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Why Does My Dog Fart So Much? Understanding Dog Flatulence

WRITTEN  BY NIVEDITA FERNANDES
10/8/2025
8 MIN READ

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • 🐾 Why Does My Dog Fart So Much?
  • 🐕 What Is Dog Flatulence
  • 🍽️ Common Causes of Dog Farts
  • 🐾 Solutions to Reduce Dog Flatulence
  • 🐾 When to Consult a Veterinarian
  • 🔍 FAQs About Dog Flatulence

Is your dog farting excessively? Discover the common causes of dog flatulence, from diet and eating habits to underlying health conditions. Learn practical solutions to reduce gas, including dietary changes, feeding habits, and exercise tips. Find out when to consult a vet and get expert advice on keeping your dog comfortable and healthy while managing their flatulence.

🐾 Why Does My Dog Fart So Much?

 Understanding Dog Flatulence: Discover the common causes of dog flatulence, from diet to health issues, and learn effective solutions to reduce your dog's gas.

🐕 What Is Dog Flatulence

Dog flatulence, or farting, is the release of gas from your dog's digestive system through the rectum. While occasional gas is normal, excessive or foul-smelling farts can indicate underlying issues.

🍽️ Common Causes of Dog Farts

1. Diet-Related Factors
Sudden Diet Changes: Abruptly switching your dog's food can disrupt their digestive system, leading to increased gas.
Food Sensitivities: Certain ingredients like dairy, soy, and high-fat foods can cause digestive upset and gas.
Low-Quality Dog Food: Foods with fillers and artificial additives are harder to digest and can lead to more gas.

2. Eating Habits
Eating Too Quickly: Dogs that gulp their food tend to swallow air, leading to increased gas.
Brachycephalic Breeds: Flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs are more prone to swallowing air during meals.

3. Health Conditions
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause chronic gas.
Parasites and Infections: Intestinal parasites and infections can lead to increased flatulence.

🐾 Solutions to Reduce Dog Flatulence

1. Gradual Diet Transition: Introduce new foods slowly over a week to allow your dog's digestive system to adjust.

2. Choose High-Quality Dog Food: Opt for easily digestible foods with high nutritional value and minimal fillers.

3. Slow Down Mealtime: Use slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders to encourage slower eating and reduce air swallowing.

4. Regular Exercise: Ensure your dog gets regular physical activity to promote healthy digestion and reduce gas.

5. Consult Your Veterinarian: If excessive gas persists, consult your vet to rule out underlying health issues and discuss dietary adjustments.

🐾 When to Consult a Veterinarian

If your dog's flatulence is accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in appetite, it's important to seek veterinary care.

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🔍 FAQs About Dog Flatulence

Q1: Is it normal for dogs to fart?

Yes, occasional farting is normal. However, excessive or foul-smelling gas may indicate an issue.

Q2: Can certain foods cause my dog to fart more?

Yes, foods like dairy, beans, and high-fat items can increase gas production.

Q3: How can I help my dog eat slower?

Using slow feeder bowls or spreading food out can encourage slower eating.

Hopefully, this guide has answered any questions you might have had about why dogs fart. If you have any further questions or need personalized advice, feel free to email us at admin@barfindia.com. We’re always happy to help and ensure your dog’s digestive health is on track!

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Cooked Dog Food

How to Transition Your Dog to Cooked Dog Food – Step-by-Step Guide

How to Transition Your Dog to Cooked Dog Food Without Upsetting Their Stomach

Cooked dog food is one of the healthiest feeding options you can choose for your pet. It offers fresher ingredients, higher nutrient retention, and better digestibility compared to highly processed kibble. But while switching your dog to a cooked diet has countless benefits, the transition needs to be done gradually and correctly. Changing your dog’s food too quickly can cause digestive upsets such as loose stools, gas, or vomiting—even if the new food is much healthier.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the safest way to transition your dog to cooked dog food, how to monitor their progress, and what mistakes to avoid so your pet enjoys all the benefits of their new diet without discomfort.


Why Transition Slowly to Cooked Dog Food?

A dog’s digestive system adjusts to specific nutrient sources, moisture content, and bacterial composition over time. Sudden dietary changes can disrupt their gut microbiome, leading to temporary digestive upset.

Reasons to transition gradually:

  • Gut microbiome adaptation – Beneficial bacteria need time to adjust to new food.
  • Digestive enzyme shift – Your dog’s body will produce different enzymes for different protein and carbohydrate sources.
  • Texture & moisture change – Cooked dog food has higher moisture and a softer texture compared to kibble, which may initially affect stool consistency.


Step-by-Step Transition Plan to Cooked Dog Food

Here’s a proven 7-day to 10-day plan for switching to cooked dog food without upsetting your dog’s stomach.

Day 1–2: Introduce Slowly (25% Cooked, 75% Current Food)

  • Mix a small portion of cooked food with their current kibble or canned food.
  • Spread meals into two or three feedings to avoid overwhelming the digestive system.
  • Observe for signs of digestive upset (loose stools, excessive gas).

