We already know that a dog’s nutrition has a major effect on his or her health. Dogs with epilepsy, for instance, can benefit from a specifically prepared MCT diet, while dogs with renal illness, liver disease, or heart disease need low salt diets for treatment of their condition.
It stands to reason that the mental and behavioural health of your dog would be affected by its diet, given the tremendous effect it has on the dog’s physical health.
If you gave a child nothing but candy, they’d be hyperactive and hard to manage for hours, but then they’d crash and become irritable and lethargic. Another possibility is that a diet high in processed foods could leave you feeling tired and unmotivated.
Human behaviour can be affected by the bacteria in our digestive systems, it has been discovered. Although more study is needed, it’s probable that the diet and the health of our dog’s intestines also affect his or her disposition.
A dog’s behaviour and temperament can be affected by its nutrition, which has been shown to cause a variety of health issues.
As well as being excellent brain nourishment, omega-3 is excellent for your joints. The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is particularly beneficial to young brains. Puppies’ brains benefit from this naturally occurring fatty acid, and it has been proved to make them more trainable, hence it is commonly included in puppy food in higher doses.
Certain antioxidants in food have been connected with stronger brains in elderly dogs. These antioxidants help senior dogs keep their wits about them and avoid the cognitive impairment associated with ageing, also known as “doggy dementia.”
That’s right, even an elderly dog may be taught some new tricks, and doing so mitigates symptoms of dementia including disorientation, withdrawal from social interaction, and a failure to remember basic commands.
However, it was discovered that the capacity to adjust a dog’s food to their unique nutritional demands helped to decrease problem behaviour, in addition to specific nutrients and substances altering a dog’s behaviour. A 1997 study indicated that nearly all dog owners who gave their pet a special diet saw a significant reduction in aggressive or problematic behaviour.
However, unless you are a veterinarian or canine nutritionist, it is challenging to grasp a dog’s exact nutritional requirements. Luckily, we at Pure Pet Food can make sure your dog is happy and healthy with a diet designed specifically for him or her. We also make sure that our food is loaded with those naturally occurring fatty acids to support your dog’s brain function all the way into his or her senior years.
Carbohydrates are essential for a dog’s diet because they supply glucose and energy that can be used for cellular metabolism and muscle movement. Though protein can be broken down into glucose, it does so at a much slower rate than carbohydrates, therefore it’s better to have a mix of the two for instantaneous energy.
What effect does your dog’s diet have on his or her personality? Does your dog’s diet affect his or her personality?
However, an overabundance of glucose produces problems including hyperactivity and extreme distraction. (As we pointed out, it’s not that unlike from when kids consume too many sweets!) This can result in a hyperactive dog who is difficult to manage because of his or her lack of focus and obedience.
In addition, it’s common knowledge that canines require a meaty diet for optimal health, yet many people assume they aren’t actually carnivores. They eat anything (truth be told). Dogs have been shown to be less aggressive when fed a diet low in protein, despite the fact that these pets have a voracious appetite for meat and would consume a great deal of it if given the option.
It has also been observed that feeding dogs with anxious temperaments the optimal amount of protein helps them relax and better manage stress.
Protein, like carbohydrates, is metabolised into glucose in the body, thus eating too much of either can cause a surge in energy and a heightened state of activity.
Thus, it is essential that your dog consumes an appropriate amount of protein to maintain physical health without jeopardising its mental state.
Inflammation of the entire body is a common side effect of artificial additives, and they can also trigger intolerances and allergic reactions in some dogs. However, if your dog develops an allergy or intolerance to a specific substance, even the least likely candidate could trigger an inflammatory response.
Your dog’s irritability and short fuse may increase as a result of the chronic discomfort caused by this inflammation. After all, suffering causes many undesirable actions in animals.
The bacteriotoxin lipopolysaccharide is also known to be released in response to highly processed meals. The neurotransmitters responsible for producing endorphins like dopamine and serotonin can be damaged as a result.
This has been connected to mood and behavioural abnormalities in both humans and dogs, and it has been implicated in the development of Parkinson’s disease in people. It’s probably not good for your dog’s brain, and it may contribute to Parkinson’s disease and the death of brain cells.
The recommended daily amount of food for a dog should be divided into two or three meals. They won’t become tired or nauseous from spending too long without eating, and they’ll also never go hungry.
On the other hand, free-feeding your dog all the time can lead to health issues. Dogs don’t limit or manage their food consumption since, as scavengers, they evolved to consume whatever they can find, whenever they can find it.
If your dog has constant access to food, they are more prone to overeat, which can lead to obesity. Constantly eating large amounts of food raises blood glucose levels and is associated with a host of other health issues. Hyperactivity and other behavioural disorders, as well as health difficulties like diabetes, have been linked to high blood sugar.
Dogs of all ages require a full meal specifically formulated for their biological needs, which includes all the elements the dog’s body requires in the proper amounts.
High-quality natural ingredients, zero artificial additives, and little processing go into the best dog food.
Ultra-processed foods, like kibble, are made using methods like extrusion, which has been shown to degrade vital elements like antioxidants and amino acids. This means that these nutrients will need to be reintroduced.
Alternatively, you could feed your dog a natural, nutrient-dense diet like Pure Pet Food, which would provide him with all these nutrients organically, from whole foods.
High-quality protein is also used in whole foods like Pure, which may contribute to better behaviour. Your dog’s diet will be customised to their specific requirements, ensuring they always remain at a healthy weight, in peak physical condition, and in a cheery frame of mind.
A well-balanced diet can help your dog in many ways, both physically and mentally, but it is still no replacement for a consistent training and exercise regimen. Your dog’s trainability and want to learn could be enhanced by the food you feed it, but you’ll still need to provide proper behavioural guidance.
In the event that you require assistance or are worried about your dog’s behaviour, a trip to the vet or a canine behaviourist is in order. They’ll make sure there isn’t a medical problem at the root of your dog’s new demeanour, then work with you to make the food, lifestyle, and training adjustments that will benefit your dog the most.
