does salmon dog food cause gas
6 Things That Give Your Pet Gas
Low-quality ingredients or diets made with lots of fermentable fiber tend to cause a lot of pet gas. Any ingredient that isnt absorbed in the small intestine will make its way into the large intestine, which is home to masses of bacteria that use this material as food and produce gas as byproduct. Cutting back on the amount of food these bacteria receive will reduce the amount of gas that is produced.
Look at the ingredients used to make your pets food. A high-quality diet will have one or more animal-based protein sources (meat, fish or eggs) at the top of the ingredient list, and most of the ingredients should sound like something youd eat. Avoid diets that contain a lot of fermentable fiber including chicory, inulin, fructooligosacharides, pectins, psyllium, plant gums, oats, barley, beet pulp, fruits and legumes.
Additionally, some pet foods are designed to be highly digestible, which by definition means that less material will make it to the large intestine. Look for the words highly digestible or low residue on the label. If you cant find an appropriate diet at the pet supply store, talk to your veterinarian about products that are available by prescription only.
Managing Your Dog's Farts & Gas Problems
There are a million jokes that can be made about dog farting, but if you have a pet who is an excessive farter, the smell or sound might be wreaking havoc on your personal life. Plus, in some instances, the answer behind what makes dogs fart such foul-smelling gas could be that their health needs attention.
Or, quite simply, your dog might just be a super-farter who doesn't mind stinking you out. Hey, we all have our special talents; this just might be theirs.
If you've ever noticed that your dog farts a lot, or have had to deal with the embarrassment of it happening when you have guests over, then this guide is for you. Here's how you can determine what may be causing the noxious smells and whether or not the gas warrants a prompt visit to the veterinarian.
What Makes Dogs Fart?
There are many reasons why your dog may be extra flatulent. Some common reasons include changing their food, gastrointestinal illness and nutritional disturbances, such as a food allergy.
Another cause can be the type, quality and quantity of ingredients in your dog's food as they influence the amount of gas formed in the intestine. When bacteria in the colon ferment fiber or poorly digested proteins and carbohydrates, gas is produced. Pet food containing oligosaccharides (found in ingredients such as soybeans, beans, chic peas and lentils) tend to produce large amounts of gas in the intestine since dogs lack the digestive enzymes needed to breakdown these complex carbohydrates.
However, there are other, less common, reasons your dog might be stink-bombing your family. Does your pooch eat too fast? The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports, "It is widely believed that aerophagia, or increased swallowing of air, can lead to gas in dogs. Greedy eaters that wolf down their food and brachycephalic breeds are at an increased risk of swallowing more air than normal, which can lead to gas down the line, so to speak."
But, Seriously. My Dog Farts A LOT.
Passing gas is as normal for dogs as it is for humans. However, it's important to pay attention if you're noticing a significant increase in your dog's flatulence.
What you may view as "too many farts" could be an indication that your pet is experiencing gastrointestinal issues that need resolving. Additionally, farting could be a sign of intestinal parasites and problems with the pancreas, says the AKC.
Any major change in a pet, even if it seems as silly as farting, warrants a trip to the veterinarian to ensure they aren't experiencing a serious problem. If gas is accompanied by poor appetite, diarrhea, vomiting and behavior changes, it's definitely a good idea to give your vet a call.
How to Stop the Farting
If you think your dog farts a lot and are wondering how to reduce it to a more appropriate amount you're in luck. If you and your veterinarian are able to identify the cause of the excess gas, you might be able to reduce some of the farting. For example, if you feed your dog slices of cheese as a treat, but your veterinarian determines your pet is sensitive to dairy, simply eliminating it from their meal plan can drastically decrease their flatulence.
However, just as you can't control another human's gas passing, you can't completely control your pet's either; though, what they eat could offer your nose a little relief. Dog foods that contain high levels of protein or poorly digested proteins often produce more odorous farts. Ingredients such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can also be fermented and produce sulfur containing gases that lead to smelly farts.
Importance of Nutrition and Its Role in a Dog's Flatulence
Speaking of what your dog eats, their every day nutrition plays a huge role in their digestive health that, in turn, impacts how much gas they might be passing. Certain dog foods that contain high levels of protein or poorly digested protein often produce more odorous farts. Intestinal bacteria can ferment undigested proteins and produce sulfur containing gases. Ingredients such as onions, nuts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can also be fermented and produce sulfur containing gases.
