Why is my Frenchie farting so much?
You’re sitting on the couch with your Frenchie when suddenly, you smell something rancid.
Did you forget to take out the trash?
…
Is it me?
…
Nope! That’s just your Frenchie farting up a storm.
I’m sure anybody with a Frenchie can relate.
Check out these Slow Feed Bowls to Stop Farting
Frenchies Fart…
Flatulence — the fancy word for farting — is a common issue that many French Bulldogs suffer from.
It’s not so much that the French Bulldogs are suffering, but instead us humans that have to deal with that unbearable stench.
A few farts here and there can be funny, but excessive gas can make it hard to be around your Frenchie. Luckily these rancid farts are usually nothing to worry about; Bulldogs are just gassy.
You might be asking yourself, “Why does my French Bulldog fart so much?!“; much more than any other breed I’ve been around at least. This is due to their extremely sensitive stomachs.
Farting in French Bulldogs is typically caused by a change in diet or something else the dog ate that isn’t sitting well with them. It can also be exacerbated when they eat their
Frenchie scaring himself with farts
Frenchies’ farts are so foul, they can be terrifying.
But look at this Frenchie who was freaked out by his farts!
Yeah, I’d be scared too…
Why do Frenchies Fart so Much More than Other Dog Breeds?
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been around many breeds and have yet to encounter one that farts as much or as badly as much as the Frenchie.
This is due to their extremely sensitive digestive systems.
French Bulldogs are what is called a brachycephalic breed. Simply put, this means they have flat, smushed faces.
When these dogs eat, they tend to swallow a lot of air as well.
Symptoms of Flatulence
- Farting or gas
- Mild abdominal discomfort
- Mild stomach bloating
- Excessive sounds or rumbling from the stomach
Quick Mealtime Tip
I’m using this bowl that forces my Frenchie to slow down when she’s eating.
It keeps her busy and less gassy!
If your Frenchie is like most Frenchies, they probably inhale their food like a vacuum cleaner.
This fast eating is what causes most of their gassiness— and this bowl is sure to slow down their eating.
It's made from BPA-free plastic (non-toxic) and has tons of different shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from.
- Reduces farting
- BPA-free plastic— safe to eat from
- Multiple fun shapes & colors to choose from
If you want to learn more about slowing down your Frenchie’s eating and slow-feed bowls, check out our guide on slowing down your Frenchie’s eating.
10 Reasons Why Your Frenchie is Farting
Diet is the number one cause of flatulence in French Bulldogs, but there are a few other reasons why your Frenchie could be having gas.
For Frenchies, another one of the leading causes of gas is swallowing too much air.
These reasons include…
- Excessive carbohydrate intake
- Diets that are rich in fat or fiber
- Fermentable foods
- Dairy products
- Spicy foods
- Spoiled
food - Low-quality dog
food - A
food ingredient that their stomach doesn’t tolerate - Lack of exercise and obesity
- Aerophagia (swallowing of air)
If your Frenchie inhales their
1. Excessive carbohydrate intake
Some commercial, processed dog foods just contain too many carbohydrates.
Our diets also have too many carbohydrates (most of us) for your Frenchie… just another reason why you shouldn’t share your table scraps with your Frenchie.
2. Diets that are rich in fat or fiber
Fiber is one of those ingredients that our digestive systems simply cannot digest.
Instead, the fiber works by retaining water, slowing digestion to aid nutrient absorption, and promoting healthy stool development.
Foods that are high in fiber often take longer-than-normal for your digestive system to process, which causes them to ferment and produce gas.
Frenchie-safe foods rich in fiber include…
- Apples
- Pumpkin
- Brown rice
- Blueberries
- Green beans
- Sweet potatoes
3. Fermentable foods
Fermented foods are foods that have undergone a process called fermentation— this process creates lactic acid which gives them their distinct sour flavor.
They are loved by many people for not only their tangy and sour flavors, but also the probiotic benefits they offer.
They have been a part of our diets for thousands of years and found in all sorts of cuisines across the world.
Common fermented foods include…
- Beans
- Wheat
- Olives
- Ginger
- Sauerkraut
- Cauliflower
- Sourdough bread
- Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, kefir, or cottage cheese
No matter what you do, don’t share these with your Frenchie. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
4. Dairy products
Believe it or not, just like us humans, some dogs are actually lactose intolerant.
Even in dogs whose stomachs can handle dairy, it still might make them gassy.
Common dairy products include…
- Milk
- Butter
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Ice cream
5. Spicy foods
As delicious as they are, spicy foods are definitely a no-go for your Frenchie.
Even if they enjoy the spicy taste, their digestive system might not…
Not to mention, some spices used in common spicy foods like garlic and onions are highly toxic to dogs and should be completely avoided.
Spicy foods can cause…
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
6. Spoiled food
Do you have a bag of dog
Maybe your Frenchie is begging for some treats you found sitting in the back of the pantry?
Check and see if it’s expired!
If it is, you should check out our Top 5 Favorite French Bulldog Foods. I’m sure you’ll find something that works for your Frenchie.
