Every pet parent wants to provide the best for their furry friend. For some, this might include choosing gluten-free dog treats to combat a gluten intolerance. But how do you choose the best gluten-free dog treat for your pooch?
Read on with us today to find out more about the best gluten-free dog treats!
Top 11 Best Dog Treats Without Gluten
Gluten-free treats for dogs should be free from all sources of gluten. Specifically, this means no wheat, rye, cereals, or oats contain any gluten.
Our top pick for the best gluten-free dog treat is the Merrick Power Bites Dog Treats. With its 5.3 calories per treat, your dog’s weight will undoubtedly be appropriately maintained. It is also free from corn, soy, and other fillers that may result in digestive problems.
Here are the other top gluten-free dog treats…
| Product Name | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Merrick Power Bites Dog Treats | Gluten-free, no corn, wheat, soy, or grain. 5.3 calories per treat. Made in the USA. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Milk-Bone Farmer’s Medley Dog Treats | Gluten-free*, no corn, soy, wheat, or grain. 26 calories per treat. Made in the USA. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Buddy Biscuits Grain Free Soft & Chewy | Gluten-free, no corn, soy, wheat, eggs, or grain. 9 calories per treat. Made in the USA. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nulo Puppy & Adult Freestyle Trainers | Gluten-free, no corn, soy, wheat, eggs, or grain. 2 calories per treat. Made in the USA. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Superfood Science Organic Turkey Treats | Gluten-free, no corn, soy, wheat, eggs, or grain. 25 calories per treat. Made in the USA. Certified organic. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| A BETTER TREAT – Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats | Gluten-free, grain-free. Undescribed calories. Made in the USA. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Portland Pet Food Company Bacon Biscuits | Gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free. 15 calories per treat. Made in the USA. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wag Expedition Human Grade Dog Biscuits | Gluten-free, no corn, soy, wheat, eggs, or grain. 30 calories per treat. Made in Canada. Certified organic. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CookiePal Dog Treats | Gluten-free, no corn, soy, or wheat. 16 calories per treat. Made in the USA. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Health Extension Bacon & Liver | Gluten-free, no corn, soy, or wheat. 16.7 calories per treat. Made in the USA. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Salmon & Chickpea Recipe | Gluten-free, no corn, soy, or wheat. 3.5 calories per treat. Made in the USA. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
1. Merrick Power Bites Dog Treats
As our top pick, Merrick Power Bites Real Beef Dog Treats are meaty dog treats that give your pooch satisfying flavor and industry-leading levels of protein in every bite. These soft and chewy treats start with real beef to build muscle, omega fatty acids for coat skin and health, and have no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Each treat contains 5.3 calories. Also, Merrick Power Bites also contain no corn, soy, wheat, grain, or gluten. All Merrick recipes are cooked and sourced in the USA.
Some pet parents note that the size of these treats is smaller than others. In addition, we note that this recipe contains peas and pea fiber, so be sure to avoid this product if your pup has pea sensitivity! Apart from this, some dogs may experience diarrhea after eating these treats. As with any new food, be sure to monitor your pup’s condition for signs of stomach upsets.
Pros
- Gluten-free recipe
- No corn, soy, wheat, or grain
- Just 5.3 calories per treat
- Made in the USA, ingredients from the USA
Cons
- Smaller treat size
- Contains peas and pea fiber
- Occasional diarrhea and vomiting
2. Milk-Bone Farmer’s Medley Dog Treats
Milk-Bone Farmer’s Medley offers wholesome nutrition inspired by the farmer’s market. Made with turkey and pumpkin, these treats are free from fillers, wheat, corn, artificial colors, and preservatives. And, most importantly, there are no products containing gluten in ingredients. Each pack is manufactured in the USA for superior quality.
First and foremost, there are 26 calories per treat. We also note that the recipe contains beef fat, so be sure to avoid this product if your pooch has a beef sensitivity. And, while there are no ingredients containing gluten in this recipe, the manufacturer does not claim that the product is gluten-free.
