Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular for both humans and pets. For dogs with gluten sensitivities or allergies, feeding gluten-free treats is an important way to manage their condition and avoid uncomfortable symptoms. But with so many dog treats on the market, how do you know which ones are really gluten-free?
What is gluten and why do some dogs need to avoid it?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most dogs, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, some dogs are sensitive or intolerant to gluten. This is known as gluten intolerance or gluten allergy.
Dogs with gluten intolerance may experience digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and gas when they eat gluten. In severe cases, gluten can cause damage to the small intestine. Dogs may also exhibit skin conditions, ear infections, and behavioral issues when consuming gluten.
Gluten allergies in dogs cause an overreaction of the immune system to gluten. With a gluten allergy, dogs experience more severe symptoms affecting not just the GI tract but other body systems too.
Genetics, breed, and environmental factors may predispose certain dogs to gluten intolerance or allergy. Some breeds that are more susceptible include Irish Setters, Poodles, Schnauzers, Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers.
Should all dogs eat gluten-free food and treats?
While gluten-free diets are imperative for dogs with gluten intolerance or allergy, most normal, healthy dogs do not require gluten-free food or treats.
Unless your vet has specifically recommended a gluten-free diet, there is no proven benefit to feeding all dogs gluten-free. Many grain-based foods and treats can be perfectly fine for dogs without gluten sensitivities.
Checking with your vet is important if you suspect your dog may have issues with gluten. They can help determine if a gluten elimination trial is advised. Signs your dog may benefit from going gluten-free include:
– Chronic digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea, gas)
– Itchy skin, recurrent ear infections
– Unexplained weight loss or failure to gain weight
– Behavior changes
Your vet may recommend a blood test, elimination diet trial, or allergy testing to diagnose gluten intolerance or allergy.
How to find gluten-free dog treats
When shopping for gluten-free dog treats, check the ingredient list for wheat, barley, rye, and other gluten sources. Look for treats certified as gluten-free. Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.
Here are some tips for finding truly gluten-free treats for your dog:
– Check for a gluten-free label on the packaging. This ensures the treat is made and processed free of gluten.
– Call or email the manufacturer and ask about their gluten-free certification process.
– Look for treats made with naturally gluten-free ingredients like peanut butter, rice flour, fruits and vegetables.
– Avoid treats with wheat, barley, rye, brewer’s yeast, malt extract, and oats, unless certified gluten-free.
– Be cautious of vague labels like “grain-free.” Gluten-free and grain-free are not interchangeable terms.
– Beware of cross-contamination. Even treats made without gluten ingredients can pick up traces of gluten during manufacturing in shared facilities.
6 Gluten-free dog treat brands
To get you started, here are some recommended gluten-free dog treat brands to check out:
1. Zuke’s
– Zuke’s makes a variety of tasty gluten-free dog treats like their Original Dog Treats, Hip Action Treats, and Z-Bones.
– Their treats are certified gluten-free and made in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
– Ingredients like pea flour, oats, flaxseed, peanut butter, and cherries provide healthy, gluten-free options dogs love.
2. Rachel Ray Nutrish
– Rachel Ray Nutrish offers multiple grain-free and gluten-free treat options under their Peak line.
– Flavors like Chicken & Veggies, Venison & Sweet Potato, and Turkey & Berry are made without corn, wheat or soy.
– These oven-baked treats get their crunchy texture from chickpeas, peas and rice flour.
3. Blue Buffalo
– Blue Buffalo’s gluten-free biscuits are made with fish, chicken, or plant-based ingredients and contain no wheat or grains.
– Options like their Wilderness Trail Treats and Soft-Baked Naturals are certified gluten-free.
– Real meat, fruit, and vegetables provide healthy antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and omega fatty acids.
4. Wellness CORE Grain-Free
– Wellness CORE makes crunchy cookies and soft baked treats free of grains and gluten ingredients.
– Their Smooth Puppy Bites help support brain development in puppies.
– For adult dogs, try their grain-free Wholesome Grains biscuits for dental health.
5. Nature’s Recipe
– Nature’s Recipe produces gluten-free Pumpkin, Chicken, Lamb and Salmon baked treats.
– Grain-free options like their Crunchy Baked Treats contain no wheat, corn or soy.
– Real chicken or salmon are the #1 ingredients.
6. Sojos
– Sojos offers freeze-dried raw dog treats in peanut butter, beef liver, turkey, and other flavors.
– Their treats contain just one or two ingredients with no grains, fillers, preservatives or additives.
– Sojos are gently freeze-dried to maintain raw nutrition. Just add water to rehydrate.
6 Gluten-free dog treat recipes to make at home
For 100% control over ingredients, gluten-free dog owners can whip up homemade treats in their own kitchens. Here are 6 tasty recipes:
1. Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
Makes 36 small treats
– 2 1/2 cups brown rice flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 egg
– 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
– 1 banana, mashed
– 1/3 cup water
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together brown rice flour and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, mix egg, peanut butter, banana and water.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix. Dough will be sticky.
