Gluten intolerant dogs and cats

Like humans, some animals may not tolerate gluten well. Today we will talk about gluten intolerance in dogs and cats, its symptoms and how to manage it properly.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found mainly in wheat, but also in other cereals such as rye, oats and barley. Some cereals that do not contain gluten are rice, quinoa, amaranth, maize and millet.

Why are some dogs and cats intolerant to gluten?

Most dogs tolerate wheat and other grains very well due to their omnivorous nature, which allows them to digest both meat and vegetables. However, some dogs may be sensitive to gluten and experience digestive and health problems.
Cats, on the other hand, are strict carnivores, which means they need a diet rich in meat. Their digestive system does not process vegetables as well as that of dogs, and although gluten intolerance is less common in cats, it can occur.

Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

Dogs and cats that are sensitive to gluten may suffer from the following symptoms:

• Inflammatory disturbances of the small intestine
• Weight loss
• Poor and dull coat
• Chronic diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Poor general state of health

Diagnosis and treatment

If you suspect that your dog or cat has a gluten intolerance, a visit to your vet is essential for any discomfort. The vet can perform specific tests and recommend an appropriate diet to manage the intolerance.

Differences between ‘Gluten Free’ and ‘Grain Free’ food

It is important not to mix these concepts:

Gluten Free’ feed
Products labelled as ‘gluten free’ do not contain gluten in their composition. For example, Picart’s entire Select Dog range is gluten free.

Grain Free’ feed
Products labelled ‘grain free’ do not contain grain. As they are grain free, they are also gluten free. Our Picart Select Cat product is Grain Free.

At Picart we care about the health of our little four-legged companions and offer a range of products suitable for their nutritional needs, including gluten-free and grain-free options for those who require it.