Why Do French Bulldogs Fart So Much? (And What Actually Helps)

Frenchies fart so much mostly because of their flat faces and their eating habits. A short-nosed dog that works hard to breathe and wolfs its dinner swallows a lot of air, and that air has to come out somewhere.¹ Add a diet your dog doesn't digest well, a sneaky bit of dairy or a quick food switch, and the gut bacteria in the bowel ferment the leftovers into even more gas (and the smell).^1,5

Why do Frenchies fart so much? The short answer is their face

Gas in a dog's gut comes from two places: air that goes in through the mouth, and gas made by bacteria fermenting food in the bowel. French Bulldogs score highly on both.

Aerophagia: the air-gulping problem

"Aerophagia" is the vet word for swallowing air. Vetwest Veterinary Clinics lists brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, fast or nervous eaters, gluttony, respiratory disease and being fed straight after exercise as causes of aerophagia, which can lead to flatulence.¹ If you've ever watched a Frenchie inhale a bowl of kibble while snorting like a tiny steam train, you've seen most of that list in one go.

A Frenchie's squashed skull still has to fit the same soft tissue as a longer-nosed dog. That's why many have narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate and a narrow windpipe, the features of brachycephalic airway syndrome.⁶ More effort to breathe often means more mouth breathing, more snorting, and more air heading south.

The BOAS–gut connection (yes, it's real)

Vets have been studying the link between flat-faced breathing and the digestive tract for about 20 years.

• A 2005 study of 73 brachycephalic dogs with upper airway disease found digestive problems were very common, even in some dogs with no digestive symptoms. Breathing and digestive severity were related, significantly so in French Bulldogs, males and heavier dogs.²
• A 2018 UK study of 98 dogs with airway syndrome found gastrointestinal signs (drooling, regurgitation, vomiting) in 93% of French Bulldogs, versus 58% of English Bulldogs and 16% of Pugs. Signs improved after airway surgery, especially in the Frenchies.³
• A 2025 study that scoped 176 French Bulldogs with BOAS found at least one gut abnormality in every dog, including oesophageal inflammation in 79%. Regurgitation was the most common sign (46.6%).⁴

Why would breathing affect the gut? Researchers think the strong suction in the chest when a dog fights for each breath can encourage reflux, and suggest constant air swallowing may add to gut inflammation, though that part is still a hypothesis.⁴ For owners, the takeaway is simple: the Frenchie who snores and tires quickly may also be the one with the noisy tummy.

For more on what makes this breed tick (and snore), see our 13 cool facts about French Bulldogs.

French bulldog gas and diet: the usual suspects

Air explains the volume. Food explains the smell. When food isn't fully digested in the small intestine, bacteria in the colon ferment it, and most chronic flatulence is linked to a diet the dog digests poorly.¹ In dogs, the main gas behind the eye-watering odour is hydrogen sulphide.⁵

Foods that commonly cause trouble include:¹

• Soybeans, peas and beans. Legumes are classic gas makers, so check the ingredient list on "grain-free" foods.
• Milk and dairy. Lactose is poorly handled by many dogs. That bit of cheese is a gas bomb waiting to happen.
• High-fat diets, spicy food and some food additives. Hello, sausage sizzle leftovers.
• Fermentable fibres such as psyllium, oat bran and lactulose.
• Spoiled food. Bin raids, compost heaps and mystery finds on the footpath.

Sudden food changes and scavenging

The most common cause of a sudden gassy spell is a diet change, or eating something new or spoiled (vets politely call it "dietary indiscretion").¹ Abrupt food switches can also bring vomiting, diarrhoea and a dip in appetite.¹³

Food intolerance and allergy

Some dogs genuinely react to a specific ingredient, usually a protein, causing recurring tummy or itchy skin problems. Blood, saliva and hair "allergy tests" aren't considered reliable; an elimination diet trial is the way to find out (more below).¹²

Weight and couch-potato life

Overweight, obese and sedentary dogs are at higher risk of chronic flatulence regardless of what they eat.¹ Extra weight also makes brachycephalic breathing signs worse,⁶ so a trim Frenchie wins twice. Not sure how much is the right amount? Our guide on how much to feed a French Bulldog walks through it.

When is Frenchie farting a sign of something serious?

