The use of gluten in pet food has been a subject of great controversy since the massive commercial food recalls in early 2007 due to contamination by melamine. Thousands of animals became sick, and many died from the invisible toxin, bringing the use of gluten to the forefront of concerned pet owners. Questions about whether pet food should contain gluten—and whether it is causing more harm than good—have sparked heated debates among the pet-owning public. Many professionals, as well as average pet owners, are beginning to wonder if gluten-free dog food would be preferable.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a unique blend of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin, found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is conjoined with starch molecules and is insoluble in water but can be removed or separated from the grain, forming wheat starch. In many countries, gluten is an important source of protein and is often added to other foods that are low in nutritional protein.
On a less academic level, gluten is what gives bread its elastic, “kneadable” texture and gives bagels their chewy consistency.
Gluten and Dogs
The debate surrounding gluten and the possibility of gluten-free dog food revolves around whether pets can properly digest the wheat protein.
Like humans suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, many experts believe that dogs and cats cannot properly digest or absorb the protein from gluten because their digestive systems were not exposed to it during their natural evolution. In the wild, a dog’s diet consisted of meat, greens, fruit, fish, and anything they could scavenge.
Grains, on the other hand, were only introduced in the last century, as commercial diets became a convenient and inexpensive way to feed our four-legged family members. So, why is gluten added to pet food? It is an inexpensive filler that increases protein levels in kibble while improving the look and texture of canned foods.
However, veterinarian Dr. John B. Symes believes that gluten can cause acute or chronic kidney failure in dogs, much like how celiac disease can affect humans. The tainted wheat gluten from earlier recalls caused widespread illness among our four-legged friends. He takes it a step further, adding other foods that contain similar lectins to the list—including dairy products, soy, and corn—believing that all of these foods are harmful to dogs and humans in varying degrees, depending on individual sensitivity.
Dr. Symes is currently researching the link between gluten, lectins, and the increase in autoimmune-based diseases in dogs and cats.
How to Feed Your Dog a Gluten-Free Diet
Thankfully, there are several options for feeding a gluten-free dog food.
Many commercial pet food manufacturers are recognizing the health benefits of a gluten-free diet and producing a variety of products to suit your pet’s needs. High-quality commercial diets are a worry-free and convenient way to feed a gluten-free dog food that guarantees a properly balanced and nutritionally available diet. For many pet owners, this is the simplest solution to the gluten problem!
Smaller manufacturers of custom dog food also offer gluten-free options for owners concerned about lectin sensitivity in their pets. Custom dog food manufacturers address the gluten issue by producing grain, soy, corn, and dairy-free foods in small batches, made the day you place your order and delivered right to your doorstep. These foods meet each pet’s unique nutritional needs, use only the freshest whole food ingredients, and offer the same convenience as large-batch manufactured dry dog food. Custom dog foods are formulated by veterinary nutritionists and offer the option of supplements for a variety of common medical conditions.
For those of us who have the time and energy to make homemade dog food, it’s easy to create a gluten-free diet for your pet. Whole, fresh meats, vegetables, and simple fiber and protein sources such as split peas, quinoa, potatoes, and brown rice are simple to buy, cook, and package for quick daily meals. The challenging part of homemade diets is ensuring that your pet’s nutritional needs are met. Talk to your veterinarian or schedule an appointment with a veterinary nutritionist for more guidance on how to best cook for your dog!
There are also commercially produced homemade or real-food diets available that are gluten-free and nearly as convenient as dry dog food—if you have access to freezer space. Top-quality, commercially produced homemade diets are often developed under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist and come in easy-to-use shrink-wrap packaging.
Is Gluten-Free Dog Food the Right Choice for Your Dog?
Does your dog suffer from chronic or recurring diarrhea or loose stools? Many dogs have gluten sensitivity, and fortunately, the test is simple—switch them to a gluten-free dog food for three to six weeks. If the condition improves, continue the diet for several more months, while also switching their treats and chews to similar grain-free ingredients. Within two months on a gluten-free diet, your dog’s overall health should improve—from digestive complaints to the amount of oil produced by their skin and coat.
While experts have yet to agree on whether dogs suffer from celiac disease, feeding a gluten-free dog food remains a healthy choice until further information is available.