Pros
- No ingredients containing gluten
- No corn, soy, wheat, or grain
- Made in the USA, ingredients from the USA
- The flavor is popular with most dogs
Cons
- 26 calories per treat
- No guarantee that the product is gluten-free
3. Buddy Biscuits Grain Free Soft & Chewy Healthy Dog Treats with Grilled Beef
Buddy Biscuits Buddy Softies are soft and wholesome treats that keep things naturally simple with real grilled beef. These tasty and chewy treats are great for dogs with smaller mouths or those dogs who just prefer softer treats. At just 9 calories per treat, these soft chews are ideal for training or snacks between meals. Buddy Biscuits Buddy Softies are made with no wheat, soy, corn, or artificial flavors and colors.
These treats contain pea flour, so be sure to choose a more suitable product if your pooch has a pea sensitivity. And, when ordering through Amazon, it’s possible for some batches to arrive hard. This could cause issues for dogs who struggle to chew their food. If in doubt, look for this product in your local pet store for freshness.
Pros
- No corn, soy, wheat, eggs, or grain
- Made in the USA, ingredients from the USA
- Small and soft
- 9 calories per treat
Cons
- Contains pea flour
- Occasional hard batches
4. Nulo Puppy & Adult Freestyle Trainers Dog Treats
Nulo Puppy & Adult Freestyle Trainers come with a real meaty taste that dogs will do anything to savor. To protect your pup’s health, these treats are made with no grain, soy, corn, wheat, or gluten. They are also free from artificial colors or preservatives. Unlike other treats on the market, Freestyle Trainers are just 2 calories each. Lastly, these training treats are made in the USA for superior quality control.
When ordering through Amazon, some customers report expired batches, hard batches, and moldy batches. Others state that the treats spoil quicker than others. For superior quality, it’s best to find these treats in your local pet store.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- No corn, wheat, soy, or grain
- Small and soft
- Just 2 calories per treat
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Quality control issues through Amazon
5. Superfood Science All Natural Organic Dog Treats
Superfood Science Organic Turkey Treats are all-natural and healthy snacks. These products are gluten-free, certified organic, and made with ingredients from the USA. With premium organic turkey, organic apple cider vinegar, and organic cane molasses, your pooch is sure to receive a boost of antioxidants and immune support.
There are very few critical reviews for this product. However, we note that each treat contains about 25 calories. So, this may make them less suitable for dogs on weight loss programs. As well as this, some customers who buy through Amazon report hard and stale batches.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- No artificial colors or flavors, no GMOs
- Small 1-inch size
- Made in the USA
Cons
- 25 calories per treat
- Occasional hard and stale batches from Amazon
6. A BETTER TREAT – Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats
A Better Treat Alaskan Salmon treats are perfect for training, as a food topper, or a scrumptious reward. These treats are ideal for dogs with allergies, diabetes, or dietary requirements – they are gluten-free, grain-free, and made with just freeze-dried salmon. And, because these treats are simply salmon, they do not contain gluten. Lastly, each treat is sustainably made and sourced in the USA at FDA-approved facilities.
The most common critical reviews cite the price of these treats. For some pet parents, these treats may be too expensive compared to other options on the market. However, superior quality is guaranteed with this product, and some owners may opt for it regardless because of this.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Freeze-dried for superior taste and quality
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Calories not described
- Higher price tag
7. Humans Loved by Dogs Portland Pet Food Company Grain-Free & Gluten-Free Biscuit Dog Treats
Portland Pet Food Company Bacon Biscuits are baked exclusively with wholesome, natural ingredients. Each recipe contains locally-sourced ingredients that are human-grade. These bone-shaped treats are free from gluten, wheat, dairy, and grain. Also, these recipes contain no more than seven ingredients which makes them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Lastly, each tasty treat contains 15 calories.
The most common critical reviews state that these treats are expensive for the quantity received. As such, these may be best as an occasional reward for your dog rather than frequent use for training. And, other customers report that the treats are thin and easily broken, with some bags arriving full of crumbly pieces.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Free from wheat, dairy, and grain
- Contains 15 calories
- Limited ingredients
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Higher price tag
- Occasional crumbly batches
8. Wag Expedition Human Grade Organic Biscuits Dog Treats
Wag Expedition Human Grade Dog Biscuits are organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO project verified. As an Amazon-brand product, the manufacturer accepts refunds within one year of purchase. Made with healthy ingredients, these treats are ideal for training or for a tasty snack throughout the day. Each crunchy treat contains 30 calories and can be broken into 10-calorie pieces.
