When people hear the word “gluten”, they immediately harbor negative thoughts about it. This is because it is linked to certain diseases and health problems. Then again, gluten is actually a great source of protein. This is, of course, if the dog does not have any adverse food reaction towards it. A lot of dogs are okay with gluten and many of the dog food brands sold on the market contain gluten.
However, if you want your dog to be healthy or if it has certain allergies and sensitivity, you may consider giving it gluten free dog food. This kind of dog food is unlike the others because the protein it contains comes from plant-based sources instead of animal-based sources. It is usually recommended to dogs with special needs.
What is Gluten Free Dog Food?
Gluten refers to the protein part of carbohydrates. It is mostly found in grains such as rye, barley, and wheat. It is not found in oats, rice, and potatoes. Some dogs are not tolerant to gluten, which is why they need a special kind of dog food. It should be able to meet their dietary requirements without triggering their food allergy or sensitivity.
According to numerous studies on food allergies in dogs, beef, chicken, dairy, lamb, egg, pork, fish, and soy are the usual ingredients that cause these food allergies. However, there are also studies that show gluten being a primary cause of food allergy.
You can say that your dog is okay with eating dog foods that contain gluten if it has a normal gastrointestinal function and it does not experience itchiness when it eats these kinds of food. However, you may have to spend more money on gluten free dog foods if your dog shows symptoms of food allergy and sensitivity. You can purchase this kind of dog food online and offline. It is commercially available since a lot of dogs have been found to have problems with gluten.
What to Look Out for When Switching Your Dog’s Diet
You need to go to the veterinarian to be sure of this and to ask for recommendations. More often than not, dogs that have a poor appetite and/or experience excessive gassiness, diarrhea, vomiting, chronic skin problems, itchiness, and weight loss when eating dog foods that contain gluten have a problem with this ingredient. Hence, you should try switching to a gluten free variety for a while and see what happens.
You have to observe your dog for a week or so, and take note of its behavior and appetite. See what happens to it after eating a food that contains gluten and a food that does not contain gluten. Make sure that you discuss any changes you have observed with its veterinarian.
In many cases, switching to a gluten free variety solves the problems of dogs that are not tolerant to gluten. Their skin clears up and they no longer experience unpleasant symptoms when they change their diet. Then again, you need to make sure that it is actually the gluten that causes the problem and not any other ingredient, such as preservatives and meat source.
Rachel Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dry Dog Food
This dog food contains natural and simple ingredients, including turkey, vegetables, and additional vitamins and minerals. It does not have any unhealthy ingredients such as grains, fillers, and glutens. It also does not have any artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. In fact, each and every one of the ingredients has been carefully selected. It only contains protein sources that are high in quality, such as beef, chicken, and seafood. Its primary ingredient is real turkey, which is lean and easy to digest. It is also less likely to trigger any food allergies and sensitivities. Another main ingredient is turkey meal, which contains B vitamins and amino acids that promote healthier organs and leaner muscles. It is also a good source of chondroitin and glucosamine that promotes joint health.
Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dogs
This dog food contains high quality ingredients. It is also especially formulated to keep your dog active and feeling great. Each formula contains adequate levels of fat, protein, and other vital nutrients that promote overall health. It contains selenium and vitamin E, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthier skin and shinier coat. It is enhanced with probiotics and superfoods. It also contains fiber and antioxidants for better immune and digestive systems. In addition, it contains real beef protein to make your dog healthy and to satisfy its taste buds. It does not have any corn, wheat, or soy.
Taste of the Wild, Canine Formula
This dog food has a formula that involves peas and sweet potatoes for increased energy levels. So, it is an ideal choice for your active pet. You can rest assured that this dog food would allow your dog to run and play for as long as it wants without losing energy quickly. It is free from grains and has real roasted meats. Your dog will surely love its delicious taste. It also contains fruits and vegetables to provide your dog with antioxidants and enable it to live a healthier lifestyle. It is balanced, complete, and highly recommended by dog experts.
Rachel Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Dry Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
This dog food contains lamb meal as its primary ingredient. This lamb meal comes from the best farms in Australia and New Zealand, and is easy to digest. It also provides B vitamins and amino acids to help your dog maintain healthy organs and lean muscles. It is also a good source of chondroitin and glucosamine, which promote healthier joints. This dog food also contains brown rice and ground rice for carbohydrates. It also has beet pulp for fiber and prebiotics. It promotes a healthier digestion in dogs. It does not contain any poultry by-product meal, fillers, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives.
Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
This dog food contains real whole foods that provide a balanced nutrition for dogs that need healthy fats and protein. It is grain-free and is ideal for dogs of different breeds and life stages. It does not contain any gluten, soy, wheat, or corn. It promotes overall health. Its primary ingredient is deboned Texas beef. It also contains fat and fish for lean muscle tissues, healthy skin, and shiny coat. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for better joint health. In addition, it contains chondroitin and glucosamine for healthier hips. It also has vegetables and fruits such as sweet potatoes, peas, and blueberries.
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