Maybe. Dogs don’t need to consume flour, and it can be the source of allergies for many pets. But flour is included in many dog foods and treats to help bind ingredients.
You’ll want to lean more on whole-grain flours—flours in which the whole grain is used and all the natural nutrients from the grain remain in the flour. Non-grain flours are another, healthier option. White flour, on the other hand, is highly treated and stripped of most of its nutrients. Several other flours (listed below) are made from ingredients that commonly lead to allergies, and you want to avoid these.
The bottom line: Don’t look to add flour to your dog’s diet, avoid it if you can, or make sure your dog is consuming flours on the healthier end of the spectrum.
Whole-Grain Flours for Dogs
- Barley
- Buckwheat
- Millet
- Oat
- Pea
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sorghum
Non-Grain Flours for Dogs
- Almond
- Chickpea
- Coconut
- Hazelnut
- Lentil
- Potato
Flours to Avoid for Dogs
- Soy
- Wheat
- Corn
For More Information
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are healthy or dangerous for dogs to eat, covering everything from grains, fruits, and vegetables. You might also be interested in reading “Can My Dog Eat Wheat?”
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.