Gluten intolerance in dogs and cats: an emerging disease affecting homes and the pet food industry
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A real problem with family impact and opportunities for the industry
Although less frequent than in humans, gluten sensitivity or intolerance It can cause digestive, neurological, and dermatological symptoms in predisposed pets. This condition, similar to human celiac disease, is a clinical reality that demands clear responses from caregivers and formulators.
What is gluten intolerance in pets?
Although many are unaware of it, there are dogs and cats that present intolerance or sensitivity to gluten , a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. This condition can cause digestive, cutaneous and neurological symptoms , especially in genetically predisposed animals.
Important : This is not a fad or a "human" trend applied to pets. Specific veterinary studies support the link between gluten consumption and intestinal disorders in certain breeds and clinical cases.
What does science say?
- “Border Terriers with canine paroxysmal dyskinesia showed significant improvement in symptoms after gluten was eliminated from their diet.” — Gardener et al., 2022 – Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
- “Gluten-sensitive enteropathy in Irish Setters results in reversible intestinal atrophy upon withdrawal of gluten-containing cereals.” — Hall EJ, Batt RM, 1992 – Veterinary Record
- “In dogs with gluten-related neurological myopathies, a gluten-free diet has completely reversed symptoms.” — Lowrie M, et al., 2016 – PubMed ID: 26696683
The link is clear: a gluten-free diet can improve the quality of life, behavior, digestion and even the immune system in sensitive dogs and cats.
How to recognize the symptoms?
These animals often go undiagnosed and are treated with generic medications or feed changes. These are some signs that may indicate gluten sensitivity:
- Chronic diarrhea or loose stools
- Recurrent vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itching or skin lesions
- Anxious behaviors or depression
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12)
⚠️ If your pet shows any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian and evaluate the possibility of an elimination diet.
The real impact on the family
When your dog or cat is not well, Your routine changes, your mood drops, and expenses increase . Not knowing what affects you, trying one food after another, and watching it get worse can be emotionally draining.
The good news is that Once the sensitivity is detected and the cause (gluten) is removed, the improvement is usually rapid and evident .
🐶 Emotional trigger: “Love is also shown by choosing better what you feed.”
🛒 What can you do if your pet has a gluten intolerance?
- Read labels carefully: Avoid ingredients such as wheat, barley, oats with traces of gluten and cereal by-products.
- Prefer certified “grain-free” or “gluten-free” foods: Not all grain-free foods are completely gluten-free.
- Consult your veterinarian about intolerance testing or elimination diets: A correct clinical evaluation is essential to avoid generating further deficiencies.
- Don't improvise with homemade diets without nutritional guidance: they can cause serious imbalances if not properly formulated. We invite you to read about BARF or homemade diets in our previous article at the following link: https://mceglobal.cl/blogs/articulos-mce-global/what-they-haven't-told-you-about-the-barf-diet-for-pets
Recommended ingredient table for pets with gluten sensitivity
| Category | Suggested ingredients | Benefits |
| Animal proteins | Chicken, turkey, salmon, beef, hydrolyzed | Highly digestible, gluten-free |
| Alternative carbohydrates | Sweet potato, lentils, quinoa, brown rice | Hypoallergenic energy source |
| Functional fats | Salmon oil, coconut, chicken | Omega 3-6, dermal and intestinal support |
| Prebiotics and fiber | Beet pulp, inulin, FOS | Improves microbiota and digestive health |
| Key micronutrients | Zinc, biotin, vitamin B12, probiotics | Immune booster, skin and absorption |
disclaimer : this is not an official recommendation, consult your veterinarian and evaluate the possibility of an elimination diet.
And what should the pet food industry do?
In an environment where tutors are increasingly demanding, the industry has a key opportunity to lead responsibly :
- ✅ Invest in gluten-free, certified and functional formulation
- ✅ Avoid cross-contamination on production lines
- ✅ Add ingredients natural and functional , such as peptones, oils and pure proteins
- ✅ Inform clearly on the labeling
In Chile, there is still a limited supply of specialized products for this condition. However, demand is growing, and the premium market is seeking real differentiation with safe and effective ingredients.
🔄 Do you want to continue learning about how good nutrition can transform your pet's life?
Gluten sensitivity is just one of many food intolerances and allergies that affect dogs and cats today.
If your pet suffers from itching, diarrhea, vomiting or frequent discomfort, you may be facing an undiagnosed food allergy .
🧠 In this article we explain:
✔️ How to differentiate between allergies and intolerances
✔️ Which ingredients usually cause the most reactions
✔️ How a well-formulated diet can make a difference
📖 We invite you to read it here:
👉 Food allergies in dogs and cats: the invisible challenge that good food can solve
🚀 Do you formulate pet food? Now's the time
In MCE Global We support you in developing safe, functional, gluten-free formulas for pets with special needs.
We offer:
- Hydrolyzed salmon peptones (high palatability and digestibility)
- Crude and refined salmon oil (rich in Omega 3-6)
- Functional fiber to improve intestinal health
- Personalized technical-commercial support for your next innovative product
👉 Talk to our team here: fromero@mceglobal.cl
🌎 https://mceglobal.cl/pages/contact
References and sources:
- Lowrie M, et al. (2016). Gluten-sensitive neuromyopathy in Border Terriers . PubMed ID: 26696683
- Gardener C, et al. (2022). Gluten seropositivity in dogs with cPD . J Vet Intern Med
- Hall EJ, Batt RM. (1992). Gluten-sensitive enteropathy in Irish Setters . Veterinary Record
- Rudinsky AJ, Rowe JC, Parker VJ. (2018). Nutritional management of chronic enteropathies . JAVMA
- Dupouy-Manescau N, et al. (2024). Gut microbiota in diet-responsive dogs . Animals (MDPI)
- FEDIAF & AAFCO Nutritional Guidelines 2023
🛡️ MCE Global Disclaimer
The information contained in this article has been prepared by MCE Market SpA hereinafter MCE Global for educational and informational purposes, aimed at pet food industry professionals and conscious guardians.
While we strive to keep information up-to-date and based on reliable sources, MCE Global does not guarantee that all data reflects the latest technical regulations or trading conditions in each market.
MCE Global acts as a supplier and distributor of functional ingredients for animal nutrition, not as a formulator of specific diets. Therefore, we always recommend consulting with veterinary professionals or nutritionists before making changes to product formulas or pet food.
Likewise, MCE Global is not responsible for the improper use, improper storage, or poor formulation of products made by third parties from our ingredients.
All products offered by MCE Global are intended exclusively for industrial or professional use, and not for direct sale to the end consumer.
For more technical or commercial information, please contact us directly through our official channels.