It can be confusing when looking for the best dog food for acid reflux. Obviously, you want to do your best for your dog, but many dog foods have various ingredients, recipes, and nutritional formulations. Acid reflux in dogs can be controlled by diet in some cases, but you should always see your vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment advice.
In general, low fat-low protein diets can be very helpful for acid reflux in dogs. Also, acid reflux dog foods tend to have only a few ingredients, avoid grains and do not contain artificial additives. To save you hours of research, we have painstakingly searched for the best products and used our knowledge to highlight the best features. Read on to get the most out of our comprehensive guide.
A Quick Overview of Our Favorites
10 Top-Rated Dog Foods for Acid Reflux
1 Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Taste of the Wild
- First five ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
- Primary protein source: Salmon and Ocean Fish Meal
- Calories: 408 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Pacific Stream With Smoked Salmon
- Life stage: Adult
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a dog food for acid reflux and uses a recipe based on the diet that your dog’s ancestors would have eaten in the wild. It protects your dog’s digestive health by being easy to digest which can be useful for dogs suffering from acid reflux. As the intestines don’t have to work so hard they can gradually heal. The potatoes and peas provide carbohydrates for energy. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables (including blueberries, raspberries and sweet potatoes) that provide antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals.
The grain free dog food recipe is one of the best food for acid reflux will suit dogs with food sensitivities and those who need grain free diets. There are also no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives making it gentle on sensitive stomachs. The probiotics support intestinal health.
Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Lentils, Salmon Meal, Smoked Salmon, Potato Fiber, Natural Flavor, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable), Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.
- Grain free recipe
- Probiotics for intestinal health
- Easy to digest proteins
- The production facility also handles eggs and chicken
- Only suitable for adult dogs
2 Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach – Salmon & Rice Formula
- Brand: Purina Pro Plan
- First five ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal,
- Primary protein source: Salmon, Fish Meal
- Calories: 467 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon and Rice
- Life stage: Adult
The highly digestible recipe of Purina Pro Plan is an ideal choice for dogs with acid reflux issues. It is a specialized gastrointestinal dog food for pooches that have a sensitive digestive system and/or sensitive skin. The high (26%) protein content is provided by easily digested salmon to deliver essential amino acids. This is combined with rice and oatmeal which are both highly digestible and provide a calorie dense source of energy.
There are omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and to support healthy joints. Finally, the probiotics and prebiotics support both the digestion and the immune system.
For more options, check out our detailed review of dog food for sensitive stomachs.
New: Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Salmon Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Chicory Root Inulin, Fish Oil, L-lysine Monohydrochloride, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-methionine, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Calcium Carbonate, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
- Protein provided by easy to digest salmon
- Rice and oat carbohydrates gentle on the stomach
- No grains, wheat or soy
- Probiotics and prebiotics to support healthy digestion
- New and old versions available which can be confusing
- Only suitable for adult dogs
3 Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Turkey & Potato Recipe
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First five ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Pea Starch, Peas,
- Primary protein source: Turkey and Turkey Meal
- Calories: 352 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey and Potato
- Life stage: Adult
The best dog foods for acid reflux tend to have fewer ingredients and this is where this high quality dog food ticks all the boxes. As the name suggests, Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Dog Food contains a small range of premium quality ingredients to support all aspects of your dog’s health.
Essential vitamins and probiotics have been added to support immunity and a healthy digestion and there are omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. To support joint health, turkey meal which is packed with glucosamine is one of the main protein sources. There are also prebiotics and many antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables including cranberries, pumpkin and blueberries.
Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Pea Starch, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Fiber, Potato Starch, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Fish Oil (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Flaxseed, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Vitamin E Supplement, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), DL-Methionine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Dried Yeast, Manganese Sulfate, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
- Limited ingredients
- Protein provided by turkey and turkey meal
- No soy, dairy, eggs or chicken
- Antioxidant rich
- Not as many calories per cup as some other brands
- Only suitable for adult dogs
4 Natural Balance L.I.D. Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula
- Brand: Natural Balance
- First five ingredients: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Potatoes,
- Primary protein source: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal,
- Calories: 373 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Sweet Potato and Fish
- Life stage: Adult
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula has limited ingredients and a lower protein and fat content than many other foods making it suitable for a dog’s sensitive stomach and for dogs suffering from acid reflux.
