The stomach is the first major site of digestion in a dog’s body, functioning as an acidic chamber where proteins are broken down, pathogens are destroyed, and essential nutrients are extracted. In a healthy dog, hydrochloric acid (HCl) production is robust, maintaining a low pH (1-2) that enables efficient digestion of raw meat, organs, and bones.

However, many modern feeding and medical practices—kibble diets, acid-suppressing medications (Pepcid, omeprazole), stress, and over-vaccination—deplete HCl production, leading to chronic digestive issues, malabsorption, and systemic health decline. Instead of masking symptoms with medications, the goal is to restore natural gastric function through a Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet and glandular therapy.

The Role of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) in Canine Digestion

1. Protein Digestion & Enzyme Activation

HCl is secreted by parietal cells located deep within the gastric glands of the stomach lining. In the presence of HCl, the inactive enzyme pepsinogen is converted into pepsin, which is required to break down muscle proteins and connective tissue into peptides.

Without sufficient HCl and pepsin, proteins remain undigested, leading to fermentation, bloating, and inflammation in the gut.

2. Antimicrobial Protection

HCl acts as a sterilizing agent, eliminating bacteria, fungi, parasites, and harmful pathogens present in raw meat and bones. A low-acid environment allows opportunistic bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium perfringens to proliferate, leading to chronic gut infections, diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

3. Nutrient Absorption

HCl is required to unlock essential micronutrients from food, including:
✔ Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) – Critical for neurological function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis.
✔ Iron (heme iron from red meat) – Required for oxygen transport and hemoglobin formation.
✔ Zinc and calcium – Necessary for immune function, bone health, and tissue repair.

Low HCl leads to malabsorption, resulting in B12 deficiency, anemia, poor coat quality, and neurological decline.

Causes of Low HCl in Dogs

1. Kibble: The Primary Culprit

A dry, processed diet severely impairs stomach acid production due to:

• Chronic dehydration: Kibble contains only 5-10% moisture, forcing the body to pull water from tissues, diluting stomach acid.
• Lack of gastric stimulation: Raw meaty bones trigger acid release, while kibble requires minimal digestive effort.
• Carbohydrate content: Dogs lack salivary amylase, so starch ferments in the gut, disrupting gastric pH.

➡ Solution: A moisture-rich, PMR carnivore diet restores proper stomach acid secretion, hydration, and digestive function.

2. Acid-Suppressing Medications (Pepcid, Omeprazole)

Veterinarians often misdiagnose acid reflux and vomiting as “excess acid” and prescribe acid-blocking drugs, when in reality, low stomach acid is the root cause.

• These medications further suppress HCl production, worsening digestion over time.
• They impair B12, zinc, and iron absorption, leading to neurological issues and anemia.
• They allow bacterial overgrowth, resulting in chronic gut infections (SIBO, H. pylori).

➡ Solution: Address the underlying cause rather than suppressing acid.

3. Chronic Stress and Vaccination • Stress elevates cortisol, inhibiting HCl secretion and slowing gastric emptying.
   • Vaccination triggers systemic inflammation, damaging gut function and reducing acid production.

➡ Solution: Minimize stress, avoid unnecessary vaccines, and support gut health through a raw diet.

How to Restore Stomach Acid Naturally

1. Feed a PMR Carnivore Diet

A species-appropriate raw diet naturally supports HCl secretion and digestion.

✔ Raw meaty bones (duck necks, chicken backs, turkey necks) – Require strong stomach acid to break down, training the stomach to maintain acidity.
✔ Lean muscle meats (beef heart, venison, rabbit, quail) – Stimulate gastric juice secretion.
✔ Raw green tripe – Contains natural digestive enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and gastric precursors.

➡ Best practice: Serve tripe, meaty bones, and organs before meals to prime the stomach for digestion.

2. Glandular Therapy: Stomach & Pancreas Support

Glandular therapy provides bioavailable nutrients from animal organs to restore gastric function.

✔ Freeze-Dried Stomach (Bovine or Porcine) – Provides HCl precursors, intrinsic factor, and pepsinogen.
✔ Pancreas Glandular – Supports enzyme production and gut microbiome balance.
✔ Liver Glandular – Provides B12, iron, and vitamin A for metabolic health.

➡ How to use: Add ¼ to 1 tsp of a glandular blend before meals to stimulate natural digestion.

3. The Pre-Meal Gastric Primer (HCl Boosting Routine)

To maximize digestion, implement the following pre-meal protocol:

1. Raw green tripe (1-2 oz) – Provides enzymes and gastric precursors.
2. Raw meaty bones – Stimulate natural acid secretion.
3. Glandular supplement (Stomach/Pancreas) – Provides bioavailable enzymes and nutrients.

➡ Feed this 15-30 minutes before meals to prepare the stomach for digestion.

4. Bitter Tea Recipe: Herbal Digestive Bitters for HCl Stimulation

Bitters stimulate HCl secretion by activating the vagus nerve, which signals the parietal cells to release stomach acid.

Bitter Tea Recipe

Mix the following in a jar:

• One part dandelion root
• One part gentian root
• One part licorice root
• Half a part goldenseal

✔ Preparation:

1. Place one teaspoon of this dried herb mix in a glass saucepan or coffee pot.
2. Add one teaspoon of grated fresh ginger.
3. Bring to a boil in two cups of water.
4. Simmer gently for ten minutes with the lid on, then turn off the heat.
5. Let sit until cool, then strain and store in the refrigerator.