7. Low-quality dog food
Just like us humans, when we eat junk, we feel like junk… the same is true for our Frenchies.
Avoid foods that have…
- Excessive protein
- Animal by-products
- Products from China
- “Meat-meal” or “by-products” or “meat”
- Allergens such as grain, soy, and wheat (for some, not all Frenchies)
- BHA, BHT ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, sodium selenite, and other toxins
Your Frenchies new favorite food
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Benefits include...
- Shinier coats
- Increased energy
- Healthier digestion
- Improved overall health
You know what they say...
"Your Frenchie is what they eat" — Feed your Frenchie the best with Ollie.
- Money-back guarantee
- Delivered straight to your door
- Customized to your dog's unique needs
- Improved coat shine, better digestion, and increased energy levels
- A bit expensive
- Requires freezer storage
- Shorter shelf life than kibble
8. A food ingredient that their stomach doesn’t tolerate
Sometimes their digestive systems just can’t tolerate some ingredients in their
If you’re feeding your Frenchie chicken, try another source of protein for their
Try a variety of protein sources
9. Lack of exercise and obesity
Frenchies that are overweight are at a much higher risk for chronic gas. For both you and your pup’s health, keep them at a healthy weight.
Obesity can also lead to joint issues or worsen pre-existing joint problems.
10. Aerophagia (swallowing of air)
Because of French Bulldog’s flat faces, they’re prone to swallowing air while eating.
As you could imagine, this causes some pretty bad gas.
When your Frenchie eats so fast they practically inhale their
There are bowls designed to slow down dogs that are fast eaters for this exact reason.
If your Frenchie is like most Frenchies, they probably inhale their food like a vacuum cleaner.
This fast eating is what causes most of their gassiness— and this bowl is sure to slow down their eating.
It's made from BPA-free plastic (non-toxic) and has tons of different shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from.
- Reduces farting
- BPA-free plastic— safe to eat from
- Multiple fun shapes & colors to choose from
Other Causes of Flatulence in Frenchies
There are other, uncommon causes of gassiness that could be to blame.
If your Frenchie’s
- Parasites
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Abnormal functioning of the pancreas
- Inflammation of the intestines caused by a virus.
- Neoplasia, which is an excessive growth of tissue in the bowels. It can be benign or cancerous.
Ingredients to Avoid
Here’s a list of some foods that some dogs have trouble digesting.
- Soy
- Beans
- Cauliflower
- Corn & starch
- Cheap dog
food - Dairy (cheese, milk, & yogurt)
- Broccoli, peas, and other green vegetables
It wouldn’t hurt to completely cut out these foods; your Frenchie shouldn’t be eating human food anyways!
Why Does my French Bulldogs Farts Stink?
Don’t expect any farts to smell pleasant. Sometimes your Frenchie’s farts may be especially stinky.
Why is this? It’s usually due to a change in their
The foods in the list above are known to cause extra-stinky farts, so it’s best to avoid them at all costs.
How to Stop my French Bulldog from Farting
The first step in treating a French Bulldog suffering from flatulence is usually a change in diet. There are many dietary factors that could be contributing to their gassiness.
You can also try a slow-feed bowl to reduce their farting.
If your Frenchie is like most Frenchies, they probably inhale their food like a vacuum cleaner.
This fast eating is what causes most of their gassiness— and this bowl is sure to slow down their eating.
It's made from BPA-free plastic (non-toxic) and has tons of different shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from.
- Reduces farting
- BPA-free plastic— safe to eat from
- Multiple fun shapes & colors to choose from
If changing your Frenchie’s
Probiotics have been shown to reduce gassiness by aiding in digestion and inhibiting the growth of deadly bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella.
It’s important that you get a probiotic designed and tested for dogs because of the differences in their digestive systems compared to humans.
7 Medications and Supplements for a Farting Frenchie
Disclaimer: Be sure to ask your veterinarian for their opinion before starting any supplement.
1. Carminative
This is a type of herb that helps reduce flatulence and bloating.
It works by helping to eliminate excessive gas from the digestive system & sooth it as well.
Common carminatives include…
- Ginger
- Fennel
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
2. Zinc Acetate
Zinc acetate is a dietary supplement that has shown promise in reducing that nasty, pungent fart smell.
3. Yucca Schidigera
A plant that is found in deserts around the world. It was used by Native Americans as a medication for headaches, bleeding, and arthritis. It is a natural deodorizer and can help your Frenchie to stop stinking!
4. Dry activated charcoal
Typically used in pet poisoning emergencies, activated charcoal prevents the stomach and intestines from absorbing toxins.
5. Bismuth subsalicylate
Better known as Pepto-Bismol, this medication can relieve indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea in both humans and dogs.
6. Simethicone
An anti-foaming agent that is used to reduce bloating, discomfort, or pain caused by excessive gas.
7. Pancreatic enzyme supplements
Sometimes vets recommend pancreatic enzymes in dogs that have a deficiency in these enzymes. A deficiency can be caused by health conditions such as pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
They help to break down
These should only be used under recommendation of a vet and not all dogs with digestive issues will even benefit from them.