Doggy with a Tender Tummy?

Yes, believe it or not, your dog may be having the same troubles as you: he/she is gluten sensitive. As Shari Lierberman points out in her book, The Gluten Connection, “Dietary sensitivity in pets is well documented. Most cases show up in dogs and cats as skin or gastrointestinal disorders, with the majority of dietary hypersensitivity reactions caused by proteins,” (Watson, 1998).

Did I see the word protein? Yes, I did. As we know, gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, so a gluten sensitivity is a very real possibility for your pooch or feline friend. How do you know that gluten is the culprit if Spot can’t speak and Morris can only meow?

If you are looking for some sound advice about your pets’ dietary troubles, Kristin Campell of Gluten Free Fox offers up some great ideas to pet owners in her article, “Food Allergies and Sensitivities in Dogs and Cats.”

You can also try the same strategy you might have used with yourself: an elimination diet!

If you do end up eliminating gluten from your dog’s diet, the good news is that there are businesses sprouting up that are being mindful of our pets’ dietary restrictions. One such business in the state of Connecticut is Best Buddy Biscuits. If you are fortunate enough to live in the New Haven area, you can get a sample of Best Buddy gluten free dog treats every Saturday at the Wooster Square Farmer’s Market.

References:

Lierberman, Shari, The Gluten Connection. Rodale Press (2007), Chapter 8.

Watson, Tim, “Diet and Skin Disease in Dogs and Cats,” American Society for Nutritional Sciences, Journal of Nutrition 128 (1998):2783S-9S.

This post was written in memory of my dear, Oscar, 1990-2007.