Gluten Free Guide for Dogs

Do you know how gluten could impact your dog’s diet?

Dogs just like people, can often have gluten allergies, also known as celiac disease. This is a relatively common food allergy in dogs and the signs of gluten sensitivities may be seen in:

skin and coat issues
digestive difficulties

Gluten is a protein that comes from wheat and other related grains, like barley, and rye. These grains are a source of carbohydrates commonly found in dog foods. Wheat gluten, in particular, is widely used in the dog food industry. It can simulate meat in some wet foods, and also help prevent dry dog biscuits from breaking. It has been reported to prevent gas build-up in dogs and to reduce stool odor. Because gluten it is a protein source, it is sometimes used to increase protein for nutritional labeling claims. However, it should be noted that the highest quality dog foods use carnivore-appropriate animal proteins, like meat, fish and poultry, not gluten…. source: Dogtipper.com

So if your thinking of changing your dog’s diet to a gluten free diet and need to know what to substitute in your dogs homemade meals with other healthy grains to complete there meal please check out our little guide

Gluten Free Guide for Dogs

Black bean– Beans help provide natural fibers that help regulate blood sugar levels, one of the leading causes of insulin-resistance and diabetes in dogs. In addition, these rich sources of proteins and minerals boost your pet’s immune system and help burn fat.

Brown basmati rice–and good old fashioned brown rice is a great ingredient to add to your homemade dog food.

Buckwheat-Buckwheat flour is not wheat. It’s not even a grain. It is a high quality, easily absorbed, protein in the plant kingdom. It is naturally gluten free and can be used to cook or bake for those that are sensitive or intolerant to wheat gluten.

Chickpeas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)–Beans help provide natural fibers that help regulate blood sugar levels, one of the leading causes of insulin-resistance and diabetes in dogs. In addition, these rich sources of proteins and minerals boost your pet’s immune system and help burn fat.

Split pea–Cooked split peas are safe for dogs in small amounts and contain more than 16 g of fiber per cup. However, split peas and other legumes may cause gas and diarrhea in some dogs or if fed in large quantities.

Millet–nutty, easy to digest. similar to couscous. i have used millet for skillet cakes, a side dish and yup, you guessed it, stuffed inside veggies. my fav? simply as a side dish, cooked in veggie broth, sauteed with garlic and onions. sometimes simple is better!sometimes. cooking preparation: 1 part millet, 2 parts liquid (brown in skillet first for 5 min., boil, simmer covered 15-20 min.)

Quinoa– One of the few vegetables sources of complete proteins, quinoa is also associated with preventing heart disease and cancer, as a potent antioxidant and reducing the risk of diabetes. Quinoa is easy to fix; all it needs is to be boiled for about 15 minutes.

Chenopodium quinoa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rolled oats –to my surprise, oats are gluten-free naturally. it’s just the way in which they are treated in the manufacturing process that you have to watch out for gluten.It’s a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat.

Sunflower seeds– Sunflower seeds (shelled), Skip the salt if possible, or serve in moderation,