It's perfectly normal for companion animals to have gas. But sometimes it could signal a problem with gut health. Here are seven of the most common causes of excessive flatulence.
1. Abrupt changes in diet. If you decide to change your pet's diet, whether it's food or treats, the changes should be made gradually, over the course of a week. Changing too quickly may lead to gastric upset.
2. Parasites. According to the American Association of Veterinary Medicine, most companion animals have parasites. Some are simply bothersome, some may be dangerous, and others still may not cause any problems unless your dog is experiencing additional stress. We strongly urge you to stay current on any treatments recommended by your veterinarian.
3. Overfeeding. When switching to one of our premium formulas, pet parents must keep in mind that our foods are nutrient-dense, which means you'll be feeding less than you normally would with other foods. If you believe you've been overfeeding your dog, simply serve smaller portions.
4. Infrequent feeding. Both dogs and cats are better able to digest properly when fed at least two or more meals per day.
5. An unbalanced GI tract. Healthy intestines contain a balance of bacteria, good and bad. Antibiotics, stress, changing foods too quickly and other factors can upset that healthy balance, resulting in excessive gassiness.
6. Poor diet. Inferior quality foods or treats are difficult for the body to digest. In some cases, it can result in excessive gassiness.
7. Eating too fast. This is more common in dogs, especially those with some degree of food insecurity. Too slow down hungry gobblers, consider using a "slow feeder bowl". If your dog has an issue with food insecurity, we recommend that you speak with a vet on ways to help resolve this problem.
Rest assured that none of our products are likely to cause gas, as they're carefully formulated to promote gut health.
For additional information on this topic, please read our blog post on excessive flatulence.