My dog has megaesophagus and vomits. What food and feeding tips?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 4 years old | 25 lbs
Doctor told me megaoesophagus.eats grass then vomits.what kind of food should we give
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 31st, 2019
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Rooney has been diagnosed with megaesophagus. This means that the esophagus is abnormally enlarged/dilated, and does not move food down toward the stomach appropriately. This can make dogs more prone to regurgitating their food or water, meaning the food or water falls from their mouth after eating/drinking. Dogs with megaesophagus are more likely to develop aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The type of food is not as important as how you feed Rooney. It will be important to feed Rooney in an upright position, and offer him meatballs of wet dog food one at a time. There are specific dog feeding chairs, called Bailey chairs, that you can purchase online, that help dogs with megaesophagus eat upright. I hope this is helpful!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 5th, 2019
Megaeaophagus is tough but there are some things to help decrease the potential for vomiting and aspiration. Feed Rooney sitting upright. This will help the food to slide down his throat and make it easier for him. They even make special chairs that he sits in that prevents him from lowering his head too much. Hand feeding him ‘meat balls’ of canned dog food can give even better control of his head. Foods that are better for this condition are canned food meatballs, a blended slurry of soaked kibble/canned food and water soaked kibble. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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