The 5 Best Gluten-Free Dog Foods For Sensitive Stomachs
If you want a nutritious and delicious gluten-free food for your canine, there are plenty of excellent options to consider.
While grains can make up an important part of a dog’s diet, the gluten they often contain isn’t necessary for canine consumers. In fact, many need a gluten-free dog food. Their low-carb dog foods).
Because gluten can present so many problems, we recommend selecting a quality gluten-free food. In order to help you in your search, we’ve assembled the following list of the best gluten-free dog foods on Amazon.
Best Gluten-Free Dog Foods to Consider
Although most dog foods might look (and taste) the same to us humans, there are several important considerations to keep in mind during your search. For one, we recommend choosing an option with protein from quality sources, such as fish, beef, lamb, and pork. There are even some formulas with vitamin-packed ingredients, like sweet potatoes and pumpkins.
If your dog is especially sensitive to gluten, you may want to choose an option that’s entirely grain-free, just to play it safe. Many such options are wet dog foods and come in a can. They may cost more compared to dry foods, but they’re a great choice for those with especially sensitive stomachs.
And, of course, we’ve considered the price value of each option on our list. Some products are even available via a subscription, so you can ensure that your canine stays fed month after month. With all this in mind, let’s dive into the reviews.
Victor Super Premium Dog Food
If you’re a stickler for nutritional info, Victor has you covered. They provide a detailed analysis of their formula, which includes reassuring quantities of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats. And while many dog foods can’t guarantee a truly gluten-free formula (instead calling theirs “grain-free”), this premium blend is a bonafide gluten-free option.
We were also pleased by the relatively affordable price of this pick since you can buy it in a jumbo size that will last a long time. We’ve found that one 40-pound bag can feed two medium-sized dogs for over a month, so the price per week is a bargain.
Pros:
- Appropriate for dogs of all sizes and ages
- Well-balanced vitamin and mineral content
- Plenty of protein for active dogs
Cons:
- The bag is fairly flimsy, so it’s not great for storage
ACANA Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food
Dogs aren’t actually strictly carnivores since they still need vitamins, minerals, and fiber from plant sources. ACANA delivers the best of both worlds. With proteins from beef, lamb, and pork, this formula is rich in tasty meat. It also includes a healthy dose of whole grains, such as oats and millet, which are naturally gluten-free. But if your dog really can’t stand grains, ACANA also offers a totally grain-free option that’s as equally wholesome.
With such quality ingredients, the proof is in the pudding. Most dogs go crazy for this rich concoction, making mealtime their favorite part of the day. It’s so delicious, we’ve even used the individual kibbles as treats for a little mid-day reward.
Pros:
- Plenty of size and flavor options
- Includes probiotics for healthy guts
- Well-balanced nutritional content
Cons:
- It may prove a bit too hard for puppies and older dogs, though you can soften it with water
Solid Gold Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food
Small breeds have unique nutritional requirements, which is why we love this option from Solid Gold. It’s specifically designed to cover all the vitamin and protein needs of toy breeds and small dogs. This includes millions of probiotics in each pound of food, which helps promote gut health and regular poops. It also boasts a slew of “superfoods” to deliver the omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients for a healthy, happy dog.
This premium dog food comes at a premium price, but considering the small quantity that small breeds consume, one 11-pound bag can last a long time. Plus, we’re happy to spend a little extra on such an excellent formula since the healthy ingredients can strengthen a dog’s immune system.
Pros:
- Free of gluten, wheat, soy, corn, and preservatives
- Smaller-sized kibbles for easier eating
- Appropriate for all ages of dogs, including puppies
Cons:
- The bag doesn’t have an airtight seal
Forza10 Active Intestinal Dry Dog Food
Food sensitivities can build up over time, and gluten allergies can emerge even in adulthood. With this dog food from Forza10, however, there’s no need to worry about gluten causing a mess. In fact, even dogs with chronically upset stomachs can find relief in this probiotic-packed formula.
Most importantly, it doesn’t have a laundry list of unpronounceable ingredients. Instead, the protein comes from just one source, anchovies, and the vitamins and minerals are displayed right on the packaging. It also has plenty of fiber to promote solid poops, a boon for dogs with “overactive” bowels. We especially recommend this option for older dogs with joint issues since the anchovies are packed with omega-3 fatty acids to help keep their tissues healthy and strong.
Pros:
- Excellent texture for easy chewing
- Alluring smell (for dogs)
- Best option for dogs suffering from indigestion
Cons:
- Due to the premium ingredients, it’s a bit on the pricey side
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food
All dogs need protein, and active dogs need a lot of it. Victor’s Purpose Nutra Pro is a “Super Premium” option free of gluten and packed with protein. In fact, it contains fish, chicken, and beef for a well-rounded cocktail of meat-based energy. This makes it a worthwhile buy for active canines as well as pregnant and nursing mothers.
This may be one of our premium picks, but the cost value is actually quite affordable for small- and medium-sized canines. The 40-pound bag can easily last over a month, bringing the daily cost to less than two dollars a day.
Pros:
- Delivers plenty of energy
- Relatively low carb content
- Includes fish meal for extra amino acids
Cons:
- Some dogs might get gassy at first while they get used to the formula
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gluten, and is it bad for dogs?
The word “gluten” refers to several types of proteins found in many grains. Wheat, barley, and rye are the most common examples. Fortunately, gluten isn’t necessarily bad for most dogs.
However, many dogs are intolerant to gluten. Such intolerance isn’t always the result of a disease like Celiac, as it may simply cause indigestion and irregular poops. For those that are particularly sensitive, though, even a small amount of gluten can lead to severe stomach discomfort, diarrhea, inflammation, vomiting, hair loss, weight loss, and a malady of other serious symptoms.
Even if your dog doesn’t have a gluten intolerance for the time being, it is possible to develop later in life. Fortunately, there are several grains that don’t contain gluten.
Can my dog eat an entirely grain-free diet?
Because not all grains have gluten, not all gluten-free dog foods are grain-free. Rice, buckwheat, millet, and certain maize are examples of naturally gluten-free grains. However, truly grain-free dog foods do exist.
Many veterinarians suggest including at least some grains in a dog’s diet. This is because grains contain important amino acids that meats, fruits, and vegetables lack in significant quantities. Thus, if your dog’s food is grain-free due to gluten intolerance, you can supplement their diet with gluten-free grains.
What ingredients should I avoid when choosing dog food?
Every dog is different, and many individuals have allergies and intolerances to certain foods. You should cater your dog’s diet to his or her specific needs and observe their reactions to certain foods carefully. That being said, there are some ingredients commonly found in dog foods that you should be wary to avoid.
Our number one recommendation is to avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives like BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin. Artificial colorings can also be a red flag. Several studies have suggested that such additives may be harmful to a dog’s health, and some individuals are allergic to such chemicals. Also, many cheaper dog foods contain high amounts of corn syrup, which boosts sugar levels and can lead to health problems in the long run.
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