The most common issue reported in critical reviews is the hard texture of these treats. So, some dogs may struggle to chew on these bite-sized pieces. Other customers note a lack of aroma from these treats, which leads to some dogs refusing to eat them.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Made with organic ingredients
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Made in Canada
Cons
- 30 calories per treat
- Hard texture
9. CookiePal Banana And Coconut Dog Treats
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CookiePal Dog Treats are human-grade, gluten-free, and GMO-free for sensitive adult and puppy stomachs alike. Their delicious ingredients balance your furry friend’s omnivorous diet using a blend of fruits, vegetables, spices, and proteins all sourced in the USA. At just 16 calories per square, these treats are ideal for training, too!
There are currently very few critical reviews for this product. To date, current reviews state that some dogs do not enjoy the flavor. In addition, we note the lower protein content of these treats. Each treat offers a minimum of 8% crude protein. So, if you’re looking for treats higher in protein for your pooch, we suggest investigating our other top picks for the best gluten-free dog treats.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Human-grade and GMO-free
- No corn, soy, or wheat
- 16 calories per square
- Made in the USA
Cons
- The flavor isn’t popular with all dogs
- Lower protein content
10. Health Extension Bacon & Liver Recipe
Health Extension Bacon & Liver Recipe is a limited-ingredient tasty treat for sensitive pups. Made with just beef lung, bacon, and liver, these treats are also free from wheat, gluten, soy, and grains. These dog treats are made with real meat, so you can feel confident about rewarding your pooch!
Some customers report that these treats are too hard to break up. Others report that the chunk-shaped treats are too big for some dogs. Overall, though, there are a few critical reviews for these gluten-free dog treats!
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Made with no wheat, gluten, soy, and grains
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Occasional large chunks
- Occasional hard batches
11. Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Salmon & Chickpea Recipe
Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Salmon & Chickpea Recipe treats are crafted in the USA using quality whole food ingredients. These small treats are gluten-free as well as grain-free and free from corn, wheat, and soy. At just 3.5 calories each, these treats are perfect for positive reinforcement training. And, the resealable pouch makes it easy to train your furry friend on the go.
Some pet parents report that some batches of these treats are hard. So, this could make them difficult for younger puppies to eat. Other critical reviews note that the flavor isn’t popular with some puppies. We also note that these treats contain peas.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- No corn, soy, wheat, or grain
- Just 3.5 calories per treat
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some batches are very hard
- Contains peas
- Not all puppies enjoy the flavor
Why Choose Gluten-Free Dog Treats?
Gluten is the name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. These proteins help food maintain its shape, acting much like the glue that holds food together. You’ll find wheat in bread, soups, pasta, and cereals. Next, barley is commonly found in malt, food coloring, and Brewer’s yeast. And, lastly, rye is found in cereals. The last food, triticale, is a newer grain found in some bread, pasta, and cereals. So why avoid these ingredients?
Gluten Sensitivities
Like people, some dogs can develop allergies and intolerances to gluten products. Research on gluten sensitivities in dogs is currently lacking. However, there may be a genetic component to it – Irish Setters may inherit gluten sensitivities in an autosomal recessive manner. Similarly, some Border Terriers may suffer from canine epileptoid cramping syndrome which may be connected to the intake of gluten. To date, Border Terriers are the only breed confirmed to suffer from this disease – similar symptoms have been noted in one Yorkshire Terrier.
A study of 129 dogs found that there were positive or questionable results regarding gluten sensitivities in 26 and 24 cases, respectively. Mixed breeds, French Bulldogs, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers were the most commonly affected. So, it seems that many different dog breeds can suffer from gluten sensitivities. If your pooch shows signs of food intolerance, be sure to speak to your vet right away. Your vet can diagnose or suggest which foods are causing your pup’s symptoms.
