Do you have an anxious dog? A dog that’s restless and can’t sit still? Such conditions are usually addressed by seeking training or behavior modification but what if some of these cases are due to poor nutrition? Nutrition plays a large role in your dog’s behavior, more than most would believe, here are some ways diet influences a dog's anxiety and behavior.
Table of Contents:
High protein processed diets: can make nervousness, fear, aggression, and hyperactivity worse. The gut is the best place to process serotonin however if the gut is unnatural and unhealthy ( due to unnaturally high poor quality protein) this affects some of the serotonin levels in dogs.The issue with commercial foods is the quality of the protein, moisture content and the source of the protein.
Nutrient Balance: Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining a dog's physical and mental health. Imbalances of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, can affect brain function and may contribute to anxiety.
Food Allergies or Sensitivities: Some dogs may develop anxiety or behavioral issues due to food allergies or sensitivities. Gastrointestinal problems, skin issues may contribute to chronic discomfort and anxiety.
Protein Levels: Adequate natural protein intake is vital for a dog's health. Protein is required for the production of neurotransmitters which plays a role in mood regulation. A lack of protein or poor-quality protein in the diet may not only stunt growth, it can impact a dog's mental well-being. Dogs on a commercial diet containingtoo much protein can suffer from anxiety, aggression, restlessness, sleep issues and depression. Too much protein in the diet can exacerbate existing mental health/nervous system issues.
Sugar and Additives:High levels of sugar or additives in commercial dog food may contribute to hyperactivity or anxiety in some dogs. Just like in humans, excess sugar can lead to energy spikes and crashes, affecting a dog's behavior.
Grain-Free Diets:While grain-free diets became popular for dogs, recent studies have suggested a potential link between certain grain-free diets and canine heart disease. They may not using grain but know that it’s just another cheap filler such as bamboo fibre or beet pulp.
Meal Timing and Routine: Establishing a regular feeding schedule can contribute to a sense of routine and predictability for a dog. This can be beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety.
Hydration:Kibble fed dogs are dehydrated by their food and need to drink a lot of water which itself can stress the organs.Dehydration can affect a dog's overall well-being, potentially leading to lethargy and irritability. Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
High-carbohydrate: Diet can exacerbate anxiety and moods. Fillers don’t satisfy a dogs hunger entirely so being in a state of hunger and dehydration simultaneously causes stress for your dog.
It's important to note that every dog is unique, and factors such as breed, age, size, and individual health conditions can influence dietary needs. If you're concerned about your dog's anxiety or behavior, it's advisable to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide guidance on appropriate dietary choices and may recommend additional measures or behavior modification techniques to address anxiety.
What should I do?
1. Try raw food diet for a least one month ( It takes 2 weeks alone to stabilize the gut and start adjusting to raw food)
- Introduce raw green tripe for gut health, improved digestive capacity and microbiome
- Sardines,Mutton BirdandOmega Wild are very useful to supplement
- Add raw meaty bones for stress relief and boredom
The Benefits:
- Improved immune function, with no stress or illness, means a happy relaxed dog.
- Increased energy levels allow for better concentration, memory and confidencewhich leads to better responsiveness and training results.
- Reduced inflammation reduces pain and discomfort. Inflamed condition, causes the production of stress hormones that switch the into “conflict mode”, which can feed aggression problems. Other dogs can sense this and your dog’s interactions will be affected.
- Chewing bones boosts endorphin, relieves stress and bones contain minerals to support a stressed dog, including bioavailable magnesium.
- Higher muscle mass and strength increases confidence hormones, often vital to stabilize mood.
- Healthier scent glands, essential for canine social communication..
