3 Common Reasons Your Dog Might Be Gassy

Let’s be honest—nobody loves being around a gassy dog. But while it’s unpleasant for you, it’s probably just as uncomfortable for your pup. The good news? Excess gas usually has a root cause. If you can figure out what’s behind the stink, you can help your dog feel better.

There are many potential reasons a dog might have flatulence issues, but most of them fall into four categories. Here’s what to look out for:

1. New Foods and Excess Treats

While some dogs have an iron gut, a dog’s digestive system doesn’t do well when introduced to new foods too quickly. Slowly transitioning a dog's diet is crucial to avoid digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive gas. A sudden switch of their diet or feeding too many treats at once can disrupt their digestive system, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating or foul-smelling gas. 

Ensuring that treats only make up 10% of their daily calories or gradually changing their food over 7 to 10 days allows their gut to adjust. This helps your dog’s gut microbiome to adapt to the new food, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues. A dog with an extra sensitive gut may need to transition slower than the typical 7-10 days. 

2. Diet-Related Triggers

One of the most common causes of gas in dogs comes from ingredients in their food. Some ingredients are harder to digest than others, and they can ferment in the gut—causing all kinds of issues, including flatulence. Every dog is different and some can more easily digest some common culprits while struggling with others. 

Here are a few dietary culprits to be aware of:

• Low quality ingredients – including fillers such as corn, wheat and soy or artificial preservatives can cause excess gas
• Table scraps – Dogs tend to have a harder time digesting table scraps, especially those higher in fat and sugar, leading to bloating and discomfort
• Certain vegetables – Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are healthy but are also gassy offenders
• Dairy – Many dogs have a hard time digesting lactose, so too much milk, cheese, and other dairy products can cause digestive upset
• Spices – Even small amounts of spicy food can irritate the stomach

And while high-fiber foods have their place, too much fiber from ingredients like beans or peas can also lead to more gas than you’d like.

3. Eating Habits

It’s not always the food itself—sometimes it’s how your dog eats. Dogs that eat too fast tend to swallow excess air, which leads to gas buildup. If your dog pants heavily while eating (especially after exercise) or seems to inhale meals rather than chew, that could be part of the problem.

Using a slow feeder or breaking meals into smaller portions can make a big difference.

4. Underlying Health Issues

Sometimes, gas is just a symptom of something deeper. Dogs with chronic digestive problems might be dealing with food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, or even intestinal parasites. If your dog is overweight or not very active, they are at a higher risk for chronic gas, regardless of their diet. If your dog’s gas is persistent and accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss, it could be a good idea to visit your vet.

What You Can Do

Start by keeping a food journal. Track what your dog eats, how quickly they eat, and when gas tends to be the worst. That can help you identify patterns and give your vet helpful info if it comes to that.

You might also consider switching to a food that’s designed for sensitive stomachs. A well-balanced, easily digestible food can make a big difference.

That’s why we created Nextrition. Our cold-pressed recipes are crafted with natural ingredients and no unnecessary fillers or byproducts—just whole foods that support healthy digestion and improve gut health. If your dog struggles with gas or digestive discomfort, we think you’ll find our recipes a welcome change.