Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
“Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. It will meet all your dog’s needs at a great price making it the best overall choice.”
Best Treat: Stella & Chewy’s Wild Weenies
“Stella & Chewy’s Wild Weenies is a low-calorie yet nutritious treat for your pup. There are also only one or two ingredients in each, so they shouldn’t contribute to any extra flatulence from your dog.”
Premium Option: Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Food
“Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Food contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that give your dog’s immune system an extra boost. Perfect if you want the best for your dog.”
Dogs are adorable in so many ways. Their deep, “I-love-you” eyes, their excitable greeting yaps, their joyful tail wags… Until they fart.
Yep, this happens to us all. Usually, the dog doesn’t even notice and we sit there with our eyes watering while they sleep blissfully!
The number one reason for dogs farting is a bad diet! Thankfully, the best dog food to prevent gas can help reduce this problem by quite a lot.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Foods To Prevent Gas (Flatulence) in 2022
- Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food
- Stella & Chewy’s Wild Weenies
- Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Nulo Puppy & Adult Small Breed Freestyle Dry Dog Food
- ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food
- CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Holistic Select Senior Health Dry Dog Food
- The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food
- What to Look for in the Best Dog Foods to Prevent Gas
- 4) Probiotics & Prebiotics
- Questions & Answers
Best Dog Foods To Prevent Gas (Flatulence) in 2022
Here are our top picks for the best dog food to prevent gas in your beloved dogs:
- Best Overall: Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food
- Best Treats: Stella & Chewy’s Wild Weenies
- Premium Option: Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best Dog Food for All Life Stages: Nulo Small Breed Freestyle Dry Dog Food
- Best Wholesome Ingredients: ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best Without Glucosamine: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food
- Best For Puppies: CANIDAE PURE Dry Dog Food
- Best For Seniors: Holistic Select Senior Health Dry Dog Food
- Best for Digestibility: The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dry Dog Food
- Best For Large Breeds: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food
Best Overall: High quality at an affordable price
PROS
- Grain-free and highly digestible.
- Contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber.
- High Omega fatty acids levels for better coat.
- Contains DHA to help puppies’ eyes and brain develop.
CONS
- No glucosamine.
Pet parents of gas guns who are on a budget, we recommend the Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food as our best budget buy. It’s grain-free, and uses salmon as its main protein source, which adds a really nice level of Omega fatty acids.
It’s one of the most affordable food options on the market, at $35 for a 30lb bag. This recipe is one of their few grain-free dog food options, so if your dog doesn’t have a grain sensitivity, feel free to try out another one – they’re all high-quality and super well-priced.
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All Your Dog Needs at a Great Price
25% protein and 14% fat is right in the zone for most healthy, active dogs. If you happen to have a working dog breed like a Spaniel or a Husky, or if you take your dog hunting regularly that may not be quite enough for them, but it should suit almost all other dogs.
It does contain potatoes, which could be an allergen for some. The other veggies include peas, lentils, kale, pumpkin, and carrots which are easily digestible. It also contains fruit such as blueberries, oranges, papaya, and coconut, which add a splash of vitamins and minerals that will help settle your dog’s stomach.
It’s great for all life stages, and contains DHA to help puppies’ eyes and brain develop, and keep oldie’s mentally sharp making it the one of the best dog foods to prevent gas. It doesn’t have joint supplements, though, so you’ll need to buy some separately if your dog needs.
Stella & Chewy’s Wild Weenies
Best Treat: Nutritious and guilt-free
PROS
- Six flavors to choose from.
- Low calorie but nutritious.
- No added hormones or antibiotics.
- High in Omegas, although it isn’t mentioned on the label.
CONS
- Some dogs may not enjoy the raw taste and texture.
It’s really important to choose a healthy treat as well as the best dog food when you want to prevent gas. It could be the treats you’re feeding them that are causing the gas problem in the first place!
The Stella & Chewy’s Wild Weenies are awesome to feed your dog in between meals and they’re nutritious enough to be guilt-free. There are also only one or two ingredients in each, so they shouldn’t contribute to any extra dog farting.
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Guilt-Free, Highly Nutritious
These treats are raw nutrition, consisting of only one or two meat ingredients and a natural preservative. One of the best things about these little sausages is that they range from 13-16 calories each, depending on flavor. That means you can feed a couple of them to your pup happily in between meals, without worrying about overfeeding your dog.
There are no carbs in these bites, but that’s not a problem. You also won’t find much in terms of added supplements, vitamins and minerals, or probiotics, but raw food is usually packed with Omegas.
