Ten Ways Canine Diet Influences Behaviour

1. Nutrient Balance and Energy Release

Different dogs metabolise diets with varying efficiency, and a product with alternative ingredients or a different nutrient balance (protein, fat, carbohydrates) can benefit excitable or reactive dogs. Diets promoting stable blood sugar levels minimise energy surges, positively affecting serotonin production ("the happy hormone"), which can improve concentration and responsiveness during training. Feeding once or twice a day with balanced nutrients supports behavioural stability.

2. Preventing Antisocial and Pica Behaviours

Hunger or nutritional deficiencies can lead to undesirable behaviours such as coprophagia (eating faeces), scavenging, or competitive disputes during feeding times. Dogs deficient in nutrients or with malabsorption issues may develop pica – a craving for non-food items like plants or soil. Ensuring a sufficient, balanced diet helps prevent these behaviours.

3. Matching Energy Intake to Metabolic Needs

Young, stressed, or fast-metabolising dogs may use excess energy that appears as hyperactivity. Careful calculation of daily food allowances based on weight prevents overfeeding and the resulting behavioural excesses. Appropriate feeding supports calmer, focused behaviour aligned with training goals.

4. Positive Behaviour Changes from Improved Diet

Just as a poor diet can cause lethargy in humans, dogs fed better-quality food often show enhanced energy levels and improved behaviour. Owners commonly report calmer, more engaged pets after switching to higher quality diets rich in essential nutrients.

5. Avoiding Harmful Additives

Although scientific evidence is limited, anecdotal reports suggest that some chemical colourants and preservatives can negatively impact learning and activity levels in dogs, similar to sensitive reactions observed in children. Choosing natural, additive-free feeds is a precautionary measure to support optimal behaviour.

6. Timing and Frequency of Feeding Impact Mood

The mechanical effects of feeding schedules and stomach fullness influence mood and activity. Fluctuations in blood glucose and serotonin uptake can cause behavioural changes. Regular meal times with balanced portions encourage stable blood sugar levels and desirable behavioural responses.

7. Addressing Food Allergies and Intolerances

Though rare, food allergies may cause unusual behaviours such as irritability or decreased responsiveness due to physical tension or discomfort. Food intolerances, differing from allergies by lacking an immune response, might also affect behaviour. Identifying and managing these dietary issues is vital for the dog's wellbeing and training success.

8. Appetite and Behavioural Signals

Dogs refusing to eat or eating irregularly may experience blood sugar and serotonin fluctuations that alter mood and behaviour. Some dogs learn to use food refusal as attention-seeking behaviour. Maintaining consistent feeding routines with sufficient calories supports healthy behavioural patterns.

9. Beneficial Nutrients for the Nervous System

Essential fatty acids EPA and DHA are crucial for serotonin receptor function in the brain. Fish oil supplements supplying these for 3-4 months can significantly benefit anxiety and depression symptoms in both humans and dogs. Long-term nutritional management incorporating these nutrients supports calmer, more balanced canine behaviour.

10. Magnesium and Cognitive Function

Malnutrition or intestinal malabsorption can cause magnesium deficiency, affecting acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter important in learning, memory, and concentration. Supplementation may be necessary, especially for dogs with pancreatic insufficiency, to support cognitive focus and behavioural health.

It is essential to consult your veterinary surgeon if your dog experiences behavioural changes, especially sudden ones, as these could arise from pain or neurological conditions. After medical issues are ruled out, seeking help from a qualified canine behaviourist is recommended.

Nutrition plays a role in canine behaviour but is rarely a sole solution. Behavioural problems usually stem from multiple factors, so patience, professional guidance, and consistent training are key to successful resolution.