no unnatural additives or fillers. It contains salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, canola oil, sun-cured alfalfa, and potatoes. It comes in 4 lb, 12 lb, and 24 lb bags and is suitable for all breeds.

The food is fortified after cooking with Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, to support dogs with extra sensitive tummies. Buyers seem to love the product as it barely has any negative reviews.

Pros

  • No fillers and artificial additives
  • Suitable for all breeds
  • Rich in omega fatty acids

Cons

  • Has a strong smell
  • It is pricy

3. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach

Purina’s sensitive skin and stomach formula food is ideal for adult dogs with allergies. It’s suitable for all breeds and comes in 5 lb, 16 lb, 30 lb, and 41 lb bags. It’s nutrient-rich with salmon as its very first listed ingredient. 

The food is fortified with live probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health. It also contains Omega-6 and is free from filler ingredients. All of Purina’s products are made in the USA. The brand is highly regarded and trusted among dog owners, and this food is no exception. Reviews praise its effectiveness with sensitive dogs. 

Pros

  • Great with dogs with allergies
  • Has no filler
  • Rich in omega-6

Cons

  • Has a strong fishy smell because of the flavor
  • The flavor can also cause bad breath

4. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science’s adult dog food for sensitive stomachs and skin utilizes beet pulp, a nourishing prebiotic fiber. It also contains vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and a lustrous coat. It comes in a 4 lb bag, 15.5 lb bag, and 30 lb bag and is suitable for dogs of all sizes.

The recipe is scientifically proven to improve digestive and skin health, and the product is highly recommended by vets. In reviews, buyers rave about the difference they have seen in their pets’ overall health and energy levels.

Pros

  • Contains prebiotic fiber
  • Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids
  • Promotes healthy digestion

Cons

  • Has a strong odor
  • A bit pricy

5. Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Adult Formula

Another Purina product, this crunchy dog kibble for adults is full of protein to support your furry friend’s strong muscles. The natural ingredients are fortified with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to give 100% complete, balanced nutrition. 

This includes a dual-defense antioxidant blend to nourish the coat and keep immune systems strong, with natural sources of glucosamine to support healthy joints too. It contains no filler ingredients and comes in bag sizes of 1.6 5 lbs and 31.1 lbs for different-sized dogs. Several reviewers call the food excellent value for money and say that their dogs love the taste of it. 

Pros

  • Complete nutrition
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Promotes healthy joints and hips

Cons

  • Some dogs doesn’t like the smell
  • Very small kibble size

6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

Blue Buffalo’s turkey and potato puppy food is the perfect stuff to kick off your new pup’s diet. It’s made with real turkey, peas, and pumpkin, and is fortified with LifeSource Bits; a special blend of essential vitamins and minerals chosen by vets and animal nutritionists, with antioxidants to support a strong immune system and developing bones. 

It also contains DHA to support cognitive development and renal function, and the small-sized bites are ideal for small mouths. The kibble itself is shaped to promote tartar removal and contribute to good oral health. It comes in a 4 lb bag, an 11 lb bag, and a 24 lb bag and is made for puppies. Reviews cannot praise the product highly enough and it is fantastic value for money. 

Pros

  • Contains DHA for cognitive development
  • The kibble size helps remove tartar
  • Improves immunity and bone health

Cons

  • Has a rough smell
  • Some bags arrived opened or taped

7. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Wellness’s salmon and potato dry dog food for adults is available to buy in a 24 lb bag and is made for dogs with food sensitivities. The recipe includes a single source of protein with easily digestible carbohydrates. It also contains natural probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids glucosamine and taurine.

It’s crafted to support whole-body health, including digestive, bone, coat, and skin health, as well as contributing to a strong immune system. The food contains no filler ingredients and reviews say the product is great for dogs of all kinds with food allergies.

Pros

  • Has single source of protein
  • Rich in probiotics, fatty acids, and antioxidants
  • Promotes joint and hip health

Cons

  • Some dogs do not like the flavor

8. American Journey Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Recipe

This dry food by American Journey is suitable for all adult dogs. It contains a salmon and sweet potato recipe with a single source of high-quality, a natural protein that makes up 25% of the ingredients. It also contains nourishing omega fatty acids from natural sources like flaxseed and sunflower oil. 

The food is available to buy in 12 lb and 24 lb bags and reviews claim the product has made a noticeable difference in their dog’s digestion. 

Pros

  • Rich in natural and healthy fats
  • Has single animal protein
  • Helps develop lean muscles

Cons

  • Kibbles are big for small breeds
  • Few bag size choices

9. Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy & Adult Dry Dog Food

Nulo’s Freestyle Limited+ dry dog food is suitable for puppies, adults, and senior dogs and comes in a 5.5 lb bag and 24 lb bag. The recipe lists salmon as the first ingredient and is low in carbohydrates. It’s rich in protein for healthy muscles and doesn’t contain any eggs, peas, pea protein, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.