Remember, if your dog has food allergies or intolerances, you’ll need to make sure their treats avoid problem ingredients too. You can choose from six different flavors here, so even if your dog is sensitive to one, they’ll still have a couple of different flavor options.
Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Premium Option: Single source protein and highly digestible carbs
PROS
- Single source protein.
- Variety of flavors for dogs who need to avoid ingredients.
- LifeSource Bits add extra vitamins and minerals.
- Great carbs that are highly digestible.
CONS
- All recipes contain potatoes, so may not be suitable for all dogs.
- May be a little low in protein for some.
Even if it hasn’t been recommended by a vet, putting your dog on a limited ingredient food can truly make a difference to flatulence in dogs. The best dog food to combat flatulence should contain as few ingredients as possible, to avoid problem ingredients and possible bad ingredient interactions.
The Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Dog Food is a very good food choice for dogs with gas. Each of the four recipes is grain-free and contains a single source of protein. They do contain potatoes (be careful if your dog is sensitive to them), as well as peas and pumpkin.
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Balanced, Complete Meal for All Dogs
In addition to your healthy single protein and complex carbohydrates, there’s a good amount of Omega fatty acids which promote healthy digestion and less gas, as well as reduce chances of allergies, shedding, and other conditions like seizures.
As well as the natural, healthy ingredients in our best dog food choice, Blue Buffalo includes their exclusive LifeSource Bits. These are little cold-formed nuggets of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that have been created by animal nutritionists and vets. They give a nice immune system boost to dogs of all life stages.
Nulo Puppy & Adult Small Breed Freestyle Dry Dog Food
Best For All Life Stages
PROS
- No poultry or potatoes making it easy on a sensitive stomach.
- Unique added strain of probiotics.
- Contains DHA to keep eyes sharp and brains sharper.
- High in Omegas for easier digestion.
CONS
- No joint supplements.
If you have many dogs, spanning all life stages, and you’d like to stick to one dog food that will work well for all of them (with or without gas), try the Nulo Dry Dog Food. It’s specified as being a food for puppies and adult dogs, so it should cover everything a dog needs from a young age.
It’s easy on a sensitive stomach too, containing no potato or poultry. If one of your dogs suffers from food allergies, this would be a great choice. Your other dogs wouldn’t be missing out on anything, either – it’s a well-rounded, healthy, wholesome dog food option.
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From Young to (Active) Older Dogs
With 30% protein and 18% fat, this would be the best dog food for active dogs rather than inactive ones. It’s also fairly high in calories (438 per cup), but that’s not a problem for dogs who get enough exercise.
It contains DHA, which is always a great addition to food as it keeps eyes sharp and brains sharper. There are also higher than average Omega fatty acid levels, which is awesome for easier digestion, as well as keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Nulo has added a unique strain of probiotics to this dog food, as well as prebiotic fibers, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals. These should keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly and improve their overall health, too. The only downside is the absence of glucosamine, but it’s simple to buy a supplement.
ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best Wholesome Ingredients
PROS
- Great variety in recipes – something for every dog.
- Limited ingredients to prevent food allergies.
- Raw ingredients are easy to digest.
- Contains no potato, only wholesome ingredients.
CONS
- It’s somewhat pricey.
For dogs with digestive issues, a limited ingredient diet can make a big difference in keeping their digestive system healthy. This range is made from only the best, most wholesome ingredients. If you wish to reduce your dog’s gas, the ACANA Singles Dog Food is a great dog food to switch to, and they’ll also be spoilt for choice.
It is the most pricey food option on our list, but if you have the means to get it, it’s definitely worth the buy. Your dog will be getting the best nutrition based on raw ingredients, and you should see (and smell!) the difference in your dog.
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Limited Ingredient, Maximum Health
Each of their six recipes contains a single protein source, which helps immensely for gas and digestive issues. As long as you make sure to avoid proteins your dog is sensitive to, they’ll have a really nice variety of choice.
Every recipe is formulated to contain 31% protein and 17% fat, which is pretty good for all dogs of all ages. They contain everything dogs would need, including DHA and EPA, joint supplements, a perfect calcium/phosphorus ratio, and probiotic microorganisms.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food
Best Without Glucosamine
PROS
- Grain-free, but with grain options as well.
- Contains probiotics.
- High in protein and fat, so great for active dogs.
- Added vitamins and minerals for a healthier dog.
CONS
- Contains seven protein sources (hard to avoid for dogs with allergies).
If your dog is already on a joint supplement, or if your vet has recommended not using one, we’ve chosen a dog food without glucosamine that’s still great for dogs who have a bit of a sensitive stomach problem.
Taste of the Wild Dog Food is high protein, high fat, and has amazing Omegas, just without the addition of joint supplements.
