Wheat-Free Diet for a Dog

Wheat free dog food is not the norm because the majority of large-scale commercial pet food manufacturers have not focused on the needs of pets with food allergies. In recent years, some pet food companies have begun to recognize that some dogs have dietary restrictions, and they are responding to consumer demand for natural, organic and especially grain-free dog foods.

Wheat Products

There are wheat products in pet food that have little or no nutritional value. In the book "Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food," author Ann N. Martin says "a product known as 'wheat screenings' is permitted for use in pet food. Wheat screenings, not used for human consumption, can include broken grains, crop and weed seeds, hulls, chaff, joints, straw, elevator or mill dust, sand, and dirt."

Toxic Pet Food Crisis

In 2007, a toxin called melamine was found in wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate imported from China and used in the manufacture of pet food in the United States. Because of this contamination, a large number of dogs and cats died due to kidney failure and other complications.

There was a widespread recall of commercial pet foods and since the toxic pet food crisis, several companies have become more conscientious about ingredients they use. Many now offer organic wheat free and gluten free dog foods, plus specially blended and limited ingredient diets for dogs with special needs.

Allergic Reactions

According to Mary Straus of dogaware.com, " Food allergies in dogs develop over a period of time and are ... more likely to develop if the dog is fed the same food all the time."

Symptoms that might lead you to suspect that your dog has a wheat allergy include itchy skin, head shaking, ear inflammation, licking or chewing paws, rubbing its face on the carpet, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, sneezing, asthma-like symptoms, anal itching and other behavioral changes.

Home Prepared Wheat-free Diet

Veterinary Dr. Mike Richards thinks 5he lack of variety is the biggest problem with most home-prepared pet diets.

Whether you feed cooked or properly handled raw meat, try alternating proteins, such as beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, pork, fish, eggs and dairy. Include a variety of vegetables, fruits and carbohydrates. All homemade diets should provide calcium, either from raw, meaty bones or from organic bone meal supplements.

Wheat free Premixes

Dehydrated grain free dog food premixes, when mixed with fresh protein, make a complete all-natural dog food. A few companies that produce these diets includeThe Honest Kitchen, Solid Gold, Timberwolf Organics, Urban Wolf, and Sojourner Farms.

Wheat Free Dog Foods

Many dog food manufacturers now offer high quality wheat free dry, canned, premixed and moist meals. If your dog shows signs of allergies or sensitivities to wheat, other grains or meat ingredients, you will be able to find her an appropriate diet. Initiate dietary changes slowly, because your dog's digestive system needs time to adjust to new foods.