10 Best Dog Food For Acid Reflux – Reviews, Nutrition Tips, And Buying Guide

This is my detailed article about the best dog food for acid reflux in 2022.

Acid reflux is not the worst thing that can happen to your pup, but it can be quite an unpleasant condition.

Fortunately, a proper diet can successfully treat the symptoms of the disease. And which dog food should you buy? I spent a week finding the best possible products with the help of experts.

I have found that the best dog food for acid reflux is Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach. This recipe contains high-quality, highly digestible protein and carbohydrate sources. Plus, dietary fiber content and prebiotic fibers help promote proper digestion.

You should also check the other products I have selected, as they meet different criteria and requirements.

Best Acid Reflux Dog Foods: Pet Worshiper Picks

Dog Food	Name And Features	Pet Worshiper Rating	Where To Buy?
Overall Best	1. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Great for dogs with sensitive digestion High-quality protein source High digestibility Added vitamins and minerals are great for the immune system	9.8	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy
Runner Up	2. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets High-quality protein sources Features omega fatty acids Limited ingredient diet High digestible carbs	9.5	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy
Best Premium Option	3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Great for sensitive digestion High-quality protein sources Weight management formula Highly digestible carbs	9.7	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy
Best Budget Option	4. Nutro Natural Choice Adult Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Affordable High-quality protein sources Supports the digestive system Features vitamins and minerals	9.3	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy
Best Wet Dog Food For Acid Reflux	5. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach Palatable taste High-quality protein sources Digestible ingredients Features vitamins and minerals	9.6	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy
Best for large breeds	6. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed Formula Provides Omega-3 fatty acids Contains fish as the 1st ingredient Digestible carbs Perfect for large breeds	9.7	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy
Best for Small breeds	7. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed Formulated for small breeds Contains chicken as the 1st ingredient Digestible carbs Features vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics	9.7	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy
Best for Puppies	8. VICTOR Purpose Puppy Formula Suitable for puppies Contains real meat as the 1st ingredient Digestible carbs Features vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics	9.7	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy
Best for Seniors	9. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Senior Recipe Suitable for senior dogs Contains real meat as the 1st ingredient Digestible carbs Features vitamins, minerals, glucosamine and prebiotics	9.7	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy
Best Prescription Alternative	10. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Dry Dog Food The fat content is very low Contains real prebiotics Dietary fibers help with digestion Features vitamins, minerals, EPA, and DHA	9.7	Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy

10 best dog foods for acid reflux – Detailed reviews

Dogs with acid reflux need the best possible diet. Pay attention to the ingredients.

In addition to digestible proteins and carbohydrates, the selected recipe mustn’t contain artificial additives or fillers. Various micronutrients, fiber, probiotics, and omega fatty acids also help.

Now you can see a list where I have collected the best products on the market. Each meets the nutritional needs of canines with this condition.

In addition, all dog food complies with the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. 

The primary ingredient is salmon, a highly digestible source, and gives a high protein content to this recipe.

Besides, it contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. This is good news for your dog as these fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and have a good effect on coat and skin health.

There is also a special source of fiber in the product, chicory root. This ingredient can be considered a prebiotic fiber and has an excellent effect on digestion.

The product does not contain wheat, corn, or soy. This is not a negligible fact, as these grains cause digestive problems in many dogs, aggravating the symptoms of acid reflux.

The primary sources of carbs are oatmeal and rice. Not only are they perfect sources of energy, but they are highly digestible for dogs.

Sunflower Oil and Fish Oil add additional omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to the recipe. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are responsible for the health of the skin and coat overalls.

The total omega-3 content of the recipe is 0.75%, which is quite good. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect can significantly improve the symptoms of acid reflux.

Thanks to Fish Meals and Salmon Meal, this product contains glucosamine and chondroitin and can be given to older dogs. These substances lubricate the joints, so your canine will have much more mobility.

Because of the above benefits, I can say for sure that this is one of the best dog foods for acid reflux.

Please note that the product contains yeast. It’s a very nutritious ingredient by default. However, if your dog is prone to yeast infection or is sensitive to this ingredient, this may not be the most appropriate recipe.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.8

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The product contains high-quality fish like Salmon and Menhaden Fish Meal. Not only are these protein sources well digestible, but their high omega-3 content contributes to skin and coat health.

These fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory effects, so they help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux.

Incidentally, the ingredients include additional sources of fat (Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed, Menhaden Fish Oil), which increase the omega fatty acid content of the product.

Nevertheless, the total omega-3 content is only 0.4%, which is not bad, but almost half of the Purina product reviewed earlier.

Ingredients include easily digestible carbohydrates such as Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Potatoes. These plants are well digestible and rich in nutrients. Their fiber content contributes to proper digestion.

And the added vitamins and minerals will support the overall health of your dog.

The product has a lot of positive reviews on the internet. However, it is worth knowing that very picky dogs will not like the taste.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.5

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The protein content of the product is slightly high (33%) but contains impeccable animal sources. Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, and Chicken Meal provide the essential amino acids and the glucosamine and chondroitin needed for joint health.

In addition, these poultry meats are easy to digest, thus not aggravating the symptoms of acid reflux.

Carbohydrates are provided by potatoes and peas, which are also highly digestible. Thanks to their fiber and other nutrient content, your dog’s digestive system and overall health will be maximally supported.

The product’s fat sources are good quality and add plenty of valuable omega fatty acids to your dog’s diet. This is good in several ways, as these compounds have a good effect on the health of the skin and coat and an anti-inflammatory effect.

However, the total fat content is only 10-12%. Thus, this recipe is beneficial for acid reflux; on the other hand, it will also be perfect for a so-called weight management formula.

The product also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, thanks to various vegetables and fruits.

Due to the grain-free carbohydrate sources, this formula can also be consumed by dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Among the ingredients, you will not find any artificial or harmful ingredients that could endanger dogs’ digestion and overall health.

Because of these benefits, you should definitely consider this formula of Wellness.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.7

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Beef and Pork Meal are excellent sources of protein that are delicious and nutritious and support your dog’s growth throughout the day.

The carbs in the recipe are grains like Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Barley, Brewers Rice. These plants are also very energy-rich and well digestible. And their fiber content is responsible for the balance of the intestinal flora.

The product also contains fat sources (Chicken Fat, Flaxseed), but the omega-3 content is not as high as the other members of my list.

But the manufacturer also thought about the overall health of the dogs: the wide variety of added vitamins and minerals perfectly underpins the functioning of any canine’s immune system.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.3

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The primary sources of protein are salmon and other fish. Not only do these ingredients promote muscle building, but the omega-3 fatty acids in them have many positive effects.

The energy is given by rice in this formula. This source of carbohydrates does not burden the stomach and adds plenty of valuable nutrients to your canine’s diet.

And that’s nat all! The recipe contains added vitamins and minerals, so your pup’s immune system will work great. Be sure to consider this product if you have a dog with acid reflux.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.6

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The product contains Salmon and other high-quality fish, which are digestible sources of protein.

In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are added to your dog’s diet. These fatty acids have been shown to have positive effects.

Barley, Rice, and Oat Meal are grains that provide all-day energy and won’t strain your pup’s stomach.

The primary sources of fat (Beef Fat, Sunflower Oil, and Fish Oil) make the taste of dog food desirable and contain additional omega fatty acids.

The manufacturer has added plenty of healthy ingredients to the recipe. Vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics will support not only your pooch’s immune system but also your digestion.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.7

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The primary sources of protein are Chicken and Chicken Meal. These are meats that feed your little pup and don’t overburden his tiny stomach unnecessarily.

The same can be said for the carbohydrate sources of the product. Brewers Rice, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum are common ingredients in Hill’s dog food. This is no accident, as these plants are easy to digest and rarely cause sensitivity, or allergies, or acid reflux.

The 4% fiber content of the product and prebiotics further support the digestive system. Just like vegetables and fruits, which also have dietary fiber and contribute beneficial vitamins and minerals to help make your little dog even healthier.

Overall, customers are very satisfied with the product. Although there are negative criticisms that very picky dogs don’t like the taste of this recipe.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.7

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Well, let’s see the ingredients! The primary source of protein is Beef Meal, but we also find Menhaden Fish Meal. This means that the recipe is rich in amino acids, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids.

These are very healthy compounds that support the joints, skin, and coats of all dogs. In addition, omega fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory effects that come in handy for acid reflux.