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Well-Rounded Dog Food
This dog food has a super protein level, a high fat level for active dogs, and retains a good calorie count (370 per cup). The Omegas are higher than average, which will help settle down digestive issues.
Your dog will get a day’s worth of slow-releasing energy from sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas in this food, and an extra dose of antioxidants from blueberries and raspberries (which also add a little to flavor).
There are seven different sources of protein in this food, which can be a problem if your dog is allergic to a particular protein. Chelated minerals are also helpful for easier digestion, and the dog food contains a source of probiotics.
CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Puppy Dry Dog Food
Best For Puppies
PROS
- Probiotics added making it a great value.
- Contains extra antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Has a good level of DHA for neural development.
- Also contains glucosamine.
CONS
- Chicken may disagree with some puppies.
CANIDAE PURE Dog Food is a wonderful limited ingredient diet range, with the best dog foods for adults, seniors, and puppies, which is what we’ve picked for our gassy puppy choice.
It has only nine ingredients, and although it comes in only one flavor (chicken), it should be fine for just about any puppy with gas. The recipe contains all a growing puppy needs to get big and strong and less farty.
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High Protein, Puppy-Specific Nutrients
You’ll find 30% protein and 12% fat in this grain-free formula. Puppies need some particular things in a puppy food, and one of those is DHA, a fatty acid that is an important component of neural development in young dogs.
There’s also a high level of glucosamine and chondroitin, which is useful for small breed and large breed puppies. Small breeds can be just as prone to joint dysplasia as large breeds, so don’t discount the importance of this supplement!
Canidae also adds probiotics to their limited ingredient dog foods, AFTER cooking to make sure it doesn’t lose any of its value.
Holistic Select Senior Health Dry Dog Food
Best For Seniors
PROS
- Added probiotics for digestive support.
- High protein but lower in fat.
- Great Omega fatty acids.
- Added joint supplements and L-carnitine.
CONS
- Not suitable for chicken or potato-sensitive dogs.
Just like puppies, senior dogs need a bit more support from their dog food than the average adult dog. The Holistic Select Dry Dog Food remains high in protein, at 28%, and slightly lowered in fat (12%), which will help less active dogs.
Seniors often become less active, but also tend to develop digestive issues with more gas. A lower fat count can aid in keeping their tummy happy, as too much fat can actually hamper the digestive process.
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No Real Meat, But Good Nutrition
There is no real meat in this food, which is a slight disadvantage as it tends to be easier to digest than meat meal. Chicken meal is the first ingredient and sole protein source, which means that if chicken doesn’t agree with your dog, you may have to find something else.
Fruits like blueberries and pomegranates add a dash of vitamins and minerals. There’s also dried kelp, which is a great ingredient for stimulating the thyroid and keeping it working.
Your senior will also get a dose of Omegas, joint-strengthening supplements, and L-carnitine, which is wonderful for seniors as it helps with energy regulation and metabolism, reducing gas.
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dry Dog Food
Best for Digestibility
PROS
- All-natural, dehydrated ingredients for easy digestion.
- Four flavors for fussy eaters.
- Varying protein levels to suit almost every dog.
- Adding water adds some moisture to your dog’s diet.
CONS
- No added supplements.
Dogs who really have digestive issues may benefit from the The Honest Kitchen Dog Food. All it requires is the addition of water (warm or cold), and it’s a ready-made meal for your dog. This is fantastic for dogs who may have gas or poop issues, as it sneaks some extra moisture into their diet without fighting with them to drink more.
It is grain-free, fairly high in calories but that can be easily regulated according to your dog’s size and weight.
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Dehydrated Ingredients
The ingredients in this unique dog food are dehydrated, which is actually a wonderful thing. Dehydrating ingredients eliminates the need for preservatives. Once you’ve added water to this, it becomes a human-grade food, so you’ll be feeding your dog the highest quality stuff you possibly can.
The protein does vary by recipe, but it’s more than adequate for most dogs. The only thumbs-down is the absence of supplements like glucosamine and L-carnitine, but these can easily be added to your dog’s diet by purchasing a separate bottle.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Best For Large Breeds
PROS
- High in protein and fat for active large breeds.
- Contains L-carnitine for metabolic regulation.
- Good Omega fatty acids.
- No by-products or artificial ingredients.
CONS
- Contains chicken meal even in non-chicken flavor.
- Not many veggies or fruits in comparison to others.
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food is high-protein and moderate in fat, which is great for bouncy large breed dogs with gas problems. The protein is high-quality, although the salmon flavor contains chicken meal as well. Menhaden fish meal is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids.
