Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular over the last decade or so, and it’s not just human diets following the trend. Increasing numbers of pet parents are choosing to go grain and gluten-free when selecting their dog food as well, but is gluten-free necessarily better?
While grain-free foods have grown in popularity, the likelihood of gluten sensitivities in dogs is extremely rare, with some dogs even suffering adverse effects from these diets. If you’re worried that your dog is suffering from gluten intolerance, we’ll explain what this entails, its prevalence, and how you can maintain your dog’s health, comfort, and quality of life.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a glycoprotein appearing in several grains, and gliadin is one of the primary proteins in gluten that causes irritation.1 Wheat contains substantial gluten levels, but the compound also exists in barley, rye, triticale, and malt. Rice and corn are among the most common gluten-free grains used in dog food, while other grains and starches, including flax, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, and soy, also lack gluten. Cross-contamination can result in some gluten-free grains, such as oats, to contain variable gluten levels.
What Is Gluten Intolerance in Dogs?
Gluten intolerance can take a number of different forms in dogs, from the generic (and rare) wheat and gluten allergy, to more specific disorders.
Wheat and Gluten Allergy
Wheat allergies are one of many food-related allergies that can cause a dog’s immune system to mistakenly identify proteins (gluten or otherwise) as a potential threat. When mast cells in the skin, respiratory system, and digestive tract encounter the allergen, they release histamine and other inflammatory mediators, causing an inflammatory cascade that may cause both internal and external signs.
Lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis (LPE) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that may occur from a dog’s gluten intolerance. Increased concentrations of anti-gliadin antibodies can create a hypersensitivity to gluten-containing diets, which increases with repeated exposure.
IBD is the most prevalent cause of recurrent vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, and LPE is the most common form of IBD. Dogs with LPE have excessive inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes and plasma cells, build up in the stomach and intestines, resulting in IBD signs.
An immune response to gluten is only one of many possible causes of LPE, alongside other dietary intolerances (e.g., meat proteins, dairy), infections, and genetic factors. LPE can occur in any dog, with certain breeds, including German Shepherd Dogs and Shar-Peis, being more susceptible. Middle-aged and senior dogs are most prone to this, though dogs as young as 8 months can develop the condition.
Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy (GSE) in Irish Setters
Researchers identified chronic enteropathies from autoimmune issues in a cohort of Irish Setters in the 1980s, though the processes involved differentiate it from human celiac disease. Signs typically appear at around 6 months. For dogs sensitive to gluten, gliadin doesn’t necessarily spur an autoimmune response but does cause damage to the small intestine, with changes including:
- Intestinal villi atrophy
- Increases in intraepithelial lymphocytes (white blood cells in the intestinal lining)
- Changes in brush border enzymes (digestive agents in the small intestine)
All this promotes worsening nutrient absorption. Damage can ultimately lead to alterations in the gut microbiome. As these changes to the small intestine occur, hormonal shifts can eventually appear over time, and the intestinal lining may become more permeable, potentially leading to leaky gut syndrome.
While affected dogs suffer more issues with digestion and uptake of vital nutrients into their system, they are also at greater risk of pathogens and toxins working their way into the bloodstream. Subsequent inflammation can occur throughout the body and open the dog up to numerous diseases.
Paroxysmal Gluten-Sensitive Dyskinesia in Border Terriers
Paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia (PGSD) is a canine epileptoid cramping syndrome found in some Border Terriers. One study also showed an instance of PGSD in a young Yorkshire Terrier. Dogs suffering from this disorder show increased anti-gliadin antibodies, indicating a possible connection to immunological gluten sensitivity.
PGSD causes varying signs while the dog is conscious. The primary effect is dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements, tremors, and twitching) in multiple limbs. Though it can appear similar to epilepsy, PGSD doesn’t include the uncontrolled elimination or hypersalivation issues, loss of awareness, or postictal disorientation and lethargy that are common to seizures.
Episodes last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Affected dogs typically start showing signs of issues between 6 weeks and 7 years, often manifesting after waking up or during times of stress or excitement. Introducing an innovative online service where you can easily connect with a vet online and receive personalized advice for your beloved pet, all at a budget-friendly price!
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