All dogs tend to get gassy every now and then, but too much gas can be annoying for both dogs and owners. A bit of gas or flatulence in puppies and adult dogs is usually normal; it simply means that the food is not getting broken down and digested properly.
Naturally, excess gas could indicate an underlying health issue; so it is best to speak to a vet if it is a matter of concern. Some foods can also lead to gas particularly if your pet is allergic to them. Your vet can give you a list of foods to avoid in case your pet suffers from chronic flatulence. Thankfully, a few dog food brands have come up with dry and wet foods that are known to be easy on the stomach and could prevent acid reflux, and flatulence. These can be fed to dogs with sensitive stomach and coat, skin allergies, chronic diarrhea, and acid reflux.
So in this guide, we will discuss the best food for gassy puppies and adult dogs. Before we move on to the best dog food for flatulence, here are some tips to prevent gas, diarrhea, and acid reflux in dogs and also the best food to feed your dog when he has an upset stomach.
Tips to prevent gas and flatulence
Overhaul their diet
Check if your dog food contains soybean. This ingredient can produce gas and tends to be difficult to digest, particularly if your pet has a sensitive stomach. As soon as possible, switch to food without soybean if your pet is producing more wind than normal. Changing to a brand with little or no soy can drastically reduce flatulence in dogs. Also avoid foods with wheat, corn, and gluten.
Give the new food some time
Diets take time to show results. So, do give the new food some time to take effect. Sometimes, you have to continue with the same food for weeks or months until your dog starts showing improvement. It is always a good idea to make changes slowly: any new diet must be added in small quantities until your dog adjusts to it. You must not switch to the new food right away but do so in small steps.
Avoid certain gassy foods
Certain foods like milk, cauliflower, cheese, and broccoli are acceptable to feed to dogs but they can still lead to gas or flatulence. Try cutting back or completely avoiding these foods. See if that improves the situation.
Try a different protein
Sometimes, changing the type of protein or cutting back on the amount of protein can also help. So, for example, if your pet gets a beef-based food, you could switch to a lamb or chicken-based one to see if it eases the symptoms.
Increase fiber in the diet
Look for food with more fiber as that will prevent constipation and can help add roughage. This will aid in better digestion and bowel elimination. Some vets recommend adding Metamucil to the diet but not many dogs like that. Foods like pumpkins, green beans, and carrots can also add fiber to the diet. Be careful though; too much fiber can cause diarrhea.
Add good bacteria to your dog’s gut
Good bacteria in the intestines prevent infections, fight diarrhea-causing bacteria, and also improve your dog’s immunity and digestion. Try feeding your dog some probiotic foods like plain yogurt and buttermilk. This could reduce flatulence.
Apart from dietary changes, make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise and also eats and chews his food slowly. These things can also prevent gas and flatulence. If needed, speak to your vet about adding a digestive enzyme supplement that contains ingredients that prevent gas formation.
What is the best food to feed a dog having an upset stomach?
When your dog gets sick due to something he ate, he might vomit, have loose/ runny /watery stools, might refuse food, and could appear lethargic. It is best to avoid feeding him anything for a few hours. When he shows some interest in food, you can feed him a bit of chicken broth, or plain rice with broth, crackers, plain yogurt mixed with some water, and bananas. If your dog vomits again, it is best to take him to a vet. Watch out for other signs like fever, dry nose, bloody stools, and confusion. If these signs are present, take him to the vet right away.
Let us discuss some of the best brands of dog foods for a gassy puppy or adult dog.
Best dog foods for sensitive stomach and gas
Eukanuba Low Residue Dog Food (now called IAMS Plus Veterinary formula intestinal low-residue dog food)
Eukanuba/IAMS is a vet-recommended brand for dogs having gastrointestinal issues. It is specifically recommended for dogs who suffer chronically from vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea, and other skin allergies or digestion issues. This low-residue food is also beneficial for dogs recovering from surgery, parvovirus, bloat and other diseases. It consists of chicken, turkey, dried eggs, beet pulp, brewer’s yeast, and fish oil. Eukanuba low residue food is available in the form of dry and wet food for adults and as dry kibble for gassy puppies.
Wellness Simple limited ingredient dog food
Wellness Simple makes a range of dog foods that are grain-free and contain limited ingredients. This dog food contains a single protein source and many vets and nutritionists recommend it for preventing skin allergies, gas, diarrhea, and other canine gastrointestinal issues. It contains high-quality salmon, potato, and flaxseeds, and is devoid of grains, wheat, and gluten. The easy-to-digest food also contains prebiotics and probiotics. Their duck and oatmeal formula comes in the wet or canned form and can be added to your dog’s kibble if he likes wet food.
Hills’ Science diet sensitive skin and digestion
A gassy dog deserves good food that will provide him with all the nourishment he needs without harming his sensitive tummy. Hills science diet is a vet-approved dog food brand that uses premium, science-backed nutrients. They make a range of dog foods, wet and dry, for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach. You can try their Skin Support Duck and Potato formula, or their Chicken recipe (for medium, small, or large breeds), and even their wet Canine Venison formula. Besides these, they also carry a salmon recipe in wet food, grain-free dry dog food, turkey and rice stew, and joint care as well as metabolic and mobility care dry dog foods.
Purina Pro Plan – Best dog food for acid reflux in dogs
Dogs with acid reflux should not eat wheat, corn, and soy as these ingredients can lead to acid reflux and other digestive problems. They also need prebiotics to enhance digestion. Purina Pro Plan contains rice, oatmeal, and salmon. These are easy on the stomach and also provide your dog with the energy they need. Omegas 3 and 6 make their coats softer and shinier. Purina also makes wet food for sensitive tummies and for dogs with acid reflux.
Natural Balance grain-free food
Another brand that has received rave reviews as far as the best dog food for flatulence is concerned is the grain-free varieties of food from Natural Balance®. Natural Balance® makes combinations of grain-free foods with sweet potatoes, duck, salmon, etc. The food is devoid of corn, soy, and wheat. There are also no preservatives, dyes, or flavors in these foods.
Conclusion
Just as doctors and dieticians cannot agree on what foods are the best for humans, not everyone agrees on what food is best for a dog with stomach sensitivity. And few topics can get dog owners embroiled in an argument like what to feed dogs. From pet parents who feed canned or dry dog food to the ones that feed the BARF or bones and raw food diets; all love their dogs and have their best interest at heart. You know your dog best and what he likes and dislikes, what he needs, and how he feels. So feed him accordingly.