The fruits and vegetables in this food are further down the list than others which implies that there’s less of them. But it’s perfectly healthy and contains great supplements to keep your large breed healthy and happy.
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Added Nutrients & Supplements
You’ll find Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits scattered throughout their dog foods. They’re little, cold-formed, vitamin and mineral bombs that are designed to boost your dog’s immune system.
The dog food is grain-free, enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin, EPA, and L-carnitine, which is underrated but a great energy-boosting supplement!
What to Look for in the Best Dog Foods to Prevent Gas
When you’re looking for the best dog foods to prevent gas, here are a few things you should consider.
1) High-Quality Protein
Although protein is often the culprit in human farts, that’s no reason to feed your dog less of it. As long as the first ingredient in their food is a high-quality animal protein, their stomachs should be happy.
The appropriate amount of protein in their food really depends on your dog. Anywhere from 18% and upwards is adequate according to AAFCO, although most dogs do best with 24% or more. Very active dogs do well with 30% or more, so you’ll need to match your dog’s lifestyle to their dog food.
Be aware that dogs who struggle with gas may have food allergies or intolerances. You’ll need to see how they react to certain proteins, and if their tummy has a problem with any in particular. A limited ingredient food may be worth trying out, too.
2) Complex Carbohydrates
Although gluten-free grains are more easily digestible, it may be best to avoid them altogether as they tend to be high in fiber. An excess of fiber in a dog’s diet can contribute to gassiness, so we want to go as low as we can in fiber.
Fruits and veggies are the best carb sources to choose. They have an adequate amount of fiber in them and also provide slow-releasing energy and vitamins and minerals. Potatoes can also often be an allergen, though, so be careful of this one!
In general, sweet potatoes, squashes, and vitamin-rich fruits are the way to go.
3) No By-Products
It’s crucial to choose a food that contains NO meat by-products. By-products are the offcuts of meat that contain indigestible things like beaks, feet, hooves, and stomach contents.
These don’t count towards the protein content and generally have very nutritious value. They’re also often hard to digest, which will make farting worse.
Dogs with allergies will most likely respond badly to the presence of meat by-products, and even those without food allergies won’t get any nutritional value out of them.
4) Probiotics & Prebiotics
Looking for dog food to prevent gas? Get the ones that have probiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotics are live bacteria that live in a dog’s gut. They’re essential for healthy digestion. Prebiotics are fibers that feed these bacteria.
Many dog foods have added probiotics and prebiotics, which is great to assist in digesting the food. Especially for dogs who struggle with gassiness, an extra dose of healthy gut bacteria can help speed things along in the intestine and prevent things like intestinal bacteria imbalance or intestinal parasites.
Just be aware that prebiotics can feed unhealthy bacteria too, so it’s important that you take your dog to the vet if their stomach problems persist.
5) Affordability
We’re all about making dogs happy, but they notice if their parents are feeling down! With that in mind, we added this criterion to make sure that pet parents know that feeding their pup a quality food doesn’t have to break the bank.
We have a Best Value for Money option which is every bit as high-quality as the rest. We’ve also rated each food on this point so you can get an idea of which ones are more affordable and which are more pricey.
Questions & Answers
Why does my dog fart so much?
Dog farts are part of life as a pet parent, just like human farts are part of life as a human! They’re quite natural, and can be caused by a variety of things.
The most common culprit is feeding them with poor quality dog food. Some commercial dog foods are loaded with unhealthy, indigestible ingredients that wreak havoc on your dog’s stomach. It could also be that they’re allergic to or intolerant of certain ingredients. Choosing limited ingredient dog foods to prevent gas can be challenging and you may have to do some detective work first to figure out exactly what your pet is allergic to.
Of course, there’s always a slight risk of a medical condition being the cause of dogs’ excessive gas. Some of these include intestinal parasites, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or problems with the stomach, intestines, liver, or pancreas.
When should my dog’s flatulence be a concern?
If your dog becomes gassy and shows signs of discomfort such as whining, whimpering, sitting or lying in an unnatural position, or extreme lethargy, there could be an underlying problem. Other signs to look out for are diarrhea, struggling to poop, and blood when pooping.
If your pooch displays any unusual signs in addition to throwing out smelly gas, a trip to the vet is advised to make sure everything is A-okay.
What else can I do to reduce flatulence in dogs?
Apart from switching your pup to a healthy, fart-reducing dog food, there are other measures you could take to help decrease the chances of your dog turning into a smelly boy or girl.
The importance of exercise can never be understated, but did you know it could help prevent gas too? Activity helps dispel gas that has built up, and the farts float off on a breeze without stinking up your home.
