While chronic gas or flatulence in dogs can sometimes be caused by an underlying health condition, a poorly digested diet is often the cause – with some foods contributing to the problem more so than others! In today’s post we’ll be looking at 10 foods that give dogs gas as well as 7 tips for overcoming it. Read on to find out more!
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Beans and legumes (incl. soybeans and peas) are notoriously difficult for dogs to digest and often cause gas. This is because dogs lack the digestive enzymes to effectively break down the sugar and fiber molecules that beans/legumes contain. These molecules inevitably end up in the large intestine where they are fermented by bacteria, which creates gas.
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Another leading contributor of gas in dogs is dairy. While some dogs can handle dairy products in small quantities, many are lactose intolerant and have difficulty digesting it.
Subsequently, when a pet with lactose intolerance eats food containing a lot of lactose, the sugar isn’t absorbed and travels to the large intestine where bacteria break it down, resulting in gas.
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These types of foods tend to contain a lot of indigestible carb “fillers” like wheat, corn, beet pulp, oat bran and soy, which in turn, cause gas. Many also contain food additives, animal by-products and artificial preservatives which can also be dangerous.
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Meat, especially red meat, contains a lot of sulfur, some of which will make its way into your dog’s large intestine. When gut bacteria get to work on sulfur, the gasses they produce can be truly foul! If your dog eats a lot of red meat and suffers from particularly smelly farts, consider reducing the amount of red meat that they are eating or substitute it for a different protein source.
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Like legumes, many fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs (in moderation) are also high in fermentable fiber (and indigestible carbs), making them difficult for dogs to digest in large quantities. Common gas-producing fruit and veg examples include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, apples, plums, and citrus.
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High-fat diets and treats (including deli meats) aren’t easily digested by dogs and can often cause digestive upset, including gas. Many high-fat diets also contain a lot of sodium, added flavors, and preservatives which can also be detrimental to your dog’s health.
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Spicy foods are a definite no-no when it comes to dogs. Not only are they difficult for dogs to digest, many spicy food ingredients (i.e., chilli, garlic, bay leaves, cloves, curry, nutmeg, onion powder and paprika) are also highly toxic to dogs.
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Just as spoiled food can make us sick, it can also make your dog sick, and often wreaks havoc on their digestive system.
Allowing your dog to raid the trash is another no-no, and often leads to gastric upset, including gas. Not to mention, it’s dangerous!
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Like garbage, table scraps can be just as bad for your dog’s digestive system. Unless it’s an ingredient that readily features in their dish at mealtimes, it’s best to avoid table scraps altogether.
Finally, switching your dog’s food too quickly can also give them tummy troubles, including gas. When switching your dog’s food always transition them gradually over a period of 5-7 days, adding a little of the new food each day while reducing the old.
For food-related gas, most dogs respond well to dietary and lifestyle changes and will benefit from a good-quality, well-balanced diet that allows for easy digestion. If your dog suffers from food-related gas, try the following;
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