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Gluten sensitivity in dogs
Gliadin protein in gluten is not degraded by pancreatic or gastric enzymes and escapes digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. Gliadin protein is composed of proline and glutamine, which are very resistant to cleaving by proteases. These proline based residues can create compact structures that act as an onset of celiac disease. Dogs have been recorded to react negatively to gluten in diets and show skin/coat, gastrointestinal and ear problems.

Reasons people choose to feed a gluten free diet to dogs

 * Dog is gluten sensitive
 * Owner is gluten sensitive
 * Preference of owner

Dog owners with celiac disease
Dog owners diagnosed with celiac disease should be concerned about cross-contamination between their food and their dog’s food. Accidental consumption of gluten can have detrimental effects on an individual’s health and comfort. Kibble could contaminate shared food utensils, preparation surfaces, an individual’s hands or the dog itself with gluten ultimately being ingested by the owner. Touching foods or treats containing gluten without proper hand washing protocol afterwards could lead to accidental consumption when eating or touching their face. Affection shown towards the dog fed a diet containing gluten also poses a risk; as the pet may lick the individual directly on the hands or face, or indirectly as the animal transfers food particulates onto its coat while grooming itself and is then pet. If traces of gluten get into the digestive tract it has the potential to cause an emergence of symptoms, and it is therefore recommended that time should be spent analyzing the presence of gluten in pet food and the exposure risk to their celiac owner.

Replacements for gluten in dog food
Gluten is most commonly replaced in the diet with other grains that are absent of gluten (i.e buckwheat, sorghum). These grains fill the nutrient gap left by the absence of grains that include gluten. Another way to avoid gluten is to avoid grains all together, in this case there needs to be other foods included that contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates contain sugar starches and fiber so when excluding grain in the diets you have to make sure the animal is getting these nutrients from some other source. Common substitutes in non-grain dog diets are potatoes, peas and tapioca due to the high concentration of starches found in these foods.

Irish Setter
Gluten intolerance in dogs is rare but is most prevalent in certain breeds such as the Irish Setter. Gluten intolerance in Irish Setters is a naturally occurring genetic disorder that is the result of a single autosomal recessive locus. At around 6 months of age, Irish Setters with this condition will develop an increased immune cell presence and a decrease in absorption within the small intestine when fed a gluten containing diet. These affects lead to further damage of the small intestine as well as malnutrition and diarrhea. Irish Setters that are fed a gluten free diet have been shown to be exempt from any effects associated with gluten intolerance.