GRAIN-FREE and GLUTEN-FREE
A lot of our customers have been asking for grain-free treats either because their vet recommended a grain-free diet, or their dog has an allergic reaction to wheat and other grains, or as a precaution. But what is the difference between gluten-free and grain-free?
Here are extracts of articles that explains it well:
"Let’s start by discussing the difference between a grain-free and a gluten -free diet. Grain-free dog foods are, as the name implies, diets that do not contain grain. Gluten-free dog food, on the other hand, may or may not contain grain as an ingredient. Gluten is the protein that is found in specific types of grain, namely Wheat, Barley, and Rye. Gluten-free dog food is, of course, free of these proteins. However, not all grains contain gluten; therefore, gluten-free dog food may or may not be grain-free, while grain-free dog food will always be gluten-free. (...)
For dogs that truly do have allergies to grains, a grain-free diet would be an appropriate choice. The following are symptoms that would be expected in dogs that have food allergies (or other types of allergies):
Itchiness
Excessive hair loss
Bald patches
Inflamed skin
Sore and scabs
“Hot spots”
LIST OF DIFFERENCES
GRAINS
Barley - Bran - Kamut - Montina - Rye - Wheat - Bulgur - Couscous - Durum - Farro - Graham (flour) - Kamut - Seitan - Semolina - Spelt - Triticale
GRAINS WHERE YOU MIGHT LEAST EXPECT THEM
Alcohol made from grains (Vodka, Gin, Sake) - Baking powder (contains cornstarch) - Beer - Glucose (made from Wheat) - Soy sauce/tamari (unless it's gluten-free) - Rice vinegar - Mirin - Chicken and Beef broth (cans and bouillon cubes) - Condiments, salad dressings and sauces - and of course many prepared food items (read your labels)