A variety of legumes and sweet potatoes are high-quality and digestible beneficial carbohydrate sources. In addition, they can be consumed by dogs that are sensitive to grains.

There are several other valuable ingredients in the recipe. Examples include added vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, fiber, and some essential amino acids. Each of these will help keep your puppy’s overall health as good as possible.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.7

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Chicken and Chicken Meal feed your old dog, and their 800 mg/kg glucosamine and chondroitin content protect used joints.

Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, and Tapioca are very well-digestible grain-free carbohydrate sources. They also contain plenty of valuable nutrients and fiber. That’s why they support the digestive system and the overall health of your dog.

The fat sources in the product are healthy, although they do not contain too much omega-3. The total omega-3 content is 0.3%.

However, you will find plenty of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics among the ingredients to make this formula an even better choice.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.7

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The low fat content of the recipe is perfect for dogs whose stomachs have a hard time tolerating greasy food.

The ingredients have been sorted so that they do not strain the digestive system of any dog. The added prebiotics restore the balance of the intestinal flora, making digestion even more efficient.

Dietary fiber serves a similar purpose, which helps a lot even in the condition of the stool. Ingredients also include fish oil, which helps alleviate inflammation and digestive problems with its EPA and DHA content.

But that’s not all. We also find a unique blend in the food containing plenty of valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This can help a lot in the symptoms of acid reflux dogs.

Please note that this product is a prescription, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian before purchasing.

Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.7

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More about acid reflux in dogs: What is it?

It is already a challenge to determine if our dog is suffering from acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux) in many cases. Not to mention finding the most appropriate dog food to treat this condition.

Although diet cannot reverse acid reflux problems, it can be an essential element for effective treatment.

But what exactly is acid reflux in dogs, what causes it, and what are the symptoms?

Acid reflux is when the stomach or intestinal fluids flow back towards the esophagus. These fluids are usually acidic.

The lining protects the stomach from the acid damaging it, but this is not the case with the esophagus. So, you can imagine what will happen.

The stomach acid erodes the mucous membranes, leading to various health issues, like inflammations and pain.

It would help if you started treatment on time because this condition can lead to further problems later.

It is easier for people because we can complain about pain and discomfort. In many cases, it is challenging to notice dogs’ symptoms of acid reflux because they cannot express themselves.

Acid reflux symptoms in dogs

If one or more of the following symptoms occur in your dog, you may suspect acid reflux. Of course, discuss the exact diagnosis and treatment with your veterinarian.

Food regurgitation

It’s one of the most common symptoms. In this case, the stomach contents flow first into the esophageal tract and then into the mouth.

Although regurgitation can occur in healthy dogs, it can still indicate acid reflux in many cases. Importantly, regurgitation is not the same as vomiting.

Burping, gagging

Burping and gagging can, in many cases, be caused by digestive fluids and acids that enter the esophagus due to acid reflux.

As with the previous symptom, these two can occur in healthy dogs. However, if the case is frequent and regular, you should suspect it.

Pain during eating

Acid reflux damages your dog’s esophagus. Unfortunately, this is very uncomfortable. If your dog is howling or whining while eating, that may be a sign of the condition.

Bad breath

Digestive juices that get into the mouth due to acid reflux do not smell too pleasant. Therefore, if your pooch has terrible breath, it may be one of the symptoms of acid reflux.

Dental problems

Unfortunately, the acids do not spare the enamel either. Therefore, if your dog has some dental issues, it can even be a sign of acid reflux.

Excessive salivation

A lot of acids can irritate your dog’s esophagus and cause unpleasant pain. One sign of this may be excessive salivation.

Weight loss, and loss of appetite

Due to pain and other discomforts, your dog may lose his appetite. Of course, this can also lead to weight loss in the long run. Monitor your dog’s weight to find out these things in time.

How to treat acid reflux problems in dogs?

Acid reflux can be treated not only in humans but also in dogs. If your veterinarian has diagnosed the disease, you may want to plan the appropriate steps.

One of the most important (and most accessible steps) is to change your dog’s diet. Buying the best dog foods for acid reflux is critical.

Not only the food but also the frequency of feeding is worth changing. In addition, various medications are available. Your veterinarian will be able to help you with this.

