Homemade Food for Dogs with Acid Reflux (Diet Tips And Tricks To Know)

For a homemade food for dogs with acid reflux, include proteins that are easily digestible, high fiber, and healthy fats. An easy meal you can whip up in minutes include pumpkin puree, unseasoned chicken breast, and brown rice—adding some probiotics like yogurt is also a good idea.

A dog’s diet is important to his health. This is why I always make sure my dogs only eat fresh dog food from reputable sources. Knowing my dogs have a healthy diet makes me confident that I can keep illnesses at bay, or if not, I know my dogs are healthy enough to fight them. A dog may need to switch from commercial foods for medical reasons such as acid reflux. Often undiagnosed, did you know that acid reflux in dogs is in fact a common problem? The causes and symptoms of acid reflux are many for dogs and prevalent in dogs with short necks. Switching to homemade dog food recipes can seem like a daunting task, but it definitely reduce acid reflux symptoms.

What is Acid Reflux?

The issue of acid reflux is well known among vets. Dog owners can mistake acid reflux for vomiting. Dogs can vomit when eating the wrong food or switching commercial foods. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease includes different causes and symptoms. The sphincter at the top of the esophagus causes the problem for dogs with acid reflux. The sphincter should close and stop acid from the stomach from rising to your dog’s mouth. Acid reflux and GERD are characterized by the sphincter staying open at all times to allow stomach acids to flow upward into the mouth—causing acid reflux.

The Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux in dogs has become a common issue for vets and pet parents. Knowing the symptoms of acid reflux will help you to recognize them if your dog is affected. Acid reflux and regurgitation are common problems that lead to easily identifiable acid reflux symptoms, such as licking lips and the air. Acid reflux can bring about several issues, including increased and decreased appetite for your dog. The regurgitation of food leads to your dog wanting to eat more when they struggle to keep food in their stomach. 

Other symptoms include:

• Vomiting bile
• Eating grass
• Burping
• Bad breath
• Whining when swallowing

Dog acid reflux issues can include your pup failing to feel comfortable throughout the day. Discomfort in your dog’s stomach and throat will lead to her wanting to walk around the find different spots to nap each day. The uncomfortable nature of dog acid reflux can change the appearance of your dog, with a hunched back reflecting the discomfort in her stomach. Gastric acid issues from severe acid reflux for your dog can lead to weight loss and ulceration of the throat. Treatment from your vet should be sought whenever your dog vomits blood.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

The causes of acid reflux in dogs are caused by different problems. The symptoms of reflux are the first step in identifying the issue and finding the root cause. A common cause of acid reflux in dogs is food intolerances from eating processed commercial foods. Highly processed commercial dog kibble can disrupt the digestive process and increase the amount of acid in your pup’s stomach as well as the reflux she feels. A dog’s food sensitivities and an imbalance of nutrients caused by a low-quality diet can increase acid production. 

Switching to a fresh or raw food diet can help your pup to overcome a common cause of acid reflux. Today’s best fresh dog food and the best dog food delivery service companies offer customized meals depending on your dog’s needs. One of the best-known causes of reflux is inflammation. A low-quality diet of commercially processed foods can increase the amount of inflammation your pup suffers from. Acid reflux in dogs has been linked to stressful situations among pups who find problems in their everyday life. Stressful situations can bring on diarrhea and vomiting. Both these symptoms are linked to instances of dog acid reflux.

Switch to a Grain-Free Food

Switching dog food is one of the first steps in finding relief for her, but you have to learn how to transition dog food properly. You can start the process by looking to find a high-quality grain-free dog food to start the process of reducing acid reflux. Her reflux can be caused by the processed foods you provide her each day. Grain-free foods do not undergo the same level of processing and limit the amount of inflammation in your dog’s body. Visiting your vet to discuss the problems your pup faces with acid reflux will usually lead to her being switched to a grain-free diet. Limiting the number of preservatives and emulsifiers in your dog’s diet will be the first step in the treatment process. Further elimination diet trials can be done if this does not work in figuring out your dog’s food sensitivities.

Try Homemade Dog Foods

Providing fresh and raw foods has become a popular option among pet parents looking to limit the amount of a dog’s acid reflux. Stomach acid buildup can be eased through the use of whole foods provided as part of a homemade diet. Whether you choose to provide freshly cooked or raw foods, you can create a healthy recipe that will limit the amount of acid reflux affecting your dog. Commercial foods are similar to eating a fast food meal that provides little nutritional content for humans. The switch to homemade cooked foods is a good way of switching your dog over to a healthier diet. 

Identify Protein Sources

The source of protein you provide is one of the most important aspects of providing her with a healthy diet. The protein on offer can have a drastic effect on the energy levels of your pup. Instead of the byproducts of beef and chicken that can be filled with fat consider the benefits of lamb. Lamb is a low-fat option that significantly cuts the amount of inflammation in your dog’s body. Inflammation is a leading cause of acid reflux among pups. Lamb is easier to digest than the majority of other meats and protein sources, with the low-fat nature of the meat easier on a dog’s digestive system.

Switching to Homemade Food

The process of switching from commercial dog foods to homemade recipes to prevent acid reflux is difficult. Your task is to make sure the possibility of her acid reflux becoming worse is avoided. A sudden switch between food sources can disturb digestive function and lead to increased problems with acid reflux and a sensitive stomach. The starting point for a switch to homemade food is to provide 25% fresh food and 75% commercial food. The second week should see an increase to 50/50 between homemade and commercial food. 75% homemade and 25% commercial will be provided during the third week. During the fourth week, a complete homemade dog food diet can be provided. Experts say that avoiding an empty stomach and giving more frequent meals in small amounts helps prevent acid reflux.

FAQs

1. What foods are good for dogs with acid reflux?

You can switch your dog to a grain-free diet. If you feel she still has problems you can provide homemade dog food.

2. What can I give my dog for acid reflux at home?

Your vet will recommend the right medicines to combat the symptoms of acid reflux.

3. Can I give my dog yogurt for acid reflux?

Yogurt is a good source of probiotics. Plain greek yogurt is a good option for dogs with acid reflux.

4. Does pumpkin help dogs with acid reflux?

Holistic veterinarians recommend 1005 canned pumpkins to help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. Make sure the canned pumpkin is plain and unseasoned or unsweetened.