Why Do Frenchies Fart So Much? (And What You Can Do About It)
If you're the proud parent of a French Bulldog, you've probably asked yourself—maybe more times than you'd like—“Why do Frenchies fart so much?”
You're lounging on the couch, enjoying some peace and quiet, and suddenly PFFFFT—your little Frenchie lets one rip. Cue the funny look from your guests… and probably a quick need for an air freshener.
Let’s be honest: Frenchie farts are a thing.
They're legendary among dog owners for their frequency, volume, and, yes, sometimes unpleasant odors. But while we can laugh about it, there's actually a solid scientific reason why French bulldogs tend to fart so much, and what you feed and how you care for them plays a large part.
So if you’re wondering why your French Bulldog’s flatulence is such a daily event—and what you can do to reduce flatulence—you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about dog farts, sensitive stomachs, and why your adorable little bulldog is a walking whoopee cushion.
The Short-Nosed Truth: It’s All in the Breed
One thing to know about French bulldogs: they’re brachycephalic. That’s just a fancy way of saying they have short noses and smushed faces.
Because of this unique head shape, Frenchies swallow a lot of air when they eat, drink, or even just breathe with excitement. And all that swallowed air has to go somewhere, which usually means your dog will pass gas more often than most dogs.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs are anatomically prone to breathing difficulties and air intake through the mouth. This excess air often ends up in the digestive system, contributing to flatulence and gas buildup.
This extra gas production isn’t just a quirk—it’s actually one of the biggest reasons French Bulldog farts are so common.
Sensitive Tummies, Sensitive Lives
Aside from their head shape, Frenchies are known for having sensitive digestive systems. This means they’re prone to gastrointestinal issues, which include everything from diarrhea to—you guessed it—excessive farting.
Their digestive system can react strongly to the wrong types of food, poor-quality dog food, or even eating table scraps. The wrong diet can make your Frenchie’s flatulence go from “tolerable” to “open a window, now.”
Food Matters: What You Feed Affects Their Farts
Let’s talk about diet. A high quality dog food is essential for minimizing farting in your Frenchie. Cheap foods full of fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and by-products can produce gas like you wouldn’t believe.
Some dog food ingredients that can trigger gas in Frenchies include:
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Beans and legumes (high in fiber and gas-forming)
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Broccoli and cruciferous veggies
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Chicken (some Frenchies are allergic or sensitive)
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Dairy products like cheese or yogurt (many are lactose intolerant)
Feeding your Frenchie smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding dairy items, table scraps, and high-fat treats can help settle their stomach.
Pro tip: Feed your pup a high-quality dog food with simple, natural ingredients. Look for options formulated for sensitive stomachs, and avoid anything artificial or overly rich.
Supporting Gut Health: Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes
While diet plays a major role in Frenchie flatulence, gut health is just as important. An unbalanced gut microbiome can cause excessive gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort, turning your pup into a full-time stink machine.
Probiotics: Boosting Good Bacteria
Probiotics help regulate digestion and support nutrient absorption. Certain strains—such as Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus acidophilus—can balance gut bacteria and minimize excessive gas production. Adding a high-quality probiotic supplement or probiotic-rich food (like plain pumpkin or unsweetened yogurt) can help improve stool consistency and cut down on the stink factor.
Digestive Enzymes: Breaking Down Food Efficiently
Sensitive stomachs mean digestion isn’t always smooth for Frenchies. Digestive enzymes—like amylase, lipase, and protease—aid in breaking down carbs, fats, and proteins, preventing gut fermentation (a key cause of smelly farts).
If your Frenchie regularly struggles with digestive issues, incorporating an enzyme supplement can improve nutrient absorption and overall gut health.
Gut Health Pro Tip: Choosing probiotic-enriched treats or foods specifically designed for digestion-friendly nutrition can support a healthier gut, leading to fewer unpleasant surprises.
Eating Too Fast = More Gas
Some French bulldogs love to gobble up their meals like it’s a race. But eating too fast causes them to swallow air, which once again adds to the gas buildup.
Using a slow feeder bowl can help your dog pace themselves during mealtime, reducing the amount of air they swallow and, ultimately, cutting down on farting. These bowls have built-in ridges or puzzles that make it a little harder for your Frenchie to inhale their food in seconds.