Day 3–4: Increase Cooked Food (50% Cooked, 50% Current Food)

  • By now, most dogs start enjoying the taste and texture of their new meals.
  • Maintain consistency—don’t add new treats or table scraps during this phase.

Day 5–6: Majority Cooked Food (75% Cooked, 25% Current Food)

  • Your dog’s digestive system should now be adapting well.
  • Stools may be smaller and less odorous due to better nutrient absorption.

Day 7–10: Fully Transitioned (100% Cooked Dog Food)

  • Serve only cooked meals, ensuring portion sizes meet their calorie needs.
  • Store meals properly refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for longer.


Tips for a Smooth Transition to Cooked Dog Food

1. Choose a Complete and Balanced Recipe

Not all cooked dog food is nutritionally complete. Look for:

  • Human-grade meats and vegetables.
  • Proper ratios of protein, fat, and carbs.
  • Added omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

2. Keep Feeding Times Consistent

Dogs thrive on routine. Feed at the same times daily to keep digestion predictable.

3. Avoid Mixing Too Many Food Types

Mixing cooked food, kibble, and raw in the same meal can make digestion harder. During the transition, stick to just the old food and the new cooked food.

4. Monitor Stool Quality

Healthy stool during the transition should be:

  • Firm but not hard.
  • Brown in colour.
  • Smaller than usual (due to better nutrient absorption).

If stool becomes too soft or watery, slow down the transition.

5. Watch for Allergies or Sensitivities

Even healthy foods can cause reactions in sensitive dogs. Common signs:

  • Excessive scratching.
  • Red or inflamed skin.
  • Repeated loose stools.

If symptoms appear, consult your vet and consider a limited-ingredient cooked recipe.


Common Mistakes When Switching to Cooked Dog Food

Switching Too Fast

The most common error is going straight from kibble to 100% cooked food overnight. Even if your dog loves the taste, their digestive system might struggle.

Overfeeding

Cooked meals are more nutrient-dense and have higher moisture, so they often require smaller portions than kibble.

Not Storing Properly

Cooked dog food should be refrigerated or frozen to prevent spoilage. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours.

Ignoring Calorie Needs

Use a dog calorie calculator or consult your vet to ensure correct portion sizes, especially for weight management.


Why Cooked Dog Food Is Worth the Transition Effort

Switching to cooked dog food can lead to:

  • Better digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Shinier coat and healthier skin.
  • More consistent energy levels.
  • Reduced allergy symptoms.
  • Smaller, less odorous stools.

These improvements often become noticeable within 2–4 weeks of switching.

Cooked Dog Food vs. Kibble During Transition

Feature

Cooked Dog Food

Kibble

Nutrient Retention

High (gentle cooking)

Low (high heat processing)

Moisture Content

60–70%

6–10%

Digestibility

High

Medium

Freshness

Blast-frozen/refrigerated

Shelf-stable

Palatability

High

Variable


FAQ: Transitioning to Cooked Dog Food

Q: Can I switch my puppy to cooked dog food?
Yes, as long as the recipe is formulated for puppies’ nutritional needs.

Q: Should I add supplements during the transition?
If the cooked food is complete and balanced, extra supplements are usually unnecessary unless advised by a vet.

Q: My dog has diarrhoea during the transition—what do I do?
Reduce the cooked food percentage for a few days, then increase gradually. Make sure meals are fresh and stored correctly.


Final Thoughts

Switching to cooked dog food can be one of the most rewarding choices you make for your pet’s health, but patience is key. A gradual transition allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust smoothly, ensuring they enjoy all the benefits—better digestion, improved skin, shinier coats, and more energy—without discomfort.

When you take the time to transition properly, you’re setting your dog up for a lifetime of better nutrition and well-being.



Aug 09, 2025
by
Nivedita Fernandes
Cooked Dog Food

Cooked Dog Food: Benefits of Fresh, Healthy Meals for Dogs

Cooked Dog Food: The Complete Guide to Its Benefits for Your Dog’s Health

Cooked dog food is transforming the way pet parents think about canine nutrition. For decades, kibble and canned foods dominated the market, marketed as complete and convenient. But over the last few years, a growing number of pet owners and veterinarians have turned to gently cooked, fresh meals as a healthier alternative. This shift isn’t just a passing trend—it’s backed by science, real-life results, and a deeper understanding of what dogs truly need to thrive.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why cooked dog food is better for your dog’s digestion, skin, energy levels, and overall well-being. We’ll also discuss how cooking methods impact nutrient quality, the differences between cooked meals and ultra-processed kibble, and how you can safely make the switch.


Why Choose Cooked Dog Food Over Kibble?

When you compare cooked dog food to kibble, the differences are striking—both in terms of nutrition and the way your dog responds to each.

1. Better Nutrient Retention

Kibble is made using extrusion, a manufacturing process that heats ingredients above 200°C. This extreme heat destroys delicate nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and certain amino acids. While manufacturers add synthetic vitamins back in, these are never as bioavailable as nutrients from whole foods.
In contrast, cooked dog food is prepared at lower temperatures—just enough to make it safe and digestible—preserving more of the original nutrient profile.

