Why Kibble Can Bloat Your Dog’s Stomach

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If your dog has ever finished a bowl of kibble and soon after seemed uncomfortable, sluggish, or bloated, you’re not alone. Many pet parents notice that traditional kibble doesn’t always sit well with their pup’s stomach, and there’s a good reason why.

Kibble and Digestion

Kibble is made by processing ingredients at high temperatures, compressing them into hard, dry pellets. While this makes kibble easy to store and pour, it also means your dog has to work much harder to break it down. The stomach fills quickly, but because kibble is dense and dry, it can take a long time to digest.

This slow breakdown can sometimes lead to:

  • Tummy bloating – that stretched, uncomfortable feeling when the stomach expands.
  • Excessive drinking – because kibble is dry, your dog often needs more water to help process it.
  • Gas and discomfort – fermentation can happen in the gut if food lingers too long.
  • Sluggish energy – since nutrients are released slowly, your dog may feel weighed down instead of energized.

Why It Matters

Bloating after meals isn’t just uncomfortable. Over time, it can contribute to digestive strain and reduced nutrient absorption. A happier, healthier digestion often starts with food that’s easier on the stomach.

Exploring Alternatives

Pet parents today are looking into options that provide the same convenience as kibble but are more gentle on digestion. Air-dried, freeze-dried, or fresh-prepared foods typically hold onto more natural nutrition and break down more easily in the stomach. These options can help reduce bloating and make mealtimes more comfortable for your dog.

If you’d like to learn more about air-dried dog food as an alternative, you can check out one of Fur Child Wonderland's recommendations: Nextrition’s air-dried recipes

They’re designed to be both nutritious and easy to digest. You can also order a trial pack to test it out with your pup!

You can also check out our blog post with a great recipe including these products. See Here. (Available for U.S. shipping)

Also check out our recipe that your dog will love including Nextrition's products. See here. 

 

 

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