Top 5 Supplements for Acid Reflux in Pets - Holistic Vet Advice

Watching your pet suffer from acid reflux can be heartbreaking. The discomfort they experience, the restless nights, and the fear of leaving them alone at home can be overwhelming. However, there’s hope. Natural supplements can help alleviate your pet’s acid reflux, and I’m here to guide you through this process.

In this article, I’ll share the top five supplements that have proven effective in managing acid reflux in pets. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these supplements work, appropriate dosing, and how to integrate them into your pet’s health plan to help manage acid reflux naturally.

What is Acid Reflux and How Does it Affect Pets?

Before diving into the supplements, it’s important to understand what acid reflux is and how it manifests in pets. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—a valve that normally keeps stomach acid in the stomach—doesn’t close properly.

In pets, acid reflux can be tricky to spot, but there are some common signs to watch for:

• Vomiting or regurgitation of food, especially after eating, or bringing up bile before eating if they’ve gone too long without food.
• Licking their lips or swallowing more often, as if trying to clear something from their throat.
• Excessive licking of their legs or body, which some pet parents mistake for allergies.
• Irritability or discomfort, particularly after meals.
• Prayer stance (downward dog position) as a way to relieve the burning sensation.
• Weight loss or reduced appetite due to painful eating experiences.
• Ravenous grass-eating to soothe an inflamed stomach.

Understanding these symptoms is crucial because, just like with Riley, addressing acid reflux early can make a huge difference in your pet's quality of life.

Top 5 Natural Supplements for Managing Acid Reflux in Pets

1. Standard Process Okra Pepsin

Okra Pepsin is a powerful combination that supports healthy digestion and soothes the digestive tract. Okra acts as a natural demulcent, creating a protective barrier over the lining of the stomach and esophagus, reducing irritation caused by acid reflux. The pepsin component aids in breaking down proteins, improving overall digestion.

Dosing Recommendation:

• Small pets (<20lbs): 1 capsule twice a day.
• Medium pets (21-50lbs): 2 capsules twice a day.
• Large pets (>50lbs): 3 capsules twice a day.

This supplement is particularly safe for long-term use and was instrumental in helping Riley overcome her severe acid reflux symptoms.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in muscle relaxation and nerve function. It’s especially important for pets with acid reflux due to its ability to relax the LES, preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Magnesium also helps neutralize stomach acid, providing immediate relief.

Dosing Recommendation:

• Large dogs – 1 capsule 2x day
• Medium dogs – 1/2 capsule 2x day
• Small dogs and cats – 1/2 capsule 1x day

Start with a lower dose to monitor for any laxative effects, but magnesium glycinate does not typically adversely impact GI health. 

Magnesium deficiency can exacerbate acid reflux, so ensuring adequate levels is crucial for overall digestive health.

3. Zypan

Zypan by Standard Process is a supplement that combines digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid (HCl) to support proper digestion. It’s particularly useful for pets with low stomach acid, which can lead to acid reflux. Zypan helps restore the proper acid balance, improving digestion and reducing reflux.

Dosing Recommendation:

• Small pets: 1/4 to 1/2 tablet with each meal.
• Medium pets: 1/2 tablet with each meal.
• Large pets: 1 tablet with each meal.

Monitoring your pet’s response is key to adjusting the dosage for optimal results.

4. Slippery Elm & Marshmallow Root

These herbs are powerful allies in managing acid reflux, each offering unique benefits. Slippery Elm is cooling and moistening, making it excellent for soothing irritated tissues in the esophagus and stomach. Marshmallow Root, known for its strong anti-inflammatory effects, helps coat and protect mucous membranes, reducing irritation and inflammation.

Dosing Recommendation:

• Slippery Elm: 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, 1-3 times daily.
• Marshmallow Root: 1/4 teaspoon powder per 10 pounds of body weight, 1-3 times daily. Or if using a tincture: Give 3-10 drops 2-3 x a day as needed for symptoms.

Give 1-2 hours away from medications. These herbs can be given directly or mixed with food, and their demulcent properties help form a protective layer in the digestive tract.

5. BPC-157

BPC-157 is a peptide known for its healing properties, especially in the gut. It helps repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation, making it an excellent choice for pets with chronic acid reflux. BPC-157 supports the integrity of the gut lining, preventing further damage from stomach acid.

Dosing Recommendation:

• For dogs >75lbs, start with BPC-157. Start with 1 x 250mcg capsule once a day 30 minutes prior to food. If sensitive pet, use 1/2 capsule with small amount of food. Use for 2-3 months at most before taking a break.
• For dogs 50-75lbs, you can give 1 capsule of 250 mcg per day. For pets that are less than this in body weight, I recommend Integrative Pettides for easier dosing. This pet brand contains two other peptides that help with inflammation and help modulate the immune system to bring it back into balance. 

Sourcing is very important when choosing peptides since there are many brands that are not high quality and can potentially lead to more gut inflammation.  Brands that I recommend, use personally and trust include: 

• Limitless Life Nootropics
• Integrative Peptides

This peptide has gained attention in the holistic community for its effectiveness in managing various gut health issues, including acid reflux.

To access the FULL SUPPLEMENT LIST CLICK HERE. Make sure to consult with your doctor/veterinarian first before adding new supplements or trying something new. 

Let’s Work Together to Heal Your Pet’s Gut Health

If your pet has been struggling with gut health issues like acid reflux, IBD, or other chronic conditions, you don’t have to go through it alone. As a holistic veterinarian, I work with pet parents around the world to uncover the root causes of gut health issues and create personalized healing plans.

👉 Schedule a call to discuss how finding the root cause and using natural therapies could benefit your pet’s gut health and see if our Blueprint program could help you, just like it has for Riley and many other pets that were experiencing gut health issues. Together, we can give your pet the vibrant health they deserve.

Further Resources: 

• Why A Raw Food Diet Didn’t FIx Your Pet’s Itchy Skin

• Top 5 Natural Remedies for Your Dog’s Skin: The Power of Essential Oils

• The Holistic Guide to Treating Dog Allergies, Itchy Skin, and Yeast Infections

*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. The information contained in thenaturalpetdoctor.com is strictly for educational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in thenaturalpetdoctor.com, you are taking full responsibility for your actions. Please consult your veterinarian for medical advice for your own pets. Dr. Katie Woodley cannot answer specific questions about your pet’s medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.  Links in the blog are typically affiliate links that let you help support us.