Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic condition that dogs and humans can develop. It occurs when intestinal fluids such as acid go from the stomach into the oesophagus. Causes include bacterial infections, stress, and their diet. By changing the food you feed your dog, as well as providing supportive supplements, you can control the effects of acid reflux and even stop symptoms altogether. But is dry dog food the best answer, or could raw or wet dog food help?
In our guide, we will explore the dog breeds most prone to acid reflux, and the best dog food choices to ease symptoms. We will also discuss whether grain free dog food is better choice for dogs with acid reflux, the other ways you can help your dog manage their symptoms, and how our dog food options and other helpful products at Fetch can assist.
Discover which dog breeds are more likely to develop acid reflux
Find out which dog food could be the best choice for your dog with acid reflux
Discover the pros and cons of grain free dog food for acid reflux
Here are some other ways you can help your dog
Here’s how we can help
What Dog Breeds are Prone to Acid Reflux?
Any dog can develop acid reflux, but some breeds are more prone than others. Dogs with short, flat faces (known as brachycephalic dog breeds), are more likely to experience acid reflux as their oesophagus's are much shorter, and they have an increased risk of developing a Hiatal hernia. Dog breeds likely to experience acid reflux include:
- Pugs
- English and French bulldogs
- Boston terriers
- Boxers
Other factors that contribute to acid reflux in dogs include specific medications, obesity, age and diet. Symptoms include whining in pain, regurgitating food, coughing, weight loss, lip licking and a loss of appetite. Some dogs may even suffer from inflammation of the oesophagus as a result of acid damage. If your dog has been diagnosed with acid reflux (GERD) or other gastrointestinal issues, consult one of our canine nutrition specialists for a wellbeing consultation, who can provide advice to help you manage your dog’s symptoms and find the best food option to suit them.
What Dog Food is Best for Acid Reflux?
If your dog has acid reflux, it may be time to make some dietary changes. Raw dog food is often recommended for creating a healthy gut environment. Meat such as chicken and turkey, as well as fish, are highly recommended for dogs with acid reflux, as they are easy to digest and kinder to the stomach (if your dog has an allergy to any of these proteins, we would recommend an alternative one, as every dog is different).
Raw food is lower in carbohydrates, additives and preservatives which is beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs, promoting healthy digestion and often reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. When choosing a protein source, you should avoid options that are high in fat such as duck or lamb, as it could exacerbate symptoms.
Wet dog food can be the perfect choice for some dogs due to its high moisture content, which also make it easier to pass through the digestive tract and in turn, reduces the likelihood of stomach acid rising into the oesophagus. However, try to avoid wet food products that are high in fat and contain preservatives or high percentages of carbohydrates. Always choose a high-quality wet food, at Fetch we ensure to only stock the highest quality possible.
Dry dog food can be beneficial for managing acid reflux. Grain free options such as Nourish Rite and cold-pressed choices like DARF are highly recommended; grain is a common allergen in dogs, and removing it from their diet could be advantageous for dogs with acid reflux. DARF is cold pressed, making it much easier to digest and less likely to trigger stomach acid to travel up the digestive tract. When feeding dry food, you should always provide fresh water to keep your dog hydrated.
Before changing your dog’s diet, consult a nutrition specialist by book a wellbeing consultation to find dog food that not only suits your dog’s specific needs but fits in with your lifestyle too.
Is Grain Free Dog Food Better for Dogs with Acid Reflux?
You may find that your dog’s symptoms are lessened by a grain-free dog food diet. Grains such as corn, wheat and soy are common allergens and can cause unpleasant reactions in your dog, and can sometimes be difficult for your dog to digest. However, not all dogs with acid reflux need to be on a grain-free diet, so you should take the time to work out what is the best for your dog.
You can browse the grain free dry dog food that we stock here.
How Else Can I Help my Dog with Acid Reflux?
As well as making appropriate changes to their diet, there are other ways you can help your dog, including:
- Provide supplements: consider prebiotics and probiotics that promote gut health. Holistic Hound Tummies provide pre and probiotics for dogs, made from 100% natural ingredients ideal for dogs prone to stomach upset and conditions such as acid reflux.
- Lifestyle changes: if your dog is obese, consider putting them on a diet or taking them on more walks to lose some weight, and ensure to weigh their food daily while taking their treat consumption into consideration. It is also recommended that you try and keep your dog upright for about 30 minutes after eating to reduce acid reflux symptoms.
- Avoid treats that are high in fat.
- Consider allergies: if your dog is allergic or has intolerances to certain food, ensure these are out of their diet to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.
Canine Wellbeing Advice at Fetch
At Fetch, we believe in promoting gut health and repairing the gut microbiome to help your dog live a healthier life if they have a sensitive stomach. We can thoroughly examine your dog’s history and decide on the best diet and supplements to provide for a range of health conditions, from dry and itchy skin to liver disease and pancreatitis. We will also take your lifestyle and needs as a pet owner into consideration, making suggestions that won’t break the bank or require more storage space when you don't have any to spare.
To find out more, book your wellbeing consultation today.