Spelt

1,005 foods contain this ingredient

Grain Gluten Grains allergen group Grains allergen group

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About Spelt

Spelt is an ancient relative of wheat added to pet food for fiber, energy, and a mild grain flavor.

Spelt is an ancient wheat grain used in pet foods mainly as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes some plant-based protein, B vitamins and minerals. It can supply digestible energy and fiber for dogs (and limitedly for cats), but contains gluten and may trigger sensitivities or allergies, is not a substitute for the animal protein required by obligate carnivores, and should be avoided or discussed with a veterinarian for pets with grain intolerance, diabetes, or weight-management needs.

Related ingredients

Wheat

Derived from: whole spelt grain (Triticum spelta)
Primary role: carbohydrate and fiber source

Why it's used

Spelt cooks into a digestible carbohydrate that helps bind kibble and supplies dietary fiber along with iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. Formulators sometimes rotate it in as an alternative to more common wheat when they want a grain with a slightly different mineral profile.

Common concerns

Gluten content Spelt is a wheat relative and contains gluten, so it is not an option for dogs or cats that need a gluten-free diet.
Cross-reactivity with other grains Because spelt is a close wheat relative with very similar gluten proteins, pets that react to common wheat often react to spelt as well, so it should not be assumed as an alternative without a veterinarian's guidance.
Not a protein substitute Although spelt contributes some plant protein, it does not replace the animal-based protein dogs and cats need as their primary amino acid source.

Also relevant

Spelt and standard wheat have similar overall nutrition profiles, differing mainly in slightly higher mineral content in spelt.

3 sources cited

Common Questions

What category is Spelt?

Spelt is categorized as a grain ingredient in the KibbleLab database.

Is Spelt part of an allergen group?

Yes. Spelt is grouped under the Gluten Grains, Grains allergen groups in the KibbleLab database.

Which foods contain Spelt?

1,005 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Spelt, including Meow Mix, Merrick, Native Pet.

Foods with Spelt

Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.