Gas on its own, in a bright, happy dog with normal poos, is usually just a Frenchie being a Frenchie. But flatulence can be a symptom of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial overgrowth, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal parasites, enteritis or, rarely, tumours.¹

Book a vet visit if the gas comes with:¹

• Diarrhoea or loose stools that don't settle
• Vomiting or regular regurgitation
• Weight loss
• A sudden change in how often, how much or how badly your dog smells
• No improvement after you've sorted out the diet

Your vet may suggest faecal tests, blood tests, X-rays or ultrasound.¹ If your Frenchie also snores loudly, struggles on walks or regurgitates often, ask about their breathing too.^2,3

Bloat is an emergency

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV, or "bloat"), where the stomach fills with gas and twists, mainly affects large and giant breeds.¹⁰ It's much less likely in a Frenchie, but less likely isn't impossible. Signs include retching without bringing anything up, drooling, restlessness and a swollen belly. GDV is life-threatening, and faster treatment is linked to better outcomes.¹⁰ Go straight to your vet or nearest after-hours emergency clinic.

How to stop my French bulldog farting: what actually helps

No dog is fart-free, but you can make a real dent. Work through these in order.

1. Slow down dinner

Fast eaters swallow more air.¹ A slow-feeder bowl, snuffle mat or puzzle feeder turns a 20-second gulp into a few minutes of work. Feeding in a calm spot away from other pets helps nervous gobblers too.

2. Split meals and time them well

Two or three smaller meals are easier to eat slowly than one big one. Avoid feeding straight after a walk or a zoomies session, since feeding shortly after exercise is a listed cause of air swallowing.¹ Let your Frenchie's breathing settle first.

3. Change food gradually

Mix the new food in over about a week (roughly a quarter new on day one, half by day three, three-quarters by day five, all new by day seven), and go slower for sensitive tummies.¹³ If vomiting or diarrhoea shows up, slow down and talk to your vet.

4. Pick a highly digestible food

For gassy dogs, vets commonly recommend a highly digestible diet that's lower in fibre and fat.¹ Read the label and watch for soy, peas and beans high in the ingredient list. If your Frenchie is still gassy on a premium food, that's a reason to see your vet rather than keep swapping brands.¹

5. Stop the table scraps (yes, even the cheese)

Dairy, fatty leftovers and spicy food are all on the trigger list.¹ Use a few kibbles from the daily ration as treats, and keep the bin lid on.

6. Keep them moving and lean

Sedentary and overweight dogs are more prone to flatulence.¹ Gentle daily walks help, but the RSPCA warns flat-faced breeds are at higher risk of heat stress in a climate like Australia's and should be watched closely during exercise.⁷ Walk in the cool of the morning or evening. Our post on keeping a French Bulldog cool in summer has more tips.

7. Probiotics and "anti-fart" supplements: ask your vet first

The evidence for probiotics is thinner than the marketing. A 2019 systematic review found only a very limited, possibly clinically unimportant effect for acute gut upsets in dogs; for chronic gut disease, diet was the key and probiotics didn't add significant improvement. The studies were small, so more research is needed.¹¹

A 2001 study of just 8 dogs found charcoal, Yucca schidigera and zinc acetate combined cut bad-smelling episodes by 86%, but the dogs made no less gas.⁵ Nicer air, not rarer air. Check with your vet before adding any supplement.

8. Try an elimination diet (with your vet)

If a food allergy is suspected, your dog eats only a novel protein or hydrolysed prescription diet for at least 8 weeks, with no treats, chews, flavoured medications or supplements. Dogs with gut signs often improve sooner than dogs with skin signs. Old foods are then reintroduced one at a time to find the trigger. It takes discipline, but it's the only reliable way to pin down a true food allergy.¹²