The Sneaky Culprit: Human Food & Treats
We get it—those puppy eyes are impossible to resist. But feeding your Frenchie human food can quickly lead to digestive issues. Many dog owners give in to those cute begging stares and share a bit of cheese, chicken, or leftovers. Unfortunately, table scraps—even in small amounts—can wreak havoc on a French Bulldog's flatulence.
Stick to treats made specifically for dogs, especially ones labeled as good for sensitive digestive systems.
When Farting Signals Something More Serious
Most of the time, Frenchie farts are just a smelly inconvenience. But if your dog has excessive farting paired with symptoms like:
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Diarrhea
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Vomiting
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Weight loss
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Lethargy
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Loss of appetite
…it’s time to see a vet. These signs could point to allergies, parasites, food intolerances, or more serious gastrointestinal issues. Don’t ignore the signs—getting professional advice can greatly improve your Frenchie’s life and comfort.
What If You’ve Tried Everything and Nothing Helps?
There’s one more factor to consider: obesity and lack of exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can slow down digestion and lead to excessive gas in Frenchies, especially if they’re overeating or not burning enough calories.
Keeping your pup active and feeding them appropriately sized portions can go a long way in reducing flatulence.
But what if you've adjusted their diet, used a slow feeder bowl, and tried every trick in the book—and your Frenchie’s farts are still out of control?
In rare cases, excessive farting is a sign of something more serious. Inflamed bowels, intestinal parasites like worms, or even neoplasia (a type of tumor) can cause abnormal gas production.
If your pup also shows signs like vomiting, weight loss, or persistent diarrhea, it’s time to visit the vet. It’s always better to rule out medical issues and keep your Frenchie healthy and less gassy.
Help your Frenchie stay fit with daily walks. Try the Ultra-Soft Activewear Harness Set—designed for ultimate comfort, breathability, and style. It’s perfect for short strolls or longer adventures, helping your pup stay active and healthy while looking adorable.
6 Tips to Reduce Your Frenchie’s Flatulence
If your little gas machine is driving you (and your nose) a bit nuts, here are a few tips to help:
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Use a slow-feeder bowl to reduce air swallowed during meals.
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Switch to a high-quality dog food formulated for sensitive stomachs.
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Avoid table scraps and dairy products like cheese and yogurt.
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Feed smaller portions more frequently to ease digestion.
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Introduce new foods gradually to avoid shocking their digestive system.
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Consult your vet if symptoms persist or get worse.
Making a few small changes in how you feed and care for your Frenchie can make a big difference in the amount of gas produced and the unpleasant odors in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenchie Farts
Is it normal for French Bulldogs to fart a lot?
Yes, it’s completely normal! Due to their short noses, sensitive guts, and tendency to swallow air, French Bulldogs are one of the gassiest dog breeds out there. While some dog's flatulence is natural, excessive farting can sometimes signal a need to adjust diet or see a vet.
Why does my Frenchie always have gas?
Your Frenchie could have gas for several reasons: swallowing air, a sensitive digestive system, eating too fast, or a reaction to something in their diet (like beans, dairy, or certain meats like chicken). Try adjusting their food and using a slow feeder bowl—and if it continues, speak to your vet.
Why do Frenchies do zoomies?
Ah, the zoomies—those hilarious bursts of energy where your Frenchie runs around like a lunatic. Zoomies are totally normal and often a sign of joy, built-up energy, or post-poop excitement. They’re not related to gas, but they’re just another lovable quirk of the breed!
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Farts, But Manage Them
Being a Frenchie parent means accepting the good, the goofy, and the gassy. While it’s true that these lovable bulldogs are famous for their farts, there’s a lot you can do to reduce their frequency and smell—from improving their diet to managing how they eat.
Just remember: when your Frenchie toots, it’s not personal. It’s biology. So light a candle, laugh it off, and know that a few stinky moments are just part of life with one of the world’s most adorable (and gassy) breeds.
Frenchie Farts & Fashion—Let’s See Yours! Got a gassy Frenchie who also happens to be ridiculously cute? Share your funniest, cuddliest, and most chaotic Frenchie moments on Sparkpaws’ Instagram! Whether it’s mid-zoomies or snuggled up in adorable dog pajama onesies, we want to see the best of your little stink machine. Tag us and let the Frenchie-loving community admire your pup in all their goofy glory!