What to consider when choosing the best dog food for acid reflux?

The most important is the quantity and quality of different macronutrients and micronutrients. So let’s see exactly what considerations you choose based on.

High-Quality Digestible Protein

Protein is perhaps the most important nutrient for any dog. You need to provide enough protein to give your pup energy and amino acids to build lean muscle mass.

Many dog ​​foods contain 30% or more protein, which can be beneficial in most cases.

However, in the case of acid reflux, experts recommend a slightly lower protein content of 20-26%.

Quality is more important than quantity. Simple real animal protein sources are nutrient-rich and well-digestible. Chicken, lamb, and duck are excellent choices.

Moderated fat content with omega-3 fatty acids

Too much fat can increase the severity of the symptoms of acid reflux. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a dog food with a 5-15% fat content.

Animal fats are not only delicious but very nutritious and healthy for canines.

Also, please pay attention to omega-3 fatty acids as they have been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects. The best omega sources are fish, fish oil, flaxseed, and canola oil.

Limited natural ingredients

The fewer ingredients in a recipe, the better its digestibility. It is that simple.

Limited ingredient diets contain a single source of protein and a limited source of carbohydrates. You should definitely try such products if your dog has acid reflux.

Moisture content

Increased moisture helps to dilute the stomach acid fluid. Therefore, in many cases, you may want to choose canned wet dog food instead of dry food.

Free of excessive fillers

Manufacturers only add these ingredients to foods because of their low cost. Avoid them. Fillers include corn, soy, wheat, husks, hulls, etc. Wheat can even cause sensitization or allergies in your dog.

No artificial ingredients

Artificial colors, preservatives, and flavor enhancers are not good for any dog. But these substances can make the condition of dogs with reflux even worse. Therefore, be sure to avoid these.

Is Homemade Dog Food For Acid Reflux good For dogs?

Homemade dog food requires a lot of time and energy, but it has benefits. You have maximum control over the ingredients so that you can give the best to your acid reflux dog.

It is vital to choose high-quality ingredients. Avoid highly processed meats (e.g., sausages). Use animal proteins and well-digestible carbohydrate sources such as rice or sweet potatoes. I wrote a detailed article on homemade dog food.

Small frequent meals

It doesn’t matter if you cook your dog food or switch to another commercial dog food. The point is to aim for frequent smaller meals when feeding.

This puts less strain on the stomach and lowers stomach acid levels. And this has a good effect on acid reflux in the long run.

Buying a slow-feeding bowl can also be a good idea if your dog is eating too fast.

Medication

In more severe cases, your dog may need other help in addition to dietary changes. There are prescription diets, medications for the treatment of acid reflux. Of course, only get them after consulting your veterinarian. 

Prokinetic medication allows food to pass through the digestive tract more easily. At the same time, it strengthens the esophagus muscles, thus preventing gastric acid from entering the esophagus.

A medication called Pepcid reduces gastric acid production, which clearly has a good effect on acid reflux as well.

How to prevent acid reflux in dogs?

Prevention is usually easier than treatment. To be able to talk about prevention, we first need to decipher what causes acid reflux. These are most often the fatty, spicy foods that dog owners give to their dogs. 

You probably think that sometimes a little leftover from the table shouldn’t be a problem. But the thing is, dogs respond worse to fatty, heavily seasoned foods than humans.

These treats not only cause acid overproduction but can also cause obesity in the long run. Observations have shown that acid reflux is more likely to develop in overweight dogs. 

So please accept my advice. No matter how beautiful your dog looks at you. Please don’t give him or her your food, at least not the greasy, spicy leftovers. Believe me, your dog’s health is far more important than momentary pleasures.

If you want to know what foods dogs can and can’t eat, check my article about dangerous human foods for dogs.

Frequently asked questions about acid reflux in dogs

Final Verdict

You have seen from my article that the symptoms of acid reflux can be treated in dogs if we choose the best possible diet for them.

This diet should contain natural and easily digestible ingredients as this will make things easier for your dog’s stomach.

I have found that the best dog food for acid reflux is Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach.

The protein and carbohydrate sources in it are of impeccable quality, and the omega-3 content in the recipe can bring significant improvements to your dog’s condition.

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