Gluten Free Dog Treats: 3 Great Choices to Pamper Your Pooch

If your dog has developed a food allergy, your vet may recommend gluten free dog treats. Consider one of these three popular brands of gluten-free treats and snacks for your treat-loving best friend.

While being gluten-free is a big plus, most of these treats are also made from organic ingredients and are very affordable, with price points ranging from under $5 to around $10 for a pouch of dog treat goodies

Beware - these smell so rich and cinnamony, you might be tempted to take a nibble.

These delectable doggy delights smell just like apple pie, but unlike the pie, they won't give your buddy an upset stomach.

The crunchy biscuits are good for his teeth and the gluten-, filler- and preservative-free formula is good for his health. The large 16 ounce package retails for under $10, making this an excellent an inexpensive choice for training or in between meal snacks.

You'll be supporting our American economy when you purchase Chasing Our Tails gluten free dog treats and products, which are made in Hudson, New Hampshire.

Owners Stephen and Karen create original recipes that do not use some of the most common allergen triggers such as corn, wheat or soy.

There are no hormone or antibiotics in any of the products, and in addition to the gluten free products, they also offer a nice line of grain-free or vegan products.

A pouch of treats costs under $9 (excluding any shipping costs), and you can choose from a wide variety of flavors that smell great such as Venison and Liver, Chicken Breast, or Venison and Sweet Potato.

If you have a pet with allergies, you may want to check out Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance® L.I.D. Limited Ingredients Diets® Formulas. They offer a complete line of grain-free products for dogs and cats.

A very nice feature offered by the company is their "Buy With Confidence" program. As a pet owner who is conscious of how important the quality and purity of the ingredients used in pet food is, it is reassuring to know that if I choose to do so, I can see the test results for any batch of dog treats or food before I purchase it.

Their dog treats do not contain any rice, wheat, corn or barley, and a generous eight ounce bag costs under $5, which is a real bargain. The sweet potato and venison treats pictured here are designed for small breeds (think about dog treats for a Maltese or Chihuahua), but that doesn't mean your Great Dane won't enjoy chomping on a handful!

The advantage of the smaller size is you can scoop up a handful and slip them into your pocket for treats on the go when you are exercising or playing with your pet.

While gluten is a common food allergy trigger, any ingredient has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction.

Before you change or add to your pet's diet, it is always a good idea to consult your vet. He or she may also recommend switching your dog to gluten free dog food to help relieve any discomfort.

Grain free and gluten free dog treats can be a wholesome, healthy training reward or snack for your pet. However, in addition to using grain and gluten free products as special treats, keep in mind that you can also feed your dog small amounts of cut-up vegetables.

Carrots are good for dogs, but be sure to cook them first so your animal gets the maximum amount of nutrition from them. Other good choices are green beans or cauliflower, but stay away from potential dangerous foods such as potatoes or onions.

Petco, Only Natural Pet Chicken Apple PIe Grain-free Biscuits, http://www.petco.com/product/111221/Only-Natural-Pet-Grain-Free-Chicken-Apple-Pie-Biscuits-for-Dogs.aspx

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/

Chasing Our Tails, "Gluten Free Treats," http://www.chasingourtails.com/baked-treats1.html