My dog is allergic to so many things. I can’t determine all – but have found that a healthy diet has saved me so many visits to the vet for ear infections and such. Kim, can a gluten free diet have as strong an effect on my dog as it does on my children?

As you are witnessing, “a good diet” results in a healthier coat, skin, and overall well-being. When it comes to allergies we need to look at the root cause. Our digestive system is designed to break down the foods we eat. When our system is compromised our food is not broken down into its proper components (protein to amino acids, complex carbs into simple sugars etc). When this conversion fails we become sensitive or develop what is called allergies.

A gluten intolerance occurs when gluten proteins have not been broken down properly into their amino acid components. What is largely responsible to break these proteins down is good beneficial bacteria. The minute we say “gluten intolerance” or other food allergies we are actually saying there is large amounts of bad bacteria in our body. This toxic overload of bad invaders usually cause the small intestine to become inflamed. Once the small intestines are inflamed, the microscopic pores that filter our “undigested food bits” fail. Now these bits enter the blood stream and the immune system automatically begins to attack these unrecognized particles.

Depending on how bad the body is compromised will determine how severe the allergic reaction. I would continue your dog’s recovery from these food allergies by keeping him on a clean healthy diet. Whether or not your dog would also benefit from removing gluten is questionable. You can certainly try it and see if this helps to lessen any allergy symptoms. I strongly recommend getting to the root cause by including a strong probiotic to saturate the body with good beneficial bacteria. This will help to strengthen and continue to balance things out.

Wholistic Pet’s Acidophilus or Pet Wellness’ Probiotic/Enzyme Powder are two of the best on the market. Both of these products give a high viable live count of good bacterium.