Your dog doesn't just fart—they fart constantly. Silent clouds of death follow them around the house. You've considered buying stock in air freshener companies. What's going on?
Excessive dog farting usually has an identifiable cause. Find it, fix it, and you can both breathe easier.
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Common Causes of Excessive Dog Farting
Poor Diet
Low-quality food with lots of fillers creates more gas during digestion.
Fast Eating
Gulping food means swallowing air. More air in = more farts out.
Table Scraps
Human food, especially fatty or dairy-based, causes digestive issues.
Sudden Diet Changes
Switching foods too quickly upsets the gut microbiome.
Breed Predisposition
Flat-faced breeds and some large breeds are naturally gassier.
Food Intolerance
Allergies or sensitivities to ingredients cause excessive gas.
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Diet Factors That Cause Gas
🔴 Causes More Gas
🟢 Causes Less Gas
Soy, corn, wheat fillers
Meat-first ingredient lists
Dairy products
Lactose-free foods
Legumes (peas, beans)
Rice, potato, sweet potato
Fatty table scraps
Lean meat treats
Cheap kibble
Premium digestible formulas
The Pea Problem
Many grain-free dog foods replaced grains with legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas). While these are protein-rich, they're also highly fermentable and can cause significant gas. If your dog is on grain-free food and extra gassy, this might be why.
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Medical Causes to Consider
Sometimes excessive gas indicates an underlying health issue:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — Chronic inflammation affects digestion
- Parasites — Worms can cause digestive upset and gas
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency — Pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes
- Food Allergies — Immune reaction to certain proteins
- Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) — Too many bacteria in small intestine
See a Vet If
- Gas is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting
- Your dog is losing weight
- Gas started suddenly and is severe
- Changes in appetite or behavior
- Diet changes don't help after 2-3 weeks
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How to Reduce Your Dog's Excessive Farting
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Upgrade to Better FoodLook for high-quality protein as the first ingredient, minimal fillers, and easily digestible carbohydrates like rice or oatmeal. Avoid soy, corn, and excessive legumes.
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Use a Slow FeederSlow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders force dogs to eat more slowly, reducing the amount of air swallowed with food.
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Stop Table ScrapsCompletely eliminate human food for 2-3 weeks to see if it makes a difference. Many dogs are sensitive to dairy, fatty foods, and seasonings.
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Add ProbioticsDog-specific probiotic supplements can help balance gut bacteria and reduce gas-producing fermentation.
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Change Foods GraduallyWhen switching foods, transition over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of new food with old. Sudden changes cause digestive upset.
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Increase ExerciseRegular physical activity keeps the digestive system moving efficiently and can reduce gas buildup.
Note: Give any change at least 2-3 weeks to show results. Gut microbiomes take time to adjust.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my dog to fart 20+ times a day?
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10-20 farts per day is typical—though most are silent and unnoticed. If you're noticing 20+ audible or smelly farts, that's excessive and worth investigating through diet changes or a vet visit.
Can anxiety make dogs fart more?
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Yes! Stress affects the digestive system in dogs just like humans. Anxious dogs may have increased gut motility, swallow more air due to panting, and produce more gas. Addressing anxiety can help.
Are some dog breeds just gassier?
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Yes. Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) swallow more air due to their flat faces. Some larger breeds and deep-chested dogs are also prone to more gas. But excessive farting in any breed should still be addressed.
Will expensive dog food really help?
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Not always "expensive," but "higher quality." Look for digestible ingredients, real meat first, and minimal fillers. Sometimes a mid-priced food with the right ingredients works better than premium brands with problematic ingredients.