Does your dog have a superpower?
A power that can clear a room full of people?
Some dogs can…simply by passing gas.
You might find it hilarious at first.
But then it happens again and again.
It’s not exactly fun.
It makes you wonder what food causes this.
Read on to learn:
- 9 foods that cause a gassy stomach.
- What foods to feed your dogs instead.
- Some ways to help your dog when they are full of gas.
- And many more…
Table of contents
What are the foods that give your dog gas?
The foods that give your dog gas can be milk or any dairy products, table scraps, spoiled dog food, and too much dog treats. Even healthful options like beans, broccoli, corn, and other high-fat foods can cause your dog to pass gas more frequently.
9 foods that give dogs gas
#1: Dog treats
“But hooman, I love my treats.”
Dog treats are a dog’s favorite.
You might be giving your dog some treats for their good behavior.
Some hoomans also give treats to show love for their dogs.
But too much loving can be unhealthy for your pooch too.
There is only one rule when it comes to dog treats. Remember to keep it to only 10% of their total caloric intake.
“Why?”
Because most treats contain a lot of sugar and are high in fat.
These are what make dog treats extra special for your dog’s taste buds.
But these ingredients are the same culprits for your dog’s gassy stomach.
So if you want to breathe in less of your dog’s wind, you might also want to slow down on giving them their favorite treats.
#2: Milk and dairy
Most dogs enjoy licking ice cream or eating cheese.
You might find it fun watching your pooch enjoy these human foods.
Until they start releasing smelly gas…
“Should I stop feeding these to my dog?”
Small portions of milk and dairy are not harmful to your dog. But this isn’t the case if they’re lactose intolerant.
Check these symptoms to know if milk and dairy are a big NO for your dog.
- Bloating.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Itchiness.
- Flatulence.
- Tummy pains.
“What causes lactose intolerance in dogs?”
Pups produce less lactase after weaning. Lactase is an enzyme that digests lactose.
The level of lactose intolerance varies for every dog:
But if your dog shows the symptoms above, it might be time to say goodbye to milk and dairy.
And probably…
You’ll be able to say goodbye to the *toot* sound from your dog too.
#3: Table scraps
Whether you do it to share your food with your dog, or to not let your food go to waste…
Feeding your pooch table scrap is a big no-no.
While many dog owners will say it’s safe to do so, you can never be sure.
“But I’ve been doing it for years…”
Your fur baby doesn’t need this experiment.
And you don’t need the flatulence and accidental toilet accidents either.
Table scraps can be a deadly combo of healthy and toxic foods.
From onions, garlic, and chocolates. You never know what was really on the table.
Not everything safe for humans is good for dogs too. Even if they seem to enjoy it.
This is especially true for processed and takeaway foods.
You don’t know if these foods have ingredients that may give gas to your dog.
#4: Beans
Black beans, kidney beans, lima beans, soybeans.
You can name all of them.
All types of beans can give gas to your dog.
“Have you ever eaten beans? And felt the need to pass gas more often?”
The same goes for your dog.
Beans contain a carbohydrate that is not easily digestible.
But don’t worry if this is your dog’s favorite food.
Experts suggest a way for your dog to enjoy beans. Without you having to fear frequent bad winds.
Jan Dempsey, a senior nutritionist from Purina, said that beans should be prepared as to how humans would prefer to eat it.
Beans should be soaked in water then cooked.
This will help your dog to digest beans more easily.
“Will cooked beans stop giving my dog gas completely?”
The answer is no.
But cooked beans will help lessen flatulence. This means a win-win situation for you and your dog.
They get to eat beans. While the chance of you breathing in their smelly air also lowers.
#5: Broccoli
Your dog might be used to giving you company while you cook.
And you may occasionally feed them with raw veggies like broccoli.
It’s good for you, and your pooch seems to love it too.
But broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable.
“What does it mean for your dog?”
Cruciferous veggies form small molecules called Isothiocyanate.
These molecules can irritate your dog’s digestive system. But of course, only when eaten too much.
Eating broccoli is non-arguably good for your dog’s health.
But it should be consumed in moderation.
Just like any other fruit and veggies, broccoli is considered a treat.
Therefore, it should only be less than 10% of the total food intake.
Consuming more portions of broccoli will only cause a gassy belly for your dog.
Here are other examples of cruciferous vegetables.
- Kale.
- Cabbage.
- Bok Choy.
- Cauliflower.
- Brussels Sprout.
If some of these are your dog’s favorite, it’s time to feed them smaller portions.
#6: Spicy foods
People may enjoy the additional kick of sriracha and chili flakes.
But your dog won’t.
Just like in humans, spicy foods may cause swelling on the intestines that lead to bloating.
Dogs most likely will find the odd smell of spices interesting.
“Will you put that food in my mouth, hooman?”
And with your dog’s cute eyes and little cries…
You might be tempted to say yes. And start feeding your dog.
But if you want your dog to get rid of a tummy filled with gas, control the urge to feed them with spicy food.
If you want to share your food with your pooch, here are your best options.
- Eggs.
- Honey.
- Peanuts.
- Wheat/Grains.
- Peanut Butter.
#7: Corn
Corn contains vitamins and minerals which can be good for you and your dog.
It can be a healthful snack the two of you can share.
Corn, however, is hard to digest in a human stomach.
Now, imagine your dog digesting the same thing.
Kind of worrying, right?
No matter how small the pieces are, corn still enters our system undigested.
You can’t also give your dog a whole cob of corn. This will only cause bigger digestive concerns.
But you can opt to feed them popcorn instead.
Unsalted and unbuttered popcorn can be a good alternative as your dog’s snack.
No need to worry about indigestion and unwanted smelly gas.
#8: High-fat foods
High-fat foods are an important part of a dog’s well-balanced diet.
According to PetMD, 10-15% of fat is needed to maintain good health for dogs.
The usual high-fat food sources are pork fat, poultry fat, and vegetable oils.
“When does it become harmful for dogs?”
The answer is when it is too much.
High-fat foods slow down digestion.
And when your dog’s tummy works hard to digest, gas will be trapped in their stomach.
#9: Expired dog food
Yes, dog food expires too.
If your dog eats spoiled dog food, prepare a gas mask for yourself.
Expired food causes flatulence and other digestive problems.
If you don’t want to deal with these, always check the expiration date on the bag.
“I already threw the bag away!”
Don’t worry. You can always tell.
Below are some obvious signs that the dog food is spoiled.
- Signs of molds.
- Food has moisture.
- Odor becomes unfamiliar.
- Noticeable changes in color.
To enlighten you whether it’s okay to feed them old dog food…
There is a huge difference between the expiration date and the best before date.
The expiration date is when the food is already spoiled.
While best before date means the food can still be consumed. But the original nutrients are gone.
“Should I be worried about my dog’s gas?”
Whether farting is hilarious or should make you worry isn’t the question.
Flatulence causes discomfort to dogs.
Their farting will annoy you at times.
But your dog will appreciate some extra love.
They don’t like the feeling of frequent passing of gas. Just like humans.
So the better question is…
“What can I do to help my pooch?”
You can massage the gas out of their belly.
There are also over-the-counter meds they can take.
Or you can give them probiotics that are made specifically for dogs.
But the most ideal solution is still to change your dog’s diet.
And always be mindful of what you feed your dog.
Dogs already have super cuteness powers.
It’s time to strip them of their power to knock you down.
Or worse, make you sleep just by using their smelly gas.