Dog stomach gurgling: Causes & when to see a vet
At a glance
- Stomach gurgling is the sound of food, water and gas moving through your dog's gut, and most of the time it's completely normal
- An empty stomach, eating too fast, a sudden change of food and diarrhoea all make the gurgling louder
- Eating grass is very common in dogs and not usually a worry, but a vet should know if it comes with vomiting or a change in their poo
- Smaller meals, fresh water and a slower pace at mealtimes are the simplest fixes for a gurgly tummy
- Gurgling with repeated retching, a swollen tummy, vomiting, diarrhoea, low energy or a dog who won't eat needs a vet
Why is my dog's stomach gurgling?
Your dog's stomach gurgles because food, water and gas are moving through their gut, and it's usually nothing to worry about. Gurgling that comes with vomiting, diarrhoea, a swollen tummy or a dog who's off their food is different, and means it's time to call your vet.
When your dog's stomach is making noises, vets even have a name for it: borborygmi. It's simply the sound of the gut squeezing its contents along. It gets louder when there's more gas around, when things are moving faster than usual, or when the stomach is empty and there's nothing to muffle the sound.
Is it normal for a dog's stomach to gurgle?
Yes, some dog stomach gurgling is completely normal, especially before a meal, after eating, or while your dog is resting. A quiet rumble before breakfast is usually just an empty stomach. If your dog is bright, eating well and doing normal poos, the odd gurgle is just their gut doing its job.
| Gurgling plus… | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A quiet rumble before meals | An empty stomach | Nothing, just feed as normal |
| Wind after gulping their food | Swallowed air | Try a slow feeder bowl |
| Loose poo | An upset stomach | Small, frequent meals and plenty of water |
| Vomiting, not eating or tummy pain | Something that needs checking | Call your vet |
| Repeated retching and a swollen tummy | Possible bloat | Emergency: call your vet straight away |
What causes loud stomach gurgling in dogs?
Hunger, swallowed air and a change of food are the most common reasons a dog's stomach gurgles loudly. The usual culprits are:
- An empty stomach: the longer the gap between meals, the louder the rumble
- Eating too fast: gulping food means swallowing air, which adds gas
- A sudden change of food: a new food, new treats or human food the gut isn't used to
- Harder-to-digest food: gut bacteria make more gas when they're working on food that wasn't fully digested
- An upset stomach: diarrhoea moves things through faster and more noisily
- Stress: anxious dogs often pant and swallow more air
Less often, gurgling is down to something your vet needs to look at, such as a tummy bug, worms or a longer-term gut problem. Dogs with a sensitive stomach are more prone to the dietary causes.
Why is my dog eating grass and their stomach gurgling?
Lots of dogs eat grass, and a gurgling stomach alongside it isn't usually a cause for concern. Dogs Trust describes grass eating as very common, and says nobody knows for certain why dogs do it, largely because there's so little research. The popular idea that dogs eat grass to settle an upset stomach hasn't been proven.
It's worth a vet check if your dog eats a lot of grass consistently, or if the grass eating comes with vomiting, not wanting their usual meals, eating other things that aren't food, or diarrhoea or constipation. Keep up with your dog's parasite prevention too: slugs and snails can spread lungworm, and grass they've crawled over can pass it on.
What can I give my dog for a gurgling stomach?
For a dog who's otherwise well, the best things to give for a gurgling stomach are their normal meal if they're hungry, plenty of fresh water, and smaller, more frequent meals for a few days. Splitting their daily food into smaller portions keeps the stomach from sitting empty for long and stops them from wolfing a big bowl.
If your dog gulps their food, a slow feeder bowl cuts down on swallowed air. If the gurgling comes with loose stools, a short spell of plain, bland food such as boiled chicken or white fish with white rice helps settle things. Talk to your vet if it doesn't settle, and never give human medicines unless your vet has told you to.
When should I take my dog to the vet for stomach gurgling?
Call your vet if the gurgling comes with vomiting or retching, diarrhoea that lasts more than a day, low energy, a dog who won't eat, or signs of tummy pain such as hunching. You know your dog best, so trust your instincts if something seems off.
One combination needs a vet straight away: repeated retching where nothing comes up (or just a little foam), especially with a swollen tummy, restlessness, panting or drooling. That can be bloat, where the stomach fills with gas and twists. It's an emergency, so call your vet immediately and don't wait to see if it settles. Large, deep-chested breeds such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Saint Bernards and Dobermanns are most at risk.
How can I stop my dog's stomach gurgling so much?
Regular mealtimes, smaller portions and a steady diet are the easiest ways to cut down on dog stomach gurgling. Feed at the same times each day, slow down fast eaters, keep table scraps to a minimum, and change foods gradually over a week or two rather than overnight. If you have a large, deep-chested dog, the PDSA also advises avoiding exercise for an hour before and after meals, and feeding from a bowl on the floor rather than a raised one.
A consistent, easily digestible food helps keep things settled day to day. Gently cooked fresh food, like Marleybones Pantry Fresh®, is made with real meat and vegetables, and every recipe includes chicory root, a natural prebiotic for good digestion. In our January 2026 survey of 1,056 subscribers, 71% reported better digestion and stools after switching. For dogs that need a little more help, the Gut Health Supplement adds psyllium and pumpkin to support stool consistency.
Every dog is different — build your personalised Marleybones feeding and health plan tailored to your dog's age, size, and health requirements.
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FAQs
Why does my dog's stomach gurgle at night?
Gurgling at night or while your dog is asleep is usually an empty stomach, as it's often the longest gap between meals. If your dog is otherwise well and eating normally, it's nothing to worry about.
Why is my dog's stomach gurgling so loudly?
Loud gurgling usually means there's more gas or the gut is moving faster than usual, often from hunger, eating too fast or a change of food. If the loud gurgling comes with vomiting, diarrhoea, a swollen tummy or your dog going off their food, call your vet.
My dog has bad gas and a gurgling stomach. What should I do?
Gas and gurgling together usually come from swallowed air, a recent change of food, or food that's harder to digest. Try smaller meals, a slow feeder and keeping their diet steady. Trying a prebiotic can help with bad gas smells too, as prebiotics feed the good bacteria in your dog's gut. Add it gradually, because too much at once can cause more wind. If it carries on for more than a few days, or comes with other symptoms, speak to your vet.
Can stress make my dog's stomach gurgle?
Yes. Anxious dogs often pant and swallow more air, which adds to the gas in their gut. Car journeys, fireworks and busy households are common triggers, and the gurgling usually settles once your dog does.
Should I feed my dog if their stomach is gurgling?
If your dog is hungry and otherwise well, yes, a normal meal usually quietens things down. Don't feed a dog who is retching, has a swollen tummy, seems in pain or is being sick: call your vet instead.
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Sources
- PDSA: GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus) in dogs
- PDSA: Vomiting in dogs
- Dogs Trust: Why your dog eats grass and what to do about it
Last updated: 21 October 2026 · Reviewed by Molly Buckmaster BVM BVS MRCVS
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