Why Is My Dog So Gassy? Causes, Gut Health, and Dietary Solutions

Dog flatulence is no laughing matter. If your dog has been clearing the room with their wind, it may be more than a comedic inconvenience - it can indicate an underlying digestive imbalance.

While the occasional whiff is normal, persistent or particularly pungent gas could be your dog’s way of signalling that their gut needs support. Here’s what causes gassiness in dogs, what’s considered normal, and how nutrition can restore calm and comfort from the inside out.

What’s Causing the Gas?

Eating Too Quickly

Dogs that eat too fast often swallow air, which leads to gas and bloating. This is common in excitable dogs or those fed irregularly.
Solution: Use a slow-feeder bowl or try scatter feeding to reduce swallowed air and encourage calmer, more mindful eating.

Dietary Sensitivities

Certain ingredients can ferment in the gut and produce excess gas. Common allergens like beef, chicken, and dairy are frequent triggers. Over time, these sensitivities can irritate the digestive tract and cause bloating or discomfort.

Research such as Mueller et al. (2016) identifies beef, chicken, and dairy among the most common dietary allergens in dogs, making novel protein diets an effective alternative. Other irritants include wheat, soy, and heavily processed treats.

Poor Digestibility

When food is hard to break down, it can ferment in the colon and release gas. This is often seen in diets low in fibre or too high in fat.

A 2023 review by Baritugo et al. highlighted that diets rich in functional fibres and prebiotics help support a balanced gut microbiome and reduce gas production. Fibre not only feeds beneficial bacteria but also improves stool quality and digestive comfort.

Gut Imbalance

An imbalance in the gut microbiome - the network of beneficial bacteria that supports digestion and immunity - can lead to excess gas, loose stools, or appetite changes.

Signs of imbalance include:

• Persistent gassiness
  

• Loose stools or straining
  

• Sudden appetite or energy changes
  

Studies like Wernimont et al. (2020) show that gut health and diet are closely linked, with high-fibre, nutrient-balanced diets positively shaping the microbiome. A healthy microbiome supports smoother digestion, better nutrient absorption, and less gas.

Medical Issues

In some cases, excessive gas can indicate more serious problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, parasites, or severe food allergies. Olivry & Mueller (2017) found that allergic reactions to food can cause both skin and gastrointestinal symptoms, highlighting the connection between diet and digestive comfort.

If your dog’s flatulence is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or fatigue, contact your vet for a proper assessment.

How to Support a Healthier Gut

Provide a High-Fibre, Balanced Diet
Fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports smoother digestion. Omni’s recipes feature sweet potato, oats and pulses to promote regularity without bloating.

Avoid Common Triggers
Our meals exclude beef, chicken and dairy - three of the most frequent irritants - helping to reduce gas and discomfort.

Incorporate Pre- and Probiotics
Healthy gut bacteria help rebalance the microbiome and reduce digestive symptoms such as gas and bloating. Omni’s soft chews are vet-formulated to support digestion naturally and gently.

Maintain a Routine
Feed your dog at consistent times and avoid abrupt diet changes. Predictability promotes stable digestion and prevents overeating or gulping.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Flatulence requires veterinary attention if it is:

• Sudden and excessive
  

• Extremely foul-smelling
  

• Accompanied by vomiting, lethargy or bloating
  

• Interfering with daily comfort or routine
  

These symptoms may point to an underlying gastrointestinal issue that needs professional care.

The Takeaway: Less Wind, More Wellbeing

Your dog’s gut health influences more than digestion - it affects energy, immunity and mood. Persistent gas is your dog’s way of signalling that something isn’t quite right.

Omni’s vet-crafted, novel protein powered recipes are nutritionally complete, allergy-friendly and formulated to support digestion from the inside out. Explore our gut-supporting foods and supplements and give your dog the comfort and consistency they deserve.

Explore Omni’s Digestive Support Range

Sources

• Mueller, R.S., Olivry, T., & Prélaud, P. (2016). Common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research. Available at: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-016-0633-8

• Olivry, T. & Mueller, R.S. (2017). Prevalence of cutaneous food reactions in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research. Available at: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-017-0973-z

• Wernimont, S.M. et al. (2020). The Effects of Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7329990/
  

• Baritugo, K.A. et al. (2023). Perspectives on Functional Foods for Improvement of Canine Gut Microbiome & Health. Trends in Food Science & Technology. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623003444