How to Choose the Best Food to Prevent Gas in Dogs
Throughout a dog’s life, it will experience gas from time to time. Gas can be evidenced by the sound of a stomach rumble or a noxious smelling fart. While this occurring on occasion is no cause for concern, dogs that regularly succumb to flatulence may require a dietary change.
Prior to switching foods, it is always a good idea to consult a veterinarian for a thorough exam and assessment. If the dog has been ruled healthy by its doctor, chances are it is reacting poorly to something in its diet and a change of food may be all it takes to solve the dog’s gas problem for good.
A high-quality diet comprised of easily digestible ingredients is unlikely to trigger recurring bouts of flatulence in dogs. These foods are typically free from gas-inducing foods such as corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and by-products. Dairy can also be a culprit. The best dog foods to prevent gas do not contain artificial or low-quality ingredients.
Gas most typically becomes an issue in dogs that are having difficulties processing and utilizing their food effectively.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Dogs with Gas Problems
Though excess amounts of food are not typically associated with gas in canines, it is still important to feed a dog the correct portion size to encourage a healthy weight. To determine how much of the best dog food to prevent gas a dog should eat, it is best to use the suggested serving size listed on the bag as a starting point. This can be adjusted, using the dog’s appetite, activity level, and weight as a guideline. Over time, the correct amount will be determined.
Care should be taken not to overfeed dogs as excess weight can lead to more serious health complications and can even shorten a dog’s life expectancy.
Dietary Requirements for Dog Foods that help Prevent Gas
There are several things to look for in the best quality food to prevent gas. The primary ingredient in any food to prevent or resolve flatulence in dogs is protein. A lean, meat-based protein should be the first ingredient in any premium quality diet with whole meats preferred.
Meat meals pack a powerhouse punch of nutrition as well and also form an excellent foundation for a good diet. By comparison, by-products are low quality and are known to encourage gas in dogs. Likewise, plant-based proteins such as soy, wheat, and corn are common allergens for many dogs. The symptoms of some food-based allergies can include gas.
Dietary fiber is a critical component of the diet of any dog experiencing problems with gas. Fiber encourages optimal digestion, the vital element in preventing flatulence in dogs. This fiber can be obtained from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables.
When it comes to fiber, the most important thing a food must contribute to a diet is ease of digestibility. For this reason, fruits and vegetables are often preferred. They are also high in antioxidants to boost a dog’s immunity, enriching its disease-fighting ability.
Healthy fats are an important part of any healthy diet. These are best obtained from animal sources and include such ingredients as chicken fat and salmon oil. Healthy fats provide dogs with the energy they need to be active and also support excellent skin and coat quality.
Though not an element of diet, exercise plays a role in helping to prevent or eliminate gas problems in dogs.
Any food for adult dogs suffering with gas issues should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and five percent fat.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food to Prevent Gas
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in a dog food to prevent gas:
- Whole meat or meat meal proteins heading up the ingredients list
- Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
- Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
- Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
- Based on a limited ingredients list