Dog Gas. Should I Change Foods?

[Camilla and Darwin]

We are currently feeding Darwin Eagle Pack Large Breed Puppy. He seems to be doing well on it but has awful smelling gas. It's not super often... (we can smell it between one and four times a night) Is this a normal amount of gas, or could we possibly switch to a food that would give him less gas? He also burps quite a bit... Any suggestions of food that may help minimize these incidents?

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I'm glad you wrote her name again Karen!! I always for get that she spells Dianne with two n's! :)

[Camilla and Darwin]

Again, thanks for all the info. I actually did look it up in the store locater on their site, and the only store that sells it in Utah is about five to six hours away. I could easily buy it online though. I think we will stick with Eagle Pack for a while (it's good to know the gas thing is pretty normal) and keep our eyes open for some other good brands...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The Holistic EP would be a good choice, and may help. Good luck, keep us posted!

[Dianne Carter ~ Trinity Doodles]

Again a little late but better than never =), sorry. This is what I would say of Eagle Pack. IF I were going to use it I would ONLY use the holistic formula. Eagle Pack was bought by a large conglomerate, anytime this happens I usually start paying a little more attention and look for potential options. Bottom line is this, the primary interest of a large conglomerate is to increase profitability, even if it means lowering quality. It may not happen immediately but I cannot imagine that it would not at some point come under consideration. While I have heard some consistent complaints about gas with some foods, this is not one of them.

I do advocate digestive enzymes. We get ours in a formula by Wholistic Pet called Canine Complete Joint Mobility. I have to wonder though if maybe you may have some luck with chlorophyll supplementation (please do NOT use Greenies). Chlorophyll has long been used in many capacities for deodorizing and it is inexpensive. I have used it myself personally for digestive issues that responded well to it also. Any of the greens may accomplish this but chlorophyll is readily available and affordable. Most greens and cruciferous veggies initially may produce bloating and gas, but usually afterward they result in a opposite effect - try it yourself sometime I swear my belly feels flatter after I have been consuming a lot of these; they fill you up without feeling full ~ does that make sense? Some fresh parsley may be helpful also.

Please let us know how you fare if you do try any of this, it is truly the only way the next person has the potential to benefit from it.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I am aware that it was purchased by a large conglomerate, which is another reason why I have started looking at other brands. It is currently pretty good... but I don't know what quality cuts will happen because of the new management. I am looking at Orijen, Fromm, Solid Gold, etc... but we really don't have the money to buy a super expensive food so we are trying to find a good option that is a little bit less expensive than the super pricey ones. EP holistic formula is something I think is a reasonable price and quality, so maybe we will go with that.
I will have to try the Chlorophyll supplementation... (are Greenies those bright green bones they sell at Petsmart?) Would it be better to buy the supplementation or give him vegetables like broccoli or spinach?

Thanks for your advice!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

For what my two cents are worth, I'd try the chlorophyll supplement rather than broccoli or spinach. The research that I did showed that the cruciferous vegetables like broccoli do contribute to gas production. Dogs do have differences in their digestive tracts from humans, and I think the chlorophyll would be easier to give and easier on their digestive tracts.
But don't rule out the digestive enzymes. The research on those in regard to helping with gas is pretty solid, and I think that may be the simplest thing to try initially.
I have no personal experience with any of these, just basing my opinion on the fact based veterinary materials I've read on the subject.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

I feed Simon Taste of the Wild. It is grain-free and roasted bison & venison are the protein sources. It is for all life stages. Although he was a fast eater when he came to live with us, I did the same type thing you did to slow down his eating. He has never had a gaseous problem with this food. Congrats for getting him off the Purina!!
There is also a product called Dog Smog that's very popular in the store where I work. It's an all natural product that helps breath and flatulance problems. You can spray a couple of pumps in the dog's water. I'll check to see if I can find a link, in case you might be interested.
Gassy or not, Darwin is ADORABLE!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's a link for "Dog Smog"; I checked the ingredients, and it looks okay to me. I just wonder how strong the peppermint smell & taste is when you spray it in their water. Jack hates minty stuff...he won't even play with those tennis balls that are mint scented!
http://www.happytailsspa.com/Dog-Smog-Remedy#

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

http://www.happytailsspa.com/Dog-Smog-Remedy#
There is also a link on this page that lists all the ingredients.

I used to feed my newfie Precise -- a holistic dog food. It does contain herbs & such to help digestion and is a high quality food.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oops...we posted at the same time, lol!

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Jane, Sherlock, & Noah use a lot of happy tails spa products and really like them! I'll send her a note and see if she's ever used this for either Sherlock or Noah! :)

[Sally, Echo and Emmi]

I use Honest Kitchen Perfect Form and love it!