As pet owners, we are always looking for ways to keep our furry friends happy and healthy, which includes being mindful of what they eat. Like humans, dogs can have food sensitivities or allergies, and gluten intolerance is one of the more common food-related issues. But what exactly does gluten intolerance mean for our pets, and how can we tell if our dog is affected? Today, we’ll discuss that and determine the best ways to handle gluten sensitivity in your dog!

What is Gluten Intolerance in Dogs?

Gluten is a protein in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. While it’s often associated with human digestive issues such as celiac disease or wheat allergies, gluten intolerances can also affect dogs. When dogs are sensitive to gluten, their digestive system reacts negatively to food containing gluten, leading to discomfort and various symptoms.

Note that an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten differs from a gluten allergy in dogs. In an allergy, the immune system directly attacks the gluten protein, which can result in serious issues, including inflammation, skin irritation, and digestion issues. Gluten sensitivities, on the other hand, involve less severe reactions. However, this can still cause various symptoms, including diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting.

Signs that Fido is Sensitive to Gluten

A variety of issues can cause an upset stomach for your furbaby. Symptoms of a gluten-related issue vary from pup to pup but, in many cases, can be mistaken for other digestive issues. If you notice the following symptoms or behaviors in your pup, they might be signs of gluten sensitivity. Reach out to your veterinarian for more detailed information or an official diagnosis.

Vomiting: If your dog is throwing up frequently, it could be a sign that their digestive system isn’t handling gluten properly.

Bloating: Excessive gas or bloating in the abdomen is another sign that this protein is stressing the digestive system.

Diarrhea: One of the more common signs of a gluten issue in your pup is a change in potty patterns. If you notice more frequent bowel changes, like diarrhea, it could be due to gluten sensitivity.

Coat Issues: A change in coat health or an increase in developing skin rashes could be signs that something is wrong with their digestive system.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms after eating a food containing gluten, contact their health provider for more information.

Managing Your Pup’s Gluten Sensitivity

While navigating a gluten intolerance can seem stressful, the good news is that you can manage this for your pup with a few changes! The first step is eliminating gluten from your dog’s diet. This means avoiding familiar sources of gluten like those we mentioned before. Wheat, barley, and rye are now no-no’s!

Instead, opt for gluten-free options like Open Farm. Many dog food brands specialize in gluten-free products to keep your pooch feeling 100%. If your dog is struggling with an upset stomach, better manage their discomfort with foods to aid sensitive stomachs. Be mindful of treats and snacks, as they can sometimes contain gluten. Check out some of these great gluten-free dog treat recipes to give a try!

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Dog Treats by Heather Bursch from She Made It She Might

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cup oat flour, chickpea flour and sorghum flour. I use all 3, but any combo works!
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup dog-safe broth or water
1 egg

Instructions:

Blueberry Carrot Homemade Gluten-Free Dog Treats by Lyn Corinne from A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend
2 cups shredded and diced carrots
1 ½ cups rough-chopped blueberries
2 eggs
⅔ cup room temperature coconut oil

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350° and lay parchment paper on two cookie sheets.
   2. Dump all ingredients into a mixer and mix until moist and coming together. If it’s too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time to make sure the dough comes together but is not too wet or sticky to roll. Add a tablespoon of flour to the mix if it’s too wet.
   3. Sprinkle flour on the working surface or board, remove dough from the mixer, and form into a ball with your hands.
   4. If cutting out treats with a cookie cutter, roll dough with a rolling pin until dough is about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter and a spatula or dough scraper. Place dough cut-outs on prepared parchment paper-lined cookie sheets. Scoop up the leftover dough, form it into a ball, and re-roll until all dough is cut into cookies.
   5. If you want to make small round cookies, scoop out the desired dough, and roll the dough in your hands to form a ball. Place the ball on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and press down gently with a fork to flatten the ball to a 1/4 inch thick round. Continue until all dough is formed into cookies and placed with a little bit of space on the cookie sheet.
   6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly brown and firm to the touch. If all treats are the mini-size, check at the 10-minute mark. If you make larger or thicker cookies, continue to bake until lightly browned.

Gluten intolerance in dogs is a condition that can lead to digestive upset, discomfort, and a variety of other symptoms. By paying attention to your dog’s behavior and diet, you can help identify potential food sensitivities and work with your vet to find the best solutions. With the proper care, your dog can thrive on a gluten-free diet and enjoy many happy, healthy years with you.