Frenchie gas: cause and what to try

Likely cause	Clues	What to try
Swallowed air (aerophagia)	Gulps food, snorts and snores, gassy soon after meals, often not very smelly	Slow feeder, smaller meals, calm feeding spot, wait after exercise before meals1
BOAS (airway disease)	Loud breathing, tires easily, overheats, regurgitates or vomits3,6	Vet check and BOAS assessment; airway surgery can improve gut signs in some Frenchies3
Diet ingredients	Very smelly gas, food high in soy, peas or beans, or extra fat or fibre1	Highly digestible food lower in fibre and fat, chosen with your vet1
Sudden food change	Gas, loose stools or vomiting after a new bag or brand1,13	Transition over about 7 days, or slower13
Scraps and scavenging	Gas after barbecues, bin raids or dairy treats1	No table scraps, secure bins, treats from the daily ration
Food allergy or intolerance	Ongoing gut upsets and/or itchy skin12	Vet-guided elimination diet for at least 8 weeks12
Weight and inactivity	Overweight, mostly lounges about1	Weight loss plan and gentle daily walks in cool weather1,7
Underlying gut disease	Diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, sudden change in gas1	See your vet for tests1

Thinking of getting a Frenchie? Ask about breathing

Because breathing and digestion are so linked in this breed, ask any breeder about airway health. The Respiratory Function Grading scheme, developed by the University of Cambridge and the UK Kennel Club, grades French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs from 0 (no respiratory signs of BOAS) to 3 (severe) after an exercise test.⁸ Dogs Australia is rolling it out here, with assessors appointed in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.⁹

FAQs

Is it normal for a French Bulldog to fart a lot?

Some extra gas is common in Frenchies because flat-faced breeds swallow more air.¹ It's not something you just have to live with, though. Slow feeding, a digestible diet and no scraps usually help, and gas with diarrhoea, vomiting or weight loss should be checked by a vet.

What is the best food for a gassy French Bulldog?

There's no single best brand. Look for a highly digestible food that's lower in fibre and fat and not heavy on soy, peas or beans.¹ If gas continues on a good-quality food, ask your vet about testing or a hydrolysed or novel protein elimination diet.^1,12

Do probiotics help French Bulldog gas?

The evidence is weak so far. A 2019 systematic review found limited benefit for acute gut upsets and no significant added benefit over diet for chronic gut disease.¹¹ Talk to your vet before using one, and treat diet and feeding habits as the main fix.

Can BOAS surgery help with digestive problems?

In one study, gastrointestinal signs improved after airway surgery, particularly in French Bulldogs.³ Surgery isn't a fart cure and is a decision for you and your vet based on breathing, but mention tummy troubles at any BOAS check.

Should I worry if my Frenchie's belly looks swollen?

Yes. A swollen, tight or painful belly, especially with retching that brings nothing up, drooling or restlessness, needs an emergency vet straight away.¹⁰ Bloat is less common in small breeds, but it is life-threatening.

The bottom line

Your Frenchie isn't farting to spite you. Their flat face makes them air-gulpers and their love of a snack does the rest. Slow the meals, steady the diet, skip the scraps, keep them lean and cool, and loop in your vet if anything seems off. Your nose (and your couch) will thank you.

References

1. Vetwest Veterinary Clinics. Flatulence – farting and gas problems in dogs.
2. Poncet CM, Dupre GP, Freiche VG, et al. Prevalence of gastrointestinal tract lesions in 73 brachycephalic dogs with upper respiratory syndrome. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2005;46(6):273–279.
3. Kaye BM, Rutherford L, Perridge DJ, Ter Haar G. Relationship between brachycephalic airway syndrome and gastrointestinal signs in three breeds of dog. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2018;59(11):670–673.
4. Bottero E, Ruggiero P, Falcioni D, et al. Clinical evaluation and systematic classification of endoscopic gastrointestinal findings in 176 French Bulldogs with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome. Animals, 2025;15(14):2137.
5. Giffard CJ, Collins SB, Stoodley NC, et al. Administration of charcoal, Yucca schidigera, and zinc acetate to reduce malodorous flatulence in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2001;218(6):892–896.
6. University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.
7. RSPCA Australia. The conversation we need to be having about brachycephalic dog breeds (April 2025).
8. University of Cambridge. Scheme launched to improve health of French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs (February 2019).
9. Dogs Australia. Respiratory Function Grading Scheme.
10. MSD Veterinary Manual (Australia). Gastric Dilation and Volvulus in Small Animals.
11. Jensen AP, Bjørnvad CR. Clinical effect of probiotics in prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal disease in dogs: a systematic review. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2019;33(5):1849–1864.
12. VCA Canada Animal Hospitals (Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition). Implementing an Elimination-Challenge Diet Trial in Dogs.
13. American Kennel Club. How to Switch Dog Foods: Transitioning Your Dog's Diet.