Going Gluten-Free: Why a Gluten-Free Diet is Beneficial for Your Pet's Health

You may wonder: What are the symptoms of a gluten allergy in dogs, and how do you know if your pet has one? What are the health benefits of going gluten-free for your pet? Is gluten bad for cats, too?

We’re here to help you decide if gluten-free food and treats are the right choices for your pets.

Signs of a Gluten Allergy in Dogs or Cats

You may have heard of gluten intolerance in dogs, but how do you know if your pup has a gluten allergy?

So far, celiac disease in dogs has only been formally identified in a minority of Irish Setters. More research still needs to be done to see how widespread the disease really is. Even harder to pinpoint is how many dogs have gluten sensitivity (essentially a mild gluten allergy).

The formal studies may not be in yet, but the experiences of thousands of concerned pet parents certainly are. Many pet parents have recognized the symptoms of a gluten allergy in their pets and have seen these symptoms subside once gluten is removed from their pups’ diets.

Some common dog gluten allergy symptoms include:

Ongoing digestive distress

The occasional stinky dog fart may be a fact of life, but if your pup constantly has diarrhea or room-clearing flatulence — or if your cat’s litterbox can be smelt from across the house — it may be indicative of sensitivity to the gluten in their diet. Gluten takes a lot of effort for your pet’s digestive system to break down and can cause recurrent stomach upset if your pet is particularly sensitive to it.

Itchy, unhealthy coat

If your pet has a rough, unhealthy coat, is prone to skin infections or hotspots, or is constantly itching and scratching, these are all common signs of a food allergy. You should also be aware if your dog or cat is repeatedly chewing on their feet, as paw pads tend to be some of the itchiest spots. Almost any ingredient could be an allergen, but gluten and grains are common culprits.

Chronic ear infections

Your pet’s body breaks down gluten into various sugars. But if your pet’s diet contains more gluten than their body can handle, those excess sugars can have unpleasant side effects — such as recurring yeast infections in their ears. If your pet is constantly shaking its head or has smelly buildup in its ears, those are all signs of an ear infection, which can even impact your pet’s balance if the infection is chronic.

Mood swings and restlessness

We often underestimate how much diet impacts mood — and that’s true both for ourselves and our pets. Gluten causes inflammation, which can affect levels of mood-regulating hormones like serotonin so that your pet’s mood goes from up to down abruptly.

If you see any of these signs in your pet, try a gluten-free diet for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve. You may be pleasantly surprised by the dramatic difference you see.

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