Do You Need Wheat Free Dog Food?
Spring is a lovely time of year. Your doggo gets to frolic with you in the warm air and go on long walks outdoors. But spring allergies can often be confused with a food allergy. They share similar symptoms: itching and diarrhea.
Yet your dog’s symptoms could be alluding to a bigger issue. Wheat allergies can seem like they appear overnight. Your dog was fine for years, until a buildup of wheat products triggered an allergic reaction. Here’s how to tell if your doggo is suffering from a wheat allergy or intolerance.
Wheat Allergy Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Anal itching
- Behaving abnormally
- Chronic ear infection
- Diarrhea
- Persistent bowel movements
- Chronic skin infection
- Passing gas
Call a Veterinarian if your dog has:
- Breathing problems
- Head is shaking
- Seizure
- Profuse vomiting
Do you think your dog has an issue digesting wheat? Wheat allergic reactions are serious. Switching to a wheat free diet will still provide your pooch with all the nutrition they need, without any need for supplements. Don’t compromise on their nutrition and their healthy coat of hair will thank you.
What is Wheat?
Wheat is a cereal grain that has been cultivated for the seed. It’s often used to make bread, pasta, cereal, and pastries, but it’s commonly found as a filler in dog food. It’s also the biggest section on the human food pyramid, and requires 2 servings on the dog food pyramid. But do dogs really need wheat?
Glutens raise the protein level on dog food labels, even though the proteins aren’t as complete as they could be. They also lack an abundant amount of amino acids, which could jeopardize your dog's health [3].
Wheat-filled Ingredients to Watch Out For
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Wheat-tainted Oats
Make sure the label of your dog food doesn’t contain these ingredients, if your dog is allergic to wheat. When in doubt, look at the first ten ingredients of a recipe. They should contain lean meat, vegetables, and vitamins to ensure your dog is getting the necessary amount of nutrition for a better quality-of-life. Don’t let manufacturers blindside you with dishonest advertising.
Wheat-Free Food Additions for Dogs
- Hemp Seeds: These seeds are a complete source of protein. They are also considered a “superfood” and can treat anxiety, seizures, and arthritis in dogs [2].
- Gluten-free Oats: They help with losing weight, lower blood sugar, and decrease dogs' risk of heart disease. Oats also contain linoleic acid, to keep their skin healthy.
- Chia Seeds: They retain water, thereby keeping your dog hydrated for longer. Oats and chia seeds also help diabetic dogs maintain low blood sugar.
- Brown Rice: It contains fibre, Vitamin B and Vitamin D, so it helps prevent your dog from having bowel discomfort.
- Flax Seeds: They are not a complete protein, but flax seeds improve kidney function, and keep their coat of hair and skin healthy.
- Lentils: Helping your dog lose weight? These are low calorie and full of fibre, to keep them full longer, while providing digestive support [1].
- Walnuts: These can be offered minimally, as a treat or ground up and used sparingly in food. They’re high in fat, but walnuts help with brain function. Never give your pup a moldy or black walnut.
- Goji Berries: Goji berries are a fantastic superfood. They contain Vitamins, A, B, C, and E, iron, protein, calcium, and improve your dog’s bone health.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin puree and pumpkin seeds contain health benefits for your dog. Avoid seeds or puree that are seasoned, because they often contain cinnamon, which will irritate your dog’s mouth. They provide fibre and digestion support when your dog is having diarrhea.
Look for these incredible additions in your future bag of dog food. You can also add ground ingredients to the top of your dog’s food. Dogs enjoy eating pumpkin puree on its own as well.
Wheat Free Hypoallergenic Dog Treat Recipe
Does your dog need a new natural treat, now that their wheat-treats are a no-go? Try this recipe for your pup, while they get acclimated to their new diet.
Super Ingredients
- 192 grams coconut flour
- 4 eggs
- 253 grams plain pumpkin puree
- 135 grams unsalted peanut butter
- 105 grams coconut oil
- 12 grams chia seeds
- 9 grams flax seeds
- 38 grams shredded carrots
Dog-friendly Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Combine the ingredients and refrigerate for a minimum of fifteen minutes.
- Roll dough to desired thickness and use a bone cookie cutter, or similar shape to create cookies.
- Place on parchment paper and sprinkle with chia seeds.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then allow to cool.
Your doggo now has a nutritious and easy snack to pair with their wheat free dog food!
Wheat Free Dog Food Australia
Healthy dog food is hard to come by. Food made in Australia brings fresh dog food to your door, without the hassle of long shipment times.
Don’t deny your dog wheat free dog food from Australia, their wagging tails indicate all you need to know. Wheat free food from Petzyo provides your dog with hypoallergenic food, packed with quality ingredients that deliver an abundance of essential nutrients. Don’t say that does make your ears perk up too.
Your Dog Will Be in Paradise
Don’t allow your dog to scratch until their hair is thin and balding. Solving their allergy problems will create a shinier and fuller coat of hair, while leaving your pup comfortable and satisfied.
References
[2]https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/52904
[3]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342436279_Beynen_AC_2020_Gluten_proteins_for_dogs