The limited list of ingredients contains only premium sources of protein (Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal) and carbohydrates that are easy to digest and gentle on a dog’s stomach. The omega fatty acids are great for a healthy skin and coat and there are no artificial additives, fillers or by-product meals which can irritate the digestion.
Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Potatoes, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Potato Protein, Salt, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-methionine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid (Used As A Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
- Limited ingredients protein source
- Easy to digest fish proteins
- Carbohydrate provided by sweet potato
- No fillers or by-product meals
- Only suitable for small breeds
- Only suitable for adult dogs
5 CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey & Lamb Meals
- Brand: Canidae
- First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Oatmeal
- Primary protein source: Chicken Meal and Turkey Meal
- Calories: 506 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken, Turkey, Lamb and Fish
- Life stage: All life stages
If you are a dog owner with multiple dogs looking for a new dog food that will suit them all, this CANIDAE All Life Dog Food will suit them all – from puppies to senior dogs. It provides complete and balanced nutrition including for dogs with acid reflux problems.
The recipe features probiotics to support intestinal health as well as antioxidants for the immune system and omega fatty acids for healthy coat and skin. The glucosamine and chondroitin in the poultry meals is very useful for joint health.
Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Oatmeal, Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Lentils, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Chicken Fat, Flaxseed, White Rice, Lamb Meal, Salmon Oil, Natural Flavor, Salt, Threonine, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Tryptophan, Zinc Sulfate, Dl-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product.
- Suitable for dog owners who have multiple dogs
- High calories per cup – nutritionally dense
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
- Contains poultry meals which do not suit all dogs
- Multiple protein sources
6 Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Canned Dog Food
- Brand: Purina Pro Plan
- First five ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Salmon, Rice, Fish, Potato Protein
- Primary protein source: Salmon
- Calories: 467 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon and Rice
- Life stage: Adult
If you prefer to feed your dog wet dog foods but they have a sensitive stomach or acid reflux symptoms, Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dog Food is a commercial dog food that will suit your needs. Because of its soft texture, tasty recipe and moisture content it will appeal to senior dogs who may have dental issues.
It provides a balanced diet based on nutrient-rich salmon as the primary protein which is easy to digest. This food also offers plenty of omega oils which looks after the coat and skin and are very beneficial for cognitive development during ageing. The carbohydrate content of this canned food is provided by rice which is also gentle on the stomach.
Water Sufficient For Processing, Salmon, Rice, Fish, Potato Protein, Corn Oil, Carrots, Inulin, Potassium Chloride, Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin, And Sodium Selenite.
- Wet dog food with plenty of moisture
- Excellent as a senior dog’s diet
- Protein provided by easy to digest salmon
- Rice provides the carbohydrates
- Not as easy to handle as dry food
- Only suitable for adult dogs
7 Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe
- Brand: Wellness
- First five ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas,
- Primary protein source: Turkey
- Calories: 366 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey and Chicken
- Life stage: Adult
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe has a lower fat content than many other brands which can be helpful with acid reflux problems. The balanced and grain free recipe is suitable for sensitive stomachs and is based on high quality protein sources including turkey and chicken.
There are no fillers, artificial additives or wheat gluten to trigger allergies and it is designed to support lean body mass which may help a dog lose weight. The recipe is packed with healthy vegetables including spinach, broccoli and carrots which deliver vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Probiotics and prebiotics support intestinal health and the glucosamine and chondroitin in the poultry meal are excellent for joint health.
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
- Reduced fat content
- Prebiotics and probiotics for intestinal health
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- Supports lean body mass and muscle
- Not all dogs can tolerate chicken
- Only suitable for adult dogs
8 Whole Earth Farms Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dog Food
- Brand: Whole Earth Farms
- First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat
- Primary protein source: Chicken Meal
- Calories: 377 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey and Chicken
- Life stage: Adult
- Brand: Whole Earth Farms
- First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat
- Primary protein source: Chicken Meal
- Calories: 377 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey and chicken
- Life stage: Adult
Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a wholesome dog food based on meat and farm grown vegetables. It is one of the suitable dog foods for acid reflux as it contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, fillers or animal by-product meals which can all be hard on a delicate digestion.
This dog food provides protein delivered by chicken and turkey and whilst the field grown vegetables deliver fiber alongside plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega oils. The probiotics and prebiotics support healthy digestion and minerals, including taurine for heart health, have been added for overall health and well-being.
Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Sweet Potato, Chicken, Turkey, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Apples, Carrots, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols For Freshness, Citric Acid For Freshness, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product. 2C85520
- No corn, wheat or soy to irritate the digestion
- Contains field grown vegetables
- Probiotics and prebiotics for intestinal health
- Plenty of antioxidants and healthy omega oils
- Not all dogs can tolerate chicken meal
- Only suitable for adult dogs
9 Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Dog Food – Real Lamb Recipe
- Brand: Merrick
- First five ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Water Sufficient for Processing, Lamb Liver, Natural Flavor, Salt
- Primary protein source: Deboned lamb
- Calories: 487 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Lamb
- Life stage: Adult
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Duck Recipe is one of the suitable foods for acid reflux in dogs because it is highly digestible and essential amino acids are provided by lamb making it suitable for dogs who cannot tolerate chicken.
This canned food contains lamb as the only source of protein and also contains no peas, potatoes, corn, or soy. It has been designed specifically for dogs that suffer from sensitive stomachs making it a suitable dog’s diet for acid reflux and stomach acid issues. At the same time, it provides all the vitamins, minerals that your dog requires.
Deboned Lamb, Water Sufficient for Processing, Lamb Liver, Natural Flavor, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Minerals (Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin), Taurine. 2B39004.
- Grain free recipe
- Single source of protein
- Contains no poultry
- Formulated specifically for sensitive stomachs
- More messy to handle than dry foods
- Only suitable for adult dogs
10 Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula
- Brand: Wellness
- First five ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes,
- Primary protein source: Salmon
- Calories: 446 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon
- Life stage: Adult
The formulation of Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient combines protection for sensitive stomachs with plenty of nutritional support for overall health and a shiny coat. It does this by eliminating meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy, dairy, eggs and artificial additives from the recipe.
Instead there are only five ingredients which have been very carefully chosen; these are salmon, potatoes, peas, tomato Pomace, ground flaxseed, and canola oil. Together they provide easily digestible protein and carbohydrates along with natural probiotics for gut health, antioxidants and omega fatty acids for immunity and skin health and glucosamine for joint health.
Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Fish Flavor, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
- Free from grains and soy
- No chicken protein or egg
- Five healthy main ingredients
- Formulated specifically for sensitive stomachs
- Contains potatoes which do not have many nutritional benefits
- Only suitable for adult dogs
Best Dog Foods for Acid Reflux: Buying Guide & FAQs
What is Acid Reflux?
The tube that carries food from your dog’s mouth to their stomach is called the esophagus, and where it meets the stomach, there is a circular muscle (esophageal sphincter) that opens up (relaxes) and allows the food to enter the stomach. If this muscle relaxes at the wrong time, the contents of the stomach can flow back up into the esophagus, and this is called acid reflux. The acid involved is gastric stomach acid which is highly irritating, but pepsin, bile salts, and other substances in the stomach are also forced into the esophagus.
It can happen at any age, and most of the time it will only happen occasionally. However, if the esophageal sphincter muscle becomes very weak, it can become a long-standing chronic problem. This is termed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms of Dog Gastric Reflux
The problem with both acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease is that the mucus lining of the esophagus gets damaged by gastric or intestinal fluids and other stomach contents. This is why acid reflux causes symptoms as the tissues become irritated. The condition can range from mild acid reflux to severe GERD, causing serious damage.
The recognized symptoms of acid reflux in dogs include:
- Bad breath
- Burping and gagging
- Vomiting and regurgitation after a meal
- Wheezing
- A dry cough
- Intestinal symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating
- Restlessness, hunching, or lethargy after eating, which indicates pain
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
In severe cases, the esophagus lining can ulcerate, and there may be fever and excessive drooling. Eventually, the esophagus can narrow, and the tissue can die or become very thin. If the acid reflux is constant, the acid from your dog’s stomach can even enter the lungs and cause a condition called aspiration pneumonia which causes lung damage.
Causes of Acid Reflux in Dogs
In humans, it is thought that eating spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, but as most dogs do not eat spicy foods often, there are other causes.
You may notice that your dog develops acid reflux after having a general anesthetic. This can happen if they are not properly fasted before or positioned during the procedure.
It is also found more often in dogs that have a hiatal hernia. This is where part of the stomach is pushed up through the diaphragm into the chest. It can be a congenital condition that dogs are born with and is most common in brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs because their abnormal airways cause negative pressure in the chest.
It can also be caused by an excessive amount of acid in the stomach, high blood calcium levels, and obesity.
