Wheat Gluten in Dog Food: Is It Nutrition or Just Industrial Glue?
Used as a binder and cheap protein, wheat gluten is a common trigger for itchy skin. See why your dog's kibble shouldn't rely on it.
Is it protein, or is it just "glue"?
The Reveal: Wheat gluten is the rubbery residue left over after wheat has been processed. It is used by manufacturers as a "binder" to hold kibble together and to artificially inflate the protein percentage on the label. While technically a protein, it lacks the amino acid profile dogs need and is a very common trigger for itchy skin and ear infections.
The Standard: Use foods that use meat and whole starches (like sweet potato) to bind the kibble, not industrial gluten.