What to Feed a Cat with Acid Reflux?

Author Ryan Cole

Posted Jan 22, 2023

Reads 64

Scientists Experimenting in the Laboratory

If your beloved feline companion has been diagnosed with acid reflux, you may be searching for ways to make sure they are getting enough nutrition without exacerbating their condition. Luckily, with a few adjustments to their diet, your cat can still enjoy their meals without suffering additional stomach pains.

The most important feature when feeding a cat with acid reflux is to avoid feeding them canned or dry food high in grains and fillers. Grains and other fillers have been linked with digestive issues in cats and can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux. It’s also best to avoid treats that contain sugar as it can add extra stress on the digestive system. Instead, look for a cat food specifically designed for cats with sensitive tummies that is grain free and uses easily digestible proteins like chicken and turkey as its main source of nutrition. Additionally, breaking down meals into smaller but more frequent feedings throughout the day can help reduce stomach pain as well as keep meals light.

If you prefer preparing your cat’s meals at-home, it is recommended to steer clear of ingredients like onions or garlic, as these foods can trigger acid reflux symptoms due to their mucilaginous properties. Ideally you should be using whole-food ingredients like cooked beef, chicken or pork supplemented with liver, kidney and heart in combination with cooked veggies such as sweet potatoes, squash or pumpkin and some steamed broccoli or green beans too! You may also need to supplement the home prepared meals with additional omega-3 fatty acids if your cat isn’t getting enough from their diet since these have been proven to reduce inflammation associated with acid reflux and other gastrointestinal disorders.

With so many alternatives to canned and dry food available for cats suffering from acid reflux now more than ever pet owners have access to an interesting variety of options which makes care for feline friends much simpler!

What food should cats with acid reflux eat?

Cats suffering from acid reflux can find their condition quite uncomfortable and painful - and unfortunately, this issue is fairly common. Thankfully, there are a range of dietary changes that your furry feline can make to help combat the distressing symptoms and prevent future irritations.

One of the key things to look out for if your cat has acid reflux is how much fat is in their food. Anything on the higher side will only increase stomach acid production, so try to keep it no higher than 5-10%. Think too about the texture and size of their meals – canned food with the pate consistency is often the most easily digestible. Carbs are also important, as complex carbohydrates such as brown rice will be digested more slowly and therefore reduce any chances of further acid build-up in their stomach. Other suitable grains include barley or oats– just avoid anything too sugary like cornmeal or wheat germ.

When it comes to protein sources for cats with acid reflux, it pays to opt for leaner meats such as skinless chicken or turkey, tuna, or white fish like cod. Their meal should also include plenty of fresh vegetables that have been cooked thoroughly– nutrients like vitamin A and potassium can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Just ensure you’re avoiding highly acidic fruits such as apples, oranges or grapes: these foods will only exacerbate any existing symptoms.

By providing your cat with suitable meals tailored towards their specific needs, you’ll be helping them live a happier, healthier life even when faced with acid reflux issues.

What diet can cats with acid reflux follow to minimize discomfort?

Cats with acid reflux disease suffer from similar painful symptoms as humans. In order to reduce the discomfort caused by acid reflux, cats should follow a special diet that is designed to manage their condition.

The first step in managing your cat's acid reflux condition is to feed them frequent meals throughout the day. This may sound counter intuitive, however feeding your cat smaller meals throughout the day can helps keep stomach contents from backing up and puts less strain on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When it comes to food, look for a formula that is low in fat as fat can increase production of stomach acid and lead to more reflux. Additionally, wet food has been shown to be more supportive of digestive health generally and so it’s a great choice for your cat with acid reflux.

When it's time to treat your cat you should choose carefully. It’s best to avoid treats that are dairy-based as well as high fat or acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes which can worsen reflux symptoms. Instead provide low-fat natural treats such as cooked lean meats or cooked veggies like sweet potato or carrots which have been pureed into a paste or mashed potato consistency. Making sure the treats are free of added fats, oils, salt and sugars will help you find treats that provide nutrition but not too much stimulation of stomach acids which can worsen acid reflux in cats.

Following this diet approach should hopefully help minimize discomfort in cats suffering from acid reflux while also providing them with much needed nutrients. Consult with your veterinarian if your cat’s condition is severe however providing balanced meals with low fat wet food and appropriate treat options should help keep them feeling better overall!

What are some home remedies for acid reflux in cats?