5. Roll dough out onto a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
7. Bake for 14-20 minutes until lightly browned.
8. Turn oven off and leave treats inside for 1 hour to harden.
2. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cookies
Makes 32 small cookies
– 1 1⁄2 cups brown rice flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1⁄4 cup natural peanut butter
– 1⁄4 cup canned pure pumpkin
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon honey
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine brown rice flour and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together peanut butter, pumpkin, egg and honey.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until a dough forms.
5. Roll dough out to about 1⁄4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
6. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
7. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
8. Cool completely before serving.
3. Bacon & Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Makes 28 small treats
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1⁄2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons bacon bits
– 1 egg, beaten
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together grated sweet potato, olive oil, flour, bacon bits and egg.
3. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place on baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Cool before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
4. Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats
Makes 24 small treats
– 1 cup plain gluten-free Greek yogurt
– 2 bananas, mashed
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1⁄2 cups rice flour
– 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, bananas, egg, peanut butter and vanilla.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together rice flour and baking soda.
3. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix thoroughly.
4. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
6. Store frozen in an airtight container up to 2 months.
5. Chicken & Vegetable Dog Treats
Makes 36 small treats
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1⁄2 cup peas
– 1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped
– 1 egg
– 1⁄2 cup gluten-free oat flour
– 1⁄4 cup olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, carrots, peas, parsley, egg, oat flour and olive oil.
3. Mix thoroughly until a thick dough forms.
4. Scoop heaping teaspoons onto the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned.
6. Cool before serving. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week.
6. Fruit & Yogurt Dog Pops
Makes 8 pops
– 1 cup plain gluten-free Greek yogurt
– 1 banana, mashed
– 1⁄4 cup blueberries
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– Popsicle sticks or small paper cups
1. In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, banana, blueberries and peanut butter.
2. Spoon into popsicle molds or small paper cups. Insert sticks.
3. Freeze until solid, about 4 hours.
4. Run molds under warm water to unmold if needed.
5. Store leftover pops in the freezer up to 2 months.
Tips for transitioning your dog to a gluten-free diet
Switching your dog to gluten-free treats and food requires some patience. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
– Gradually mix the new gluten-free food into your dog’s old food over 5-7 days. This gives their digestive system time to adjust.
– Closely monitor your dog for any digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea. Slow the transition if needed.
– Make sure treats match the new gluten-free food. Don’t mix with high gluten treats or food toppings.
– Check all medication is gluten-free if given with food. Gluten can also hide in flavored medications.
– Wash food bowls thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination with old gluten-containing foods.
– If homemade treats contain oats, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free to prevent issues.
– Get copies of the ingredient panels for your dog’s new food to share with boarding facilities, pet sitters, groomers, etc.
– If switching for medical reasons, follow up with your vet for recommended lab tests to monitor for improvements.
Are gluten-free treats healthier for all dogs?
It’s a common belief that gluten-free pet food is universally healthier. But for dogs without gluten sensitivities, this may not be true. Here’s a look at the pros and cons:
Potential Benefits:
– Fewer calories – Some gluten-free treats substitute grains with fruits and vegetables which are naturally lower in calories. This can benefit overweight dogs.
– More easily digestible – For some dogs, gluten-free treats are easier on digestion because they eliminate grains and wheat.
– Reduced inflammation – Gluten can trigger inflammation in the body. Gluten-free diets may reduce this effect for certain dogs.
– Nutrient absorption – Damaged intestines from gluten can lead to poor absorption of nutrients. Healing intestines better absorb nutrients.
Potential Drawbacks:
– Loss of grains – Whole grains provide valuable fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Removing all grains eliminates these benefits.
– Blood sugar spikes – Grain-free treats with more potatoes and legumes can cause rapid rises in blood sugar compared to whole grains.
– Weight loss – If not properly balanced, grain-free and gluten-free diets may provide fewer calories leading to unhealthy weight loss in some dogs.
– Nutrient deficiencies – There is some evidence grain-free diets can result in reduced taurine, B vitamins, and antioxidants long-term unless properly formulated.
So while gluten-free treats remove problematic grains for dogs with intolerances, they are not necessarily healthier or superior for dogs tolerant to gluten. As with any diet, moderation and balance are key.
Conclusion
Gluten-free treats allow dogs with grain sensitivities to still enjoy tasty biscuits and snacks as part of an elimination diet. When shopping, check labels for certifications and avoid vague marketing terms like “grain-free.” For total control over ingredients, pet owners can whip up customized gluten-free treats in their own kitchens. While not mandatory for healthy dogs, grain-free treats may provide digestive or anti-inflammatory benefits in some cases. But a balanced diet is still important. Consult your vet before transitioning your dog to gluten-free treats or food.