✔ Dosage:

• Reheat and give 2-3 tsp before each meal.
• These herbs restore gastric function, promote enzyme secretion, and enhance digestion over time.

Addressing Common Digestive Issues Linked to Low HCl

1. Helicobacter Pylori Overgrowth

All dogs have H. pylori, but low stomach acid allows overgrowth, leading to:
✔ Chronic nausea and vomiting
✔ Gastric ulcers and inflammation

➡ Solution: Restore HCl levels with glandular therapy and raw meaty bones.

2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency & Anemia

HCl is required to release B12 from food. Dogs with low acid suffer from:
✔ Weakness, lethargy, neurological issues
✔ Poor coat condition and reduced immune function

➡ Solution: Include liver, pancreas glandular, and B12-rich raw foods.

Low HCl is one of the most overlooked causes of digestive disorders in dogs. Instead of suppressing acid with medications, a PMR carnivore diet and glandular therapy can restore stomach acid naturally, ensuring proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.

Addressing Digestive Imbalances: The Role of Manuka Honey and Slippery Elm in Stomach Health

While a PMR diet and glandular therapy are the foundation for restoring stomach acid, some dogs may still experience gastric irritation, ulcers, or reflux-like symptoms during the transition. In such cases, Manuka honey and slippery elm can provide additional support without compromising stomach acid levels.

Managing Excess Stomach Acid: Manuka Honey as a Natural Balancer

Some dogs—particularly those transitioning from kibble or who have had prolonged exposure to acid-suppressing medications—may experience excessive acid rebound when their body attempts to regulate HCl production. This can manifest as:

✔ Mild regurgitation or acid reflux
✔ Burping and swallowing excessively
✔ Lip licking, drooling, or gulping
✔ Discomfort after eating

While conventional medicine often prescribes Pepcid or omeprazole, these drugs only further suppress acid production, leading to long-term deficiencies. Instead, Manuka honey offers a natural, antimicrobial, and soothing alternative.

Why Manuka Honey?

✔ Neutralizes excessive acidity while preserving beneficial HCl levels.
✔ Coats and protects the esophagus and stomach lining.
✔ Contains powerful antibacterial properties—especially against H. pylori, which can proliferate when stomach acid is low.
✔ Rich in prebiotic compounds, supporting gut microbiome balance.

➡ How to Use:

• Dose: ½ to 1 tsp per meal (depending on the dog’s size).
• Best given on an empty stomach before meals to coat the stomach lining.
• For dogs with reflux symptoms, mix Manuka honey with a small amount of raw goat milk or bone broth for additional soothing effects.

Supporting Stomach Ulcers: Slippery Elm as a Mucosal Protector

Gastric ulcers are often a result of:
✔ Chronic HCl suppression from medications
✔ Dehydration from a kibble diet
✔ Prolonged exposure to stress and over-vaccination

The stomach has a protective mucosal lining, composed primarily of water and mucus, which shields it from acid burns. When this barrier is compromised, ulcers can form, leading to:

✔ Intermittent vomiting (sometimes with bile or blood streaks)
✔ Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat
✔ Signs of discomfort when pressed near the stomach

Conventional treatment (antacids and sucralfate) only further inhibits acid secretion, failing to address the root cause. Instead, slippery elm provides a natural, gut-healing solution.

How Slippery Elm Helps:

✔ Forms a mucilaginous (gel-like) coating over the stomach lining, promoting healing.
✔ Reduces inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.
✔ Aids in rebuilding the protective mucus layer needed for normal digestion.

➡ How to Use:

• Mix ¼ to 1 tsp slippery elm powder with warm water to form a thick paste.
• Give 20-30 minutes before meals to coat and protect the stomach lining.
• Can be combined with Manuka honey for extra protection and healing benefits.

Combining Natural Stomach Support: A Holistic Approach

For dogs experiencing gastric distress, ulcers, or excessive acid, the following pre-meal protocol provides a gentle yet powerful solution:

✔ Step 1: Manuka Honey – ½ to 1 tsp, given 15 minutes before meals to neutralize excess acid and coat the stomach.
✔ Step 2: Slippery Elm Paste – Given 20-30 minutes before meals for dogs with known ulcers or stomach sensitivity.
✔ Step 3: Raw Green Tripe and/or Bitter Tea – Fed before meals to provide enzymes and gastric precursors.
✔ Step 4: PMR Raw Diet with Glandular Therapy – Ensures optimal digestion and stomach acid regulation.

➡ For chronic cases: Feeding bone broth and fermented raw dairy (such as raw goat kefir) in between meals can further support mucosal healing.

Final Thoughts

True stomach health is not about suppressing acid but about restoring balance. A PMR carnivore diet provides the necessary stimulation for proper gastric function, while glandular therapy supports enzyme production. For dogs needing extra digestive care, Manuka honey and slippery elm can be valuable tools to heal ulcers, regulate acidity, and restore stomach lining integrity.

➡ Ditch the Pepcid. Ditch the kibble. Heal the gut, and the whole dog thrives.

To thriving beasts and lasting health,
Timea R. Bodi