*Editor’s Note: Originally, we had posted this recipe as a grain-free do treat recipe, but had included gluten-free oats and rice flour in the recipe. We realize that these are considered grains and are gluten-free, so we’ve changed it to a gluten-free recipe. To make this grain-free, take out the rolled oats completely or substitute with 1 sweet potato, and use coconut flour instead of rice flour.

Gluten is a protein that is found in some cereal grains and wheat. But there are some gluten-free grains like corn, quinoa, rice and Amaranth Millet. Just like in humans, some dogs have gluten sensitivity and gluten-free treats are a nice way to give them some love.

What are signs of a potential gluten sensitivity in dogs?

If your dog does a lot of itching and scratching, particularly at his paws, he may be suffering from a gluten intolerance. Other signs of gluten intolerance in dogs include: Dull, poor coat

Just like you’d expect to do in human children, if your dog shows some of those symptoms, you’ll want to explore what happens if you go gluten-free with him. Long-term battling of gluten intolerance or allergy isn’t good for his dog gut. Good dog gut health is important to his overall immune system as a leaky gut will basically attack his own body. This can affect nutrient absorption and make it hard for him to thrive.

Your vet will likely want to rule any other issues out and will look for symptoms that accompany. They likely may run a blood test or look at a fecal sample to be sure nothing else is the issue and they may even want to to endoscopy if symptoms are severe. They will likely talk to you about allergy tests that can detect the difference between a true allergy and an insensitivity. It’s important to know the difference because an allergy could even be life-threatening.

You could also do an elimination diet as you would with a human and that information can help you and your veterinarian decide what’s going on with your dog.

I love making Oscar and the other office dogs homemade dog treats and was tickled when I came across this gluten-free dog treat recipe. I love that it’s made with simple, all-natural ingredients. Seriously, you would probably pay $10-$20 for these treats in an upscale dog boutique. But with this gluten-free dog treat, you’ll be going against the grain and making your dog a healthy and homemade treat that will save you big bucks.

Gluten-Free Dog Treat Recipe

Makes about 30-40 cookies

1 banana, mashed

1/2 cup of mashed blueberries

3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter

1 egg, beaten

1 3/4 cup coconut/rice flour

2/3 cup gluten free rolled oats

1/3 cup of warm water

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix together the banana, blueberries, peanut butter and egg until completely combined. In a medium bowl, add the flour and rolled oats and mix. Add the wet and dry ingredients together and combine until the dough forms. If the mixture is too dry add a bit of water to moisten the dough.

2. Roll out your dough onto a piece of coconut-floured wax paper (the dough is sticky and the flour will help). Roll the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut out using a cookie cutter. Place cut out cookies on a non-stick baking sheet.

3. Bake cookies for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Take cookies out of the oven and let them cool.

4. Ask your dog to sit or perform a trick and give him a treat!

If you made these treat, we’d love to know how they turned out. You can post pictures on our Facebook page or leave a comment down below.