How Diet Can Help Your Pooch
If you suspect your dog has acid reflux, you should always consult your vet. They may advise you that there is plenty that you can do at home to help acid reflux in dogs. You may be advised to withhold food for a day and introduce smaller meals of the best dog food for acid reflux that you have selected from the above list. These meals must be given more frequently so the stomach is not empty for too long and does not have to work too hard.
Dog food suitable for treating acid reflux is generally low in fat. This is because fat can weaken the gastric sphincter muscle and make it easier for stomach acid to get back up the esophagus from your dog’s stomach. Food used to treat acid reflux is also lower in protein than many other dog foods because protein stimulates gastric acid production. Some owners also find that fish protein is gentler than meat and helps with symptoms.
What to Look for in a Dog Food for Acid Reflux
When you are choosing the best dog foods for acid reflux from the above list, there are many things that you should look out for.
- Low fat
- Low protein dog food
- Easy to digest proteins such as fish
- Easy to digest carbohydrates such as rice and sweet potato
- Grain-free
- Free from fillers and artificial additives
Sources:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Non-Brachycephalic Dogs, VCA hospitals
- Acid Reflux in Dogs, Pet MD
FAQs:
Yes, homemade dog food is a great option because you are completely in control of what your dog is ingesting, and you can add acid reflux in dog diet ingredients that will be helpful.
However, you need to ensure that they receive a balanced diet with the right proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as micronutrients. So, if you are planning on switching to homemade dog food, it would be a good idea to get some advice from a vet or an animal nutritionist before you start.
Foods that are lower in fat and protein and have limited ingredients are good dog food for acid reflux, and these can be canned dog food, dry dog food, or homemade dog food.
You could also use ingredients that help with acid reflux in a dog’s diet. Try to look for proteins and carbohydrates that are highly digestible such as fish protein and sweet potatoes. Acid reflux dog food also often contains just one type of protein and may be referred to as ‘limited ingredients’.
The best dog foods have ingredients that actively promote healthy digestion, called prebiotics and probiotics.
Foods that are difficult to digest can result in your dog’s stomach producing a lot of gastric acids, increasing acid reflux. Food for acid reflux in dogs should not contain grains, fillers, or artificial additives. Avoid high-fat foods and foods that have a very high protein content.
Also, you need to avoid any human foods that can worsen acid reflux in dogs. This list includes spicy foods, fatty minced meat, butter, and cream.
You can help prevent acid reflux in dogs by making sure that they maintain a healthy weight and giving them several smaller meals a day instead of one or two large meals.
You can also help to prevent it by choosing the best dog food for acid reflux that suits your dog’s individual feeding requirements based on their age, breed, and food sensitivities. The food must be highly digestible but also palatable. You may find that picky eaters prefer wet dog foods.
Your vet should be the one to advise on what medication to give to your dog. Vets can decide to treat acid reflux with medicine. However, they will first want to confirm the diagnosis of GERD or acid reflux. They will do this with a combination of physical examination and laboratory tests. The physical examination is to locate the focus of the pain and to feel for any masses or obstructions. Laboratory tests look for disease biomarkers, and scans may be needed for further investigations.
GERD and acid reflux can be treated in several ways. Your vet may prescribe antacids to decrease stomach acid. This may not stop acid reflux but will make it less painful and prevent damage to the esophagus. Some medicines strengthen the esophageal sphincter, and others coat the esophagus so that the acid does not damage and cause ulceration.
Even if your dog is taking medicine for acid reflux, they are still likely to need one of the best dog foods listed above at the same time.
If your dog has acid reflux, you could try feeding them some plain boiled chicken. However, remember that some dogs have allergies or food sensitivities regarding chicken. On the whole, fish proteins are preferable for this condition. Some brands of dog food for acid reflux are based on real chicken.
Oily fish such as tuna can help with acid reflux and are packed with omega oils which are very good for your dog. However, because tuna are large fish, there are concerns amongst some experts that pollutants, such as heavy metals, can become concentrated in tuna flesh. For this reason, you may prefer to offer your dog another type of fish. Whitefish is generally easy to digest and is often found in some of the best dog food recipes.
While there is little evidence that pumpkin is directly beneficial for acid reflux, it is known to be good for general stomach upsets in dogs, so it is worth a try. Start by offering just a small amount to your dog and see how they react. Only offer them plain canned pumpkin and no other human pumpkin recipes with other ingredients that may be harmful to dogs. Some acid reflux dog food brands contain pumpkin as it is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
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