It is also made in the USA and perfect for dogs of all ages and life stages with sensitive tummies. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with several buyers calling it the best dog food around. Buyers report seeing positive changes in their dog’s coats and digestion after eating this food. 

Pros

  • Low in carbohydrates
  • Suitable for all ages
  • High in protein

Cons

  • Can make your dog’s breath smell fishy
  • It is expensive

10. Instinct — Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food

This grain-free dry food for adult dogs by Instinct contains a limited ingredient formula with one protein source and one vegetable source. It is made with grass-fed lamb, an easily digestible protein that provides all of the essential amino acids your pooch needs to support their entire body. 

It doesn’t contain any grains, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives. The food comes in a 4 lb bag, an 11 lb bag, and a 20 lb bag. It comes highly recommended by buyers, with several reviews claiming it to be their dog’s favorite thing in the world. 

Pros

  • Contains essential amino acids
  • Made with grass-fed lamb
  • No artificial flavors and preservatives

Cons

  • Inconsistent kibble color
  • It is expensive

11. Zignature — Duck Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Zignature’s limited ingredient formula is made with a handful of clean ingredients, including duck from western France, its sole protein source. The recipe is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, creating a complete source of nutrition for your dog, and is free from common allergens such as corn and wheat. 

It’s available in a 4lb bag, a 12.5 lb bag, and a 25 lb bag and is suitable for all adult dogs. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive and a lot of buyers say that the tasty, natural recipe is successful with even the pickiest of eaters. 

Pros

  • Has single protein source
  • Rich in essential amino acids
  • Complete nutrition

Cons

  • High sodium content
  • Some dogs are having bad breath

12. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets

This dry dog food for adult dogs by Natural Balance contains real lamb, which lists as the first ingredient in the recipe, and brown rice which is a great source of fiber for dogs, promoting healthy digestion. 

It’s full of all of the essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that dogs need in their everyday lives to support healthy bones, muscles, fur, and skin. It comes in a 4 lb bag, a 12 lb bag, a 26 lb bag, and a 28 lb bag. Buyers love the product and say it works well for elimination diets. 

Pros

  • Packed with essential amino acids
  • Promotes healthy digestion
  • Supports muscles, bone, and skin.

Cons

  • It is pricy
  • Has a strong smell

13. Solid Gold – Grain Free & Gluten Free for Sensitive Stomachs – Holistic Adult Dry Dog Food

This dog food is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomach. It has a single source of protein which improves the development of lean muscles. This dog food is rich in probiotics and prebiotic fibers as well to promote healthy digestion. It also contains 20 superfoods which adds more nutrients to your dog’s meal.

Solid Gold is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are essential to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. It is free from artificial colors, BHT, BHA, and other chemicals found in some dog foods. This dog formula is also gluten-free.

Pros

  • Has no meat by-product
  • Contians monosaturated fats
  • Rich in phytonutrients

Cons

  • Some nutrients were removed as they changed the formula
  • Too big pouch

14. Holistic Select Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

This natural grain-free dog food provides optimum digestive health with the help of the right level of protein and live prebiotics and probiotics. It also has live yogurt cultures, natural fiber, and digestive enzymes that ensure that the food your dog eats are fully digested.

With its healthy fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon oil, your dog’s skin and coat are also taken care off. It also has glucosamine for hip and joint health. Moreover, it promotes healthy heart with the inclusion of taurine.

Pros

  • Aids in healthy digestion
  • Promotes healthy heart
  • Has added digestive enzymes

Cons

  • Has a strong smell
  • Inconsistent color
beneficial dog food for sensitive stomachs
Fillers can be the reason that triggers a dog’s sensitive stomach.

Dog Farts 

All dogs have gassy moments. However, it may be cause for concern when they have excessive gas or a dramatic change in the amount of gas they experience. This is most often a result of eating bad eating habits, a poor diet, or just eating things they shouldn’t!

That said, some dogs are naturally gassier than others. For example, dogs with flat faces like Pugs tend to pass more gas because they take in more air when they eat. Elderly dogs also tend to flatulate more as their digestive systems are slowing down. Gas collects in the stomach in two ways; swallowing air while eating and drinking and during digestion. Both can result in flatulence. However, if a dog’s diet is not compatible with its digestive system, it can cause excessive flatulence. 

To prevent excessive gas and keep your dog’s gastrointestinal system healthy, they should eat only high-quality kibble/dog food, natural sources of protein, and dog-safe fruits and vegetables. Tasty treats are to be enjoyed in moderation, and dogs should only drink water. Probiotic supplements are available for dogs with sensitive stomachs that need extra digestive help. Owners of gassy dogs with flatulence should also avoid commercial dog foods that contain filler ingredients such as grains and artificial additives. 

