Thanks to an increasing number of research papers, the impact that essential nutrients can have on pet behaviour is undeniable and highly promoted by top dog trainers world wide. The below article delves into the how and why pet nutrition and more importantly malnutrition impact pet behaviour.

Several pet owners report calmer more content dogs with balanced energy when hyperactive dogs are switched to a raw diet.

HOW DOES NUTRITION IMPACT A DOG'S BEHAVIOUR?

Good nutrition promotes good behaviour

Raw whole food ingredients naturally offers vitamins, minerals, amino acids and water with electrolytes which support a healthy gut microbiome. Healthy gut microbiome with beneficial gut flora has been proven to promote good behaviour. In fact, a study examining dogs with historical behavioural issues, published by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, concluded that the gut microbiome structure should be considered when mitigating behavioural disorders.

 

To properly understand the above answer to this question, we have broken down the biological processes which work within our dog's body and what this needs to properly function.

 

Enzymes

Enzymes are compounds which are present in your dog’s gut. These are important as they are essential for proper digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. Active enzymes allow for proper functioning of several biological processes such as the breakdown of food molecules and cellular metabolism. Food which undergoes intense processing and which involves heat exposure to extreme levels, destroys these beneficial enzymes which are naturally present in raw food.

Physical symptoms which result from enzyme deficiencies from eating a processed diet may involve weight issues, gas and diarrhea. These deficiencies may over time lead to changes in behavior.

 

Essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids

Essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids work together with enzymes and gut bacteria to offer animals balanced nutrition. High heat processes, oxygen exposure and storage conditions generally adversely effect the mount and quality of these essential nutrients.

 

Proteins and amino acids

Proteins and amino acids are the ultimate building blocks of a body. Processed pet foods commonly use plant sources to boost overall protein levels in their food for better profit margin. Naturally, unlike meat and animal products, protein derived from plant sources does not provide a complete amino acid profile.

The two most important amino acids which have an impact on our pet's moods are tryptophan and taurine.

• Tryptophan- deficiencies in this amino acid have been proven to cause anxiety, aggression and depression given that tryptophan synthesizes melatonin, niacin, and serotonin in a pet's body all of which encourage a more balanced mood. This amino acid can only be provided to dogs through their food as their body does not have the ability to produce it. Foods which are high in typtophan are raw eggs, beef liver, rabbit, pork and turkey.
• Taurine- this is another amino acid which is important for dogs  Dogs may synthesize taurine within their body but this is only possible if sufficient amounts of amino acids methionine and cysteine are provided. Plant based proteins do not provide taurine and are often low in methionine and cysteine. Taurine is also degraded by both air and heat exposure, hence making it deficient in a processed diet. Symptoms of taurine deficiency include lethargy and skin and fur problems This deficiency has also been linked to heart disease. Poultry, fish, heart and liver are all natural foods high in taurine.

 

Water

Water is vital for every bodily functions. Hydration is not possible without electroles as these help the body hold on to water, In view of the difficulty pets face digesting procesed food, electrolytes are often not absorbed by a dog's body. Simply serving water with processed meals may not adequately hydrate a pet since their body lacks proper electrolytes to retain water. Dehydration symptoms include low energy, acute vomiting and panting.

 

Carbohydrates (sugar)

Carbohydrates may be divided into two types: starch and fiber. Starch is the storage form of sugar and is composed of multiple sugars bound together. When starch carbohydrates are ingested, they are broken down into sugar so as to be absorbed by the body. This increases blood sugar levels. Whilst sugar may be utilised as a source of energy, it is not the ideal energy source for carnivores. 

 

In view that these act as binding agents to ensure processed food retains its shape, such food contains very high levels of starchy carbohydrates and therefore sugar. Blood sugar level spikes tend to aggravate behavioral issues in dogs. In fact, several pet owners report calmer more content dogs with balanced energy when hyperactive dogs are switched to a raw diet.