Sundays FAQs: What’s the Deal With Gluten-Free Dog Food?
Sundays
When and why you should buy gluten-free dog food–plus learn how it differs from grain-free options.
While human gluten allergies and intolerances are still considered rare, they have become more and more diagnosed over the years. And while some dogs may have gluten sensitivities, it is not very common. That being said, some dog breeds including Irish Setters are known to have a genetic predisposition to gluten intolerance.
Dogs affected by gluten-sensitive enteropathy can become afflicted with chronic diarrhea and may experience weight loss as a result. The use of a gluten-free diet will help to not only confirm the diagnosis of a gluten allergy in a dog, but will also help manage the symptoms throughout their life.
If your dog does have an identified gluten allergy, officially diagnosed as “gluten-sensitive enteropathy”, you can rest assured knowing that Sundays for Dogs is made in a gluten-free facility. Because of this, all of our ingredients (including our grains) must be gluten-free. We utilize a variety of gluten-free grains in our diets including quinoa, oat and millet flour.
Do Dogs Need Gluten in Their Diet?
Simply put, no. Gluten is not an essential component to a healthy diet for dogs. Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in grains. It acts as an actual glue that helps foods hold their shape. And on its own, gluten does not provide a dog any real nutritional benefits.
The Difference Between Grain-Free and Gluten-Free Dog Food
Sundays for Dogs Recipes are not grain-free. Grain-free diets are associated with a certain type of heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy). The most likely culprit for DCM in these types of diets is related to their often high legume content–although a definitive correlation or causation has not been proven. Due to the possibility that these ingredients may cause an issue, we have chosen to not use any legumes in our diet.
As mentioned, we do use a small amount of gluten-free grains in our recipes as they are a good rich-source of vitamins and minerals and are also a good source of readily digestible carbohydrates. Just like with your own diet, carbs provide your dog with energy. Certain carbohydrate sources can convert into simple sugars that are easily absorbed, while more complex carbohydrates, like legumes, must be broken down further by the body before they are able to be absorbed.
Want to learn more about what’s inside our delicious gluten-free dog food? Take a look at our All-Natural Chicken and USDA-Grade Beef ingredient lists. Plus learn more about beneficial nutrients you’ll find in our recipes including eggs, flaxseed, turmeric, chicken and fish oil.