Dog farts are very similar to human farts – canine flatulence is caused by a buildup of gas in the intestinal tract and colon.

Common Causes of Gas in Dogs

These are the most common dietary causes of excessive gas in dogs. 

Human Food

Feeding dogs human food is the most common cause of excessive canine flatulence. Although humans and dogs can eat a lot of the same things, there are certain foods that are really only for human consumption. Specifically, peas, beans, dairy products, high-fat and spicy foods. Although they aren’t necessarily toxic to dogs, aren’t well-suited to them either.

Poor Quality Food

Dogs often experience excessive gas from eating dog foods that are low in quality. Although it seems counter-intuitive, a lot of commercial dog foods use so-called “filler” ingredients such as grains that are hard for them to digest. This is because they are much cheaper to manufacture than nutritious ingredients.

Many dogs who eat these foods won’t experience specific health problems due to them. But they will generally not be as healthy overall as they could be if they ate a better diet. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, however, these foods can be damaging and make them unwell and unhappy.

Food Intolerance

Dogs can also experience food intolerances that can cause gas. Common food allergies include gluten and certain proteins. If your dog is experiencing other food intolerance symptoms such as an upset stomach and dull coat, talk to your vet about doing a “food trial” to work out the problem. 

Eating Too Fast

Another possible cause of gas is eating too quickly. Some dogs, especially younger ones, eat far too quickly because they have not yet outgrown the puppyhood habit, or they are just greedy! Some dogs may also eat their food too quickly because they have trust issues. 

Not only is this a choking hazard, but it can cause uncomfortable and painful indigestion, flatulence, and in extreme cases, a deadly condition called bloat.

Owners of dogs that eat too quickly should invest in a slow-feeding bowl. Textured slow feeders cause pets to slow down during mealtimes, encouraging better eating habits and healthier digestion. They’re a lot of fun for dogs, too.

Eating Non-Foods

Another cause of excessive gas in dogs is eating things that aren’t food. Culprits are usually young puppies who are overly curious (and a bit naughty). Puppies will often eat things like dirt and sand that cause flatulence and upset stomachs. 

This is likely temporary and boredom-related, but if your dog does not grow out of it or an older dog starts to do it, you should take them to see a vet as it could be a sign of a nutritional imbalance. 

What To Look For In Dog Food

Food is one of the most important factors in a dog’s health that is within our control as owners. When shopping for new food for your dog, it is essential to take these factors into consideration. 

  • Age appriopriate food
  • Breed/size-appropriate food
  • Natural ingredients 
  • No filler ingredients
  • 100% complete nutrition
  • Tasty to eat 
  • Positive reviews

Some other factors owners may want to consider include:

  • Cost
  • Bag size
  • Ethically sourced ingredients
  • Manufacturing location
sensitive stomach dogs
Some breeds have sensitive stomachs and would get diarrhea or fart a lot if fed the wrong type of food.

Food For Dogs With Gas – FAQ

Why does my dog suddenly have bad gas?

Dogs most commonly develop excessive gas from eating a poor quality diet or eating too quickly. They can also experience food intolerances that cause flatulence. Puppies also often get upset stomachs and gas from eating things they shouldn’t like mud and grass.

What foods make dogs fart?

Foods such as peas, beans, dairy products, high-fat and spicy foods that are meant for human consumption are not great for dogs. Although they aren’t necessarily toxic to dogs, they aren’t well-suited to them either and can cause excess flatulence and stomach upsets. So, it’s best to avoid them!

Dogs also experience excessive gas from eating commercial dog foods that contain low-quality “filler” ingredients such as grains that are hard to digest.

Should I be worried if my dog farts a lot?

Flatulence in dogs is completely normal. Some dogs also fart more than others. For example, dogs with flat faces tend to pass gas more than others because they take in more air when they eat. Elderly dogs also tend to flatulate more as their digestive system slows down. 

However, if you think your dog’s gas is excessive or you notice a significant change in the frequency of their flatulence, it’s best to contact your vet to be on the safe side.

Do dogs fart when stressed?

Stress can cause stomach upsets and more gas than usual, as it accelerates bodily functions, but if you can’t identify a reason for your dog to be stressed, don’t panic. It’s far more likely to be diet-related. 

However, if you think your dog is stressed, try to eliminate the cause or associate it with something positive if it’s fear-related. Adequate exercise, a firm daily routine, lots of fun, love, and some relaxing cuddles will also help. There are also commercial herbal supplements and plug-in products out there for alleviating anxiety in dogs.

Those are our 12 best foods for gassy dogs! Remember, if your dog is experiencing excessive gas, speak to your vet before making any drastic changes to their diet. 

One comment on “14 Best Dog Foods For Gassy Dogs”

  1. Pam Barrineau

    Help to prevent smelly gas in dogs. What are best food to prevent?

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