Highly Digestible
Although our dogs are omnivores, their digestive systems are incapable of digesting grains and gluten sources completely. This is because starchy carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes called amylase, and dogs do not produce enough amylase to digest carbohydrates. As such, gluten-free dog treats sometimes have a higher protein content than carbohydrates, which is beneficial for dogs who need to gain muscle.
Quality
Some dog foods and treats contain gluten and grains as fillers for mass production, and in these cases, the ingredients may have less nutritional value when cheap sources are used. In contrast, many of the best gluten-free dog treats are organic or come with limited ingredients. These guarantee superior quality control and greater nutritional value for your pooch. However, even a gluten-free dog treat may contain fillers or harmful ingredients. Always check the label thoroughly before offering any new snacks to your pup. You should always be able to contact the manufacturer with your concerns if they are reputable.
Prevents Allergy
In dogs, food allergies can cause discomfort and health issues including rashes, diarrhea, vomiting and ear infections. The most common allergens are specific meat proteins like chicken and lamb, with wheat, soy, and corn also heading the list. As such, gluten-free dog treats often avoid these allergens and keep common allergens at bay. However, always be sure to read the ingredients carefully. Unfortunately, a gluten-free dog treat is not inherently guaranteed to be free of common allergens. You may find that a treat containing one type of meat also contains other types of meat further down the ingredients!
Homemade Gluten-Free Dog Treat Recipe
For a simple gluten-free dog treat recipe, we recommend using three ingredients: oat flour, peanut butter, and bananas.
Most oats are gluten-free, however, during processing, cross-contamination with gluten products is possible. So, it’s best to choose oats that are labeled as gluten-free. Next on your shopping list is peanut butter. You’ll need peanut butter that is not sweetened with xylitol, as this ingredient is toxic to dogs. Lastly, you’ll need a banana for its natural sweetness.
Your first step is to combine your ingredients to make a dough ball. This dough may be sticky depending on how much banana you use. If the mixture is too dry, add some more peanut butter. Once the dough is sticky enough, roll it out onto parchment paper and smooth out any cracks. Then, you can cut whatever shapes you desire. The last step is to line a baking sheet with parchment paper and transfer the treats onto it. Bake the treats at about 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
Best Gluten-free Dog Treats: FAQs
Have any more questions or concerns about the best gluten-free dog treats? Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more details. If in doubt about your dog’s diet, always talk to your vet or a veterinary nutritionist for the advice!
The symptoms of gluten sensitivity may mimic other food sensitivities. As such, the symptoms may include poor coat condition, diarrhea, vomiting, chronic ear infections, and licking the feet. If your dog shows signs of a food allergy, it’s always best to ask your vet for advice. Your vet will be able to diagnose and treat your pup’s condition. If gluten sensitivity is found, an elimination diet will be required going forward.
You can use gluten-free flour to make dog treats as this type is safe! Flour labeled as gluten-free is simply flour made without wheat or gluten-containing grains. These types are ideal for dogs who have wheat or gluten intolerances. So, when baking treats for your dog, always be sure to use gluten-free options for them. Even oats may contain small amounts of gluten due to cross-contamination!
Gluten-free and grain-free are not synonymous labels! Gluten-free food products are not made using gluten-containing ingredients like barley, wheat, and rye, but may contain other grains. Conversely, grain-free diets may contain ingredients that are sources of gluten. So, be sure to check the packaging for a “gluten-free” label when picking out food for your pooch.
When giving your dog gluten-free treats, always read the product’s packaging carefully. Depending on how many calories each treat contains, your pooch may be able to eat more or fewer treats. Your dog’s treats should not make up more than 10% of its daily intake. Overfeeding with treats, especially those that are higher in calories, can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs.
Although pure oats don’t contain gluten, they are often grown alongside gluten-containing crops. The same equipment may be used to harvest gluten-containing crops in neighboring fields. The seeds may also harbor a small amount of wheat, rye, or barley seeds. Additionally, products containing oats are typically prepared in the same facilities as gluten-containing products. As such, some oats may contain small amounts of gluten through cross-contamination.
The best gluten-free dog treats are free from wheat, rye, and barley. They will also contain high-quality ingredients and follow strict quality control procedures.