Maybe. Wheat is safe for dogs that do not have a wheat allergy. Wheat allergies develop over time with continued exposure to wheat. This means that a brand of dog food containing wheat may not cause problems at the outset, but a dog may develop the allergy later after prolonged exposure, at which point the food is problematic.
There’s a misconception that grains in general spark allergies, however. Dogs mostly commonly develop allergies to the following five ingredients: beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, and egg.
Symptoms to Look For
If your dog is eating food containing wheat and is perfectly healthy, wheat is safe for your dog.
If your dog frequently gets ear infections, suffers from skin irritation, or experiences bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, wheat may be an issue. In this case, you might consider a wheat-free dog food.
Keep in mind: Wheat isn’t an important part of the canine diet—dogs can certainly live without it. There’s no reason to give wheat bread to your dog as a treat, for example. But if you occasionally give your dog a bite of your ham sandwich, you’re not in the danger zone. A good rule of thumb: Keep an eye on what’s contained in your dog’s food, monitor his health, and ask good questions.
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 Flour?”
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.