The sudden presence of an unpleasant smell can lead pet owners to ask a familiar question: ‘Why is my dog farting so much?’ There’s nothing more interrupting for a nice quiet night by the TV than Sir or Lady Fartalot, particularly when no amount of pillow covering stops that smell from persisting! While the occasional toot is normal, a significant increase in odour could be a cause for concern.
At Green Pantry, we’re dedicated to promoting optimal pet health through our completely natural dog food. And, in this blog, we’ll discover reasons why your dog is a bit more gassy than normal and potential solutions to help restore your pet’s digestive comfort.
Let’s get into it!
Why is my dog farting so much all of a sudden? Common causes
First of all, it might be beneficial to understand the reason why your dog is producing unpleasant smells.
Trumping is a normal part of dog digestion as it lets them pass gas from their gut. If your dog does do the odd trump, it’s usually nothing to worry about – although your nose may quiver for a few moments! However, excessive farting might require investigation from your vet. Some of the causes for increased or more foul-smelling farting include:
A change in their diet
An increase in doggy farts could be coming from an upset tummy. Sudden changes in your dog’s diet could be the cause of this and can be a shock to your dog’s gut, causing strong flatulence. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog’s new food is bad; it just might not agree with their digestive system. Some ingredients, even healthy ones, can be harder for some dogs to digest properly, whether they’re adult dogs or small pups.
Think about whether you’ve:
- Switched to a new brand of food or formula
- Introduced new dog treats or human food
- Changed their main source of protein
- Increased their fibre intake
Even if you’ve introduced your dog to a premium food, the specific blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fibres might be new to your dog’s gut. Some common culprits for bad smells include peas and lentils, and even some high-fibre vegetables if introduced too quickly!
Swallowed air
Just like humans, dogs can swallow a significant amount of air when they are eating and drinking. This ingested air often has to go somewhere… often resulting in a noisy escape. Also known as aerophagia, this is a very common cause of increased trumping in dogs. If your dog eats very quickly or eats from a raised bowl, this can encourage more air intake and lead to more gas being released.
Dogs that have underlying respiratory issues, like short-nosed airway syndrome (particularly common in pugs and bulldogs), might gulp more air due to their breathing patterns. Vigorous exercise immediately after eating can also sometimes churn the contents of your dog’s stomach and increase the chances of more trumps and unpleasant smells.
Gastrointestinal disease
Persistent or severe gas, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, can be a red flag for underlying gastrointestinal disease. There are various gastrointestinal conditions that can lead to excessive trumping, including:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Liver or Pancreatic issues
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Intestinal parasites
- Malabsorption disorders
If your dog’s excessive gas is accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, or decreased energy levels, then please consult with your veterinarian promptly.
Eating something they shouldn’t
Feeding your dog table scraps, while tempting, can lead to increased gas, especially if they are high in fat or spices. Things like dairy products, beans, artificial sweeteners, and too much fruit can also lead to digestive upset. If you aren’t sure what dogs can and can’t eat, it’s better to check first and be safe rather than sorry!
Even within the safety of your own home, dogs can be notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, like socks, toys, or even paper. While some might pass through, others can cause irritation, partial blockages, or simply sit in the stomach fermenting, leading to farts and potential discomfort.
The solution? Natural dog food from Green Pantry! Whether your dog suffers from digestive upset or other health issues like creaky joints or poor dental health, you can rest assured knowing that all of our dog food recipes contain 100% natural ingredients.
How to prevent your dog from farting
Now you know what causes farting in dogs, but how about how to prevent it? The good news is that many of these common causes are easily addressed with a few simple adjustments to your dog’s diet and routine! Here are some top tips for how you can reduce their digestive discomfort:
- Opt for high-quality ingredients – At Green Pantry, our natural dog foods are crafted with natural ingredients and avoid common artificial additives and fillers that lead to digestive upset. You can see exactly what’s in the pantry right here!
- Encourage slower eating – We’d recommend opting for a slow feeding bowl or puzzle feeder, particularly one that has ridges or obstacles that force your dog to eat around them. This will extend meal time and reduce the amount of air that they swallow.
- Limit scavenging – Keep a close eye on your dog during walks to prevent them from eating things off the ground.
- Table Scrap Constraint – We all love to treat our dogs, and they often love nothing more than a plate of leftovers. However, please take note of how much and what you are feeding them. Both excessive amounts or the wrong type of scraps can cause dog digestion issues.
- Consider supplements – A healthy gut is crucial for efficient digestion and keeping on top of unwanted farts! Consider our natural dog supplements – we’ve got a wide variety and have one that specifically targets better gut health, so you no longer have to worry about foul smells.
If you do want to change your dog’s food, you should gradually introduce it into their diet. We’d recommend mixing the new food with part of their old food and slowly amending their diet over time. Have a read of our dry food feeding guide for more tips and information.
Or, if you do want to make the move to Green Pantry, why not try out our sample dog foods first? It’s a great way to introduce new flavours into your dog’s diet, while testing out what is gentle and kind on their tummies first.
Hear from an expert…
“A healthy digestive system is vital for a dog’s overall wellbeing. As a Registered Veterinary Nurse, I regularly see how much of an impact the right diet can have — not just on digestion, but on energy levels, skin and coat condition, and immune health. When a dog’s gut is supported with balanced, digestible nutrition, everything from stool quality to their general comfort improves. It’s one of the most effective ways we can support their long-term health and happiness.”
Stacy Brook, Registered Veterinary Nurse
Say hello to better digestive health with Green Pantry dog food!
Hopefully, this blog has answered your question ‘Why is my dog farting so much?’ Dealing with a gassy dog isn’t just about tolerating the smell; it’s about understanding and addressing their digestive health. By paying close attention to their diet, eating habits, and overall well-being, you can significantly reduce gassy stomachs and help your dog feel more comfortable!
At Green Pantry, we’re committed to providing natural, wholesome ingredients that support a healthy gut. Join our ever-growing list of satisfied customers who have rated us 4.9/5 on Trustpilot and accompany us on our mission for healthier, happier pooches.
For more info, please get in touch with our friendly team! Or, we’d be more than happy to chat to you on the phone – just ring 01553 811 320.