A properly balanced dog food with the right nutrients can help promote healthier digestion. Be sure to ask your veterinarian for some recommendations on a healthy dog food. Additionally, for dogs that have more sensitive stomachs or other diseases that cause poor digestion or absorption of nutrients that are often associated with bloating and flatulence, there are dog foods specially formulated to support your dog's GI tract health. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if one of these therapeutic pet foods is a good option.
Now that you know what makes dogs fart, you can hopefully put an end to at least some of the stink bombs in your house! Take a closer look at your pup's food and see if there is anything that might be putting their digestive system out of whack. And remember, a quick visit to the vet can always help you determine how to proceed in the best interest of your pet's health.
Contributor Bio
Erin Ollila
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can informand even transformits intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
The 13 Best Dog Foods To Prevent Gas in 2023
This updated guide lists all of the best dog foods to prevent gas in dogs.
All of these dog foods are selected using my 40 point inspection list considering factors such as: research, customer reviews, ingredient analysis and more..
Below are my top 5 picks. But youll find more options later in the post.
The Best Dog Foods To Prevent Gas
Top Picks | Rating | Top Ingredients |
---|---|---|
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food(Editors Choice) | 4.9 | Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal |
2. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food | 4.8 | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal |
3. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food | 4.8 | Salmon, Barley, Ground Rice |
4. Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food | 4.5 | Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal |
5. Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Adult Formula Dry Dog Food | 4.5 | Salmon, Rice Flour, Pearled Barley |
How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick
Dog Foods To Prevent Gas Reviewed
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 18%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Buffalo, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas
Packed with premium animal protein, Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food is one of the best options to help gassy dogs. This animal-based protein is extracted from venison, bison, boar, lamb, salmon, and wildfowl. With exceptional protein to fat ratio, this dog food has an excellent nutrient profile and is rich in essential omega acids. Highly Recommended!
2. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 32%, Fat (min.) 18%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Salmon Meal, 3. Menhaden Fish Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas
Rich in salmon protein, CANIDAE Grain-Free Dog Food will help your dog help prevent gas and stomach issues. Eliminating all fillers and unnecessary ingredients, this limited ingredient recipe only uses 8 key ingredients and has an excellent nutrient profile with high levels of protein. Easy to digest, this Canidae recipe also tastes delicious and there are no wheat, soy, gluten, corn or grains. Highly Recommended!
3. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 16%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 12%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Barley, 3. Ground Rice, 4. Canola Meal, 5. Oat Meal
The Purina Pro Plans Focus is one of my top dog food picks for flatulence. With salmon as the no.1 ingredient, this highly digestible recipe is a nutrition powerhouse, tastes great and is an excellent source of protein to get your pooch through the day! With a healthy dose of prebiotic fiber, this dog food is great for nearly every dog. The recipe does not contain soy, corn or wheat which is a plus because these are some of common ingredient that cause flatulence. The pro plan focus dog food promotes your dogs immune system and also contain antioxidants.
4. Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 21%, Fat (min.) 12%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Brewers Rice, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Yellow Peas, 5. Cracked Pearled Barley
This Hills Science Diet Dog Food Recipe is another great option for dogs with gas problems. Whats excellent about this dog food is that it does not contains colors, artificial flavoring, or preservatives These are usually the stuff responsible for stomach issues and gas issues in dogs. As you can see from the top 5 ingredients above, the main ingredient in this recipe is chicken and chicken meal that promotes lean muscle mass. This formula also helps improves gut health as it has plenty of adequate probiotic fiber to offer.
5. Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Adult Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 16%, Fiber (max.) 3%, Moisture (max.) 12%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Rice Flour, 3. Pearled Barley, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Corn Gluten Meal
With salmon as the primary ingredient followed by oatmeal, rice, and other high-quality ingredients, this diet by Purina One is perfect easy-to-digest nutrition for your sensitive dog. Each ingredient in this meal is carefully picked for sensitive stomachs without any artificial preservatives or fillers. The high-protein crunchy kibble has a taste that dogs would love, making the transition to this healthier food easier. This recipe offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition to support great joints, heart health, and overall body health.