2. Higher Moisture Content

Dogs evolved to get much of their hydration from their food. Kibble contains 6–10% moisture, which forces the body to draw water from tissues to aid digestion, potentially stressing the kidneys and urinary tract.
Fresh cooked dog food contains 60–70% natural moisture, which supports kidney health, aids digestion, and helps regulate body temperature.

3. Easier Digestibility

The gentle cooking process partially breaks down proteins and starches, making them easier for dogs to digest. This is especially helpful for:

  • Senior dogs with sensitive stomachs.
  • Dogs recovering from illness.
  • Dogs with certain digestive disorders.

Cooked Dog Food

The Science Behind Cooked Dog Food and Digestive Health

A study published in The Journal of Animal Science found that dogs fed fresh, gently cooked diets had higher digestibility scores compared to those fed kibble. This means they absorbed more of the nutrients they consumed, leading to better health outcomes and less waste.

Better digestibility can translate to:

  • Smaller, firmer stools.
  • Reduced bloating and gas.
  • A healthier gut microbiome.


Cooked Dog Food for Skin and Coat Health

One of the first improvements pet parents notice after switching to cooked dog food is a shinier coat and healthier skin. That’s because:

  • Essential fatty acids (especially omega-3s) in fresh meats and fish remain intact after gentle cooking.
  • The absence of artificial additives and fillers reduces the risk of skin allergies.
  • Fresh vegetables provide antioxidants like beta-carotene, which support skin cell repair.


Cooked Dog Food and Energy Levels

Nutrition directly affects your dog’s vitality. Kibble-heavy diets often contain high amounts of simple carbohydrates from fillers like corn and wheat. These can cause energy spikes and crashes.

With cooked dog food, your dog gets:

  • Steady energy from high-quality proteins and fats.
  • Complex carbs from whole-food sources like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or oats.
  • A balanced amino acid profile to support muscle maintenance.


Weight Management and Cooked Dog Food

Obesity is one of the most common health issues in dogs today, leading to joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Fresh cooked dog food can help prevent or manage obesity because:

  • Meals can be precisely portioned to your dog’s calorie needs.
  • Protein-rich recipes help maintain lean muscle mass.
  • Fresh vegetables and fibre promote satiety, reducing overeating.


Cooked Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies

Food allergies and sensitivities are increasingly common in dogs. Symptoms often include:

  • Itchy skin.
  • Ear infections.
  • Chronic diarrhoea.
  • Paw licking.

Many commercial kibbles contain multiple protein and grain sources, making it hard to pinpoint the allergen. Cooked dog food allows for:

  • Limited-ingredient diets.
  • Novel protein choices like duck, turkey, or fish.
  • Grain-free options without unnecessary fillers.


Freshness Matters: Why Cooking Method Counts

Not all cooked foods are created equal. Many mass-market “cooked” dog foods use retort technology, a sterilisation process that allows products to be stored at room temperature for up to 18 months. While shelf-stable, it significantly degrades nutrient quality.

For maximum benefit, choose brands (like BARF India) that:

  1. Cook fresh meals in small batches.
  2. Blast-freeze them immediately after cooking to –40°C.
  3. Deliver them via a temperature-controlled cold chain.

This method preserves the taste, aroma, and nutrient integrity—your dog gets food as fresh as the day it was cooked.

Comparing Cooked Dog Food, Raw Food, and Kibble

Feature

Cooked Dog Food

Raw Food

Kibble

Nutrient retention

High (gentle cooking)

High (no heat)

Low (high heat)

Safety

High (kills pathogens)

Variable (should be treated with phages)

High

Shelf life

Short (frozen/refrigerated)

Short

Long

Digestibility

High

High

Medium

Allergen control

Easy

Easy

Hard

Convenience

Medium

Low–Medium

High


Transitioning to Cooked Dog Food

To avoid digestive upset, transition gradually:

  1. Days 1–2: 25% cooked food + 75% old food.
  2. Days 3–4: 50% cooked food + 50% old food.
  3. Days 5–6: 75% cooked food + 25% old food.
  4. Day 7 onwards: 100% cooked dog food.


FAQs About Cooked Dog Food

Q: Is cooked dog food safe for puppies?
Yes, if formulated for growth and development.

Q: How do I store cooked dog food?
Keep frozen until use. Thaw in the refrigerator. Consume within 48 hours once thawed.

Q: Does my dog still need supplements?
If your cooked meals are complete and balanced, most healthy adult dogs won’t need extras. Check with your vet for specific needs.


Final Thoughts

Switching to cooked dog food is one of the most impactful choices you can make for your dog’s health. With higher digestibility, better nutrient retention, and fresher ingredients, it supports everything from digestion to skin health and energy levels.

When you choose a fresh-cooked brand that blast-freezes meals (instead of using retort pouches), you’re giving your dog food that’s as close to homemade as possible—without the hassle of cooking yourself.


Aug 09, 2025
by
Nivedita Fernandes