Gluten-free diets are now more common not only among individuals over the last few years but their pets as well. And, if you are a dog owner and had been questioning whether gluten free dog food is the appropriate option in relation to your dog, you are not alone.
This all-encompassing guide will look into all the details you need to know about gluten-free dog food, its advantages, possible pitfalls, and how to select the correct one to feed your pet dog.
What Is Gluten?
It is necessary to discover what gluten is before plunging into gluten-free dog food.
Gluten is a set of protein that is present in some grains like:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Spelt
- Triticale (a wheat-rye hybrid).
Gluten is found in the grains (such as wheat) in dog food (commonly used as a filler or as a source of protein in cheap dog food).
What Is Gluten-Free Dog Food?
Dog food that is gluten-free is developed with no grains that contain gluten.
Rather it substitutes the carbohydrates with alternative carbohydrates including:
- Brown rice
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
- Lentils
- Quinoa
- Oats (certified gluten-free).
This kind of food is meant to keep dogs that are sensitive or allergic to gluten as well as to provide easier digestibility to others.
Gluten vs Grain-Free: What’s the Difference?
Gluten and grain free are not synonymous terms used by many pet’s owners.
| Term | Â Â Â Â Â What It Means | Â Â Â Â Contains Grains? | Â Â Â Contains Gluten? |
| Gluten-Free | Free from wheat, rye, barley | Sometimes | No |
| Grain-Free | No grains at all | No | No |
Therefore, gluten free dog food is always grain-free, but not all grain-free dog foods are gluten-free.
Why Choose Gluten-Free Dog Food?
Food Sensitivities or Allergies
Certain dogs can be allergic or sensitive to gluten particularly to wheat.
Symptoms can include:
- Itchy skin
- Chronic ear infections
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Poor coat quality.
In case a food allergy is suspected by your vet, it may be possible to switch to a gluten-free formula to relieve the symptoms.
Easier Digestion
Other dog owners find that gluten-free formulas are simpler to digest, and are particularly convenient when a dog has a sensitive stomach. The digestive system is made less taxing by the use of sweet potatoes or rice instead of wheat.
Better Quality Ingredients
Numerous high qualities or holistic dog food brands contain gluten-free products that contain whole food ingredients and no artificial food additives.
This often leads to:
- Healthier skin and coat
- Improved energy levels
- Better stool consistency.
Does My Dog Need Gluten-Free Food?
Gluten does not pose any problems to most dogs. Nevertheless, there are some cases when a gluten-free diet can prove useful.
Symptoms Your Dog May require Gluten-Free Food:
- Disturbing reoccurring skin issues (itching, redness, hot spots)
- Prolonged digestive problems (gassing, bloating, diarrhea)
- Ongoing ear infections
- Retarded growth/weight gain in puppies.
It is worth mentioning that the cases of gluten intolerance in dogs are infrequent. Canine wheat allergy is the most prevalent associated condition and it is treatable by dietary restriction to gluten.
Hack:Â Before making any significant alterations to the diet of your dog, always consult with your vet.
Ingredients to Avoid in Gluten-Free Dog Food
In purchasing gluten-free dog food, you must be careful to avoid the following ingredients:
- Wheat (wheat flour, wheat gluten, whole wheat)
- Barley
- Rye
- Triticale
- Malt (derived from barley).
In addition, be aware of such vague terms as cereal grains or plant protein, which can be used to suggest hidden gluten.
Ingredients Commonly Found in Gluten-Free Dog Food
Find these healthy gluten-free alternatives to carbohydrates:
- Brown rice –Fiber rich and easily digestible.
- Sweet potatoes –Contain a lot of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Peas and lentils –Rich in protein and low in the glycemic index.
- Chickpeas –It is a good source of fiber and protein.
- Quinoa –This is a complete, gluten free protein grain.
- Pumpkin –Helps in digestion and intestinal fitness.
Best Gluten-Free Dog Food Brands
In case you are seeking reliable gluten-free dog food brands that can be found in the following are some of the popular ones:
Blue Buffalo Basics
- Limited-ingredient recipes
- Grain-free and gluten-free
It can be found in most large pet shops.
Wellness CORE
- High protein content
- No gluten, wheat, corn, or soy
- Good in working dogs and active.
Natural Balance L.I.D.
- I.D. is an abbreviation which means Limited Ingredient Diets.
- And made to suit dogs that are sensitive.
- Has gluten-free, grain-free lines.
Taste of the Wild
- Eats new things such as bison and venison
- Free of gluten and fillers
- Affordable premium option.
Merrick Grain-Free
- Made in the USA
- First ingredient is real deboned meat.
- No artificial preservatives, wheat or gluten.
Homemade Gluten-Free Dog Food: Is It a Good Idea?
Other pet owners would rather make their own gluten free meals, in order to have total control over the ingredients used. Although this is healthy, good planning is needed to make sure that we are fully fed.
Usual Homemade Gluten-Free Dog Food Ingredients:
- Cooked low-fat meats (chicken, turkey, beef)
- Carbs that are gluten-free (rice, sweet potato, pumpkin)
- Baked potatoes (with butter and salt)
- Vegetable soup (green beans, carrots, broth, green leafy vegetables, peas, pumpkin, spinach, potato, cabbage, potato, broth, and marrow root)
- Fats (olive oil, fish oil), which are healthy.
Caution:Â Do not go to a homemade diet without consulting your vet or a pet nutritionist so as to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Gluten-Free Dog Treats
Don't forget the snacks! Having a dog on a gluten-free diet, make sure that the snacks are gluten-free as well.
Most famous Dog Treat Gluten-Free Brands:
- Zuke's Naturals
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness
- Three Dog Bakery
- Buddy Biscuits Grain-Free
Or you may create your own one with such simple ingredients as peanut butter, oats (certified gluten-free) and mashed banana.
Possible Drawbacks of Gluten-Free Dog Food
Although gluten-free food is not everything bad, it is not always suitable to all dogs.
Higher Cost
Gluten-free ingredients are higher in cost because of the use of more expensive ingredients and the omission of cheaper fillers such as wheat.
Not Necessary for All Dogs
A dog that is not sensitive to gluten may not show any improvements to a gluten-free diet.
Risk of Nutritional Imbalance (in homemade diets)
Unbalanced, gluten-free homemade diets may be deficient in the essential nutrition like:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
How to Transition Your Dog to Gluten-Free Food
When changing the diet of a dog, make it slow over 7-10 days so as not to cause stomach upsets.
Sample Transition Schedule:
- Day 1-3: 25% new food, 75% old food
- Day 4-6: 50% new food, 50% old food
- Day 7-9: 75% new food, 25% old food
- Day 10+: 100% new food
Observe any improvement or adverse effects including vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea. When symptoms are noticed, see your vet.
FAQ
Is gluten bad for all dogs?
No. The majority of dogs do not have any problems with gluten. Dogs who are proven to be allergic or sensitive to gluten are the primary consumers of gluten-free food.
Is it possible to feed puppies with gluten-free dog food?
Yes, so long as the food is balanced to grow puppies. Find puppy formula or all life stages.
Is gluten of corn identical to wheat gluten?
No. Corn gluten meal is made up of protein but not of the gluten proteins present in wheat, rye or barley. Some owners, however, do not do it as a precaution.
But can I tell whether my dog is allergic to gluten?
A food allergy can only be established by a vet by using an elimination diet and observing the symptoms over time.
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