6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Recipe Puppy Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 15%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Oatmeal, 4. Peas, 5. Brown Rice
This limited-ingredient turkey and potato recipe is perfectly formulated to minimize food-related sensitivities in pups without compromising the nutritional value of the diet. The high-quality list of ingredients supports mobility and joint function during your dogs growing age while maintaining a healthy immune system. This diet is rich in all the essential nutrients including vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, calcium, glucosamine, and phosphorus to support your dogs overall well-being, health, and growth.
7. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 25%, Fat (min.) 12%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 11%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Salmon Meal, 3. Potatoes, 4. Peas, 5. Dried Ground Potatoes
Suitable for sensitive digestion of adult dogs, this grain-free formula also contains limited ingredients to offer only the best nutrition to your dog that wouldnt trigger gas or related stomach problems. Every ingredient the recipe contains is carefully picked to fulfill a purpose, especially keeping dogs food sensitivities in mind. The short list of ingredients is absolutely complete in terms of nutrition and nourishment it offers large dogs. Free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors, this simple formula is absolutely healthy and delicious for your beloved sensitive dog.
8. American Journey Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 25%, Fat (min.) 12%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Salmon, 2. Salmon Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Starch, 5. Sweet Potatoes
This grain-free, limited-ingredient diet is loaded with wholesome nutrition your dog requires. The recipe includes salmon and sweet potatoes as basic ingredients, giving the dry dog food the delicious flavor that makes it the favorite of most dogs. The rich flavors also include digestible carbs to make the crunchy kibble perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. Give your dog a complete meal formulated with carefully selected premium ingredients that are perfect to fuel your dogs system.
9. Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Puppy & Adult Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 30%, Fat (min.) 18%, Fiber (max.) 5.5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Salmon, 2. Salmon Meal, 3. Chickpeas, 4. Chickpea Flour, 5. Sweet Potatoes
Suitable for both puppies and adults, this lip-smacking goodness is the perfect diet to serve your sensitive furry friend. The crunchy kibble features limited-ingredient nutrition that ideally serves your poochs nutritional requirements. The recipe is also grain-free, so you can rest assured that your dog isnt consuming any grains that could lead to gas or other stomach problems. With salmon as the primary protein, the diet is a great source to support lean muscle and overall great health.
10. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 24%, Fat (min.) 21.5%, Fiber (max.) 3.5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb Meal, 2. Lamb, 3. Tapioca, 4. Peas, 5. Canola Oil
Rich in guaranteed levels of antioxidants and natural omegas, the diet isnt only a great source to keep your dogs coat and skin in the best shape, but it is also one of the best recipes for dogs with sensitive digestion. The recipe has limited ingredients with no wheat or soy. It is both grain and gluten-free to keep up with your dogs health. Inspired with the simplicity of raw nutrition, the recipe is prepared using the finest ingredients to maintain premium quality.
11. Zignature Duck Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 30%, Fat (min.) 15%, Fiber (max.) 4.5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Duck, 2. Duck Meal, 3. Chickpeas, 4. Peas, 5. Sunflower Oil
Serve nothing but wholesome goodness to your precious furry friend with this Zignature Duck limited-ingredient recipe. The special grain-free formula makes excellent dry food for your sensitive dogs. Avoid gas problems and other stomach issues with a meal prepared with a wholesome protein source, peas, chickpeas, and flaxseeds. Free from all potential canine allergens, this one makes a well-rounded recipe that perfectly fulfills their nutritional requirements.
12. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Lamb & Brown Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 23%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Lamb Meal, 4. Brewers Rice, 5 Rice Bran
Fill your beloved fellas bowl with the goodness of real lamb and other high-quality ingredients with this meal. Suitable for sensitive dogs, this limited ingredient diet is based on real lamb as the primary component followed by other carefully picked ingredients to offer a complete and balanced diet to your sensitive pooch. The recipe is rich in essential amino acids, making it a great pick to promote healthy digestion.
13. Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Formula Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 25%, Fat (min.) 13%, Fiber (max.) 3%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Potatoes, 2. Egg Product, 3. Potato Protein, 4. Tomato Pomace, 5. Chicken Fat
This particular diet has all the features that make it ideal for a sensitive dog. The limited-ingredient recipe is also gluten-free and supports sensitive digestion. The specially-formulated kibble includes alternate carbohydrate sources and egg protein to make digestion easy. The formula is enhanced with minerals, vitamins, and omegas to provide complete nutrition and a balanced diet to adult dogs. The sensitive stomach formula by Diamond Care is nutrient-rich and supports digestive and overall immune health.