Acid reflux, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, is an uncomfortable and frequent issue for cats. It can be caused by a wide range of things, including dietary illness and hairballs, among other causes. Fortunately, there are many practical home remedies for acid reflux in cats that you can use to help manage the symptoms and make your pet more comfortable.

The first home remedy for acid reflux in cats is to modify their diet. Start by changing the food your cat eats, focusing on easy to digest wet foods rather than dry foods. Additionally, create small portions for each meal to aid digestion and reduce unnecessary strain on the stomach. Also include smaller treats between meals so your cat doesn’t overindulge as this can cause additional digestive distress.

Second, consider adding probiotics or a natural antacid supplement to help reduce stomach acid production in your cat’s gut. This will reduce the amount of stomach acid and aid against heartburn in the process. You can mix these supplements into their food or give them with a special infusion device (available online or at pet stores).

Finally, you should ensure that your cat is stationary after eating meals; avoid any rigorous activities such as running or playing too soon after they eat as this increases the risk of stomach distress and may help prevent potential acid reflux issues from occurring. By making small changes to their care routine like these you can improve their lifestyle significantly and create fewer occasions of discomfort due to GERD over time. Remember consulting a veterinarian when dealing with health related issues is always recommended!

Are there any cat treats that help reduce acid reflux?

When it comes to cat treats, there is a perception that all are an indulgent snack to be doled out without regard for the health of your furry friend. But rest assured pet parents, there are still treats available which can help reduce your cats acid reflux.

Typically, cats will experience acid reflux when their diets contain too much grain or wheat gluten. To avoid this, consider feeds and snacks free of such ingredients, opting instead for those packed with healthy proteins such as chicken, duck or salmon. Additionally, adding digestive enzymes to your cat’s diet will help break down protein and other nutrients more effectively.

If you’re looking specifically for treats to help foster digestion in cats prone to acid reflux, there are several options open to you. For starters, try PureBites freeze-dried treats - an especially great choice for cats who may experience difficulty digesting crunchier snacks like kibble or biscuits - as these softer treats may be easier on their stomachs. Another popular choice is Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried raw cat food which offers a convenient yet healthy alternative that can help ease gastric issues in kitties. A third option worth mentioning are Zuke’s NATURAL Purrz Catnip Treats - both healthy and delicious!

Overall treating the symptoms of acid reflux in cats should begin with a veterinarian-approved diet change and supplemented with appropriate snacks. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan - not forgetting the odd delicious treat now and again! - you can ensure that your cat stays happy and content as they digest their way into optimal health.

Are there any foods that should be avoided if my cat has acid reflux?

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common digestive condition that affects cats and humans alike. As most cat-lovers know, cats are known for their finicky tastes in food – from the texture to the taste, cats can be pretty choosy about what they eat. But when it comes to GER, there are certain foods that cats should avoid if they have the condition.

The first and foremost rule is to always provide your cat with an appropriate diet and strictly monitor her eating habits. This means providing food specifically designed for cats with acid reflux and avoiding human ‘people’ foods such as processed fats, dairy products, sweets, raw proteins, onions and garlic. While most of these are not necessarily toxic to your cat's health they may trigger her GER symptoms; such as abdominal pain, regurgitation and weight loss. Therefore, avoid feeding your pet any ‘people’ food unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.

It is also important to avoid high fat foods that can trigger GER symptoms in cats. This includes treats loaded with added fats such as cream cheese or bacon. Food high in carbohydrates like corn or wheat can also destabilize her stomach p H balance and increase the risk of flare-ups associated withacid reflux. Better options are meats low in fat like chicken breasts or lean Turkey burgers with none of the excess carbs or artificial vegetable flavors found in some pet foods.

In general try to stick to a balanced diet that is full of fresh lean proteins such as lean beef, chicken breasts, Salmon, Tilapia,Whitefish, Egg whites, lamb etc.. Along with plenty of fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, lettuce and spinach.If you do wish to give treats then opt for something like cooked fish which tends to be lower in fat than other treats. Always talk through any dietary plans or changes with your vet first before starting your new routine.

Ryan Cole

Ryan Cole

Writer at Nahf

View Ryan's Profile

Ryan Cole is a blogger with a passion for writing about all things tech. He has been working in the industry for over 10 years and has gained extensive knowledge and experience along the way. Ryan loves to research and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, gadgets, and software.

View Ryan's Profile