If you’ve been recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance, you probably remember how you felt before you followed a gluten-free diet. Maybe you experienced stomach pains, migraines, weight loss, and other digestive problems. More and more people are discovering a need to follow a gluten-free diet, but it’s not just for people; dogs might also benefit from a gluten-free diet.
Throughout their evolution, cats and dogs have lived and thrived as carnivores. There are few, if any, grains in their natural diet, yet in your home you likely feed them foods high in grain-based carbohydrates. Veterinarians generally recommend diets high in animal protein and fat, water, and low in carbohydrates, but mainstream food manufacturers produce just the opposite. The digestive system of your pet never evolved to digest large amounts of gluten and other plant proteins. The question remains, however, could Fido be a celiac too?
In short, only if he or she is an Irish setter. Researchers have only proven cases of Celiac Disease in one breed of dog, but gluten sensitivity is prevalent in other canines as well. The symptoms usually show up when puppies are between 4 and 7 months old: they do not gain weight, suffer from chronic diarrhea, and will, left untreated, experience many of the same symptoms as humans do. A blood test and a biopsy of your dog’s small intestine can help a veterinarian diagnose the condition; however, just as with humans, the only cure for Celiac Disease is a diet free of gluten.
While it may not be celiac disease, gluten sensitivity could be the underlying cause of many other symptoms for your dog. At the very least, there are many testimonials from pet owners highlighting the benefits of a gluten free diet change. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet.