14. Daves Pet Food Simply The Best Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.) 27%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 2.5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Rice Flour, 4. Dried Egg Product, 5. Rice Bran
Gas is a very common problem in dogs that can quickly escalate if you continue to give them the wrong diet. Switch to Daves Simply The Best diet and supply all the natural nutrients your dog requires without causing digestion problems. The recipe includes various digestible meat protein and makes your dog feel satiated every time he gobbles down his meal. Rich in natural vitamin and chelated minerals, this ones a great food option to help reduce your dogs gas as well as waste.
Related:
Best Dog Foods To Prevent Gas ::: Buyers Guide
Being gassy is never pleasant. And when it happens to dogs, it could be worst. A few farts here and there is not a matter of concern but when it becomes too regular, it can be a sign of an underlying health problem.
So before you switch to the best dog foods to prevent gas and support healthy digestion, here are some things you need to know.
What Causes Flatulence in Dogs
Just like human beings, flatulence is often associated with something you ate or a gastrointestinal problem. In most cases, gas in dogs is not serious and would get better on its own. But if it becomes too regular and starts affecting your dogs eating habits and overall health, thats when you need to pay attention to what youre feeding your furry buddy.
According to vets, diet is the number.1 cause of flatulence in dogs. Foods that contain high-fiber carbs or grains can lead to difficulty in digestion, which causes gas. Some sensitive dogs may even react to food with heavy meat content and can end up producing foul-smelling gas. Often, chronic gas problems in dogs are associated with food sensitivities and allergies.
Other reasons why your dog may be experiencing a lot of flatulence are:
- Foods with hard-to-digest ingredients
- Poor quality diet
- Eating spoiled food
- Sudden change in the diet
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Eating food too fast
- Food with high fat content
- Spicy food
- Intestinal parasites
- Small intestinal bacterial growth (SIBO)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Figure out the reason to treat your gassy dog accordingly.
Best Ways to Reduce Gas in Dogs
First and foremost, you must identify the main cause behind your dogs flatulence to be able to deal with it. Diagnosing the problem will not only help you reduce gas, but will also help you pay attention to their overall wellbeing.
Here are some things you should consider when treating flatulence in dogs:
- Change your dogs diet to food options for sensitive digestion with wholesome and highly digestible ingredients
- Reduce both fat and fiber content from your dogs diet
- Readjust the meal size and mealtime
- Consider flatulence-reducing supplements (after a recommendation from a vet)
- Avoid feeding your dog table scraps
- Avoid high meat treats for your dogs
- Use a slow feed bowl to reduce the amount of air your dog swallows
You can pick a suitable, highly-digestible food from the list weve shared to help prevent gas and other gastrointestinal problems in your dog.
FAQs :::
1. What kind of food should I feed my dog with a flatulence problem?
Choose food thats easily digestible in its whole form. Look for meals with more whole-food and fresh ingredients instead of high-fat and high-fiber food.
2. Can I feed carbs to my sensitive dog?
Stick to digestible carbohydrates if your dog has trouble digesting high-fiber carbs. Recipes that do not include hard grains like wheat and corn and is also a low-glycemic option is better to feed a sensitive dog.
3. What ingredients cause gas?
If your dog is sensitive, it can be allergic to a number of ingredients commonly found in dog food. The common culprits are food additives, low-quality grains, common sources of protein, and most dairy products. If youre trying to figure out what food is causing gas, you might have to start an elimination diet until the problem resolves.
4. Whats the best way to treat my gassy dog?
The best way is to improve your dogs diet. If you suspect any food-related allergies, switch to an elimination diet and pick a high-quality diet instead. It is best to stick to a limited-ingredient recipe made from novel sources of protein.
5. Can natural remedies help my gassy dog?
Some natural digestives like yogurt, ginger, and edible peppermint oil can benefit dogs with gas problem. However, it is highly recommended that you seek assistance from a vet before trying out natural remedies.
Resources:
akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-stop-dog-farts
pets.webmd.com/dogs/flatulence-dogs
petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_multi_flatulence